Brasilia
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2021 —
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Research on the degradation of plaster facades in Brasília, Brazil, reveals that cracks are the most severe form of damage, particularly affecting the top zones and continuous wall sections. Facades oriented towards the north and south experience the highest levels of degradation. The study analyzed 90 facade samples from buildings aged between 20 and 60 years using the Degradation Measurement Method, focusing on indicators such as solar orientation and facade zones. These findings provide valuable insights for estimating building lifespan and developing more durable materials.
Maya Site of Copan
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2021 —
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Researchers have identified a novel bioconservation method that effectively stabilizes ancient Maya tuff stone at Copan, addressing significant degradation issues caused by humidity-induced clay swelling and microbial weathering. Traditional consolidants, such as polymer- and alkoxysilane-based treatments, have proven ineffective in preventing this damage. The study demonstrates that applying a sterile nutritional solution activates indigenous bacteria to produce calcium carbonate biocement, which strengthens the stone matrix while reducing clay swelling due to bacterial exopolymeric substances (EPS). This environmentally friendly approach not only preserves fragile stones but also imparts hydrophobicity, making it a promising solution for tropical conditions. The findings open new avenues for conservation efforts in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Copan and similar regions.
Hyrcanian Forests
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2021 —
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Researchers have identified Paenarthrobacter sp. Shss, a bacterium isolated from Saravan landfill within the Hyrcanian Forests of Iran, as one of the most efficient known degraders of dibutyl phthalate (DBP), a widely used plasticizer with harmful health effects. This bacterium can degrade 1 gram per liter of DBP in just 15 hours, with a doubling time of 5 hours, converting it into less toxic compounds like mono-n-butyl phthalate and ultimately carbon dioxide. The study also found that Paenarthrobacter sp. Shss can degrade other phthalic acid esters such as dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, and mono butyl phthalate, but not diethyl hexyl phthalate. The research employed enrichment culture techniques and advanced mass spectrometry to identify the bacterial strain and its esterase activities responsible for DBP degradation, highlighting its potential role in mitigating phthalic acid ester contamination in highly polluted environments like landfills.
Archaeological Monuments Zone of Xochicalco
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2021 —
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Research at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Xochicalco, Mexico, has identified critical weak zones within carbonate rocks that threaten archaeological stability. Using a novel 2D Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) processing strategy—specifically multipath summation on densely spaced parallel lines—the study successfully imaged fractures and potential caverns at depths of 1.6m and 1.8m. These findings suggest that cracks in the Quetzalcoatl Temple, which appeared after a significant earthquake in 2017, are linked to underlying structural weaknesses in the carbonate bedrock. The approach, employing a 400 MHz monostatic antenna, offers a precise method for assessing natural hazard impacts on cultural heritage sites.
Delos
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2021 —
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A group of marble statuettes of Aphrodite, likely carved on Delos during the late second and first centuries BCE, reveals a distinct pattern of consumption centered exclusively in the eastern Mediterranean basin. This challenges long-held views that attribute the copy industry to Roman influence and demand, instead highlighting the role of local and regional Greek communities as substantial consumer constituencies. The study reconstructs the responses of Greek sculptors to the contemporary art trade by gathering these statuettes and documenting their findspots, providing new insights into artistic relations between Delos and Athens during the Late Hellenistic period.
Delos
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2021 —
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A preliminary geochemistry-based study on Delos Island's archaeological marbles reveals that while the island's geological substratum is primarily granite with limited marble deposits, ancient Delians sourced significant quantities of marble from neighboring Cycladic Islands and mainland Greece. Using a non-destructive method—portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analysis combined with principal component analysis (PCA)—researchers successfully determined the provenance of two artifacts: one confirmed as locally quarried, while the other was identified as imported. This approach demonstrates the potential of pXRF for marble provenance studies, offering a viable alternative when conventional destructive analyses are impractical.
