Scientists Discover the Earliest Evidence of Drug Use in Really Old Teeth

Live updates

1. 1d ago

   Earliest Evidence of Drug Use Found in Ancient Teeth

   Researchers discovered the earliest known evidence of human drug use in two Sulawesi forager skeletons, proving that Ice Age hunter-gatherers sucked on betel nuts for a chemical high. This finding pushes back the timeline of psychoactive consumption by thousands of years and challenges assumptions that ancient humans focused exclusively on daily survival.

   Why it matters

   The discovery provides insight into the lives of ancient humans, suggesting that the desire for chemical escapism existed long before the dawn of agriculture. The finding also highlights the complexity of human behavior and culture during the Ice Age.

   What is confirmed

   • Cro-Magnons or European early modern humans were the first surviving expansion of early modern humans found in Europe and Siberia, continuously occupying the continent possibly from as early as 56,800 years ago.
   • The earliest modern humans in Europe during the Initial Upper Paleolithic (~45–40 kya) were part of the broader early expansion of Homo sapiens from Eurasia.

   What to watch next

   • Further research on ancient human skeletons to confirm the widespread use of psychoactive substances
   • Discovery of new evidence on the origins of agriculture and its relation to human behavior
   • Analysis of the genetic data of early humans to understand their migration patterns
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. en.wikipedia.org — Cro-Magnon - Wikipedia
   2. www.newsbreak.com — Cathie Wood Predicts Oil Crashing to $30-$35 a Barrel as EVs Take Over Transportation: Says Demand Is 'Peaking’
   3. nypost.com — 'Chunky' fossils provide first evidence of sea-going amphibian
   4. whyevolutionistrue.com — Wednesday: Hili dialogue
   5. www.filmireland.net — Article: 31 Days of Halloween Horror
   6. www.rev.com — OH v. Andrew Griffin Day 3 | Rev
   confidence 80%
2. 3d ago

   Ice Age Skeletons Reveal Earliest Evidence of Betel Nut Habit

   Researchers have uncovered the earliest known evidence of human drug use, pushing back the timeline of psychoactive consumption by thousands of years. Dental wear and the presence of arecoline discovered in two Sulawesi forager skeletons prove that Ice Age hunter-gatherers habitually sucked on betel nuts to achieve a chemical high. This finding challenges long-held popular assumptions that ancient human ancestors focused exclusively on daily survival, demonstrating that the human desire for chemical escapism existed long before the dawn of agriculture.

   Why it matters

   Archaeological discoveries continue to revise our understanding of ancient human behavior and consumption habits. Finding psychoactive substances preserved in dental remains opens new avenues for studying prehistoric cultures. What remains unaddressed in the current material is how widespread this practice was among other prehistoric populations outside of Sulawesi.

   What is confirmed

   • Dental wear and arecoline detected in two Sulawesi forager skeletons indicate habitual betel-nut sucking by as early as 25,000 years ago.

   What to watch next

   • Further dental analysis of other Ice Age human remains to test for psychoactive substances
   • Additional archaeological findings from Sulawesi foragers to determine the prevalence of the betel-nut habit
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. en.wikipedia.org — Evidence of common descent - Wikipedia
   2. usawatchdog.com — Trump Will Stop the Steal in Midterm Elections – Dr. Jerome Corsi | Greg Hunter’s USAWatchdog
   3. futurumcareers.com — Free Academic Articles | Science Articles For Students | Futurum
   4. scienmag.com — Betel Nut Habit Dates to Ice Age Sulawesi Foragers
   5. www.newsbreak.com — Scientists Discover How Dental Implants Can Turn Your Immune System Against You - NewsBreak
   6. en.wikipedia.org — History of syphilis - Wikipedia
   7. health.yahoo.com — Scientists Discover How Dental Implants Can Turn Your Immune System Against You - Yahoo Health
   8. www.newsweek.com — Scientists Develop Alzheimer's Drug, Then Make Discovery ...
   confidence 100%
3. 9d ago

   Ice Age Humans Used Psychoactive Drugs 25,000 Years Ago

   Archaeological evidence proves that Ice Age hunter-gatherers habitually used drugs 25,000 years ago by sucking on psychoactive betel nuts to extract a chemical high. This finding pushes back the timeline of human drug use, establishing that the desire for chemical escapism existed long before the dawn of agriculture. While popular assumptions often frame ancient ancestors as exclusively focused on survival, new research reveals a much older history of psychoactive consumption.

