Tooth Enamel Reveals Insights into Human Health

A groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science reveals that tooth enamel may hold crucial information about the health of both ancient and modern populations, Earth.com revealed today.

Researchers, led by Tammy Buonasera from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, analyzed immune proteins—immunoglobulin G and C-reactive protein—preserved in enamel from three groups: the ancestral Ohlone people, European settlers, and modern military cadets.

Findings indicated that the Indigenous population exhibited significantly elevated immune protein levels, reflecting the high stress and disease mortality they faced. The study highlights that tooth enamel serves as a timeline of health, allowing researchers to trace individual health from birth into early adulthood.

This innovative method not only sheds light on past populations but also offers potential insights into modern health issues, as comparisons can be drawn between ancient and contemporary stressors and immune responses.