Betel nut, one of the most commonly used drugs in the world, appears to have an ancient history.
Fossilised remains of two people, found by archaeologists on the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia, carry traces of the psychoactive substance in their jaws.
One of the fossils is dated between 16,000 and 25,000 years old, making it the oldest known example of human drug use by at least 3000 years.
The discovery was published today in the journal Science Advances.
Adam Brumm, the study’s lead author and an archaeologist at Griffith University, said the two people probably sucked on betel nuts like “gobstoppers”.
Professor Brumm, who tried the method himself, said it numbed the mouth.
“I suspect that was the effect that they were after,” he said.
RNZ
Face of the Day
One of the fossils is dated between 16,000 and 25,000 years old, making it the oldest known example of human drug use by at least 3000 years.
Related
Face of the Day
The author, who has sold more than 300 million books worldwide, had been signing books and meeting fans until the day before his death.
Face of the Day
Cliff Curtis was allegedly behind the wheel of a customised matte black Tesla that crashed into a parked taxi on the corner of Jellicoe and Halsey streets on September 23.
Ratbag of the Day
Hill says the sale of the property was invalid and was subject to proceedings in the Māori Land Court. The bank’s solicitors say it is not Māori land.
Face of the Day
Gisborne construction worker Tim Morris, 37, was driving with a friend about 1am on Saturday when he spotted a house ablaze on Aberdeen Rd. The pair quickly pulled over and braved thick smoke to haul an 89-year-old man to safety through a broken window.
Latest
Platform Callers Quiz Maurice Williamson On Strategic Voting
If you have a great Youtube, Rumble or Vimeo video to share send it to videos@goodoil.news
Maurice Williamson On The Importance Of Strategic Voting This Election
If you have a great Youtube, Rumble or Vimeo video to share send it to videos@goodoil.news If you're loving this trusty, straight-up news on Kiwi politics and beyond, why not become a paid member, eh? Unlock exclusive yarns, podcasts, vids, and in-depth analysis—your
Pollster David Farrar On The Latest Polls & Labour’s Costing Stuff-Ups
If you have a great Youtube, Rumble or Vimeo video to share send it to videos@goodoil.news If you're loving this trusty, straight-up news on Kiwi politics and beyond, why not become a paid member, eh? Unlock exclusive yarns, podcasts, vids, and in-depth analysis—your
The Good Oil Daily Roundup
Just a brief note to readers who like to add their own contributions to Daily Roundup in the comments. This post is for family friendly humour ONLY thank you.