Posted on 04/22/2010 9:04:16 PM PDT by SunkenCiv
sing cutting-edge microscopy techniques, researchers have gained insight into how human mummies can be extremely well-preserved for thousands of years. A team of scientists from Germany and Italy has investigated skin samples from Europe's oldest natural mummy, the 5,300-year-old "Iceman" who was buried in a glacier shortly after death in the Otzal Alps between Italy and Austria. The researchers found that the underlying structure of the mummy's skin is largely unaltered compared with the skin of a modern living human, likely maintaining its protective function due to dehydration...
Since the Iceman's discovery, investigations using optical and scanning electron microscopes have revealed that, while the epidermis (outer layer of skin) is missing, the remaining mummified skin collagen is extremely durable. However, the underlying reason for the durability is largely unclear. In the current study, the researchers have investigated three skin samples from the Iceman using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Raman spectroscopy to try to understand how the mummified skin is so well-preserved. These techniques allowed the scientists to investigate the skin collagen's nanostructure and molecular structure.
(Excerpt) Read more at physorg.com ...
Iceman mystery solvedThe ancient hunter probably spent his childhood in what is now the Italian South Tyrol village of Feldthurns. Evidence suggests his lifelong travels were confined to a 60-kilometre (37-mile) range south-east of where his body was found. The 5,300-year-old frozen mummy emerged from a melting glacier along the mountainous border between Italy and Austria in 1991... The team believes his movements were restricted to a few valleys within 60 kilometres south east of where his body was discovered. He never moved north of this point and probably grew up in the Eisack valley, in the southern Tyrol... The scientists think Feldthurns is the Iceman's most likely childhood home: excavations have revealed a standing stone dating back to the Copper Age... Later on in life, he moved further north to the mountains of lower Vinschgau, before travelling to the Oetz valley where he met his death at the age of 46.
by Helen Briggs
31 October, 2003
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To all -- please ping me to other topics which are appropriate for the GGG list. |
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Would sinkEmperor clinton hit it? ... Just askin’
Obummerscope reveals Nannystructure of 5,000-year-old mummy skin reveals insight into Pelosi`s living mummification process [Oysters]
I wonder if they bothered to take a look at Helen Thomas.
(damn.... no pics please)
Nice!
Beautiful.
....Windex....
I love it when scientists talk that way or when writers use "think" in place of surmise".
I was grateful when Maruchan dropped the sodium level by 50 percent.
Oh yeah, the nanostructure of the mummy’s skin is pretty cool, too.
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