A multidisciplinary research initiative led by Sidra Medicine and Qatar Museums (QM) is employing advanced medical imaging and molecular analysis to investigate the health and lifestyles of prehistoric populations in Qatar. Recent findings from this collaborative project have revealed skeletal remains exhibiting signs of spina bifida, a congenital spinal condition.
Archaeological excavations at the sites of Umm Al Maa and Al Kharsah in Qatar yielded skeletal remains that provide insights into the biological characteristics and health conditions of ancient inhabitants. The project integrates archaeology with state-of-the-art computed tomography (CT) scanning, three-dimensional reconstruction, and 3D printing technologies, enabling detailed examination of fragile skeletal specimens without risking damage.
Researchers focused on the sacral bones—located at the base of the spine and typically well-preserved in archaeological contexts—to identify evidence of spina bifida. Initial assessments identified the condition, and subsequent CT imaging offered a clearer understanding of its anatomical features and variant types. These imaging techniques facilitated the creation of digital 3D models that can be manipulated and measured virtually, alongside physical 3D-printed replicas to aid research and education while preserving the original bones.
Dr. Sara Tomei, principal investigator at Sidra Medicine, emphasized the significance of combining diverse scientific disciplines in this project. “By integrating archaeology, advanced medical imaging, and molecular research, we have the opportunity to uncover new insights,” she explained.
The research also extends to non-human biological remains from archaeological contexts, broadening the understanding of ancient environments and their inhabitants. The discovery of spina bifida in skeletal remains dating back thousands of years adds a new dimension to the study, potentially informing our understanding of the condition’s historical prevalence and variation across populations.
Dr. Santiago Vallascia, division chief of Urology at Sidra Medicine and member of its multidisciplinary spina bifida clinic, highlighted the clinical relevance of the research. “Understanding the history of spina bifida in Qatar provides important context for our current work with affected children and families. Finding evidence of this condition in ancient populations underscores the value of examining its biological characteristics and potential risk factors over generations,” he said.
Preliminary analysis suggests the frequency of spina bifida indicators in the Qatari archaeological samples may be higher than those documented in some European archaeological studies. However, the researchers caution that further investigation is necessary to discern population differences and contributing factors.
Beyond the focus on spina bifida, the broader research seeks to elucidate the origins, migration routes, dietary habits, and environmental adaptations of Qatar’s prehistoric peoples. Dr. Ferhan Sakal, head of excavation and site management at Qatar Museums, noted the human dimension behind the findings: “These remains represent members of families and communities who lived, traveled, adapted, and faced challenges much like people today. Our work goes beyond bones and artifacts to understanding their lives.”