© 2026 Boise State Public Radio
NPR in Idaho
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Donate Today
Fall 2026 Drive Pop-Up

Scientists find evidence of ancient drug use in prehistoric teeth

A new study on ancient human remains finds evidence for the habitual use of betel nuts, dating back to the Ice Age. The finding offers some of the oldest archaeological evidence of psychoactive drug use, and potential insights into how use of betel nuts, now popular for their stimulant effects, evolved.

Copyright 2026 NPR

Pien Huang is a correspondent on the Science desk. She was NPR's first Reflect America Fellow, working with shows, desks and podcasts to bring more diverse voices to air and online.

You make stories like this possible.

The biggest portion of Boise State Public Radio's funding comes from readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

Your donation today helps make our local reporting free for our entire community.