   Why it matters

   Understanding the timeline of human behavior provides insight into cultural practices that predate settled agriculture. Separate historical efforts by the United States Central Intelligence Agency explored behavior alteration through Project MKUltra, which covertly administered high doses of LSD and other drugs without consent between 1953 and 1972. Meanwhile, separate genetic and archaeological research continues to refine timelines for human migration into North America and early life on Earth.

   What is confirmed

   • Early humans habitually consumed psychoactive betel nuts to extract a chemical high 25,000 years ago during the Ice Age.
   • Project MKUltra was an illegal CIA program that covertly administered high doses of psychoactive drugs like LSD without subject consent between 1953 and 1972.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Specific methodologies beyond chemical compounds in Project MKUltra included electroshocks, hypnosis, sensory deprivation, and isolation.

   What to watch next

   • Further archaeological excavations yielding additional artifacts related to Ice Age psychoactive plant consumption
   • Release of detailed studies regarding early human dietary and medicinal practices
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. en.wikipedia.org — MKUltra - Wikipedia
   2. www.dagens.com — The Ice Age high: Humans were doing drugs 25,000 years ago
   3. www.newswise.com — Stories Getting News Coverage Research News and Press Releases
   4. nypost.com — Humans migrated to North America earlier than thought: study
   5. Phys.org — Earth's oldest evidence of life is written in stone—but it's ...
   6. health.yahoo.com — Epilepsy Linked to Higher Risk of Dementia Before Age 65, Study Finds - Yahoo Health
   7. news.inbox.eu — In Pāvilosta, they invite you to a night hunt for amber - unusually beautiful
   confidence 90%
4. 12d ago

   Scientists Dispute Claims of Birth Memories and Outline Infantile Amnesia

   Memory researchers state that human brains cannot store autobiographical memories from birth, addressing claims made by Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney. McCartney recently claimed he could remember hearing forceps clanging during his delivery and recalled the doctor's unusual hairstyle. Scientists explain that infantile amnesia prevents adults from recalling events from their earliest years of life because the human brain lacks the capacity to store such early experiences.

   Why it matters

   This finding addresses common misconceptions regarding early childhood memory retrieval. Scientists emphasize that the brain is not equipped to retain sensory inputs from the time of delivery. This phenomenon remains a well-established quirk of human development.

   What is confirmed

   • Scientists state that the human brain is not equipped to store autobiographical memories from birth due to infantile amnesia.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Sir Paul McCartney claimed he can remember hearing forceps clanging during his delivery and recalled the doctor's unusual hairstyle.

   What to watch next

   • Further studies on the exact timeline of infantile amnesia and early memory development.
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. www.bbc.com — BBC Home - Breaking News, World News, US News, Sports, Business...
   2. www.theguardian.com — Neanderthal remains may be earliest human ancestor find ...
   3. www.youtube.com — Ancient Betel Nut Habit: The Earliest Evidence of Drug Use ...
   4. philipball.co.uk — Sitemap - Philip Ball | Science Writer
   5. www.dailymail.com — Sorry, Sir Paul! Scientists say you CAN'T remember being born
   confidence 100%
5. 15d ago

   Teeth Analysis Reveals Ancient Drug Habits and Modern Chemical Toxins

   Researchers analyzing ancient prehistoric human remains in Indonesia identified distinct tooth wear patterns showing habitual use of betel nut, demonstrating early human interaction with psychoactive plants long before modern agriculture. In separate modern research, scientists examining children's baby teeth detected more than thirty chemicals, with nineteen compounds found in abnormally high amounts specifically within teeth from children diagnosed with autism. Investigators stress that the modern dental study does not establish causation between these detected toxins and autism, leaving numerous questions unresolved regarding childhood chemical exposure and neurological development.

