At the excavation site of a pyramid built by Pharaoh Snefru near Egypt’s Fayoum Oasis, BYU student researchers carefully brushed away centuries of sand and dust to unearth what might be some of humanity’s oldest microbial secrets. The remnants of ancient Egyptian life are plentiful and varied, including a unique find: preserved mummy teeth. In the worn enamel and calcified plaque of these ancient teeth, ancient Near Eastern studies major Emily Buss (BA ’24) and Carlos Moreno (PhD ’25, MMBIO) trace the evolution of oral bacteria—a link between the past and the present that offers insights into ancient diets, oral health, and disease.
This research has evolved into a rich interdisciplinary project, combining history and life sciences to illuminate the evolution of the human microbiome. For Buss, it’s a bridge between her fascination with ancient history and her newfound interest in pathology. Moreno is also an essential contributor to the project, providing much-needed expertise in microbiology to help guide the complex DNA extraction process. He ensures that these ancient samples remain uncontaminated. Together, Buss and Moreno are discovering how bacteria in the human mouth have evolved, and that information may inform our understanding of modern diseases linked to oral health.
“This project is less about exploring the history of the ancient Egyptians, though that research is equally essential,” Buss explains. “Instead, it’s more about understanding the evolution of modern bacteria.”
Moreno elaborates on this point. “We’re looking at the continuing evolution of the bacteria that comprises the human oral microbiome, starting with Egyptian mummies and moving forward to our present day,” he says. “This progression allows us to ask important questions: ‘Are the changes we’re seeing a result of diet? What other factors could be playing into this?’”
By comparing their findings with research on Neanderthal and other ancient microbiomes, Buss and Moreno hope their work will contribute to a broader understanding of human evolution. As Moreno puts it, “Our microbes are evolving with us.” The history of humanity is interwoven with that of our microscopic companions. As these histories are studied, side by side, new insights emerge.
Still in its early stages, Buss and Moreno’s project involves setting up lab conditions to isolate ancient DNA without contaminating it and ensuring that precautionary measures are taken to determine what systems can be used to avoid introducing modern DNA. “We have the mummy teeth,” Buss shares, “we just need to make sure all the conditions are appropriate to use them.”
For Buss and Moreno, this project has been both personally and spiritually transformative. Working with the oral microbiome of mummies has strengthened Buss’s medical school applications by showcasing her unique interdisciplinary background. It has also reaffirmed her belief in a higher power guiding her path. “I feel like I’ve been really led,” she shares. “For a long time, I thought my journey would be through Egyptology. But as I’ve gone through that, other opportunities have allowed me to be distinct and to grow.”
Moreno feels gratitude and a sense of purpose as he considers the opportunities he’s been given. “I am very grateful to God that He would even provide me opportunities to learn new skills while working on such a cool project,” he shares. “I feel like He is in the details when it comes to my education.”
Encompassing both the mysteries of ancient Egypt and the evolving story of human health, Buss and Moreno’s research offers valuable insights. Their work helps bridge the gap between ancient history and modern science, uncovering connections that let us glimpse into the shared evolution between humanity and the microscopic world that continues to grow alongside us.