Bones from 16th-century shipwreck suggest left-handedness changes what happens to us when we die

A new study of human skeletal remains from the wreck of the 16th-century English warship 'Mary Rose' suggests that whether a person is right- or left-handed may influence how their clavicle bone chemistry changes as they age, with right clavicles exhibiting a more pronounced age-related shift. Researchers at Lancaster University have examined the skeletal remains of the Mary Rose, where the ship's artifacts and the crew's skeletons were notably well preserved.

The researchers analyzed collarbones from the Mary Rose wreck using a non-destructive laser technique called Raman spectroscopy, particularly focusing on the clavicle bones in the skeletal remains. The analysis focused on organic proteins and inorganic minerals, as they are the two main components of bone. The study, which involved 12 male crew members aged 13 to 40, found that mineral content in the clavicle bones increased with age while protein content decreased.

These age-related changes in clavicle chemistry were more pronounced in right clavicles than in left clavicles. Assuming a right-handed preference among the crew, this finding suggests that handedness may have affected their clavicle chemistry, potentially putting more stress on the right collarbone during repeated ship-related activities. More people are naturally right-handed than left-handed. At the time when the Mary Rose sank, left-handedness was associated with witchcraft and therefore strongly discouraged, reflecting the negative connotations and superstitions surrounding left-handedness in the 16th century.

This difference in clavicle bone chemistry is believed to be linked to the increased stress and strain placed on the dominant arm due to repetitive tasks and activities. The physical demands of their work affected the way their bones grew and changed over time. According to the study, as the Mary Rose crew members aged, the mineral content in their bones increased, suggesting that the physical demands of their work influenced bone development.

In a press release, Professor Adam Taylor said, "This study sheds new light on what we know about the clavicle and its mineralization. The bone plays a critical role in attaching your upper limb to the body and is one of the most commonly fractured bones." He emphasized the importance of understanding how bone chemistry evolves with age and how it might change in response to physical activity and aging.

Dr. Sheona Shankland said, "Having grown up fascinated by the Mary Rose, it has been amazing to have the opportunity to work with these remains. The preservation of the bones and the non-destructive nature of the technique allows us to learn more about the lives of these sailors, but also furthers our understanding of the human skeleton, relevant to the modern world."

Dr. Jemma Kerns adds, "It has been a privilege to work with these unique and precious human remains to learn more about life for sailors in the 16th century while finding out more about changes to bone composition as we age, which is relevant to today's health, has been fascinating."

Dr. Alex Hildred, from the Mary Rose Museum, said, "Our museum is dedicated to the men who lost their lives defending their country. The hull is surrounded on three sides by galleries containing their possessions, and we continue to explore their lives through active research. The non-destructive nature of Raman spectroscopy makes it an ideal research tool for investigating human remains." He continued, "We are delighted that the current research undertaken by Lancaster Medical School not only provides us with more information about the lives of our crew, but also demonstrates the versatility of Raman. The fact that this research has tangible benefits today, nearly 500 years after the ship sank, is both remarkable and humbling."

The Mary Rose was part of the Tudor navy and was Henry VIII's flagship. On July 19, 1545, the Mary Rose sank while engaging French ships in the Battle of the Solent, a strait located north of the Isle of Wight. Excavated in the late 20th century, the Mary Rose's artifacts and the crew's skeletal remains were notably well preserved, allowing research into the belongings, appearance, and health of its crew.

Through the examination of the Mary Rose remains, researchers have gained valuable insights into the lives, appearance, and health of its crew members. The analysis explored how the chemistry of bone might adjust in response to physical activity and aging, with researchers concluding that a person's bone chemistry may hold clues about their lifestyle. This study could contribute to ongoing understanding of handedness and age-related changes in bone chemistry.

The findings were published in the journal PLOS ONE. These findings may have implications for understanding bone health and diseases like osteoarthritis, including the risk of fracture and other bone conditions. While more research is needed, this study provides valuable insights into the impact of handedness on bone chemistry and aging, particularly in the context of the Mary Rose clavicles.

Professor Adam Taylor also noted, "The bone plays a critical role in attaching your upper limb to the body and is one of the most commonly fractured bones." The researchers' work highlights the importance of the clavicle in understanding musculoskeletal health and how lifestyle factors can influence bone composition over time.

By analyzing centuries-old human skeletal remains, the study could deepen today's understanding of how bone chemistry changes with age. The non-destructive nature of Raman spectroscopy allowed the researchers to study these precious remains without causing damage, emphasizing the technique's value in both historical and modern medical research.

The research team's findings suggest that being right-handed may have put more stress on the right collarbone of the Mary Rose crew members as they carried out repeated ship-related activities. This stress could have led to the observed differences in mineral and protein content between the right and left clavicles. The study helps to illustrate how handedness and physical activity levels can impact bone chemistry and highlights the potential for using bone analysis to gain insights into historical lifestyles.

These discoveries not only shed light on the lives of sailors in the 16th century but also have implications for modern medicine. Understanding how bone chemistry responds to physical stress and aging can inform approaches to treating and preventing bone-related conditions.

In conclusion, the study of the Mary Rose crew's clavicles provides a unique window into the past and offers valuable knowledge that bridges the gap between historical anthropology and contemporary medical science. The ongoing research continues to honor the legacy of the sailors who served aboard the Mary Rose, ensuring that their lives and experiences contribute to advancements in understanding human health.

Sources: The Independent, Interesting Engineering, Phys.org

This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq