Archaeologists reconstructed a Neolithic woman’s complete genome and oral microbiome from a piece of birch tar she chewed Danish scientists have managed to extract a complete human DNA sample from a piece of birch pitch more than 5,000 years old, used as a kind of chewing gum, a study revealed Tuesday. Amazon's Choice for birch xylitol gum. She has been named Lola. $12.99 $ 12. Epic 100% Xylitol-Sweetened Chewing Gum (Peppermint, 144-Count Boxes) 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,799. During excavations on Lolland, archaeologists have found a 5,700-year-old type of “chewing gum” made from birch pitch. FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. Researchers identified that the individual who chewed the pitch was a female closely related genetically to hunter-gatherers from mainland Europe. 99 ($0.13/Count) Get it as soon as Wed, Nov 18. (Theis Jensen) Regardless of the reason, when scientists discover well-preserved specimens of this ancient substance chewed by humans long ago, traces of saliva can sometimes still be found contained within the gum, enabling us to reconstruct genetic information. Artistic reconstruction of the woman who chewed the birch pitch. The birch pitch 'chewing gum'. In a new study, researchers from the University of Copenhagen succeeded in extracting a complete ancient human genome from the pitch. Illustration by Tom Björklund. 96 ($0.11/Count) Save 5% more with Subscribe & Save. Researchers have extracted a complete ancient human genome from birch pitch, a 5,700-year-old type of ancient “chewing gum,” found during excavations on Lolland, Denmark. Zellies Peppermint Gum, 100 Count Jar. Ancient “Chewing Gum” Reveals a 5,700-Year-Old Microbiome. A different chewing gum sample, dated 5,700 years old, was found in southern Denmark. $15.96 $ 15. A 5,700-year-old type of “chewing gum” made from birch pitch was found during archaeological excavations at Syltholm, southern Denmark. Photo: University of Copenhagen via AFP A complete human genome and oral microbiome was sequenced from the chewed birch pitch. 4.6 out of 5 stars 139.