   Why it matters

   Teaches and dental remains serve as durable biological archives that preserve physical markers of both ancient cultural habits and modern environmental exposures. Analyzing these specimens allows scientists to reconstruct prehistoric behaviors regarding psychoactive flora as well as trace contemporary chemical accumulation in human populations. These findings build upon prior discoveries tracking early oral habits linked to traditional stimulants across prehistoric communities.

   What is confirmed

   • Prehistoric human remains discovered in Indonesia display unusual patterns of tooth wear that provide physical evidence of habitual stimulant use.
   • Researchers studying ancient specimens identified distinct physical markers left by betel nut, a substance historically used across South and Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
   • Scientists checked dozens of baby teeth for toxic chemicals or heavy metals and identified more than 300 chemicals.
   • Nineteen of the identified chemicals were abnormally abundant in teeth that came from children diagnosed with autism.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The detected chemicals in baby teeth are responsible for causing autism in children.

   What to watch next

   • Further toxicological studies examining the relationship between abundant chemicals in baby teeth and autism diagnoses
   • Additional archaeological surveys examining prehistoric dental wear for evidence of psychoactive plant use
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. economictimes.indiatimes.com — Business News Live, Share Market News - Read Latest Finance News, IPO ...
   2. www.sciencedaily.com — Anthropology News -- ScienceDaily
   3. en.wikipedia.org — Ötzi - Wikipedia
   4. www.iowapublicradio.org — Breaking News & Latest Headlines From Iowa Public Radio | Iowa Public Radio
   5. en.wikipedia.org — Timeline of medicine and medical technology - Wikipedia
   6. freethoughtblogs.com — Daylight Atheism – Freethought in the light of the sun
   7. www.crazyalchemist.com — Dispatches: New Finds in Myth & Archaeology | Crazy Alchemist
   8. jen.jiji.com — Ex Renzi bonus in paycheck, worth up to 1,200 euros: time for corrections until October 26
   9. economictimes.indiatimes.com — ET Science Desk news: Read stories by ET Science Desk on
   10. jen.jiji.com — Ukraine, Trump: "I'm not a fan of Zelensky, more difficult than Putin"
   11. www.wbay.com — The disturbing discovery scientists made in baby teeth - WBAY
   12. theconversation.com — Earth’s oldest evidence of life is written in stone – but it ...
   confidence 100%
6. 20d ago

   Ancient Tooth Wear Shows Prehistoric Stimulant Use

   Prehistoric human remains discovered in Indonesia display unusual patterns of tooth wear that provide physical evidence of habitual stimulant use. Researchers studying these ancient specimens identified distinct physical markers left by betel nut, a substance historically used across South and Southeast Asia and the Pacific. This archaeological finding demonstrates how early populations engaged with psychoactive plants long before the advent of modern agriculture. The dental traits shed light on early oral habits linked to traditional stimulants, expanding the historical record of human interaction with psychoactive flora across prehistoric communities.

   Why it matters

   Physical markers of betel nut use on ancient teeth show that prehistoric communities consumed psychoactive substances long before modern agriculture began. This evidence helps scientists trace the timeline of human interaction with psychoactive plants across South and Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The findings connect physical dental wear patterns directly to traditional oral habits and stimulant consumption.

   What is confirmed

   • Prehistoric human remains discovered in Indonesia display unusual patterns of tooth wear that provide physical evidence of habitual stimulant use.
   • Researchers studying these ancient specimens identified distinct physical markers left by betel nut.

   What to watch next

   • Further publication of research details regarding the Indonesian human remains
   • Additional archaeological findings concerning prehistoric psychoactive plant use in Southeast Asia
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. www.biography.com — 22 Famous Scientists: Their Crucial Contributions and Discoveries
   2. www.sciencenewstoday.org — 15 Most Important Scientists in World History
   3. en.wikipedia.org — Scientist - Wikipedia
   4. www.discoverwalks.com — 65 Most Amazing Scientists who are still Alive Today
   5. en.wikipedia.org — Lists of scientists - Wikipedia
   6. jen.jiji.com — Domenica In today, guests of the October 11 episode: Al Bano and two boys who survived the Crans-Montana tragedy
   7. jen.jiji.com — Amici 26, new edition from today: previews, in addition to singing and dancing, sports arrive
   8. health.yahoo.com — Millions of adults have this common condition. It’s linked to cognitive decline - Yahoo Health
   confidence 100%
7. 23d ago

   Ancient Teeth Offer Insights Into Prehistoric Habits

   Prehistoric human remains discovered in Indonesia display unusual patterns of tooth wear that provide physical evidence of habitual stimulant use. Researchers studying these ancient specimens identified distinct physical markers left by betel nut, a substance historically used across South and Southeast Asia and the Pacific. This archaeological finding demonstrates how early populations engaged with psychoactive plants long before the advent of modern agriculture. The dental traits shed light on early oral habits linked to traditional stimulants, expanding the historical record of human interaction with psychoactive flora across prehistoric communities.

