Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking osteobiographical study of four prehistoric burials from the Stonehenge World Heritage Site reveals that the monument's landscape attracted people from beyond Britain both before and after its construction. The research, combining radiocarbon dating, stable isotope analyses, and dental calculus examination, identified an adult from the Middle Neolithic period—immediately preceding Stonehenge’s building—and two adults and a perinatal infant from the Middle Bronze Age, shortly after structural modifications ceased. Notably, the two Middle Bronze Age adults, though differing in ancestry and geographic origin, were buried similarly, suggesting shared lifestyle traits, possibly high mobility, outweighed ethnic differences in burial practices. One individual likely originated outside Britain, reinforcing the idea that Stonehenge’s allure extended beyond its construction phase.
Serengeti National Park
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2018 —
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Livestock depredation by wild carnivores, particularly spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta), remains a significant issue in the Eastern Serengeti ecosystem, fostering negative human-wildlife interactions and threatening carnivore conservation. A 2016 survey of Maasai (pastoralists) and Sonjo (agropastoralists) tribes revealed higher depredation rates among Maasai due to larger livestock numbers and proximity to the Serengeti National Park boundary, with most incidents occurring during daytime grazing in the dry season. Unlike the Sonjo, the Maasai reported depredation by lions (Panthera leo), cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), and African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus), alongside hyenas and leopards (Panthera pardus). Comparisons with a 2010 study highlight temporal changes in depredation patterns. Both tribes rely on multiple protection techniques, including Maasai use of knives/spears and Sonjo use of bows/poisoned arrows, to mitigate losses.
Shark Bay, Western Australia
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2018 —
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Hamelin Pool in Shark Bay, Western Australia, hosts the largest and most diverse living marine stromatolites, including seasonally ephemeral dendrolitic microbial mats. These modern structures, dominated by filamentous cyanobacteria like Lyngbya aestuarii, form shrub-like morphologies with thick 'trunks' and finer 'branches,' providing a rare opportunity to study dendrolite formation in real time. The research, conducted through an intensive field program, reveals the complex interplay between microbial communities and environmental factors, offering new insights into ancient microbialite structures preserved in the rock record.
Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection
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2018 —
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Post-Khmer Rouge Cambodia witnessed a profound shift in the relationship between the living and the dead, transforming distrust into reciprocal support. This study reveals how the dead evolved from feared entities to benevolent allies, playing a crucial role in post-conflict reconstruction. By analyzing interactions at Choeung Ek Genocidal Center and Koh Sap Island, the research demonstrates that these relationships mirror local politics, illustrating the integral role of managing the dead in societal security. The approach combines qualitative analysis with comparative case studies, highlighting the complex dynamics of memory, conflict resolution, and social transformation.
Sagarmatha National Park
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2018 —
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A proposed translocation of blue sheep (<em>Pseudois nayaur</em>) to Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal, aims to reduce livestock depredation by snow leopards while providing an alternative prey base. However, the study reveals mixed local attitudes toward this conservation strategy. While quantitative analysis shows moderate support, qualitative insights highlight significant concerns, particularly among women and livestock owners. Key apprehensions include potential crop damage and competition for forage, especially in resource-dependent communities. Multiple regression analysis indicates that these groups are significantly less supportive, though the model's explanatory power is limited. Addressing local reservations will be critical for future consultation, planning, or implementation of such conservation efforts.
Old Rauma
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2018 —
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Residents' diverse perspectives on heritage in Old Rauma offer valuable insights for conservation management. The study identifies three distinct community groups with varying frames of reference and values about heritage, highlighting the importance of understanding local perceptions to effectively govern privately owned properties under international conventions. It suggests that fostering communication forums could enhance social learning and support practical, locally developed conservation methods. This approach would strengthen governance and advisory bodies by integrating local knowledge, needs, and community dynamics into heritage management strategies.