The Ahwar of Southern Iraq: Refuge of Biodiversity and the Relict Landscape of the Mesopotamian Cities
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2021 —
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Arid deltas worldwide, including those of the Colorado, Indus, Nile, and Tigris-Euphrates rivers, are rapidly shrinking due to water diversion, salinization, subsidence, and climate change. Research highlights that re-establishing natural water flows—such as seasonal flooding—can mitigate ecological decline, as seen in the Colorado River delta. However, sustained recovery requires stakeholder collaboration and active management, compounded by political instability and population growth. The study underscores the urgent need for integrated strategies to restore these critical ecosystems before irreversible damage occurs.
The wider area of Mount Olympus
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2021 —
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A novel DEM-based UAV flight planning methodology enables efficient 3D mapping of geosites, exemplified by the Olympus Tectonic Window on Lesvos island. The approach integrates topography (slope, aspect, elevation) into semi-automated algorithms to optimize data acquisition and cartographic outputs. Results demonstrate that DEMs significantly enhance flight plan design, yielding high-resolution point clouds, digital elevation models, and orthophotomaps. This method advances geoheritage conservation by providing a systematic framework for detailed geosite documentation, addressing critical gaps in current 3D mapping practices.
Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra
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2021 —
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Albania's population has experienced significant decline since 2001, with a national decrease of 8.3% by January 1, 2021, and an annual drop of 0.6% in the previous year. The only positive growth was recorded in 2017 (0.03%), while the steepest decline occurred in 2020 (-0.58%). This trend contrasts with urban centers like Tirana and Durrës, which positively contribute to population growth. The study highlights how recent administrative reforms—merging municipalities and rural areas—have artificially inflated local populations, complicating resource management. These findings underscore the interplay between demographic shifts, territorial restructuring, and sustainable development challenges in Albania.
Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow
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2021 —
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Official political holidays in the Soviet Union during the 1950s and 1960s retained their core functions of presentation, consolidation, and mobilization, mirroring practices from the Stalin era. However, a notable shift was observed: the Politburo/Presidium of the Central Committee of the Communist Party increasingly prioritized discursive aspects over scripted elements in preparing for these celebrations. This involved a collegial process of editing and approving political discourse, including solemn speeches, orders, and festive appeals, as part of organizing significant events like military parades and mass demonstrations in Red Square on May 1 (International Workers' Day) and November 7 (Anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution). The study highlights how discursive power was demonstrated through these meticulous processes.
Historic Centre of Brugge
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2021 —
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A demonstration project in Bruges' historic center, 'De Schipjes,' showcases the feasibility of a zero-fossil-fuel energy concept. Dynamic simulations revealed critical insights, including actual system parameter values that often deviate from nominal settings, improved estimates for user behavior patterns, and the practicality of theoretical control strategies. This project provides a tangible example of integrating advanced simulation techniques with real-world applications in historic urban environments, offering valuable lessons for sustainable energy solutions in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Shark Bay, Western Australia
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2021 —
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Paleoclimate reconstructions of Shark Bay reveal that the Tamala Limestone, a vast aeolian carbonate system along Western Australia's coast, was shaped by alternating glacial and interglacial intervals during the Pleistocene. Amino acid dating indicates units age eastward, while sedimentary breaks correlate with interglacial paleosols, suggesting prolonged aridity during glacial periods due to weakened Leeuwin Current and northward shifts in atmospheric circulation cells. This study combines stratigraphic and sedimentological analyses to demonstrate that lower sea levels and cooler Indo-Pacific Warm Pool temperatures coincided with drier conditions, while humid interglacials facilitated carbonate dissolution and paleosol formation.
Mudejar Architecture of Aragon
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2021 —
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A Web-GIS tool has been developed to document and analyze the Mudejar architectural heritage of Aragon, including 227 buildings, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This system integrates spatial data with historical, protective, geometric, and conservation details, enabling comprehensive inventories for heritage protection and urban planning. The tool supports spatial analysis, decision-making, and dissemination, offering a territorial-scale perspective that transcends isolated building assessments. It serves as an additional instrument for preparing inventories aimed at safeguarding this culturally significant architectural legacy.