   Why it matters

   Archaeological studies of ancient teeth consistently reveal valuable markers concerning early human diets, habits, and health practices. Discoveries in prehistoric specimens offer critical windows into how ancient communities interacted with natural substances long before written records or modern agricultural practices emerged.

   What is confirmed

   • Prehistoric human remains discovered in Indonesia display unusual patterns of tooth wear that provide physical evidence of habitual stimulant use.
   • Researchers identified distinct physical markers left by betel nut in ancient specimens from South and Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

   What to watch next

   • Further archaeological analyses of ancient dental remains from additional prehistoric sites
   • Additional peer-reviewed studies examining early human interaction with psychoactive plants
   Sources used for this update (13)

   1. jen.jiji.com — Sustainability: Impact Award 2026, here are the winners (3)
   2. inews.co.uk — Five theories about the staggering rise of cancer in the under-50s
   3. meduza.io — The earliest known plague outbreak happened in what is now ...
   4. www.sciencedaily.com — Early Mammals News -- ScienceDaily
   5. www.euronews.com — Tooth with jade inlay reveals ancient Maya skill as dentists
   6. www.discoverwildlife.com — Is it a bear? Is it a dog? No, it’s something in between… | Discover Wildlife
   7. www.distantjourneys.com — Award-Winning Escorted Tours & Holidays | Distant Journeys
   8. olankatravels.in — Olanka Travels
   9. www.tourradar.com — 10 Best Sri Lanka Tours & Trips 2026/2027 - TourRadar
   10. www.hideella.com — Exciting Activities | Things to Do in Ella, Sri Lanka
   11. www.exodustravels.com — Sri Lanka Tours & Trips - Small Group Adventure Holidays | Exodus
   12. www.holidaymax.com — Sri Lanka Discovery Small-Group Tour
   confidence 100%
8. 26d ago

   Ancient Tooth Wear Linked to Early Stimulants

   Prehistoric human remains discovered in Indonesia display unusual patterns of tooth wear that provide physical evidence of habitual stimulant use. Researchers studying these ancient specimens identified distinct physical markers left by betel nut, a substance historically used across South and Southeast Asia and the Pacific. This archaeological finding demonstrates how early populations engaged with psychoactive plants long before the advent of modern agriculture. The dental traits shed light on early oral habits linked to traditional stimulants, expanding the historical record of human interaction with psychoactive flora across prehistoric communities.

   Why it matters

   Archaeological studies of ancient human teeth offer direct insights into the dietary and cultural habits of prehistoric populations. The identification of specific wear patterns associated with betel nut use reveals long-standing traditions of consuming psychoactive plants in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. These findings help researchers reconstruct prehistoric behaviors that left no written records.

   What is confirmed

   • Prehistoric human remains from Indonesia display an unusual pattern of tooth wear.
   • The dental traits offer physical evidence of habitual stimulant use in the archaeological record.
   • Betel nut left distinct physical markers on the teeth of ancient specimens.

   What to watch next

   • Further archaeological excavations yielding additional prehistoric human remains with dental modifications
   • Peer-reviewed publication of expanded physical anthropology data regarding ancient stimulant use
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. www.sciencedaily.com — Ancient DNA News -- ScienceDaily
   2. www.sciencedaily.com — Early Humans News -- ScienceDaily
   3. pharmaphorum.com — Exscientia claims world first as AI-created drug enters clinic
   4. beforeitsnews.com — Byington Bombshell Report: Fiat Dollar Causes Bank Closures; Blackout Confirmed As Trump Establishes Gold....
   5. brewminate.com — Childbirth in the Ancient Near East: Egypt and the Hebrew Bible - Brewminate
   confidence 100%
9. 28d ago