Site of Palmyra
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2018 —
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A local extinction of the Asian tiger mosquito (<em>Aedes albopictus</em>) has been documented following rat eradication on Palmyra Atoll, marking a potential first accidental secondary extinction of a mosquito species. The study, conducted by Lafferty et al., relied on anecdotal biting reports, collection records, and extensive trapping (black-light and scent traps) to track the mosquito's presence before and after rat removal. While <em>Aedes albopictus</em> was abundant prior to eradication, no captures or biting reports were recorded over two years post-eradication, contrasting with the persistent abundance of the southern house mosquito (<em>Culex quinquefasciatus</em>). The researchers hypothesize that rats served as a critical blood meal source for <em>Aedes</em>, with humans and seabirds alone insufficient to sustain its population. This finding suggests that preferred host availability can limit mosquito populations, offering new insights into disease vector control strategies targeting introduced species like rats.
Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands
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2018 —
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Research on the Marquesas Islands reveals that local medicinal knowledge about biodiversity is shaped by intricate gift logics and power dynamics, often driven by a deep-seated fear of loss among communities. This interdisciplinary study, involving multiple institutions, highlights how such knowledge circulates and is preserved, offering critical insights for debates on access and benefit-sharing of biological or genetic resources in French overseas territories and globally. The findings underscore the importance of recognizing and protecting indigenous knowledge systems while addressing broader policy implications.
Historic Monuments Zone of Tlacotalpan
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2018 —
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Research on <em>Sesbania virgata</em> reveals distinct karyotypes between two geographically isolated populations—one from Tlacotalpan, Mexico, and another from Salta, Argentina. The study identified only two secondary constrictions associated with macrosatellites in the short arms of the smallest chromosome pair, contrary to prior assumptions that suggested their location on long arms. Crucially, these regions actively participate in nucleolar organization during prometaphase, confirming their role as nucleolus organizer regions (NORs). This finding aligns with established patterns in plant chromosomes, particularly leguminous species, and suggests ongoing speciation driven by chromosomal arm ratio changes. The study employed surface-spreading and air-drying techniques to analyze root meristem cells, providing a robust methodology for cytogenetic comparison.
City of Verona
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2018 —
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Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Verona, Italy, is linked to significant health impacts, with approximately 299 deaths per year attributable to PM2.5-related diseases across the province, including 88 deaths annually within the city itself. These findings, derived from ground-based measurements spanning 2002–2015 and epidemiological models, reveal that 11.3% of respiratory and cardiovascular deaths in Verona are caused by PM2.5 pollution. Despite slight improvements in air quality over the studied period, the study underscores the persistent health risks posed by fine particulate matter in one of Europe's most polluted regions.
The Flow Country
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2018 —
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Research demonstrates the potential of the Intermittent Small BAseline Subset (ISBAS) technique to monitor long-term surface motion over peatland areas, offering a new tool for assessing peatland condition. Unlike traditional InSAR methods, ISBAS can effectively measure surface motion in vegetated and less coherent environments like peatlands. The study applied this technique to the Flow Country in Scotland using ERS C-band (1992–2000) and Sentinel-1 C-band (2015–2016) satellite data, identifying subsidence patterns linked to land cover and use. While ISBAS measurements aligned with ground data trends, uncertainties in magnitude and direction were noted. The findings suggest that ISBAS could be a valuable method for tracking peatland degradation or recovery, though further validation is required.
Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection
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2018 —
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A whale shark (Rhincodon typus) has been documented completing the longest recorded trans-Pacific migration, traveling over 20,000 kilometers from Coiba Island (Panama) to the Mariana Trench in the western Indo-Pacific. This female whale shark, tagged in Panama's Tropical Eastern Pacific, traversed the North Equatorial Current over 841 days, providing evidence of connectivity between ocean basins and potential migratory pathways into the Philippine Sea and South China Sea. The study utilized satellite tracking to map this unprecedented journey, offering new insights into the movement patterns and population dynamics of whale sharks across vast distances.
