Story perspectives

Neanderthals Used Birch Tar as Antiseptic, Study Finds

3/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

Neanderthals may have used birch tar as an adhesive and a primitive antibiotic against skin infections from Staphylococcus aureus.
Research suggests birch tar produced by complex methods has antimicrobial properties.
Experiments showed that various tar production methods produced consistent antibacterial effects.
Some researchers argue the medicinal use is evident, while others caution that more evidence is needed to prove it was intentionally manufactured for medicinal purposes.

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Story summary

Neanderthals may have used birch tar as an adhesive and a primitive antibiotic against skin infections from Staphylococcus aureus.
Research suggests birch tar produced by complex methods has antimicrobial properties.
Experiments showed that various tar production methods produced consistent antibacterial effects.
Some researchers argue the medicinal use is evident, while others caution that more evidence is needed to prove it was intentionally manufactured for medicinal purposes.