Article
Anthropology
Jeremy McCormack, Nicolas Bourgon, Virginie Sinet-Mathiot, Zeljko Rezek, Geoff M. Smith, Jean-Jacques Hublin, Mohammed Dabain, Helen Fewlass
Summary: This study tested the feasibility of analyzing the zinc isotope composition of dissolved mineral solutions during collagen extraction for carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis. The results show that with minor adjustments, the dissolved mineral solution from collagen extraction can be used for zinc isotope analysis, providing additional dietary information.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sean P. Doherty, Michelle M. Alexander, Stuart Henderson, Jason Newton, Jonathan Finch, Matthew J. Collins
Summary: The character and timing of an 'Agricultural Revolution' in British agriculture between the sixteenth and nineteenth century remains a subject of debate. To address this, researchers conducted stable isotope analysis on 658 legal documents written on sheepskin parchment, providing a high temporal resolution analysis of changing agricultural practices and episodes of disease. The results suggest that if an 'Agricultural Revolution' occurred, it took place from the mid-nineteenth century, after the Napoleonic Wars.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Archaeology
Anastasia Iorga, Chris Gosden, Gary Lock, Rick Schulting
Summary: The Romano-British period in rural areas showed some continuity in agricultural practices, with stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis revealing distinct patterns and movements of animal herds. The study found that herds from the Downs and the Vale were largely kept separately, but there were also instances of individual animals being moved between different pastures. This suggests that local environment and community identities played a significant role in determining agricultural practices.
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE-REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Aurelien Tafani, Catalin Lazar, Robert H. Tykot
Summary: Stable isotopic ratios of carbon and nitrogen in collagen and tooth enamel provide valuable insights into the diet of ancient populations. This study presents a collection of isotopic data from human collagen samples and tooth enamel measurements for individuals from various archaeological sites in the northern Balkans, offering access to previously unpublished data.
Article
Anthropology
Michael I. Bird, Jordahna Haig, Sean Ulm, Christopher Wurster
Summary: The study compiled a large number of carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses of archaeological human bone collagen from the British Isles, converting ancient data to modern equivalents for comparison, showing significant differences in isotope values between ancient and modern food groups.
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Geography, Physical
Pennilyn Higgins, Julie Meachen, David Lovelace
Summary: The predator-prey relationship between Pronghorn and Miracinonyx was tested using isotopic analysis of bone collagen from Natural Trap Cave. The results support the hypothesis that Miracinonyx preyed upon Antilocapra, but not exclusively. Antilocapra was also important prey for lions and wolves, with wolves showing a preference for horses.
QUATERNARY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Sam Leggett, Alice Rose, Estelle Praet, Petrus Le Roux
Summary: Human isotopic ecology aims to study humans as part of ecosystems, utilizing large datasets of biomolecular data to address the complexities of human ecology and past socioenvironmental dynamics. This multidisciplinary approach provides insights into diet, agriculture, climate change, human-animal interactions, mobility/migration, and more, enabling a greater understanding of human-environment interactions throughout history.
Article
Geology
Mervyn Jones, Chris Green
Summary: A 10.5 Ha site in West Hertfordshire was investigated using geological and archaeological techniques. It contains Paleogene sediments, Hertfordshire Puddingstone, and a previously unreported lithology. The site also features dolines created during the Quaternary, which were filled with Pleistocene brickearth containing blocks of Hertfordshire Puddingstone. The Romans quarried the site for raw materials and it later became the second largest remaining area of Roman ground surface in Hertfordshire.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE GEOLOGISTS ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Archaeology
L. G. van der Sluis, P. J. Reimer
Summary: This study investigates ancient diet and animal husbandry strategies in the Limfjord region in Denmark using stable isotope analysis. The results suggest that cattle were more confined while sheep/goats were allowed to roam freely. Additionally, an increase in delta N-15 ratios in human individuals during the Iron Age is likely related to fertilization practices and aquatic protein consumption.