La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia
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2021 —
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Despite visual similarities, the helical columns of the La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia and the Lonja de Palma de Mallorca share no common geometric parameters. A rigorous analysis using precise geometric methods reveals that while both structures employ helical designs, there is no evidence to support the claim that one design inspired the other beyond their shared conceptual approach to helices. This study challenges long-standing assumptions about architectural influence between these UNESCO World Heritage Sites by applying objective geometric scrutiny to their ornamental features.
Iguazu National Park
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2021 —
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Researchers have identified a new species of digenean flatworm, Auriculostoma guacurarii, parasitic in the intestine of Characidium heirmostigmata fish within Iguazu National Park, Argentina. This discovery is based on unique morphological traits and phylogenetic analysis, distinguishing it from four congeneric species through differences in egg size, body length, genital pore position, sucker size, and post-testicular space. The study also sequenced the partial 28S rRNA gene of a related specimen, Auriculostoma cf. stenopteri, revealing its close genetic relationship with A. guacurarii and A. tica. This is the first species in the genus to parasitize a member of the Crenuchidae family, marking it as the tenth described species within this group.
Tasmanian Wilderness
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2021 —
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Researchers have discovered a new species of quillwort, Isoetes jarmaniae, endemic to the Tasmanian Wilderness. This diminutive lycophyte exhibits globally uncommon morphological features, including markedly flattened and recurved leaves, large sporangium ligules resembling South American taxa, and an exceptionally thin and wide megaspore equatorial ridge with a triangular shape akin to Indian species. Its microspores also display unique fine-papillate ornamentation not seen in other Australasian taxa. The study provides a key for identifying this species alongside other Tasmanian Isoetes, highlighting its regional uniqueness and potential diploid status within a small geographic range of peat-bound karstic wetlands.
Historic Centre of São Luís
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2021 —
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Research at the Historic Centre of São Luís, Brazil, reveals that institutionalized cultural heritage serves as both a tool for social transformation and a source of tension, particularly between established segments of society and more vulnerable groups. The study highlights how heritage preservation intersects with housing rights and collective interests, often reinforcing existing power dynamics while also providing opportunities for resistance against historically imposed cultural values. Focusing on the Albergue do Voluntariado—a shelter within São Luís's historic center—the research demonstrates that heritage can foster daily practices of resistance among marginalized communities. By analyzing official documents and theoretical frameworks, the study underscores the complex interplay between heritage institutionalization, social exclusion, and collective agency in shaping urban spaces.
Historic Centre of São Luís
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2021 —
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Researchers have developed tactile graphics of colonial tiles, providing a groundbreaking way for people with visual impairments to experience and appreciate the cultural heritage of São Luís's historic center. This innovation leverages 3D modeling and printing technologies to create detailed, touchable replicas of azulejos (portuguese tiles), enabling individuals with visual disabilities to 'read' these artistic elements with their hands. The study addresses a significant gap in accessibility, as nearly 24% of Brazil's population lives with some form of disability, including 3.5% with visual impairments, according to IBGE data. By combining virtual modeling with tactile outputs, this approach not only preserves cultural heritage but also aligns with legal frameworks such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, aiming to democratize access to art and history for all.
The Persian Qanat
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2021 —
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Qanats, ancient subterranean water channels originating in northwestern Iran around the 1st millennium BCE, have enabled sustainable agriculture and urban development in arid desert regions of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This study reveals that qanats facilitated isolated rural and urban habitats by tapping into groundwater tables, supporting formidable desert cities when combined with vernacular architecture. However, their historical spread—including diffusion via colonial Spain to Latin America—and potential eastern pathways remain under discussion. While qanats represent a highly sustainable irrigation system, modern pump irrigation has led to over-exploitation of non-renewable groundwater, threatening their survival. The research analyzes the engineering and historical aspects of qanat construction, highlighting their dual role in enabling desert civilization while reinforcing rent-capitalist socio-economic structures. Recognized as UNESCO World Heritage, Persian qanats symbolize humanity's cultural adaptation to extreme arid environments.