   Ancient Indonesian Teeth Reveal Earliest Evidence of Habitual Drug Use

   Prehistoric human remains from Indonesia display an unusual pattern of tooth wear, offering the earliest physical evidence of habitual drug use in the archaeological record. Researchers identified the dental traits while studying ancient specimens, shedding light on early oral habits linked to stimulants. Betel nut, a substance widely used across South and Southeast Asia and the Pacific, left distinct physical markers on the teeth. This discovery expands our understanding of how ancient populations engaged with psychoactive plants long before the advent of modern agriculture.

   Why it matters

   Scientists examine ancient human remains to reconstruct the daily lives, diets, and cultural practices of prehistoric communities. The study of dental wear patterns provides direct clues about what people consumed and how they interacted with their environments. Understanding these historical habits helps researchers trace the deep origins of human substance use across different regions.

   What is confirmed

   • An unusual pattern of tooth wear found in prehistoric human remains from Indonesia has provided a window into an ancient oral habit.
   • Betel nut is a stimulant extensively used throughout South and Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

   What to watch next

   • Further chemical testing of ancient dental remains for substance residue
   • Additional archaeological excavations in Indonesia to find related artifacts
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. www.gulf-times.com — Kamran Rehmat - Gulf Times
   2. www.dental-tribune.com — Ancient tooth wear reveals earliest evidence of drug use
   3. dentalnewsnetwork.com — Historical teeth put on finds earliest proof of drug use
   4. sonar21.com — Moscow Closes the Door: How Putin and Lavrov Hardened Russia’s Line on Ukraine in Ten Days
   5. Phys.org — Animals may have evolved vastly earlier than fossil evidence suggests
   confidence 100%
10. 30d ago

    Ice Age Teeth Reveal Ancient Betel Nut Use in Sulawesi

    Ice Age hunter-foragers in Sulawesi engaged in psychoactive substance consumption 25,000 years ago, according to an analysis of ancient human teeth. Researchers discovered physical wear patterns and chemical evidence indicating habitual betel nut use long before the rise of agriculture in the region. This finding demonstrates the deep historical roots of humans using mind-altering substances to alter consciousness. The discovery also highlights the physical consequences of this ancient habit, revealing the devastating dental effects linked to early betel nut consumption among prehistoric populations.

    Why it matters

    Substance use spans across cultures globally, encompassing stimulants, narcotics, and hallucinogens. Uncovering these physical and chemical traces in prehistoric remains allows scientists to track how early human populations interacted with psychoactive plants. The dental wear patterns preserved in the teeth provide a rare window into the daily habits and health impacts faced by Ice Age communities.

    What is confirmed

    • Ice Age hunter-foragers in Sulawesi may have used betel nut as a psychoactive substance.
    • 25,000-year-old human teeth reveal evidence of an ancient betel nut habit.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The betel nut habit caused devastating dental effects for Ice Age humans.

    What to watch next

    • Further chemical analysis of ancient tooth tissues from other prehistoric regions
    • Additional archaeological findings detailing the preparation methods of Ice Age psychoactive plants
    Sources used for this update (4)

    1. bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com — Ancient Betel Nut Use: Insights from Ice Age Teeth
    2. www.ganjingworld.com — Ancient Teeth Reveal the Ice Age Origins of the World’s 4th ...
    3. www.birdsadvice.com — 25,000-Year-Old Teeth Reveal One of Humanity’s Oldest Drug Habits
    4. biologyinsights.com — Why Can’t Humans Make Vitamin C? - Biology Insights
    confidence 100%
11. 32d ago

    Ancient Teeth Reveal Earliest Evidence of Psychoactive Drug Use

    Ancient human remains from the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia preserve what may be the oldest known evidence of psychoactive substance use, dating back 25,000 years. Researchers analyzing ancient teeth found deep and rounded grooves alongside trapped molecules in the tooth tissues. The physical wear patterns and chemical traces indicate habitual consumption of betel nuts by hunter-gatherers long before agriculture reached the area. This discovery pushes back the timeline for psychoactive plant use and provides insight into ancient human habits.

