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News Release 11-256
Earliest Known Bug-Repellant Plant Bedding Found at South African Rock Shelter
Evidence suggests herbal medicines used 77,000 years ago
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Plant bedding was found at the Sibudu rock shelter in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Researchers found at least 15 layers of sediment containing plant bedding, dated between 77,000 and 38,000 years ago. The site has been undergoing digging since 1998.
Credit: Lyn Wadley, Wits University
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Researchers surmise plant sedges were used to repel mosquitoes from the Sibudu rock shelter site in South Africa, which is near the UThongathi River. This is an image of fossilized leaves found at the site.
Credit: Lyn Wadley, Wits University
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The researchers' work is described in the December 9, 2011 issue of the journal Science.
Credit: Copyright AAAS 2011
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