Aldabra Atoll
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2021 —
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Researchers have developed a set of 1674 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for the Aldabra giant tortoise (<em>Aldabrachelys gigantea</em>), a critically important species for conservation and rewilding efforts in the Western Indian Ocean. These markers, identified using low-coverage double-digest restriction-associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-seq), provide valuable genetic insights with high expected heterozygosity (0.33–0.5) and minor allele frequency (0.20–0.5). The study analyzed wild populations on Aldabra Atoll alongside captive-bred individuals, offering tools to inform conservation strategies, including large-scale translocations needed due to rising sea levels threatening the species' survival. This work bridges genetic research with practical conservation applications, aiding efforts to restore degraded ecosystems by functionally replacing extinct endemic tortoises.
Strasbourg, Grande-Île and Neustadt
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2021 —
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A ceramic decoration commissioned for the façade of Strasbourg's new School of Art and Crafts (1892) exemplifies the paradoxes of Art Nouveau, illustrating its tension between rejecting academicism, promoting regional craftsmanship, and embracing industrial innovation. This work, created by Léon Elchinger under Anton Seder’s direction, reflects a pedagogical shift toward hands-on training rooted in nature observation rather than stylistic imitation. The research highlights the complex interplay between Art Nouveau’s historicist tendencies and its fascination with natural forms, while also contextualizing this decorative project within the broader urban development of Strasbourg's Neustadt district during a period of emerging modernity.
Venice and its Lagoon
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2021 —
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Salt-marsh systems worldwide face threats from drowning and erosion, often exacerbated by insufficient sediment supply. A study on the Venice Lagoon reveals that vertical marsh growth can remain insensitive to increased sediment input due to a time lag caused by sediment stocking along pre-existing marsh margins, which leads to horizontal expansion rather than vertical accretion. When sediment input declines, wind waves redistribute stored sediments, enabling vertical growth. This delayed response underscores the complexity of tidal landscape dynamics and has critical implications for managing coastal ecosystems under natural and anthropogenic pressures. The research integrates sedimentological, geochronological, paleoecological, geophysical, and chemical analyses of marsh sediments accumulated over six centuries to unravel these depositional processes.
Old City of Acre
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2021 —
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A rapid deterioration of porous calcarenite sandstone, known as 'kurkar,' was observed in contemporary sea walls along the pedestrian seashore zone of Acre, Israel, within a few years. The study identified that adhering kurkar siding with cement mortar and subsequent exposure to a humid, salt-enriched offshore environment with high air pollution were the primary causes of this deterioration. In contrast, historic walls built from dimensional kurkar stone remain structurally sound, suggesting that the construction method plays a significant role in the material's longevity.
The Gedeo Cultural Landscape
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2021 —
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Organic agriculture in the Gedeo Cultural Landscape, Southern Ethiopia, supports high plant species diversity compared to other tropical agricultural systems. The study identified 234 native and non-native plant species across three agroecological zones, with richness and evenness indices indicating significant biodiversity. Plant diversity was influenced by agroecological zone and farmer wealth status, with lowland areas and wealthier farmers showing higher tree species diversity, while midland zones exhibited greater shrub diversity. Herbaceous species diversity remained unaffected by these factors. The research highlights the potential of organic agriculture for biodiversity conservation and suggests that agroecological-based strategies could enhance both plant conservation and livelihoods in such systems.
Serengeti National Park
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2021 —
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A study on Serengeti National Park (SENAPA) reveals that service quality, destination image, perceived value, and satisfaction are key drivers of international tourists' loyalty. Conducted with 1,148 respondents from March to December 2018, the research used Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to analyze data collected via structured surveys. Findings indicate that high-quality services, positive destination perceptions, and value realization significantly enhance tourist loyalty. Satisfaction was found to partially mediate the relationship between these factors and loyalty. The study recommends that SENAPA management prioritize maintaining service quality and reviewing costs like park entry fees to remain competitive with other African parks.