    Why it matters

    The findings offer a rare look into prehistoric human behavior during the Ice Age, predating agricultural developments in the region. Scientists discovered the dental evidence while studying the remains of two people. The combination of unusual tooth wear and trapped molecules points to a long history of consuming psychoactive plants.

    What is confirmed

    • Ancient human remains from Sulawesi dating back 25,000 years exhibit evidence of habitual betel nut consumption.
    • Researchers studied the remains of two people who lived long before agriculture reached the area.
    • Deep and rounded grooves were found alongside a molecule trapped in the tooth tissues for thousands of years.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The finding represents the oldest evidence of psychoactive substance use.

    What to watch next

    • Further chemical analysis of ancient dental tissues from other Ice Age remains
    • Additional studies on the evolution of prehistoric dietary and psychoactive habits
    Sources used for this update (9)

    1. greentechnologyinvestments.com — The oldest evidence of psychoactive substance use may be ...
    2. www.bbc.com — BBC Learning English - 媒体英语 / Very hot drinks may increase cancer risk, study says 研究表明....
    3. mixmag.asia — New research reveals early betel nut drug use in Indonesia
    4. www.techno-science.net — What humanity was getting high on 25,000 years ago
    5. jen.jiji.com — Nardello (Comtel): "Every new technology can be a risk or an opportunity"
    6. www.canterbury.ac.nz — News | University of Canterbury
    7. jen.jiji.com — Somalia, MSF teams assist wounded after increase in violence in Baidoa
    8. icanews.org — Ancient Teeth in Sulawesi Indicate Habitual Betel Nut Use ...
    9. www.sciencecue.it — Tracce di sostanze psicoattive in denti vecchi di 25.000 anni fa
    confidence 90%
12. 34d ago

    Scientists Discover Earliest Evidence of Drug Use in Ancient Teeth

    Researchers found chemical traces and unusual tooth wear patterns in ancient human remains, indicating habitual consumption of betel nuts, or areca nuts, during the Ice Age, 25,000 years ago. The substance likely served as a prehistoric painkiller. While betel nuts are currently recognized for their stimulant properties, this discovery provides a timeline for how their use evolved over millennia and suggests an early history of addiction.

    Why it matters

    The discovery provides insight into the evolution of substance use and addiction in humans. Betel nuts have been used for centuries, but their early use as a painkiller is a significant finding. The study of ancient human remains helps scientists understand the history of human behavior and the development of addiction.

    What is confirmed

    • Etna erupted on September 24 with an ash cloud 4 kilometers high.
    • Amanda Knox will appear on Verissimo on September 27 to discuss her story.
    • Forza Italia's Alberto Barachini appeals to parties to avoid using AI-modified faces and voices in election campaigns.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Covid shot is a bioweapon that hooks up vaccinated to digital tech.

    What to watch next

    • Further evidence on the use of betel nuts in ancient times
    • Amanda Knox's interview on Verissimo
    • Developments in the Italian election campaigns regarding AI use
    Sources used for this update (6)

    1. jen.jiji.com — Etna erupts, ash cloud 4 kilometers high: air traffic alert
    2. jen.jiji.com — Verissimo, Sunday, September 27: today's guests and interviews
    3. jen.jiji.com — Siracusano-Vannacci case, Forza Italia's appeal to parties: "No to AI in election campaigns"
    4. beforeitsnews.com — Byington Bombshell Report: Covid Shot a Bioweapon That Hooks Up Vaccinated To Digital Tech as World Faces....
    5. michaelharrison.org.uk — An alternative view of the world – 2026 – updated September 25
    6. www.bbc.com — BBC Learning English - 媒体英语
    confidence 50%
13. 40d ago

    Ancient Human Remains Reveal Betel Nut Use Dating Back 25,000 Years

    Humans may have used psychoactive drugs for 25,000 years, according to evidence found in ancient human remains. Researchers identified chemical traces and unusual tooth wear patterns indicating the habitual consumption of betel nuts, also known as areca nuts, during the Ice Age. Scientific findings suggest the substance likely served as a prehistoric painkiller. While betel nuts are currently recognized for their stimulant properties, this discovery provides a timeline for how their use evolved over millennia and suggests an early history of addiction.

