Scientists have unearthed ancient kefir cheese from mummies dating back 3,500 years in China's Xinjiang region. Analysis of the cheese's DNA reveals insights into the lives and interactions with animals of the Xiaohe people.
Scientists retrieved ancient kefir cheese from Tarim Basin mummies dating back 3,500 years from the Xiaohe cemetery located in Xinjiang, Western China. By analyzing the DNA of Bronze Aged cheese, scientists are able to provide insight into how the Xiaohe people lived and their interactions with animals. Experts reconstructed the 'fermentation microbial community' confirming the cheese was made using lactic acid bacteria and yeasts.
This is an unprecedented study, allowing us to observe how a bacterium evolved over the past 3,000 years. Moreover, by examining dairy products, we’ve gained a clearer picture of ancient human life and their interactions with the world,' FU Qiaomei, a paleogeneticist with the Chinese Academy of Sciences , located in Beijing, said in a press release.
The study ais, 'by tracking the evolution of a species that was propagated and consumed by humans over thousands of years, we were able to explore how human activities may impact microbial evolution through human-microbe interactions.' The scientists found that 'making cheese through fermentation can extend the shelf life of dairy and alleviate the gastrointestinal symptoms caused by lactose intolerance.
Ancient Cheese Tarim Basin Mummies Microbiology Human History
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
S&P 500: S&P 500 ends volatile August on high with fourth-straight monthly gainS&P 500: S&P 500 ends volatile August on high with fourth-straight monthly gain
Read more »
Archaeologists find 500-year-old navigational tool in Poland, possible connection to CopernicusExcavation in the town of Frombork conducted by an archaeology organization discovered a rare-find compass that dates back 500 years and could have been used by Copernicus.
Read more »
Joliet police investigating 6-year-old boy who stabbed, killed 2-year-old brotherJoliet police said they are investigating after a 6-year-old boy fatally stabbed his 2-year-old brother Friday evening.
Read more »
Police say 6-year-old boy stabbed 2-year-old brother to death in Joliet, IllinoisPolice say 6-year-old boy stabbed 2-year-old brother to death in Joliet, Illinois
Read more »
2-year-old stabbed to death by 6-year-old brother in IllinoisA 2-year-old boy was stabbed to death by his 6-year-old brother inside a Joliet residence Friday afternoon, according to authorities.
Read more »
DCFS caring for 6-year-old who fatally stabbed 2-year-old brotherDCFS caring for 6-year-old who fatally stabbed 2-year-old brother
Read more »