City of Safranbolu
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2021 —
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A study measuring electromagnetic field (EMF) pollution in Safranbolu, Turkey, found that electric field intensity decreases inversely with distance from base stations. The research mapped EMF levels at distances of 20m to 500m from four base stations, revealing a clear trend of reduced exposure as proximity diminishes. Conducted in the frequency range of 50 MHz to 3.5 GHz, this work is the first to assess EMF pollution in Safranbolu, providing critical baseline data for future studies, particularly following the potential introduction of 5G technology. The findings align with international concerns about adverse health and environmental impacts from prolonged exposure to base station emissions.
Cape Floral Region Protected Areas
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2021 —
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A groundbreaking study reveals the critical role of hydrological factors in shaping the distribution and survival of Restionaceae species within the Cape Floral Region (CFR), a globally significant biodiversity hotspot. This research, conducted at Silvermine, South Africa, demonstrates that microclimate-level hydrological variables are pivotal in determining the niche of these threatened plants, which face existential threats from urbanization, agriculture, and groundwater extraction. By generating unique hydrological datasets, the study not only models species niches with unprecedented accuracy but also provides a robust framework for assessing conservation strategies and predicting long-term impacts of climate change on plant diversity. This work builds upon the CFR's established role as a test case for biodiversity modeling, offering critical insights that could reshape conservation efforts in semi-arid environments worldwide.
Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi
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2021 —
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Cultural heritage tourism development at indigenous African sites faces significant resistance from custodians, as demonstrated by the tombs of the Masingo dynasty in South Africa. Unlike Uganda's Kasubi Tombs, where local support for tourism exists, Swongozwi custodians rejected economic activities, highlighting the tension between poverty alleviation opportunities and cultural preservation. This study, using historical critical analysis, key informant interviews, and site visits, underscores the need to prioritize indigenous attitudes toward culture and identity in heritage management strategies. The findings align with prior research on the Vhavenda, suggesting that while tourism could benefit communities, custodial reluctance often hinders such initiatives.
Curonian Spit
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2021 —
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A new approach to geotourism in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, exemplified by the Curonian Spit, demonstrates how geological and geomorphological heritage can be integrated into sustainable tourism. The research introduces an innovative algorithm for designing eco-educational routes that balance conservation with recreation, addressing the growing tension between environmental protection and economic use of protected areas. This methodology, developed through international collaboration (Ecotour4Natur project), proposes a transboundary tourist route—'The Geological and Geomorphological Chronicle of the Baltic Sea'—which highlights the unique landscapes shaped by human-nature interactions over centuries. The study provides a scalable model for other national parks, offering insights into diversifying ecotourism while preserving geoheritage.
Petra
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2021 —
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A longitudinal study of Petra reveals that international development efforts, particularly those driven by the World Bank and USAID, have prioritized tourism over heritage preservation and local community support. These initiatives, while framed as conservation measures, were primarily focused on generating hard-currency revenue and monetizing Nabataean ruins, leading to an overburden of bureaucracy and consultancy culture rather than sustainable preservation or equitable benefits for local communities.
