The Claim
A nearly complete genome of Methanobrevibacter oralis, an archaeal commensal, was reconstructed from dental calculus extracted from the remains of a 48,000-year-old Neanderthal, representing the oldest draft microbial genome recovered from ancient human remains.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Scientists recovered and reconstructed a nearly complete genome of a microbe called Methanobrevibacter oralis from dental calculus found in the teeth of a 48,000-year-old Neanderthal. This is the oldest microbial genome ever recovered from ancient human remains.
See the scientific wording
A nearly complete genome of Methanobrevibacter oralis, an archaeal commensal, was reconstructed from the dental calculus of a 48,000-year-old Neanderthal, representing the oldest draft microbial genome ever recovered from ancient human remains.
Microbes that lived in the mouth of an ancient human ancestor became trapped in hardened plaque on their teeth. Over time, the genetic material of these microbes was preserved inside this calcified plaque, allowing scientists to recover and reconstruct their complete genomes thousands of years later.
What the research says
1 studyStudy: Neanderthal behaviour, diet, and disease inferred from ancient DNA in dental calculus
Scientists found ancient bacteria in a 48,000-year-old Neanderthal’s tooth tartar and pieced together its entire genome—the oldest microbial genome ever found in human remains. This proves these microbes lived in Neanderthal mouths long ago.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.