Neanderthal birch tar found to have antibacterial properties

Researchers from the University of Cologne, Oxford, Liège and Cape Breton University recreated birch tar using Neanderthal techniques and found it inhibits Staphylococcus aureus. Published in PLOS One, the study suggests the prehistoric adhesive may also have served as wound medicine.

• All birch tar samples made with prehistoric methods inhibited Staphylococcus aureus
• Tar was produced by dry distillation in pits or by burning bark against stone
• Antibacterial activity did not depend on the production technique
• Findings published in PLOS One