Overview

Recent research has uncovered the gut microbiome of a young man who lived in pre-Hispanic Mexico approximately 1,000 years ago. The findings, derived from well-preserved remains discovered in a cave, provide insights into the dietary habits and microbial communities of ancient populations.

The individual, known as Hna Hnu or the Zimapán man, was part of the ancient Mesoamerican Otopame culture. His remains were found in a dry environment, which contributed to their preservation over the centuries.

Key details

  • The remains of Hna Hnu were discovered in a rock shelter in Zimapán, Mexico.
  • This individual lived between the ages of 21 and 35, approximately 1,000 years ago.
  • Hna Hnu is believed to have been a seasonal seminomadic hunter-gatherer.
  • Researchers isolated a coprolite and intestinal tissue from the remains for analysis.
  • The study revealed the presence of bacteria associated with the degradation of complex plant tissue.
  • Some bacteria identified are likely linked to the degradation of insect molecules, particularly from the Clostridium genus.
  • Notable bacterial families found include Peptostreptococcaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Enterococcaceae.
  • High levels of Clostridiaceae were detected, similar to those found in mummies from ancient Andean civilizations.
  • Romboutsia hominis, a bacterium associated with the modern human gut microbiome, was also identified.
  • The findings were presented by Santiago Rosas-Plaza and colleagues in the journal PLOS One.
  • This research contributes to the understanding of how ancient microbiomes can inform us about historical diets and lifestyles.
  • Ancient microbiomes have been studied in other contexts, including those of an ancient Incan individual and the Tyrolean Iceman.

Context

The study of ancient microbiomes is a growing field that helps researchers understand the evolution of human health and diet over time. By analyzing preserved remains, scientists can gain insights into the lifestyles of ancient populations and how their microbiomes differ from modern humans.

What happens next

Further analysis will be conducted to confirm the results and to determine the complete composition of Hna Hnu's microbiome. This ongoing research may yield additional insights into the dietary practices and health of ancient Mesoamerican cultures.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding the specific diet of Hna Hnu and how it influenced his microbiome composition are not confirmed. Additionally, the full implications of these findings on our understanding of ancient human health remain to be explored.