    Why it matters

    The betel nut is categorized alongside caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine as a major psychoactive substance. These findings help archaeologists understand prehistoric health practices and the evolution of substance use.

    What is confirmed

    • Ancient human remains show evidence of betel nut consumption.
    • The betel nut is also referred to as the areca nut.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Humans may have been using drugs for 25,000 years.
    • The psychoactive nut functioned as a prehistoric painkiller.

    What to watch next

    • Peer review of the chemical analysis of the tooth wear patterns.
    • Discovery of similar chemical traces in other Ice Age human remains.
    Sources used for this update (4)

    1. jen.jiji.com — Germany, Merz: "Government remains to guarantee democratic future, vote goes beyond my person"
    2. jen.jiji.com — Mazzola's Funeral in Milan: players, executives, and fans arrived for the final farewell to the Inter legend
    3. www.yahoo.com — The Oldest Evidence of Drug Use is Also a Story About Addiction
    4. www.yahoo.com — Historic highs: Humans may have been doing drugs for 25,000 years
    confidence 80%
14. 43d ago

    Scientists Find Oldest Drug Habit in 25,000-Year-Old Teeth

    Researchers analyzing ancient human remains discovered chemical traces within unusual tooth wear patterns, pointing to the habitual consumption of betel nuts during the Ice Age. This discovery represents some of the oldest archaeological evidence for psychoactive drug use in human history. The psychoactive nut likely functioned as a prehistoric painkiller, according to scientific findings. This material provides valuable insights into how the use of betel nuts, which are popular today for their stimulant properties, evolved over millennia.

    Why it matters

    This study pushes the timeline for habitual psychoactive substance use back into the Ice Age, predating previous archaeological milestones. Betel nuts remain widely used today for their stimulant effects, making this ancient consumption pattern an important evolutionary puzzle for scientists studying human habits. Understanding how prehistoric populations utilized these plants sheds light on early medicinal or social practices.

    What is confirmed

    • Scientists found evidence of the world's oldest drug habit in 25,000-year-old teeth.
    • A new study on ancient human remains finds evidence for the habitual use of betel nuts dating back to the Ice Age.
    • Chemical traces left in bizarre tooth patterns reveal a psychoactive nut used as a prehistoric painkiller.

    What to watch next

    • Further genetic or chemical testing on other Ice Age remains to see if betel nut use was widespread.
    • Additional research into how prehistoric humans prepared and consumed these psychoactive nuts.
    Sources used for this update (2)

    1. www.yahoo.com — Scientists Found Evidence of the World’s Oldest Drug Habit in 25,000-Year-Old Teeth
    2. www.ksmu.org — Scientists find evidence of ancient drug use in prehistoric teeth
    confidence 100%
15. 45d ago

    Ancient Teeth Reveal Habitual Drug Use 25,000 Years Ago

    Researchers identified traces of psychoactive betel nuts in the teeth of an Ice Age hunter-gatherer from Indonesia. This evidence indicates that humans deliberately used mind-altering substances up to 25,000 years ago. The habitual sucking of these nuts caused worsening dental disease in the individual. This finding pushes the documented history of habitual drug use significantly further back into the Ice Age than previously believed.

    Why it matters

    The discovery provides a rare look at prehistoric human behavior and addiction. It demonstrates that early humans actively sought out and interacted with psychoactive materials for their effects.

    What is confirmed

    • Ancient teeth from Indonesia show humans used psychoactive betel nuts 25,000 years ago.
    • The use of these mind-altering substances occurred during the Ice Age.

    What to watch next

    • Analysis of other Ice Age remains for similar psychoactive traces
    • Studies on the social or ritual purpose of betel nut use in prehistoric groups
    Sources used for this update (2)

    1. scitechdaily.com — A 25,000-Year-Old Drug Habit Was Hidden in Ancient Teeth
    2. www.vice.com — 25,000-Year-Old Teeth Reveal Ancient Humans Were Addicted to Nut Sucking
    confidence 100%
16. 50d ago

    Archaeologists find 25,000-year-old evidence of habitual drug use in Indonesia

    Archaeologists discovered the oldest known evidence of habitual drug use in the teeth of a hunter-gatherer from Indonesia who lived up to 25,000 years ago. The individual likely sucked on psychoactive betel nuts, which caused worsening dental disease. Researchers identified traces of arecoline in the teeth, suggesting that Ice Age humans used mind-altering substances. This discovery indicates that prehistoric humans interacted with psychoactive materials far earlier than previously documented, providing a new window into addiction and behavior in ancient environments.

