DNA from 5,700-year-old ‘gum’ shows what one ancient woman may have looked like
Chewed birch pitch could be an overlooked source of ancient genetic material, researchers say
![chewed birch pitch](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/121619_sb_gum-birch_feat.jpg?fit=1028%2C579&ssl=1)
Ancient pieces of chewed birch pitch (one shown) may have been used to attach a handle to a hatchet blade or spearhead.
Theis Jensen