Sangiran Early Man Site
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2021 —
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A decade after the establishment of Sangiran Primordial Human Conservation Centre (BPSMPS) and the implementation of Indonesia's Cultural Heritage Law, local communities in Sangiran exhibit a complex interplay of distrust and adaptation. While they comply with legal constraints, they perceive disadvantages, highlighting a tension between conservation mandates and social expectations. The study reveals that effective heritage tourism development hinges on synchronizing two critical elements: accelerating tourism infrastructure while reinventing conservation practices to align with local needs. Additionally, clear policy frameworks are essential to define stakeholder roles, prevent sectoral conflicts, and ensure synergy in resource management. This research underscores the necessity for balanced governance to harmonize heritage preservation with sustainable development, offering insights applicable to other UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2021 —
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Reproduction in the endangered Okinawa spiny rat is primarily limited to autumn and winter, with subadults emerging predominantly between December and March. This finding was derived from a novel camera-installed nest box system deployed on Okinawa Island, which captured 850 images of rats over six months. By analyzing the distribution of body size (measured as eye distance) using a Gaussian mixture model, researchers identified two distinct clusters: subadults (11% of individuals) and adults (89%). The seasonal emergence pattern suggests that weaning occurs mainly during winter, providing critical insights into the species' reproductive ecology. This non-invasive method offers a scalable approach for studying small mammals in their natural habitats.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2021 —
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Researchers have developed the first male-specific genetic marker for Garcinia subelliptica, a dioecious tree species known as "fukugi" in Japan. This breakthrough, achieved through restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq), enables early sex diagnosis and selection at the seedling stage, addressing long-standing challenges in afforestation and landscape maintenance. The marker, named FSDM, is a 660 bp fragment that consistently appears in male but not female G. subelliptica genomes, with a confirmed 1:1 segregation ratio in tested populations. Notably, the DNA sequence of FSDM shares significant similarity to the antifungal protein ginkbilobin-2 gene. This innovation holds promise for conserving traditional landscapes and supporting future village designs around the northern part of Okinawa Island, a potential World Natural Heritage site.
Chaîne des Puys - Limagne fault tectonic arena
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2021 —
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A new geodiversity system for scoria cones, developed through geomorphometric studies of the Chaîne des Puys UNESCO World Heritage site, addresses a critical limitation in existing methods. Traditional geodiversity indices often underestimate the aesthetic and scientific value of symmetrical volcanic features like scoria cones due to their regular shapes. The proposed approach modifies these indices by adapting them to cone geometry, enhancing the representation of uniformity and symmetry in larger landscape elements. This method is computationally simple yet effective, applicable to thousands of monogenetic volcanoes globally and extendable to other volcanic features such as domes or even larger volcanoes. It bridges the gap between scientific quantification and aesthetic appreciation, offering a robust tool for analyzing geodiversity in volcanic landscapes.
Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy
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2021 —
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An integrated BIM-GIS management tool has been developed to enhance the maintenance and conservation of historical heritage, specifically applied to the Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy. This innovative approach combines Building Information Modeling (BIM) with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), enabling precise three-dimensional modeling and spatial integration of architectural artifacts. The tool facilitates interoperability between domains, creating a comprehensive database that supports maintenance planning by providing accessible information linked to 3D models. The geometric representation adheres to international standards for both BIM (UNI 11337/4) and GIS (CityGML), ensuring accuracy and usability. This project, part of the INTERREG V-A Cooperation Programme Italy-Switzerland, addresses shared challenges in heritage conservation while advancing competitiveness and regional cohesion.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
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2021 —
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An intelligent real-time tracking system for monitoring rhinos and elephants has been developed, offering promising solutions to improve current anti-poaching efforts. The study, conducted at Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, achieved four key objectives: analyzing existing tracking systems, designing a smart sensing collar for emotion recognition, optimizing computational models for wildlife tracking, and creating a mobile application for real-time data collection. These innovations aim to enhance animal health monitoring, reduce the impact of adverse events like poaching or accidents, and provide timely assistance when needed. While the solutions serve as a proof of concept, further development is required before they can be implemented in practical applications.
Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture in the Arica and Parinacota Region
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2021 —
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Collective leadership has emerged as a powerful tool for indigenous Aymara communities in Chile's Arica and Parinacota Region, effectively addressing market failures and institutional barriers that hinder social and economic development. Despite challenges posed by globalization and neoliberal policies, these communities have leveraged collective strategies to navigate poverty and technological change while preserving their cultural identity. The study analyzes theoretical and practical frameworks for implementing such strategies within the unique cultural and territorial context of the Aymara, offering insights into innovative approaches for sustainable development in marginalized regions.