Quebrada de Humahuaca
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2018 —
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A concerning decline in the health of 'cardón' cacti (Trichocereus atacamensis) and their habitat in Argentina's Quebrada de Humahuaca threatens both ecological stability and traditional Kolla cultural practices. Despite socioenvironmental changes, indigenous communities maintain strong, culturally significant relationships with these emblematic plants, using them for various purposes and possessing deep knowledge of their morphology, ecology, and distribution. The study reveals a pressing need for conservation strategies to safeguard the cacti's health and preserve associated vernacular knowledge. Researchers conducted an ethnobotanical survey in Tilcara, Jujuy, gathering narratives on uses, ecological roles, and cultural significance while assessing the plants' phytosanitary status.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
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2018 —
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Conflicts over land tenure, resource access, and government support in the ejidos of Calakmul, Campeche, Mexico, reveal deep-seated tensions exacerbated by neoliberal policies. Through ethnographic research—including in-depth interviews and focus groups—the study identifies a pattern of resentment and rivalry between long-standing ejidatarios (ejido members) and non-related settlers, driven by competing strategies for market participation and survival. Findings suggest that current government programs, while intended to support rural communities, often inadvertently fuel intra-ejidal disputes. The research underscores the need to rethink agrarian conflict resolution in light of these unintended consequences.
Costiera Amalfitana
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2018 —
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A new analysis of Louis Kahn's 1929 sketches from the Amalfi Coast reveals previously unidentified locations and provides more precise details for ten drawings. The study sheds light on Kahn's artistic intent, graphic style, and influences, including techniques popularized in 1920s America, while also examining the potential impact of these travel drawings on his later architectural projects. This research builds upon earlier work by Jan Hochstim (1991) and an exhibition in Chicago and New York (1996), offering a deeper understanding of Kahn's early engagement with Italian landscapes.
Western Tien-Shan
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2018 —
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A new thermochronological study of the Chatkal-Kurama terrane in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan reveals distinct Meso-Cenozoic thermal histories on either side of the Talas-Fergana Fault. The research, combining zircon [U-Th-Sm]/He, apatite fission track, and apatite [U-Th-Sm]/He data from 30 igneous samples, shows that the terrane experienced rapid Triassic-Jurassic cooling linked to Palaeo-Asian Ocean closure or Qiangtang accretion. Unlike the Kyrgyz central Tian Shan to the east, which showed continuous fast cooling, the Chatkal-Kurama region exhibited Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous tectonic stability and marine incursions from the Paratethys Sea, suggesting a topographic divide induced by the fault. Renewed Cenozoic tectonic activity, tied to India-Eurasia collision and Pamir indentation, led to crustal tilting, exposing deeper rocks to the southwest.
Everglades National Park
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2018 —
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Nonnative freshwater fishes in Everglades National Park exhibit varying lower lethal temperature tolerances, ranging from 4°C to 16.1°C, with potential implications for their ecological role and management. This study provides empirical data on the low-temperature tolerance limits of four species—Banded Cichlid (Heros severus), Spotfin Spiny Eel (Macrognathus siamensis), African Jewelfish (Hemichromis letourneuxi), and Mayan Cichlid (Cichlasoma urophthalmus)—while also synthesizing existing knowledge for all 17 nonnative species found in the park. The findings suggest that temperature may be a critical factor influencing the geographic spread and ecological impact of these invasive fishes, offering potential avenues for management strategies.
Hanseatic City of Lübeck
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2018 —
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A rapid ascent to musical prominence in Germany, marked by Wilhelm Furtwängler's transition from assistant conductor to leading musical director within thirteen years, occurred amidst significant political turmoil. This study highlights the intersection of artistic evolution and societal change during a pivotal period in German history, spanning World War I and the Weimar Republic. Furtwängler's tenure as chief conductor in Lübeck (1911–1915) was shaped by the cultural ethos of the patrician Bürgertum, which also inspired Thomas Mann's novel 'Buddenbrooks.' The research employs a retrospective analysis to explore how historical context influenced Furtwängler's career trajectory and the enduring legacy of Lübeck's medieval atmosphere in modern German culture.
Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape
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2018 —
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A new chronology for an ancient walled settlement in the Orkhon Valley, Mongolia, suggests construction around 785±80 AD, challenging earlier archaeological estimates of 906–1125 AD. Researchers used optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating on quartz samples, applying the post-IR OSL method to small aliquots as proxies for single-grain measurements. Statistical analysis revealed a dose distribution with a central age model (CAM) De of 5.14±0.10 Gy and over dispersion of 47.5%, while the minimum age model (MAM) De was 3.7±0.6 Gy. The fast quartz post-IR OSL component, free from suspected partial bleaching, supported the earlier construction date. However, the MAM age aligns with independent evidence for reconstruction or reuse of the settlement around 1090±80 AD. This study demonstrates the potential of luminescence dating for young samples in cultural landscapes and refines our understanding of the Orkhon Valley's historical timeline.
Mount Huangshan
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2018 —
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Despite its geochemical similarities to mineralized systems, the Huangshan granite pluton in eastern China remains barren of economic mineralization. This study reveals that the lack of focused fluid flow, likely due to its flat roof geometry, is the key factor preventing mineral deposition. The research used melt and fluid inclusion analysis to reconstruct the magmatic-hydrothermal evolution, showing that both fluids and melts contained similar Mo concentrations as mineralized systems. The Huangshan magma's intermediate-density, high-salinity fluids (4.5–5.0 wt % NaCl equiv.) and near-solidus crystallization conditions (~700°C, ~1.8 kbar) suggest high confining pressures, with no evidence of fluid immiscibility. These findings highlight the importance of structural controls in determining mineralization potential.
Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay
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2018 —
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A massive, $300 million renovation project involving the French central state, regional governments of Normandy and Brittany, and the European Union aims to redefine Mont-Saint-Michel's identity while addressing its natural dynamics. The study highlights that the island's isolation, a defining feature since its founding in the 8th century, is threatened by daily sand accumulation due to coastal processes. This project seeks to balance preservation with adaptation, ensuring the site retains its historical and ecological significance despite the relentless forces of the sea.
Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking volume explores the concept of techné to illuminate pre-Columbian craft production, revealing its role in shaping value and meaning within ancient Andean and Mesoamerican societies. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining archaeological analysis with the chaîne opératoire method to dissect the technical processes behind artifacts like pottery, textiles, and metal adornments. Key findings highlight how skilled craftsmanship was intricately linked to political and ritual economies, with some contributions emphasizing the agency of materials in these contexts. The research offers a nuanced understanding of ancient artisans' knowledge and the cultural significance of their creations, spanning from coastal cultures to highland sites like Tiwanaku.
Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca
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2018 —
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Melaka is implementing policy-driven initiatives to become a resilient city amid increasing disaster risks in Asia. The study identifies that 70% of global disasters occur in Asia, with cities facing compounded threats from climate change, urbanization, socio-economic instability, terrorism, natural disasters, cyber-attacks, poverty, and endemic outbreaks. To address these challenges, Melaka is adopting strategic measures to enhance its resilience. The research employs literature and document analysis, examining relevant reports, policies, and literatures to assess the effectiveness of these initiatives. The findings aim to provide actionable insights for local authorities in Melaka, guiding them in preparing strategic directions and managing urban development to mitigate risks and foster long-term resilience.
Okapi Wildlife Reserve
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2018 —
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A significant decline in mammal populations, particularly red colobus, orycterope, and chimpanzee, has been observed across the Okapi Wildlife Reserve in Democratic Republic of the Congo. This depletion is largely attributed to cascading effects stemming from rebellions between 1996 and 2002. The study employs an ethnozoological approach, integrating spatially explicit and temporal local ecological knowledge, to provide a cost-effective yet reliable method for tracking population trends. Notably, while species like elephants have locally disappeared and okapi and forest buffalo persist only in the northern part of the landscape, Yangambi Reserve demonstrates post-depletion sustainability with stable populations of fast-reproducing or small-sized species. The research underscores the potential for reversing depletion processes in post-conflict contexts and highlights the utility of this methodology in other regions with significant observer activity.
Yosemite National Park
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2018 —
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A study on Yosemite National Park reveals that temperature increases of 2°C, 4°C, and 6°C could lead to significant reductions in April 1 snow water equivalent (SWE) by 38%, 73%, and 90% respectively, particularly in dry years. This warming would also cause the seasonal snowline to move upslope by 300 meters per 2°C increment, with a compressed melt zone at higher elevations under extreme warming scenarios. The research applied an energy- and mass-balance snow model across Yosemite's elevation range, using data from recent wet and dry years, to examine the impact of temperature increases and atmospheric moisture conditions on snowpack. Findings indicate that even moderate warming could eliminate snowpack contributions from elevations below 2,000 meters and alter forest water balance, posing challenges for land management in mountainous regions.
