Science Magazine Podcast Tales from an Italian crypt, and the science behind ‘dad bods’
May 1, 2025
Andrew Curry, a Contributing Correspondent for News from Science, shares his fascinating exploration of 17th-century crypts in Italy, where researchers are uncovering secrets about the health and diets of Milan’s working poor through ancient remains. Annabelle Wong, an associate professor in molecular and cellular endocrinology, discusses her groundbreaking research on how specific progenitor cells contribute to fat gain in middle age, offering insights into the science behind the 'dad bod' phenomenon. It's a blend of history and biology that reveals how our bodies change over time.
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Milan's 17th Century Crypt Discovery
- The hospital in Milan had 14 underground crypt chambers for the working poor who died there between 1600-1650.
- Corpses were dropped through manhole covers into these wet, oxygen-poor chambers, preserving bodies like bog people.
Recreational Drugs in 1600s Milan
- Researchers found cocaine and cannabis residues in the hospital crypts, even though these were not recorded medicines.
- This suggests recreational drug use among Milan's working poor soon after contact with the Americas.
Ancient Diet Revealed By Teeth Plaque
- Analysis of tooth plaque showed no corn but evidence of potatoes and grains in 17th century Milan diet.
- Starving people ate inedible grasses, confirmed by green-stained teeth, showing extreme hunger conditions.