Evidence for Embalming in Roman Greece
Using electron microscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, researchers found evidence of embalming in Roman Greek times.
Using electron microscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, researchers found evidence of embalming in Roman Greek times. Researchers from the Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich (Switzerland) used physico-chemical and histological methods to show that various resins, oils, and spices were used during the embalming of a female in Northern Greece around 300 AD.
This is the first ever multidisciplinary-based indication for artificial mummification in Greece at 300 AD. The remains of this 55-year-old female show the preservation of various soft tissues, hair, and part of a gold-embroidered silk cloth. In addition to macroscopic and anthropological analyses, electron microscopy and GC-MS examinations were performed. These showed the presence of various embalming substances including myrrh, fats, and resins. The findings significantly increase knowledge about the use of tissue-preserving, antibacterial, and antioxidative substances in the mortuary practices of Roman Greece.
Christina Papageorgopoulou, study initiator and assistant at the Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, explains: "Never before have such embalming substances been shown for this time period in Greece. Up to now, only written historic sources suggested that selected people were embalmed in Roman Greece." This research points toward possible future collaborations of social and natural scientists.
Getting accurate IR spectra on monolayer of molecules
April 18th 2024Creating uniform and repeatable monolayers is incredibly important for both scientific pursuits as well as the manufacturing of products in semiconductor, biotechnology, and. other industries. However, measuring monolayers and functionalized surfaces directly is. difficult, and many rely on a variety of characterization techniques that when used together can provide some degree of confidence. By combining non-contact atomic force microscopy (AFM) and IR spectroscopy, IR PiFM provides sensitive and accurate analysis of sub-monolayer of molecules without the concern of tip-sample cross contamination. Dr. Sung Park, Molecular Vista, joined Spectroscopy to provide insights on how IR PiFM can acquire IR signature of monolayer films due to its unique implementation.