Central Sikhote-Alin
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2021 —
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A detailed reconstruction of humidity changes in the Central Sikhote-Alin during the Late Holocene reveals that precipitation variations, rather than temperature shifts, primarily drove hydrological fluctuations. Using sediment analysis from Solontsovskie Lakes—particularly Nizhnee Lake—researchers identified rapid transitions between wet and dry phases, with frequent changes in diatom assemblages and peat-forming plants indicating unstable hydroclimatic conditions. While cooling periods generally coincided with decreased moisture, the Little Ice Age was notably wet due to increased precipitation. The study leveraged radiocarbon dating (with a temporal resolution of 30–60 years) and comparative analysis of two lakes to trace trophic shifts and organogenic sedimentation rates (up to 1.9 mm/year). These findings correlate local paleoclimatic events with global data, offering new insights into the region's climate sensitivity.
Angkor
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A groundbreaking study estimates that the medieval Greater Angkor Region, one of the world's largest premodern settlement complexes (9th to 15th centuries CE), housed approximately 700,000 to 900,000 inhabitants at its peak in the 13th century. This finding, derived from a novel integration of lidar data, archaeological excavations, radiocarbon dating, and machine learning algorithms, provides the first comprehensive demographic model for Angkor. The research offers a granular, diachronic perspective on population growth within this ancient civilization, with potential applications for studying other historical urban centers.
Jodrell Bank Observatory
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A strong correlation exists between interstellar medium (ISM) parameters—dispersion measure (DM) and rotation measure (RM)—and pulsar timing irregularities, with coefficients exceeding 0.60 in a large sample of Jodrell Bank Observatory radio pulsars. This finding suggests that ISM conditions significantly influence the stability and fluctuations observed in pulsar timing over decades. The study analyzed long-term timing data (spanning 40 years) to assess parameters such as timing activity, rotational stability, and fluctuation absorption, revealing consistent relationships between these metrics and DM/RM. These insights provide new diagnostic tools for understanding ISM effects on pulsar behavior.
Volcanoes of Kamchatka
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A study of diatoms in volcanic soils from Mutnovsky and Gorely volcanoes on Kamchatka’s peninsula revealed 38 taxa, with Mutnovsky hosting a more diverse flora (35 taxa) dominated by <em>Eunotia curtagrunowii</em>, <em>Humidophila contenta</em>, and <em>Pinnularia borealis</em>. In contrast, Gorely’s samples contained only nine species, primarily <em>Caloneis bacillum</em> and <em>P. borealis</em>. The research highlights the adaptive potential of diatoms in extreme volcanic environments, with most taxa being cosmopolitan and ecologically plastic. This contributes new insights into their ecology and biogeography, confirming their resilience in high-activity volcanic regions.
Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks
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2021 —
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Exceptional leaf litters from the Carnian Ischigualasto Formation, Argentina, reveal remarkable phenotypic plasticity in the fern-like plant Dicroidium (Zuberia) zuberi. Unlike previous hypostomatic records, these specimens exhibit thick, amphistomatic cuticles with sunken, randomly distributed stomata and papillae on epidermal cells, suggesting adaptability to environmental conditions. The study leveraged optical and scanning electron microscopy to analyze autochthonous or parauchthonous leaf accumulations preserved in abandoned fluvial channels, which also provided insights into the region's seasonal climate and post-biotic turnover (228.91 Ma). Palynological data further supports a humid environment that fostered this diverse vegetation after significant ecological changes.
Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region
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A Sasanian glass vessel from Okinoshima Island, Japan, provides the first scientific evidence of long-distance trade linking Mesopotamia and East Asia. X-ray fluorescence analysis revealed that a ritual shard, now a national treasure, matches the chemical composition of glass excavated in Sasanian city sites, indicating it originated from workshops within the Sasanian Empire between the 5th and 7th centuries AD. This discovery suggests that glassware traveled thousands of kilometers along the Silk Road before being dedicated to ancient rituals on Okinoshima Island, offering new insights into the island's historical significance and the cultural exchanges of the period.
