Study Finds Preserved Human Brains More Common Than Thought

Over 4,400 instances of preserved brains documented globally, challenging long-held archaeological assumptions.

A groundbreaking study reveals that preserved human brains are more common in the archaeological record than previously believed, with over 4,400 instances documented globally.
The oldest preserved brains in the new archive date back around 12,000 years, challenging the notion that brain preservation is an extremely rare occurrence.
Preserved brains have been found in diverse environments worldwide, including deserts, frozen mountain passes, and low-lying wetlands, suggesting various preservation mechanisms.
Less than 1 percent of the preserved brains have been studied for ancient biomolecules, indicating a significant untapped archive for understanding human evolution and ancient diseases.
The study encourages archaeologists to actively look for preserved brains in excavations, potentially revolutionizing the field by providing insights into ancient health, disease, and human evolution.