    Why it matters

    The find pushes back the known timeline of human drug consumption by thousands of years. It reveals how early foragers utilized natural stimulants to alter their mental state. This study helps researchers understand the evolution of substance use in prehistoric societies.

    What is confirmed

    • Researchers found evidence of habitual drug use in the teeth of a hunter-gatherer who lived up to 25,000 years ago.
    • The individual used psychoactive betel nuts, which led to worsening dental disease.
    • The ancient teeth were discovered in Indonesia.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The practice of chewing betel nuts may have originally served as a form of pain relief.
    • The discovery was made on a small island.

    What to watch next

    • Analysis of additional human remains from the same region to determine if this was a widespread cultural practice
    • Further chemical testing to identify other substances used by these prehistoric foragers
    Sources used for this update (4)

    1. www.smithsonianmag.com — Archaeologists Discover the World’s Oldest Evidence of Habitual Drug Use in the Teeth of a Hunter-Gatherer Who Lived Up to 25,000 Years Ago
    2. hightimes.com — Prehistoric High: 25,000-Year-Old Teeth May Hold the Oldest Evidence of Psychoactive Drug Use
    3. www.turkiyetoday.com — Study suggests humans used drugs 25,000 years ago
    4. thedebrief.org — 25,000 Years Ago, the Earliest Human Drug Use May Have Occurred on This Small Island
    confidence 90%
17. 50d ago

    Earliest Human Drug Use Discovered in Indonesian Teeth

    Researchers analyzing ancient fossil teeth discovered the oldest known evidence of human drug use, indicating that foragers in Indonesia may have sucked on psychoactive betel nuts twenty-five thousand years ago. The findings push back the documented timeline of habitual drug habits by thousands of years, offering new insight into prehistoric human behavior and consumption. Archaeologists studying human remains from caves on Indonesian islands identified dental damage and chemical markers associated with the practice, revealing long-standing interaction with mind-altering substances during the Ice Age.

    Why it matters

    Prior to this discovery, historical records of regular drug consumption pointed to much later eras in human development. Finding evidence preserved in fossilized dental remains allows scientists to track ancient cultural habits that left no durable artifacts behind. This breakthrough highlights how advances in analytical techniques on ancient human remains can uncover deeply rooted behavioral patterns from prehistoric populations.

    What is confirmed

    • Researchers found evidence that Ice Age foragers were sucking psychoactive betel nuts twenty-five thousand years ago.
    • The discovery represents the oldest known evidence of human drug use found in fossil teeth.
    • Archaeologists studied human teeth from caves in Indonesia.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The ancient dental damage directly reflects addiction to the world's fourth most common addictive drug.

    What to watch next

    • Further chemical analysis of additional ancient teeth from the region
    • Peer-reviewed publication details regarding the specific dental markers identified
    Sources used for this update (10)

    1. The New York Times — Scientists Discover the Earliest Evidence of Drug Use in Really Old Teeth
    2. The Guardian — Indonesian foragers may have sucked on mind-altering nuts 25,000 years ago, research finds
    3. New Scientist — Earliest evidence of habitual drug use found in teeth in Indonesia
    4. ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation — Oldest known evidence of human drug use discovered in fossil teeth
    5. Phys.org — Ice Age origins of one of humanity's oldest drug habits discovered
    6. The Conversation — Ancient teeth reveal the Ice Age origins of the world’s 4th most common addictive drug
    7. BBC — Drug use may have begun 25,000 years ago, new research finds
    8. www.zmescience.com — Earliest Human Drug Use Ever Found Shows People in Indonesia Were Getting High on Betel Nut as Far Back as 25,000 Years Ago
    9. www.popsci.com — Humans experimented with drugs 23,000 years earlier than we thought
    10. www.newser.com — It's Oldest Evidence of Habitual Drug Use—and the Damage
    confidence 100%