Retrospective analysis of factors affecting rate of skeletonization within a tropical climate

Gunawardena, Sameera A; Abeyratne, Pravini; Jayasena, Ajith; Rajapaksha, Saminda; Senadhipathi, Hashan; Siriwardana, Dulanka; Vindula, Nimath; Perera, Clifford; Peiris, Dinesh

doi:10.1016/j.scijus.2023.08.001

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 72 publications

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“…That sites yielding brains of the unknown type are distinguished by the highest daily precipitation of all preservation modes runs contrary to the general taphonomic understanding that heavy rainfall increases the rate of decay [ 21 ]; although specifically subaerial decomposition (i.e. exposed soft tissues) may be slowed due to the suppression of insect activity [ 32 ], and the impact of precipitation alone may be difficult to disentangle from other environmental variables [ 33 ]. The anecdotal presence of clay and iron in sediments with brains of the unknown type might imply the importance of what is dissolved in the gravesoil by the action of rainfall [ 34 ]; however the effect of gravesoil chemistry and matric potential (i.e.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Human brains preserve in diverse environments for at least 12 000 years

Morton-Hayward,

Anderson,

Saupe

et al. 2024

Proc. R. Soc. B.

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The brain is thought to be among the first human organs to decompose after death. The discovery of brains preserved in the archaeological record is therefore regarded as unusual. Although mechanisms such as dehydration, freezing, saponification, and tanning are known to allow for the preservation of the brain on short time scales in association with other soft tissues (≲4000 years), discoveries of older brains, especially in the absence of other soft tissues, are rare. Here, we collated an archive of more than 4400 human brains preserved in the archaeological record across approximately 12 000 years, more than 1300 of which constitute the only soft tissue preserved amongst otherwise skeletonized remains. We found that brains of this type persist on time scales exceeding those preserved by other means, which suggests an unknown mechanism may be responsible for preservation particular to the central nervous system. The untapped archive of preserved ancient brains represents an opportunity for bioarchaeological studies of human evolution, health and disease.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Human brains preserve in diverse environments for at least 12 000 years

Morton-Hayward,

Anderson,

Saupe

et al. 2024

Proc. R. Soc. B.

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The impact of climate change and sustainability initiatives on forensic practice

Thompson

2024

Forensic Science International: Synergy

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Determination of Soil Contamination Due to the Influence of Cemeteries for the Surrounding Land and People in Central Ecuador—Worldwide Implications

Abad-Sarango,

Crisanto-Perrazo,

Guevara-García

et al. 2024

Land

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Human decomposition processes generate pulses of nutrients, such as carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in the form of ammonium and nitrate (NO3−), which are released into the surrounding environment. The little exploration related to the potential of cadaveric leachate to influence the physical chemistry and biology of the soil makes it difficult to obtain data and scientific evidence, and subsequently the predominant objective of the current study was to determine soil contamination through the analysis of parameters of physical chemistry that included organic matter (OM), NO3−, texture, humidity, and pH. Soil samples were taken at different depths in two temporary trials (the dry and rainy seasons) in central Ecuador. The Kruskal–Wallace and ANOVA statistical analyses determined significant differences in relation to the sampling sections and by categories, while there were no significant differences in the inter-season analysis; therefore, the study was based on the data obtained in the dry season. The results indicate a tendency towards contamination in cemeteries categorized as critical, that is, moderate, light, and not suitable due to the high values of OM and humidity measured. On the contrary, the soils that corresponded to the cemeteries classified as suitable yielded low values of the analyzed parameters, which corroborates their capacity for the present and future location of cemeteries. Monitoring and managing soil health is crucial to ensure sustainable environmental practices and protect public health; nonetheless, additional research is suggested to confirm the findings of the current study.

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Retrospective analysis of factors affecting rate of skeletonization within a tropical climate

Cited by 3 publications

References 72 publications

Human brains preserve in diverse environments for at least 12 000 years

Human brains preserve in diverse environments for at least 12 000 years

The impact of climate change and sustainability initiatives on forensic practice

Determination of Soil Contamination Due to the Influence of Cemeteries for the Surrounding Land and People in Central Ecuador—Worldwide Implications

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