Naumburg Cathedral
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Naumburg Cathedral Chapter stands out as one of Germany's most influential and enduring clerical institutions, originating in the 12th and 13th centuries. It has uniquely preserved its episcopacy and property without interruption since its founding, even surviving beyond the secularization of 1803. This volume provides a structured source analysis, highlighting the Chapter's significance as it produced fifteen bishops during the late Middle Ages. The study emphasizes its continuity and influence within the broader context of German ecclesiastical history.
Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc
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Mariensäulen, traditionally seen as symbols of the Counter-Reformation, particularly under Habsburg rule, are more complex than their role as triumphant recatholicization markers. A closer examination of their placement and context in public spaces, such as those in Vienna and Olomouc, reveals deeper layers of meaning and impact. This study challenges simplistic interpretations by analyzing the spatial and symbolic dimensions of these columns, offering a nuanced understanding of their cultural significance in urban environments.
Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil)
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A single surviving Jesuit mission chapel, located in the ancient Guaraní settlement of Santa Rosa (Paraguay), stands as a rare testament to the widespread devotion to Our Lady of Loreto among the Jesuits. This study reveals that Father Diego de Torres Bollo, the first provincial of the Paraguay province, played a pivotal role in popularizing this cult by mandating the construction of replica chapels across indigenous settlements and Jesuit colleges, accompanied by relics and architectural plans. The research critically analyzes the motivations behind these decisions and examines the chapel's surviving artworks, including paintings depicting key moments in Jesus' life, providing insight into the cultural and religious syncretism of the era.
Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes
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A study of stable isotopes from collagen and tooth enamel at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paquimé, Casas Grandes, Mexico, reveals that while diets were generally consistent across social groups during the Medio period (1200-1450 CE), significant variations existed in water use practices and early-life nutrition. The research found no isotopic differences between local and non-local individuals, cultural periods, age categories, or sex, but detected distinct stable hydrogen isotope values between the Viejo and Medio periods, likely due to changes in irrigation. Additionally, dietary shifts during infancy and early childhood were identified through carbon isotope ratios from teeth. Notably, while high-status burials did not show isotopic differences, specific burial units linked to ritual activities exhibited variations, suggesting nuanced dietary practices tied to social and ceremonial contexts.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park
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2021 —
WHEB42E74B58E
Grauer's gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri) in low-elevation forests, primarily studied in highland habitats, exhibit a diverse diet dominated by vegetative plant parts, particularly from Marantaceae and Fabaceae families, with fruit consumption peaking during the wet season. A study in the Nkuba Conservation Area (NCA), Democratic Republic of Congo, recorded over 10,500 feeding signs across 100+ species between 2014-2020, revealing a diet distinct from highland populations but similar to lowland gorillas and western lowland gorillas. The research highlights the importance of community-based conservation efforts in protecting unhabituated gorilla populations.
Gough and Inaccessible Islands
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2021 —
WHE94A5B9DBF4
Introduced Gough Moorhens (Gallinula comeri) on Tristan da Cunha exhibit a generalist diet, primarily consisting of vegetation but also including arthropods, earthworms, introduced rodent remains, and anthropogenic debris. This mirrors their dietary behavior on native Gough Island, where they consume a varied range from plants to scavenging and predatory items. The study analyzed stomach contents of four birds, revealing their adaptability and potential ecological impact in the restored Tristan da Cunha ecosystem.
Mount Wuyi
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2021 —
WHE77A307B7DB
Negative air ions (NAIs) concentrations in Mount Wuyi National Park exhibit distinct seasonal patterns primarily influenced by relative humidity, with water emerging as a critical factor across time scales. Correlation and regression analyses revealed strong dependencies between NAI levels and meteorological conditions year-round, while the ARIMA (0,1, 1) model proved most accurate for forecasting future trends, minimizing errors compared to other models. This study advances our understanding of NAI distribution dynamics, offering insights into air quality assessment in protected natural environments like UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
