Betel nuts are a top mind-affecting substance. Now there's evidence of ancient use

Written and edited by the WorldPing NewsdeskPublished Updated Original reporting: NPR Top
Betel nuts are a top mind-affecting substance. Now there's evidence of ancient useWorldPing
Image via NPR Top.

What happened

New research on ancient human remains suggests the habitual usage of betel nuts, a plant seed with mind-affecting properties that is popular in parts of Asia despite the health risks it presents.

Key facts

  • Reported by NPR Top and published Sat, 19 Sep 2026 11:21:56 UTC.

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  1. Ukrainian children learn ancient warrior skills amid modern war

  2. Betel nuts are a top mind-affecting substance. Now there's evidence of ancient use

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The original report was published by NPR Top. WorldPing does not claim that reporting — this page summarises and contextualises it.

Read the full report at NPR Top

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Ukrainian children learn ancient warrior skills amid modern warWorldPing
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Ukrainian children learn ancient warrior skills amid modern war

Ukrainian children are learning the skills of 17th-century Cossack warriors – the communities that played a central role in Ukraine history, known for their military skills and horsemanship. But for these students, it is more than a history lesson.

Brief by WorldPing · Original reporting by France 24