Neanderthals Used Ancient Gloop as Antibacterial Medicine, Study Suggests

Researchers recreated birch tar using historical methods and tested it for antibacterial activity.

The tar showed antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus but not against Escherichia coli.

Tar was less potent than gentamicin but can cover 100 cm² of skin with 0.2 g, supporting its use on wounds.

The study suggests Neanderthals likely used birch tar for both hafting and wound treatment, and the findings were published in PLOS One.