Neanderthals may have used prehistoric birch tar as an ancient antibiotic

Research reveals that Neanderthals may have used birch tar, a sticky substance made from birch bark, to treat wounds thousands of years before modern antibiotics were discovered. Scientists recreated ancient production techniques and found that every birch tar sample could inhibit the growth of bacteria responsible for dangerous wound infections. Previously known mainly as a prehistoric adhesive, this natural substance demonstrates surprisingly effective antibacterial properties. The findings suggest that early humans possessed sophisticated knowledge of natural medicines and wound care, offering new insights into Neanderthal medical practices and the history of infection prevention.