M'Zab Valley
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2017 —
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A one-dimensional hydraulic model, combined with spatial tools and remote sensing, successfully mapped flood risks in the M'Zab Valley, Algeria. The study leveraged a high-resolution 2.5 m digital terrain model to identify critical outflow points, pinpointing areas requiring intervention for flood prevention. Field-collected GPS data calibrated the model, demonstrating its effectiveness even in urban contexts. This approach provides actionable insights for mitigating flood risks in vulnerable regions.
Hyrcanian Forests
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2017 —
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Rocky outcrops and cliffs near the timberline of Iran's Hyrcanian Forests, particularly those at 2500–3000 m a.s.l., harbor a rich diversity of endemic, sub-endemic, and rare plant species. A study identified 215 vascular plants across five distinct vegetation types, dominated by hemicrytophytes (55.8%) and Euro-Siberian/Irano-Turanian elements (28.2%). Phytogeographical analysis revealed that Euro-Siberian taxa, including Hyrcanian endemics, predominate in these high-altitude ecosystems. The research used 40 relevés of 25 m² each, combined with TWINSPAN and indirect gradient analyses, to assess how altitude, heat index, northness, slope inclination, and bedrock features shape vegetation patterns. These findings underscore the ecological significance and fragility of these timberline and ecotone ecosystems in the central Hyrcanian region.
Uvs Nuur Basin
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2017 —
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A recent botanical survey in southern Tuva, Russia, has uncovered four aquatic plant species previously undocumented in the region: Najas marina, Ranunculus subrigidus, Sparganium angustifolium, and Utricularia macrorhiza. Additionally, 24 vascular plant species were recorded for the first time across five southern nature regions, including Erzin, Mongun-Tayga, Sangilen, Ubsunur, and Ulug-Khem. The study also identified several new species within the conservation zone of the Uvs Nuur Basin Biosphere Reserve. This research contributes to the floristic documentation of Tuva, providing critical data for biodiversity assessments and conservation efforts in this ecologically significant region.
Putorana Plateau
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2017 —
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A recent floristic survey of the Taimyr (Dolgan-Nenets) municipal district, including the North-West Putorana Plateau and Khatanga river basin, identified 12 plant species new to the district and 13 previously unknown on the Putorana Plateau. Among these are rare or range-edge species such as <em>Botrychium multifidum</em>, <em>Carex lasiocarpa</em>, and <em>Saussurea alpina</em>. The study, conducted through herbarization efforts between 2013–2016, provides detailed ecological data—including coordinates, habitat types, and collection dates—for each species. This expands the known flora of this UNESCO-listed region, offering critical insights for conservation and biodiversity studies in extreme northern ecosystems.
Vredefort Dome
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2017 —
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Scientists have documented the extraordinary fluvial transport of shocked zircon grains from the 2.02 billion-year-old Vredefort impact structure in South Africa to the Atlantic coast, spanning over 1940 kilometers through the Vaal-Orange river system. This discovery highlights the resilience and detectability of detrital shocked minerals, which retain diagnostic microstructures and geochemical fingerprints even after extensive transport. The study involved a comprehensive survey of 11,168 zircon grains from the Orange River basin and coastal sediments, identifying three shocked grains (0.03% abundance) with {112} twins and U-Pb ages consistent with the Vredefort source. This research bridges impact cratering and sedimentology, offering a novel method to trace eroded impact structures across geological time, from the Hadean to the Phanerozoic.
San Cristóbal de La Laguna
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2017 —
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A study on Tenerife reveals that local populations perceive climate change adaptation not as a response to gradual environmental shifts but as a means of resilience against external shocks, including heatwaves, Saharan dust intrusions, and air pollution. These findings stem from three focus group sessions held across San Cristóbal de La Laguna, La Orotava, and Icod de los Vinos in November 2016, which aimed to engage citizens in devising adaptation strategies. The research highlights significant environmental and health impacts, such as ecosystem redistribution, wildfires, and increased mortality and morbidity due to heatwaves and pollution. The insights gathered will inform the development of resilience scenarios for Tenerife, addressing both environmental and socio-economic challenges.