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
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2018 —
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Successful cat and rodent eradication on uninhabited or sparsely populated islands has significantly contributed to species conservation, yet similar efforts on inhabited islands remain limited. A study analyzing Fernando de Noronha, a Brazilian oceanic island, reveals that localized control measures have historically prioritized agriculture, human livelihoods, and animal welfare over native biodiversity conservation. Challenges in inhabited-island management stem from complex social dynamics, including perceived or actual lack of resident or administrative support, differing priorities between control versus eradication, and socioeconomic factors. The study provides abundance estimates for cats and density estimates for rats on Fernando de Noronha, along with documented biodiversity impacts, to inform future conservation strategies. Addressing these barriers is critical to preventing further decline and extinction of island fauna.
Site of Palmyra
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2018 —
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A significant phase shift from coral to corallimorpharian dominance, centered around a shipwreck at Palmyra Atoll, was documented in 2007. This invasive species threatened the reef ecosystem by overgrowing native corals and coralline algae. Management efforts, including the removal of the shipwreck and the application of pulverized bleach, demonstrated localized reductions in corallimorpharian cover. The study highlights the effectiveness of targeted interventions, such as active eradication in heavily infested areas (> 66% cover), to mitigate colonization rates and protect remaining reefs. This research provides critical insights into managing invasive cnidarians, offering lessons applicable to similar situations globally.
Macquarie Island
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2018 —
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Macquarie Island faces significant threats from invasive plant species introduced through human activity. Only three species—Poa annua, Stellaria media, and Cerastium fontanum—are well-established, with strict biosecurity measures in place to prevent further introductions. Research indicates that these weeds, though palatable, may have been suppressed by rabbit grazing. Post-rabbit eradication, weed proliferation could disrupt the island's ecosystem structure and function, necessitating targeted control strategies. The study proposes integrating both non-native plant and herbivore management for effective restoration. While S. media shows promise for easier management or potential eradication due to its limited distribution, knowledge gaps remain regarding soil seed banks, population dynamics post-eradication, and herbicide impacts in cold conditions. Ongoing research addresses these gaps, including studies on herbicide movement and fate in Macquarie Island's unique environment, despite logistical challenges.
Vredefort Dome
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2018 —
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Aloe greatheadii var. davyana demonstrates remarkable tolerance to manganese (Mn) without being a hyperaccumulator, with leaf tissue concentrations reaching up to 855 µg g⁻¹ on wehrlite substrates in the Vredefort Dome's ultramafic-peralkaline outcrops. Unlike other metals, Mn uptake is influenced more by soil pH, electric conductivity, and potassium levels than by available soil Mn. The study analyzed eight rock outcrops dominated by aloes to assess metal preferences and accumulation, finding that most species exclude metals, with only Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn detected in leaf tissue. This suggests a specific adaptation to ultramafic-peralkaline environments, offering insights into plant-metal interactions in extreme habitats.
The Dolomites
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2018 —
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The Dolomites, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009, are celebrated for their intrinsic beauty and global appeal. However, a new study challenges the notion that their aesthetic value is purely inherent to nature, arguing instead that it arises from complex human entanglements with the landscape over time. By redefining 'manicured landscapes' through the lens of memoryscape theory and non-representational ideas, researchers reveal how inhabitants—through both harmonious and discordant interactions—shape these iconic mountain parks. This relational perspective shifts the focus from natural beauty alone to the dynamic interplay between people and place, offering a nuanced understanding of heritage landscapes.
Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape
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2018 —
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A remarkable discovery of two new genera and species of Mantophasmatodea—Kuboesphasma compactum and Minutophasmarichtersveldense—in the Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape challenges the rarity observed in this order. Unlike other regions where only one or two species typically coexist, four distinct mantophasmatodeans inhabit the Richtersveld, suggesting unique ecological or evolutionary conditions. The study combines morphological analysis with phylogenetic discussion to characterize these taxa, providing a distribution map and taxonomic key for future research. This finding underscores the biodiversity significance of the Richtersveld.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
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2018 —
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Mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, exhibit sophisticated manual skills for processing hard-to-access plant foods, including those defended by stinging hairs or tough periderm. Unlike their Virunga counterparts—known for complex thistle and nettle preparation—Bwindi gorillas demonstrate hierarchical organization in their food-processing techniques, using 19 distinct grips, three of which are newly documented. These grips align with or resemble those used by other wild and captive African apes and humans, suggesting functional adaptations in hand morphology for forceful grasping, essential for both manipulation and arboreal locomotion. The study challenges the notion that diet alone fully explains gorilla hand specialization, highlighting instead a broader adaptive role.
City of Valletta
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2018 —
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Researchers identified 284 locations across three cities—Münster (Germany), Castelló (Spain), and Valletta (Malta)—where cyclists experience frictions that hinder smooth commuting. These frictions, characterized by slower cycling speeds, were mapped using a crowdsourced geospatial dataset collected via an experimental mobile geo-game involving 57 participants over one-week periods. The study revealed that factors such as distance to bicycle paths, surrounding infrastructure, and urban location significantly impact cycling behavior, offering critical insights for urban planners aiming to promote sustainable transport.
Old Town of Corfu
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2018 —
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A deep seismic sounding study of the Corfu and Lefkas-Killini profiles in western Greece has revealed the intricate structure of sedimentary basins and crustal layers beneath the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Corfu. The research identified five distinct sedimentary layers, each characterized by unique seismic velocities, ranging from Neogene formations to Mesozoic limestones and Triassic evaporites. Notably, a lower limestone layer with oil and gas potential was mapped beneath the evaporites, trapped due to velocity inversion. The study also highlighted the maximum thickness of continental crust at 40 km below Ippiros, providing critical insights into the geological evolution of the region.
Aldabra Atoll
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2018 —
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Aldabra Atoll, renowned for its biodiversity and undisturbed status, has been the subject of a groundbreaking lagoon mapping study that reveals two dominant habitat types covering 68% of its lagoon area: 'sparse macroalgae and seagrass assemblage on sand' (35%) and 'dense macroalgal mat on sand' (33%). The research utilized advanced geospatial technologies, including satellite remote sensing and in situ ground-referencing over 3.5 weeks, to create the first detailed maps of benthic community character and bathymetry. These maps provide a baseline for monitoring future environmental changes, with lagoon floor elevations ranging from -0.2 to -30 meters, highlighting a predominantly shallow (<3 m) platform with deeper channels, particularly Grande Passe in the northwest.
Fanjingshan
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2018 —
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Researchers developed a robust method to map vegetation and land use types in Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve (FNNR), a biodiversity hotspot in China, using Google Earth Engine. The study demonstrated that multi-seasonal Landsat image composites combined with elevation data significantly improved mapping accuracy by addressing challenges posed by steep terrain and persistent cloud cover. By leveraging spectral vegetation indices (SVIs) and shade/illumination normalization techniques, the team achieved consistent classification accuracies above 70%, even with limited training data. Advanced machine learning routines, optimized through tuning techniques, ensured reliable monitoring of forest cover and land use in FNNR and similar mountainous, cloud-prone regions.
Heart of Neolithic Orkney
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2018 —
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A novel approach using the Multiple Scenario Approach (MSA) reveals that Neolithisation had persistent and subtle impacts on land cover, even during periods of lower archaeological activity. The study introduces LandPolFlow, a software package that combines landscape constraints with probabilistic models to reconstruct past land cover from pollen records. Applied to two contrasting Neolithic landscapes—one wetland-dominated in Somerset and the other treeless in Orkney—the research demonstrates how this method can statistically identify plausible scenarios of past vegetation. By grouping pollen data into 200-year 'timeslices,' it provides a dynamic reconstruction of land cover changes, offering new insights into human-landscape interactions during the Neolithic period.
