Briefing: Neanderthals may have used birch tar for its anti-bacterial properties, experiments suggest

Research led by Tjaark Siemssen from the University of Cologne indicates that Neanderthals may have employed birch tar for various applications, notably in wound treatment.

The study, published in the open-access journal PLOS One, highlights birch tar's potential anti-bacterial properties, suggesting a sophisticated understanding of natural resources by Neanderthals.

This finding prompts a reevaluation of Neanderthal capabilities in terms of medical practices and resource utilization, reflecting a complex interaction with their environment.