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE-REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
YuXing Zhang, XueJun Wang
Summary: The study analyzed the spatial distribution of eucalyptus plantations in China over time and found specific temperature, precipitation, and elevation requirements for optimal eucalyptus growth. Productivity and carbon fixation of eucalyptus plantations varied with different regions and planting durations, highlighting the importance of scientific management to improve planting efficiency.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dong Hoon Lee, Mohammed Kamruzzaman
Summary: An organic compound-based, peroxidase-like nanozyme (OC nanozyme) was synthesized for agricultural applications. It exhibited good kinetic properties, pH stability, and was successfully used for glyphosate detection. The authors believe that this agricultural-friendly nanozyme holds great potential for various agricultural applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Elissavet Dotsika, Maria Tassi, Petros Karalis, Anastasia Chrysostomou, Dimitra Ermioni Michael, Anastasia Elektra Poutouki, Katerina Theodorakopoulou, Georgios Diamantopoulos
Summary: In this article, isotopic analysis of samples from Northern Greece was conducted to reconstruct the diet and climate of the Early Iron Age. The results showed that the diet in Agras was primarily based on C3 plants, with some contributions from C4 plants and freshwater fish. The isotopic values were in good agreement with those from other sites in Northern Greece, Croatia, and Hungary.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zhenxiang Zhu, Zhenxing Wang, Zhaohu Ba, Jie Dong, Qinghua Zhang, Xin Zhao
Summary: A three-dimensional N- and S-doped holey graphene hydrogel was prepared to achieve optimized pore structure and high conductivity for high performance supercapacitor electrodes. The binder-free electrode exhibited excellent gravimetric and volumetric capacitance, retaining a high percentage of original capacitance after numerous cycles, showcasing great potential for practical applications.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jose Granado, Julian Susat, Claudia Gerling, Monika Schernig-Mraz, Angela Schlumbaum, Sabine Deschler-Erb, Ben Krause-Kyora
Summary: This study investigated ancient dog populations in Augusta Raurica and Vindonissa in the northern Alpine region of Switzerland. The analysis of bones and genetic information revealed diversity in age, size, and dietary habits of these dog populations.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chris Baumann, Saskia Pfrengle, Susanne C. Muenzel, Martyna Molak, Tatiana R. Feuerborn, Abagail Breidenstein, Ella Reiter, Gerd Albrecht, Claus-Joachim Kind, Christian Verjux, Charlotte Leduc, Nicholas J. Conard, Dorothee G. Drucker, Liane Giemsch, Olaf Thalmann, Herve Bocherens, Verena J. Schuenemann
Summary: The study sheds new light on the early stages of wolf domestication during the Magdalenian period in Southwestern Germany and Switzerland, suggesting that both domestication and the existence of a specialized wolf ecomorph are highly probable. The high mitochondrial diversity of the newly generated canid genomes implies that Magdalenian people tamed and reared animals originating from different wolf lineages, with domestication proposed as the most likely scenario explaining the observed patterns.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Deborah C. Merrett, Christina Cheung, Christopher Meiklejohn, Michael P. Richards
Summary: This study reports on the stable carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur isotope values from bone collagen of human and faunal remains from the Early Neolithic site of Ganj Dareh in Iran. The findings show a diet heavily reliant on C-3 terrestrial sources. There were no significant differences in isotopic compositions between sexes, with males showing larger variations compared to females. Subtle patterns in isotopic compositions of subadults suggest potential supplements with distinctive delta C-13 values for weaning children.
Article
Paleontology
Anne-Marijn Van Spelde, Hannes Schroeder, Anna Kjellstrom, Kerstin Liden
Summary: This paper reviews the evolution and application of research methods on bone loss in the past, as well as the challenges and limitations. Paleopathology studies have revealed differences in bone loss between different archaeological populations, but methodological diversity has also introduced complexity in interpreting the results.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PALEOPATHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Eric J. Guiry, Margaretta James, Christina Cheung, Thomas C. A. Royle
Summary: Studies show that long-term individual foraging site fidelity may be an important adaptation for long-lived, migratory animals in the face of increasing population competition. Recovering populations of species like short-tailed albatross may lead to a resurgence of geographic specialization, requiring closer conservation monitoring.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Christophe Snoeck, Christina Cheung, JacobI. Griffith, Hannah F. James, Kevin Salesse
Summary: This paper summarizes the strontium isotopic data generated over the past decade on cremated remains and introduces the inclusion of these data into the IsoArcH database. The study found that strontium isotope ratios remain unchanged during cremation, providing new possibilities for studying mobility patterns of ancient populations practicing cremations as a funerary ritual.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jacob I. Griffith, Hannah F. James, Christina Cheung, Christophe Snoeck
Summary: This paper presents previously published data from incremental isotopic studies on faunal remains in the UK. The dataset includes 1,092 data points from 152 faunal specimens, covering 20 archaeological sites and a time range from 7960 BC to AD 1300. It provides a convenient resource for future researchers to compare faunal species, time periods, and geographical locations, and investigate the various incremental sampling methodologies used in different regions of the UK.