Maritime Greenwich
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking catalogue of over 200 marine chronometers at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, offers unprecedented technical and historical insights. Each chronometer was meticulously dismantled, studied, and recorded, with detailed illustrations including newly commissioned line drawings and photographs. The collection provides a comprehensive history of marine timekeeping, highlighting John Harrison's pioneering work, which is described in minute detail for the first time. The catalogue also includes biographical details of all makers, a chapter on 19th-century chronometer manufacturing, and practical guidance for assessing and dating chronometers—valuable resources for collectors and dealers. Appendices feature pictorial records of maker punches, compensation balances, a technical glossary, and inventory number concordance, ensuring accessibility and depth for both academic and general audiences.
Site of Palmyra
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2018 —
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Green turtles at Palmyra Atoll exhibit remarkable residency patterns, with most remaining within the protected area's boundaries for extended periods. Satellite telemetry and flipper tagging over six years revealed high site fidelity, small home ranges, and minimal long-distance movement despite being a migratory species. Only one tracked turtle ventured beyond the atoll, traveling ~5600 km in a near-circular loop. This behavior suggests Palmyra's protected waters serve as a critical, high-quality habitat with low turnover, emphasizing its importance for regionally endangered turtles. The study highlights the potential of marine protected areas to support long-term residency in migratory species.
Wartburg Castle
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2018 —
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A comprehensive, multi-volume scholarly work on Martin Luther's influence during the 500th anniversary of the Reformation reveals his profound and multifaceted impact on religious, social, and cultural spheres. Edited by Italian Catholic scholar Alberto Melloni, this project broadens the scope of Luther research by including European scholars less represented in English, German, or Scandinavian literature. It examines Luther's theological legacy, interactions with other reformers, and his influence on philosophy, architecture, music, and global Protestantism, while also addressing controversial aspects such as his views on women, Jews, sexuality, and politics. The volumes feature 73 balanced essays, 30 maps, 75 portraits, and numerous images, including Wartburg Castle, providing a rich, ecumenical, and historical analysis of Luther's enduring significance.
National Archeological Park of Tierradentro
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2018 —
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Indigenous-led research initiatives in Tierradentro, Colombia, challenge the epistemic dominance of modern science by strengthening community autonomy and redefining territoriality. The study highlights how the Consejo Regional Indígena del Cauca's 'intercultural community research' serves as a counter-narrative to multiculturalism, which often privileges Western scientific frameworks. This approach not only preserves but actively reconstructs Indigenous knowledge systems, offering a model for decolonizing research methodologies. Spanning 1991–2015, the work demonstrates how such initiatives can disrupt conventional power structures in academia and policy.
Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada
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2018 —
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A collection of previously unpublished letters and calling cards, written by modernist writers Gregorio Martínez Sierra and Eduardo Marquina to the composer Ángel Barrios, has been unearthed from the latter's archive. These documents, now part of the Alhambra and Generalife Patronato's holdings in Granada, offer rare insights into the personal and artistic relationships between these figures during their time in Granada. The letters are accompanied by introductory essays that contextualize Martínez Sierra's and Marquina's stays in the city and their connections with Barrios, providing a glimpse into the cultural dynamics of the era.
Göbekli Tepe
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2018 —
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Archaeological evidence from Upper Mesopotamia's Early Neolithic period reveals that masks and masquerade played a significant role in rituals tied to mythological narratives, particularly those related to death. These rituals were conducted at specialized sites with rich iconography, such as Göbekli Tepe, Jerf el Ahmar, and Nevalı Çori. The study highlights the time-intensive craftsmanship involved in creating both miniature and life-sized mask representations, suggesting their importance in these ceremonies. By analyzing artifacts from these sites, researchers argue that masking was a central element in reenacting sacred narratives, underscoring its cultural and symbolic significance during this pivotal period of human history.
Hegmataneh
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2018 —
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A significant revision of the chronology for Tepe Hegmataneh, Iran, establishes that its grand Parthian architectural level dates definitively to the middle-to-late Parthian period, spanning the first few centuries CE and potentially extending into the early 4th century. This conclusion was reached through precise stratigraphic analyses conducted between 2004 and 2007 by Masoud Azarnoush, complemented by thermoluminescence and radiocarbon dating of recovered materials. The study resolves earlier uncertainties by combining relative and absolute dating methods, providing a robust framework for understanding the site's historical timeline.
