DNA from 5,700-year-old ‘gum’ shows what one ancient woman may have looked like

Chewed birch pitch could be an overlooked source of ancient genetic material, researchers say

chewed birch pitch

Ancient pieces of chewed birch pitch (one shown) may have been used to attach a handle to a hatchet blade or spearhead.

Theis Jensen

Fossilized bones and teeth aren’t the only source of ancient human DNA.