The Impact of Field-Portable Technology on Archaeology

A recent study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science explored how near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy can improve on bioarcheological methods in studying collagen in archaeological bone.^1,2

Christina Ryder, a postdoctoral researcher at Texas A&M University, was the lead author of this study. We recently sat down with Ryder to talk about her study’s findings more in detail, exploring how NIR spectroscopy in the 2030–2060 spectral range is being used in archaeological science and why it is advancing the field. Initially using approximately 500 mammalian bone samples (this was later reduced to 319), Ryder and her team tested out their technique to see how it could detect and analyze collagen.^1,2 In the below interview segment, Ryder highlights both the challenges and the benefits of NIR spectroscopy in archaeological science.

What are the benefits of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy in archaeological science?

Because NIR spectroscopy is rapid, non-destructive, and relatively affordable, it is especially valuable for researchers working in remote excavation sites or museum collections with limited access to laboratory facilities. This accessibility also positions NIR spectroscopy as an important technique moving forward in how archaeologists and paleontologists evaluate samples before committing to more invasive analyses.

Ryder emphasized that an ongoing challenge in archaeological science is the lengthy and often frustrating permitting process required for destructive sampling. These approvals can take years and typically do not contribute to academic career advancement, such as tenure. More importantly, the growing number of destructive analytical techniques has placed increasing strain on finite archaeological materials, including fossils, ivory, antler, and dentin, leaving curators concerned about the depletion of irreplaceable collections. Ryder explained NIR pre-screening addresses this problem by helping researchers identify samples that are most likely to yield meaningful results, thereby minimizing unnecessary damage.

Ryder also discusses her postdoctoral research at Texas A&M University, where she is investigating the chronology of megafauna extinctions across North America at the end of the Pleistocene. Using NIR, she pre-screens specimens for collagen preservation and provides museums with predictive data and consolidant identifications to guide future research. The speed of NIR enables large-scale analysis of collections, potentially uncovering new insights into extinction events.

References

1. Ryder, C.; Celis, G.; Devièse, T. et al. Refining Near-infrared Spectroscopy for Collagen Quantification: A New Predictive Model for Archaeological Bone. J. Arch. Sci. 2026, 185, 106448. DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2025.106448
2. Wetzel, W.; Spectroscopy Staff. Collagen Preservation in Archaeological Bone Using NIR Spectroscopy. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/collagen-preservation-in-archaeological-bone-using-nir-spectroscopy (accessed 2026-03-31).