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WED, 4 NOV · 79 ITEMS
Scientific American, New Scientist, Daily Mail · Science & Medicine
3 outletsA new analysis of hair and nail samples from eight Inca child mummies—sacrificed in the ritual on Andean mountaintops around 500 years ago—found traces of cocaine (from leaves), alcohol, and , a compound in . This suggests the children were deliberately given psychoactive substances before their death, likely to calm them or as part of the ritual itself.
The claim is based on a study that tested preserved hair and nails from the mummies, with findings reported consistently by reputable outlets such as Scientific American and New Scientist. The core finding—that the children ingested hallucinogens—is solid, though specific interpretations (like dosing amounts or exact purpose) go beyond the raw data.
Genuinely new research, published and covered on 2026-11-03.