We have measured a suite of ''diagenetic parameters'' for several populations of archaeological b... more We have measured a suite of ''diagenetic parameters'' for several populations of archaeological bones buried in a number of northwest European sites since the last Ice Age. These are: the structural damage due to microbes; changes in bone micro-and macro-porosity; protein content; a measure of the crystallinity of hydroxyapatite as reflected in the phosphate infra-red spectrum peak splitting; and a measure of the carbonate content as given by the ratio of carbonate to phosphate infra-red absorption peaks. The results provide a database that clearly characterises the patterns, which are often site-dependent, of diagenetic change in buried bone. Our main conclusions are that individual site hydrology appears to have a strong influence on the outcome of bone preservation and that porosity is the most effective single diagenetic parameter which both determines and reflects the preservation of bone in the burial environment.
We have measured a suite of ''diagenetic parameters'' for several populations of archaeological b... more We have measured a suite of ''diagenetic parameters'' for several populations of archaeological bones buried in a number of northwest European sites since the last Ice Age. These are: the structural damage due to microbes; changes in bone micro-and macro-porosity; protein content; a measure of the crystallinity of hydroxyapatite as reflected in the phosphate infra-red spectrum peak splitting; and a measure of the carbonate content as given by the ratio of carbonate to phosphate infra-red absorption peaks. The results provide a database that clearly characterises the patterns, which are often site-dependent, of diagenetic change in buried bone. Our main conclusions are that individual site hydrology appears to have a strong influence on the outcome of bone preservation and that porosity is the most effective single diagenetic parameter which both determines and reflects the preservation of bone in the burial environment.
Proteins extracted from both bones and teeth found in archaeological contexts are used for radioc... more Proteins extracted from both bones and teeth found in archaeological contexts are used for radiocarbon dating, amino acid racemization age at death determinations, and genetic and dietary studies. The changes induced in these proteins as a result of decomposition by known micro-organisms have been little studied. The decomposition pathways of these proteins, and indeed the organisms involved, have not been comprehensively defined. This paper attempts to suggest which types of micro-organisms are likely to be involved in this decomposition and outlines their characteristics. This paper also describes the use of bone and tooth, with their associated soils, from various archaeological contexts, as source material for the isolation of fungi and bacteria by enrichment culture at 10 C. Samples from various soil types and archaeological periods were included in the trial. Bacterial and fungal isolates that tested positive for a collagenase were identified. Decomposition studies, which continue, are outlined.
... A modification of Kcrley'smethodfor the microscopic determination of agein human bone. J... more ... A modification of Kcrley'smethodfor the microscopic determination of agein human bone. Journal of Forensic Sciences 14,205212. ... Ascenzi,A. Silvestrini, G. (1984). Boneboring marine microorganisms: an experimental investigation. Journal qf Human Evolution13,531536. ...
We have measured a suite of ''diagenetic parameters'' for several populations of archaeological b... more We have measured a suite of ''diagenetic parameters'' for several populations of archaeological bones buried in a number of northwest European sites since the last Ice Age. These are: the structural damage due to microbes; changes in bone micro-and macro-porosity; protein content; a measure of the crystallinity of hydroxyapatite as reflected in the phosphate infra-red spectrum peak splitting; and a measure of the carbonate content as given by the ratio of carbonate to phosphate infra-red absorption peaks. The results provide a database that clearly characterises the patterns, which are often site-dependent, of diagenetic change in buried bone. Our main conclusions are that individual site hydrology appears to have a strong influence on the outcome of bone preservation and that porosity is the most effective single diagenetic parameter which both determines and reflects the preservation of bone in the burial environment.
We have measured a suite of ''diagenetic parameters'' for several populations of archaeological b... more We have measured a suite of ''diagenetic parameters'' for several populations of archaeological bones buried in a number of northwest European sites since the last Ice Age. These are: the structural damage due to microbes; changes in bone micro-and macro-porosity; protein content; a measure of the crystallinity of hydroxyapatite as reflected in the phosphate infra-red spectrum peak splitting; and a measure of the carbonate content as given by the ratio of carbonate to phosphate infra-red absorption peaks. The results provide a database that clearly characterises the patterns, which are often site-dependent, of diagenetic change in buried bone. Our main conclusions are that individual site hydrology appears to have a strong influence on the outcome of bone preservation and that porosity is the most effective single diagenetic parameter which both determines and reflects the preservation of bone in the burial environment.
Proteins extracted from both bones and teeth found in archaeological contexts are used for radioc... more Proteins extracted from both bones and teeth found in archaeological contexts are used for radiocarbon dating, amino acid racemization age at death determinations, and genetic and dietary studies. The changes induced in these proteins as a result of decomposition by known micro-organisms have been little studied. The decomposition pathways of these proteins, and indeed the organisms involved, have not been comprehensively defined. This paper attempts to suggest which types of micro-organisms are likely to be involved in this decomposition and outlines their characteristics. This paper also describes the use of bone and tooth, with their associated soils, from various archaeological contexts, as source material for the isolation of fungi and bacteria by enrichment culture at 10 C. Samples from various soil types and archaeological periods were included in the trial. Bacterial and fungal isolates that tested positive for a collagenase were identified. Decomposition studies, which continue, are outlined.
... A modification of Kcrley'smethodfor the microscopic determination of agein human bone. J... more ... A modification of Kcrley'smethodfor the microscopic determination of agein human bone. Journal of Forensic Sciences 14,205212. ... Ascenzi,A. Silvestrini, G. (1984). Boneboring marine microorganisms: an experimental investigation. Journal qf Human Evolution13,531536. ...
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