Namib Sand Sea
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2017 —
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A groundbreaking study reveals that the Namib Sand Sea experiences at least three distinct types of fog—advective, radiation, and mixed—contrary to the long-held belief that advective fog dominates this arid region. Using stable isotope analysis (δ18O and δ2H), researchers identified these fog types and their source waters, challenging the assumption that advective fog alone shapes the desert's fog-zone ecosystem. The findings indicate radiation fog was more prevalent during the study period, while mixed fog likely forms when advective fog interacts with local moisture or dissipates inland. This discovery underscores the complexity of fog dynamics in the Namib Desert and highlights the need for nuanced climate models to predict the impacts of climate change on this unique environment.
Roman Theatre and its Surroundings and the "Triumphal Arch" of Orange
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2017 —
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A new perspective on the resilience of French provincial theatre during the Third Republic reveals its flourishing role against state-led initiatives. Popular theatre, rooted in local folklore, Catholic mystery plays, and patriotic neo-Classicism, thrived in regions like Brittany, Orange, the Vosges, and Poitou. The study highlights tensions between regionalism and nationalism, showing how some playwrights preferred Parisian life while others relied on its support. Key figures include Anatole Le Braz, Joseph Le Bayon, Maurice Pottecher, and Pierre Corneille Saint-Marc, whose works were staged at significant sites like the Roman amphitheatre of Orange.
Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
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2017 —
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The Sri Lanka Yellow-eared Bulbul (Pycnonotus penicillatus) demonstrates a strong preference for montane cloud forests, with 95% of its foraging activity concentrated in these habitats. This species predominantly forages on the leaves of Rubus ellipticus, employing 'gulping' as its primary food-handling technique. Foraging occurs at an average height of 3.6 meters above ground, primarily within the middle horizontal position of trees with moderate foliage density. The study, conducted in Horton Plains National Park from September 2015 to April 2017, used line transects and opportunistic observations to gather data on foraging behavior, movement patterns, and plant utilization. Findings indicate that P. penicillatus utilizes a variety of plant species and sizes for foraging, highlighting its adaptability within the montane cloud forest ecosystem.
Mount Taishan
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2017 —
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A novel approach using radial basis function artificial neural networks (RBF ANNs) significantly enhances the accuracy of estimating forest above-ground biomass (AGB) from remotely sensed imagery, outperforming traditional methods like multivariate linear regression and other neural network models. This study applied Landsat 8 OLI imagery and field data to model AGB in Mount Tai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Shandong Province, China. The RBF ANN demonstrated superior precision compared to k-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) and backpropagation artificial neural networks (BP ANNs), offering a more efficient and reliable tool for assessing forest productivity and carbon cycling dynamics. This advancement supports better-informed forest management and scientific planning.
The Forth Bridge
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2017 —
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A first internal inspection of the Forth Road Bridge's main cables, conducted in 2003, revealed significant corrosion within the structure. This finding prompted a strength evaluation, which assessed both current and future structural integrity. The study also introduced an acoustic monitoring system to track cable conditions over time and implemented dehumidification measures to mitigate further deterioration. These interventions aim to preserve one of Scotland's key transport links, which carries over 65,000 vehicles daily.
The Forth Bridge
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2017 —
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Significant corrosion was detected in the main cables of the Forth Road Bridge, prompting remedial works. The bridge, a strategic commuter route with traffic increasing from 4 million to 24 million vehicles annually, faces maintenance challenges due to its operational constraints. Major projects over the next 15 years include strengthening the suspended span deck truss, replacing deck joints and bearings, and extensive maintenance such as waterproofing, resurfacing, and painting. Previous work has already addressed tower strengthening, pier defences, hanger replacement, and underdeck access improvements. All interventions must be executed during overnight or weekend closures to minimize disruptions.
Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
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2017 —
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A new perspective on the early St. Louis fur trade emerges, challenging traditional narratives by highlighting neglected manuscripts from the Missouri History Museum and the Archivo General de Indias in Seville. This research reveals a diverse cast of figures—négociants, commerçants, and voyageurs—who played pivotal roles in shaping the trade's foundations, rather than focusing solely on Pierre Laclède Liguest and Auguste Chouteau. The study also explores the competitive dynamics between American traders and British counterparts, along with the involvement of Indigenous peoples. By drawing from previously underutilized sources, this work offers a more nuanced understanding of the fur trade's origins and its broader historical significance.
