Highlights d Gut microbiome and diet of European salt miners determined using paleofeces d Until the Baroque, the microbiome resembled that of modern non-Westernized people d Food-fermenting fungi in Iron Age feces indicates blue cheese and beer consumption

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The Eastern Italian Alps (South Tyrol) is a connection area between continental Italy and the northern Alps. Various local factors, such as the heterogeneous environment, complex historical events, and different mobility patterns, may have influenced the genetic makeup of early medieval alpine groups. However, no ancient genetic data from these groups are currently available. This study provides a first picture of the ancient mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) diversity of alpine groups from four locations in South Tyrol (Adige, Isarco, Venosta, and Merano). In total, 94 ancient mitogenomes of individuals (dated from 400 to 1100AD) were reconstructed by shotgun sequencing and a mtDNA capture approach. Moreover, stable isotope ratios (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S) were analyzed in a subset of 32 individuals. The results indicate different mtDNA haplogroup distributions among the alpine locations and the presence of rare lineages besides a possible maternal relatedness between individuals buried in the same and in diverse archaeological contexts. The study also shows differences in the genetic and mobility patterns (δ34S) between individuals from the central and north-eastern parts (Adige, Merano, Isarco) and those from the north-western part of South Tyrol (Venosta). These results suggest genetic exchanges with allochthonous people in the first group probably linked to high mobility and to geomorphological, historical, and socio-cultural factors. Comparisons extended to present-day alpine populations also suggested maternal genetic continuity in this alpine area. Finally, stable isotope (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S) data provided further support for regional differences in the diet of past alpine groups possibly linked to altitude and/or social status.

Natural sciences are still considered as typical male fields, while humanities are interpreted as typical female topics. Economic, social but also biological factors are discussed to influence the choice of study field. In the present study, the impact of prenatal sex hormone exposure - estimated by 2D:4D ratio - on the choice of study field was analyzed. Two hundred Viennese students between the ages 18 and 28 years were enrolled. Lengths of the index finger and the ring finger were measured directly from the hand of the participants. 2D:4D ratios were calculated. Male and female students differed significantly in 2D:4D ratio. As expected, female students showed significantly higher 2D:4D ratios than their male counterparts ( < 0.001). Male scientists and male humanists differed significantly in 2D:4D ratio. The 2D:4D of male humanists was significantly higher than that of scientists ( = 0.037). Female scientists and female humanists however, did not differ significantly in 2D:4D ratio. Both showed a typical female 2D:4D ratio. This was also true of male humanists. Consequently low prenatal androgen exposure may be associated with the choice of humanities among male students.

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