Article
Archaeology
Christina Cheung, Henry Schwarcz, Brian Chisholm
Summary: This study examines the earliest human bone collagen delta C-13 and delta N-15 values from the Lingnan region in Southeast Asia. The results indicate that the earliest inhabitants of Hong Kong heavily relied on marine resources, particularly high-trophic species. The successful analysis of collagen from these individuals provides valuable insights into the everyday life of Neolithic Hong Kong and establishes an important foundation for future research.
JOURNAL OF ISLAND & COASTAL ARCHAEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shyam Gopalakrishnan, S. Sunna Ebenesersdottir, Inge K. C. Lundstrom, Gordon Turner-Walker, Kristjan H. S. Moore, Pierre Luisi, Ashot Margaryan, Michael D. Martin, Martin Rene Ellegaard, Olafur P. Magnusson, Asgeir Sigurdsson, Steinunn Snorradottir, Droplaug N. Magnusdottir, Jason E. Laffoon, Lucy van Dorp, Xiaodong Liu, Ida Moltke, Maria C. Avila-Arcos, Joshua G. Schraiber, Simon Rasmussen, David Juan, Pere Gelabert, Toni de-Dios, Anna K. Fotakis, Miren Iraeta-Orbegozo, Ashild J. Vagene, Sean Dexter Denham, Axel Christophersen, Hans K. Stenoien, Filipe G. Vieira, Shanlin Liu, Torsten Guenther, Toomas Kivisild, Ole Georg Moseng, Birgitte Skar, Christina Cheung, Marcela Sandoval-Velasco, Nathan Wales, Hannes Schroeder, Paula F. Campos, Valdis B. Gudmundsdottir, Thomas Sicheritz-Ponten, Bent Peterson, Jostein Halgunset, Edmund Gilbert, Gianpiero L. Cavalleri, Eivind Hovig, Ingrid Kockum, Tomas Olsson, Lars Alfredsson, Thomas F. Hansen, Thomas Werge, Eske Willerslev, Francois Balloux, Tomas Marques-Bonet, Carles Lalueza-Fox, Rasmus Nielsen, Kari Stefansson, Agnar Holgason, M. Thomas P. Gilbert
Summary: The second plague pandemic had a significant impact on the gene pool of Trondheim, reducing long distance immigration and genetic diversity. However, caution is needed when analyzing genome data due to reference biases.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joscha Gretzinger, Duncan Sayer, Pierre Justeau, Eveline Altena, Maria Pala, Katharina Dulias, Ceiridwen J. Edwards, Susanne Jodoin, Laura Lacher, Susanna Sabin, Ashild J. Vagene, Wolfgang Haak, S. Sunna Ebenesersdottir, Kristjan H. S. Moore, Rita Radzeviciute, Kara Schmidt, Selina Brace, Martina Abenhus Bager, Nick Patterson, Luka Papac, Nasreen Broomandkhoshbacht, Kimberly Callan, Lora Iliev, Ann Marie Lawson, Megan Michel, Kristin Stewardson, Fatma Zalzala, Nadin Rohland, Stefanie Kappelhoff-Beckmann, Frank Both, Daniel Winger, Daniel Neumann, Lars Saalow, Stefan Krabath, Sophie Beckett, Melanie Van Twest, Neil Faulkner, Chris Read, Tabatha Barton, Joanna Caruth, John Hines, Ben Krause-Kyora, Ursula Warnke, Verena J. Schuenemann, Ian Barnes, Hanna Dahlstrom, Jane Jark Clausen, Andrew Richardson, Elizabeth Popescu, Natasha Dodwell, Stuart Ladd, Tom Phillips, Richard Mortimer, Faye Sayer, Diana Swales, Allison Stewart, Dominic Powlesland, Robert Kenyon, Lilian Ladle, Christina Peek, Silke Grefen-Peters, Paola Ponce, Robin Daniels, Cecily Spall, Jennifer Woolcock, Andy M. Jones, Amy Roberts, Robert Symmons, Anooshka C. Rawden, Alan Cooper, Kirsten Bos, Tom Booth, Hannes Schroeder, Mark G. Thomas, Agnar Helgason, Martin B. Richards, David Reich, Johannes Krause, Stephan Schiffels
Summary: The study of ancient DNA from medieval northwestern Europeans and archaeological data reveals a significant migration of continental northern European ancestry into early medieval England, with substantial regional variation and heterogeneity. Women with immigrant ancestry were more likely to have grave goods, while men with weapons may not have immigrant ancestry. Subsequent demographic events in present-day Britain reduced the fraction of continental northern European ancestry while introducing additional ancestry components, including substantial southwestern European ancestry related to Iron Age France.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Christina Cheung, Teresa Fernandez-Crespo, Leia Mion, Marina Di Giusto, Gwenaelle Goude, Rebecca A. Macdonald, Michael P. Richards, Estelle Herrscher