Gough and Inaccessible Islands
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2018 —
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Gough Island house mice (Mus musculus) have evolved to become the largest wild house mice on record, with significant increases in body size and a predatory diet consisting of seabird chicks and eggs. Research indicates that these mice exhibit enhanced masticatory performance, including greater bite force and jaw gape, compared to mainland strains. While their musculoskeletal features are absolutely larger, they show reduced performance relative to body size or jaw length, suggesting a size-related decrease in abilities. However, certain features like incisor biting leverage and condylar dimensions suggest evolutionary enhancements correlated with extreme body size and diet shifts.
Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük
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2018 —
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Neolithic Çatalhöyük was organized around multi-family House Societies, where members resided in clusters of similarly sized buildings, deeply connected to ancestral narratives and genealogical histories. These houses featured elaborate room decorations reflecting past, future, and family themes, with the dead embedded beneath floors as living ancestors. The study challenges traditional views by emphasizing social scales beyond single-family households, suggesting that multi-family Houses served as foundational organizational units in Neolithic villages.
National Archaeological Park Tak’alik Ab’aj
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2018 —
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Research at the National Archaeological Park Tak’alik Ab’aj reveals that Chocolá’s hydraulic engineering, including stone conduits and canals, mirrors systems found in other ancient Maya cities like Takalik Abaj and Kaminaljuyu. This suggests a deliberate sharing of technology among these polities, indicating strong interconnections between them. Additionally, the study proposes that intensive surplus cacao production—likely through large groves—contributed significantly to Chocolá’s rise as a powerful society. The 'Shook Altar,' a notable monument from the Southern Maya Region, plays a key role in this hypothesis, supporting theories of long-distance trade and economic prosperity.
Cathedral, Torre Civica and Piazza Grande, Modena
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2018 —
WHEA1E3A4561C
Historical research reveals that Matilda of Canossa's influence extended beyond territorial control, significantly impacting urban centers during the Gregorian Reform. While her power over territories like those between the river Po and the Apennines is well-documented, this study highlights her role in urban spaces, particularly through architectural patronage. The analysis focuses on codices and designs by Wiligelmo and his team, demonstrating a strategic approach to counter religious dissent, including the heresy of antipopes, within opulent cities like Cremona and Modena. The absence of orthodox bishops in these cities allowed Matilda to intervene in significant projects, such as the rebuilding of cathedrals, underscoring her multifaceted influence during this period.
Namib Sand Sea
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2018 —
WHE5435A90174
A new perspective on the peopling history of southern Africa emerges from genetic and linguistic analyses of populations in southwestern Angola, particularly within the Namib Sand Sea. The study reveals that the maternal genetic structure of these groups is strongly influenced by their matriclanic systems, which have driven population differentiation through genetic drift. Contrary to previous assumptions, social stratification and subsistence patterns do not necessarily indicate remnant groups but may reflect internal Bantu variation and ethnogenesis. Researchers analyzed 295 complete mtDNA genomes from seven Namib Desert groups (Himba, Kuvale, Tjimba, Twa, Kwisi, Kwepe) and Kunene Province (!Xun), alongside linguistic data. The findings suggest that the dominant pastoral groups, such as Kuvale and Himba, share a Bantu proto-population with ancestors of present-day Tjimba and Herero, as well as Khoe-Kwadi-speaking Damara foragers. This challenges traditional views on Bantu expansions and population dynamics in southern Africa.
Sangiran Early Man Site
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2018 —
WHEA169BFF5C1
A significant economic value for tourism at the Sangiran Early Man Site, Indonesia, has been estimated between Rp 2.219 billion and Rp 2.756 billion annually using a contingent valuation method. This study identified key factors influencing willingness to pay for quality improvements, including bid amount, gender, and income. The findings suggest that enhancing the site—through expanded collections, improved infrastructure, better services, and staff training—could yield substantial economic, historical, and educational benefits. Supporting local government efforts in these areas is recommended as a profitable and multifaceted investment.
