Ancient Pregnancy Test Unveiled: Scientists Detect Hormones in Skeletons
In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed a method to detect pregnancy hormones in ancient skeletal remains. This breakthrough could revolutionize the study of reproductive histories in past populations and provide new insights into the lives of women who lived hundreds or thousands of years ago.
According to Dr. Aimée Barlow, lead researcher on the project, the team has successfully detected levels of oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone in the bones and teeth of women from the 1st to the 19th century AD. Some of these individuals were buried with fetuses, suggesting that they may have been pregnant at the time of their death.
"We're thrilled about this discovery," Dr. Barlow said. "Pregnancy is difficult to see in ancient remains, but our method has the potential to reveal a wealth of information about reproductive experiences in past populations."
The research team used advanced analytical techniques, including mass spectrometry and gas chromatography, to detect the hormone residues in the skeletal remains. The findings suggest that these hormones can persist in bones and teeth for centuries, providing a window into the lives of ancient women.
This discovery has significant implications for archaeology and our understanding of human history. By analyzing the hormone levels in skeletal remains, researchers can identify which individuals were pregnant or had just given birth at their time of death. This information can be used to reconstruct reproductive histories and gain insights into the social, cultural, and economic contexts of past populations.
The discovery also highlights the importance of considering the experiences of women throughout history. "The physiological and emotional experience of pregnancy and childbirth are very profound for women," Dr. Barlow noted. "But so far, they've largely remained invisible in the archaeological record."
The research team is now working to refine their method and apply it to a wider range of skeletal remains. They hope that this breakthrough will not only shed new light on ancient reproductive histories but also contribute to our understanding of human evolution and the development of modern societies.
Background
Archaeologists have long been interested in studying the lives of women throughout history, but traditional methods for detecting pregnancy have been limited. Fetal remains can be difficult to identify, and other indicators of pregnancy may not be present in the archaeological record.
Additional Perspectives
Dr. Hugh Willmott, a colleague of Dr. Barlow's at the University of Sheffield, noted that this discovery has significant implications for our understanding of human evolution. "The ability to detect hormone residues in skeletal remains opens up new avenues for research into reproductive biology and its relationship to human evolution," he said.
Current Status
The research team is currently refining their method and applying it to a wider range of skeletal remains. They hope that this breakthrough will contribute to our understanding of human history and the experiences of women throughout time.
Next Developments
In the coming months, the research team plans to publish their findings in a peer-reviewed journal and present them at an international conference on archaeology. They also hope to collaborate with other researchers to apply this method to a wider range of archaeological sites and populations.
*Reporting by Newscientist.*