Summary: This study compares two common sampling approaches for sequential sampling of human dentine and provides guidance for selecting the most suitable approach for specific research questions. The results show that the micro-punches approach is preferable for studies requiring fine temporal resolution, while the micro-slices approach is best for research requiring specific values or with poorly preserved samples.
RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Esther Plomp, Chris Stantis, Hannah F. James, Christina Cheung, Christophe Snoeck, Lisette Kootker, Arwa Kharobi, Caroline Borges, Diana K. Moreiras Reynaga, Lukasz Pospieszny, Francesca Fulminante, Rhiannon Stevens, Aleksa K. Alaica, Adrien Becker, Xavier de Rochefort, Kevin Salesse
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Barbara Sousa da Mota, Simone Rubinacci, Diana Ivette Cruz Davalos, Carlos Eduardo G. Amorim, Martin Sikora, Niels N. Johannsen, Marzena H. Szmyt, Piotr Wlodarczak, Anita Szczepanek, Marcin M. Przybyla, Hannes Schroeder, Morten E. Allentoft, Eske Willerslev, Anna-Sapfo Malaspinas, Olivier Delaneau
Summary: This study investigates the accuracy of imitating ancient DNA for genotyping and whether imputation introduces bias to downstream analyses. The authors re-sequence an ancient trio and downsample and impute a total of 43 ancient genomes, finding that ancient and modern DNA imputation accuracies are comparable.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Marcela Sandoval-Velasco, Anuradha Jagadeesan, Jazmin Ramos-Madrigal, Maria C. Avila-Arcos, Cesar A. Fortes-Lima, Judy Watson, Erna Johannesdottir, Diana I. Cruz-Davalos, Shyam Gopalakrishnan, J. Victor Moreno-Mayar, Jonas Niemann, Gabriel Renaud, Katharine A. Robson Brown, Helena Bennett, Andrew Pearson, Agnar Helgason, M. Thomas P. Gilbert, Hannes Schroeder
Summary: This article highlights the crucial role of St Helena in suppressing the transatlantic slave trade. The study conducted ancient DNA analyses on 20 individuals whose remains were recovered on the island, revealing that they most likely originated from different source populations between northern Angola and Gabon. The majority of the individuals were male, supporting documented gender bias in the latter phase of the transatlantic slave trade.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Anthropology
Christina Cheung, Estelle Herrscher, Aline Thomas
Summary: Understanding past weaning practices is crucial for studying social issues in past societies. This study used archaeological research and compound specific isotope analysis to investigate the weaning practices in two Middle Neolithic communities. The findings suggest that protein-based weaning food was more prevalent in the Paris Basin Region than previously thought.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Anthropology
Christina Cheung, Paul Szpak
Summary: The study discusses the challenges faced by archaeologists in reconstructing palaeodiets using SIMMs, focusing on issues in data acquisition that could affect dietary quantification. A flowchart is provided to aid in sample selection for dietary reconstruction, aimed at reducing the likelihood of inaccurate outputs. The study also highlights areas where SIMMs may not be suitable for all archaeological contexts.
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL METHOD AND THEORY
(2022)