Río Abiseo National Park
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2017 —
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Researchers have identified four new species of terrestrial-breeding frogs within the genus Phrynopus, significantly expanding the known diversity of this group. These discoveries, made on the eastern slopes of the Cordillera Oriental near and within Río Abiseo National Park in Peru, include Phrynopus anancites, P. capitalis, P. dumicola, and P. personatus, each exhibiting distinct morphological traits such as coloration, skin texture, and habitat preferences. Notably, one specimen of P. dumicola was found infected with Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a fungal pathogen linked to amphibian declines. The study highlights the biodiversity richness of Río Abiseo National Park, which harbors these frogs in diverse habitats ranging from wet montane grasslands to tropical montane rain forests at elevations between 2800 and 3850 meters.
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
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2017 —
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Visualization, particularly through photography, played a decisive role in transforming Machu Picchu from an obscured ruin into a globally recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site. Amy Cox Hall's analysis of Hiram Bingham's three expeditions to Peru (1911, 1912, 1914–1915) demonstrates that photography shaped the site's perception as both a scientific discovery and a symbol of Peruvian heritage. While Bingham's work relied on local knowledge and labor, his photographic practices stabilized the narrative of Machu Picchu as a 'lost city,' influencing its cultural significance worldwide. This study highlights how images circulated globally, taking on varied meanings—especially in Peru, where the site became a national patrimony requiring protection.
Archaeological Site of Cyrene
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2017 —
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The EAMENA project demonstrates that geospatial methods, combining satellite imagery from 1960s to 2017 with published data and field surveys, can effectively document and analyze threats to archaeological sites across the Middle East and North Africa. Using Cyrene as a case study, the research highlights how modern urban expansion impacts World Heritage Sites, while also showcasing the methodology's scalability through extensive land-use mapping of Homs Cairns. The approach, which integrates image interpretation and fieldwork, proves more effective than crowd-sourcing or automation alone for assessing disturbances in diverse regions.
Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley
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2017 —
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A comprehensive analysis of Upper Paleolithic cave art reveals significant shifts in symbolic language, animal representation, and spatial layout over 15,000 years, linking Chauvet (36 ka BP) to Lascaux (21 ka BP). The study identifies two distinct occupation periods at Chauvet—Aurignacian (37–33.5 ka BP) with black zoomorphic paintings—and traces evolutionary patterns in artistic expression amid glacial environments. Unlike Lascaux, which suffered from tourist-induced microclimate disruption and is now closed, Chauvet offers pristine examples of early Western European art. The research underscores the socio-cultural behavior of <em>Homo sapiens</em> during this era, providing insights into their adaptive strategies and symbolic development.
Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve
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2017 —
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Indigenous Miskitu, Tawahka, and Pech communities in Honduras, in collaboration with university geographers, have developed transparent static web maps as a tool for maintaining indigenous territorial control. This approach allows them to share their cognitive maps publicly while retaining the original design and intended representation of their lands. The project began with large-scale paper maps created in 1998–1999 during the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve participatory research mapping (PRM) initiative, which were later digitized into GIS vector files by 2012 and converted to web-based transparent static maps between 2013–2014. This method addresses the challenge of public access to map data without losing control over its representation, offering a solution for long-term indigenous land management while reflecting distinct indigenous concepts and practices.
Gordion
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2017 —
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Recent findings from Methone, including three long inscriptions likely written in Eretrian script, provide crucial evidence for the diffusion of literacy and the evolution of the Greek alphabet. These inscriptions challenge traditional views by suggesting that the alphabet's development involved three distinct phases—Cretan, Euboean, Roman, and Ionian—contradicting earlier assumptions about its Phoenician origins. The discovery also supports a revised chronology for the Middle and Late Geometric periods, resolving inconsistencies in previous theories. Additionally, the inscriptions indicate that the Euboean script was sophisticated enough to record complex texts, such as epic poetry, by this stage. This study bridges archaeological evidence with linguistic history, offering new insights into the spread of literacy across the Mediterranean.
Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian
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2017 —
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A newly discovered Neanderthal skull from Shanidar Cave, Iraq, provides critical insights into the evolution and behavior of Neanderthals. This finding, alongside evidence from other sites like Zhoukoudian near Beijing, challenges outdated stereotypes about Neanderthals as primitive or brutish. The study examines anatomical features, stone tool technology, hunting practices, fire use, burial rituals, and potential artwork, offering a more nuanced understanding of their capabilities and cultural practices. It also explores three major theories on Neanderthal evolution while mapping key archaeological sites across Europe, western Asia, North Africa, and East Asia to trace the spread of hominins during the Lower Paleolithic period.
Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces
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2017 —
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Landscape conservation projects that balance use, existence (e.g., aesthetic), and intrinsic values tend to avoid deadlock, as demonstrated by the Lavaux UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study argues for a shift from viewing landscapes solely as resources to recognizing them as commons, aligning with the Florence Declaration on Landscape. This approach requires a nuanced understanding of landscape values, which the research explores through a phenomenological conceptualization. By distinguishing between these values, the study establishes a framework that promotes dialogue and resolves conflicts in real-life conservation efforts.
Old and New Towns of Edinburgh
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2017 —
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A retrospective analysis of the Edinburgh Declaration, published 30 years prior, reveals its enduring influence on medical education and urban development. The 2018 State of the Science issue provides a comprehensive evaluation of the declaration's impact, assessing advancements in research methodologies, policy implementations, and educational reforms in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh. This analysis highlights the declaration's role in shaping sustainable urban growth and preserving cultural heritage while addressing contemporary challenges. The study employs a comparative approach, examining historical data, policy documents, and case studies to trace the evolution of these sites over three decades.
Historic Town of Ouro Preto
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2017 —
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A segment of Spix and Martius’ historic 1817–1820 expedition through Brazil was re-traced in 2017, revealing significant environmental and urban transformations over two centuries. The journey, from Ouro Preto to Diamantina, documented changes in landscapes, settlements, and ecosystems, including the impact of a 2015 disaster on Mariana’s small towns and the preservation of the Serra da Caraça National Park and Sanctuary. The study highlights the continuity of natural and cultural heritage along this route, bridging the Atlantic Rainforest and Cerrado biomes at Itambé Mountain (2052 m). This re-enactment provides a comparative framework for understanding historical ecological shifts in one of Brazil’s most significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula
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2017 —
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A novel methodology, Multi-Stakeholder Spatial Decision Analysis (M-SSDA), has been developed to identify and promote shared landscape values for resilient tourism strategies. Combining multi-stakeholder decision analysis with GIS tools, this approach integrates interviews, semantic analysis, and geo-statistical techniques to enhance decision-making reliability. Applied in the Cilento National Park (Southern Italy) as part of the 'Cilento Labscape' project, M-SSDA successfully transitioned from perceived landscape values to acknowledged shared values, enabling the design of sustainable thematic itineraries. This collaborative, adaptive framework empowers local communities to actively contribute to preserving and promoting their unique resources through bottom-up decision-making processes.
Historic Centre of Lima
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2017 —
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Urban risk traps, characterized by cycles of everyday risks and small-scale disasters, disproportionately affect impoverished urban dwellers. A study on Lima, Peru, reveals that such traps persist not due to a lack of risk-mitigation investments but because these investments often have unintended consequences that erode the capacity of at-risk communities to act, thereby perpetuating risk accumulation cycles. The research, based on the action-research project cLIMA sin Riesgo, analyzed state agency and community-led investment actions in Barrios Altos (historic center) and José Carlos Mariátegui (periphery). It argues for a re-evaluation of risk-mitigation strategies to disrupt these cycles effectively.
Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing
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2017 —
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A significant portion of objects labeled as originating from the Summer Palace, Beijing, lack verifiable provenance, despite some having clear ties to the 1860 sacking. The study highlights how Western markets in the 19th century often used vague descriptions like 'From the Imperial Summer Palace' for newly acquired items, obscuring their true origins. This practice exacerbated China's political humiliation and cultural loss during colonial-era conflicts. The research examines historical records, sales data, and government responses to trace the movement of artworks, architectural fragments, and manuscripts from Yuanmingyuan (the Old Summer Palace) to Western collections.
Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape
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A biocultural diversity perspective on heritage strengthens the agency of local communities to safeguard their landscapes, aligning global conservation values with local identity and practices. This study compares the formally designated Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape and Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape in South Africa with the unrecognized emaXhoseni landscape, revealing how cultural landscapes can be both universal conservation areas and locally meaningful places of identity. By integrating expert and local perspectives, the research highlights the importance of recognizing indigenous beliefs, values, and practices in heritage management, ensuring that conservation efforts are culturally relevant and sustainable.
Frontiers of the Roman Empire
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2017 —
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Roman frontiers, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offer valuable insights for contemporary Europe by serving as sites of encounter and transformation. This study bridges the fields of border studies and Roman Frontier Studies to explore how ancient frontiers can inform modern debates on integration and border dissolution. By analyzing the relationship between the Roman Frontiers initiative and the European Union's goals, it advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration to reflect on current challenges facing Europe. The research emphasizes frontiers as dynamic spaces where cultural exchange and transformation occurred, providing a lens through which to examine present-day border dynamics.
Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea
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2017 —
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Exotic common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) introduced to Rio de Janeiro's Tijuca National Park (TNP) demonstrate potential as seed dispersers for native plant species, despite being an invasive primate. Analysis of 60 feeding records over 361 hours revealed that fruits constituted nearly half (48.3%) of their diet, with seeds from four species swallowed intact and seven others found in feces, indicating successful dispersal. This finding is significant as it highlights the ecological role of an invasive species in an urban Atlantic Forest where native callitrichids are absent, providing critical insights for managing marmoset populations and conserving biodiversity in TNP.
Monastery of Batalha
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2017 —
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The Founder's Chapel at the Monastery of Batalha, Portugal, was a remarkable microcosm of fifteenth-century European artistry. Commissioned by King João I, it featured contributions from renowned architects and stonemasons from France, Flanders, England, and Germany, alongside Portuguese artisans. The chapel once housed magnificent wall paintings and altarpieces, including a notable panel attributed to Rogier van der Weyden, though much of this decoration was lost in the nineteenth century. A significant surviving element is the polychromed limestone tomb of King João I and his wife Philippa of Lancaster, commissioned in 1426 and completed by 1434. This monument stands as a testament to the chapel's historical and artistic significance, reflecting the cultural exchange and craftsmanship of the period.
Wood Buffalo National Park
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2017 —
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A significant increase in flammable biomass was observed in upland sites within Wood Buffalo National Park over 97 years, particularly in mature moist conifer forests dominated by black spruce or white spruce. This accumulation was not consistent across all wetlands, except where tree cover was dense. The study, conducted in a high-frequency fire regime, measured fuel loading and structure at 66 sites, revealing that canopy fuels drove the increase, while surface fuels remained relatively constant. These findings highlight the role of fuel availability and structure in wildfire dynamics within boreal ecosystems.
Waterton Glacier International Peace Park
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2017 —
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An environmental flow regime implemented in the Waterton River, Alberta, significantly benefited riparian cottonwoods (Populus trichocarpa and P. angustifolia) by increasing minimum flows and introducing gradual recession after spring peaks. The study found that these 'functional flows' enhanced tree growth and colonization, particularly by raising the minimum discharge from 0.93 to 2.27 m³/s. Tree ring analyses revealed improved growth patterns in established trees, while spatial distributions indicated that cottonwood colonization elevated with increased flow. Historical comparisons across four dam operation intervals—pre-dam, early post-dam, drought period, and environmental flow regime—highlighted the ecological benefits of regulated flows for riparian ecosystems.
Tugendhat Villa in Brno
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2017 —
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The Tugendhat Villa, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and built between 1928 and 1930, stands as a significant pre-war architectural masterpiece. Recognized for its cultural importance, the villa has faced historical challenges, including confiscation during World War II and subsequent renovations that revealed geological instability, such as landslides. These findings highlight the interplay between architectural heritage and geological subsoil, making it an ideal candidate for geotourism. The study emphasizes the villa's potential to serve as a unique educational and tourist destination, blending architectural history with geological insights.
Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks
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2017 —
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Future streamflow in the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, particularly in the Athabasca River catchment within Jasper National Park, is projected to decrease significantly by up to 86% compared to baseline periods due to reduced precipitation. Summer streamflow is expected to drop from 58% to 39%, while spring streamflow may increase by 13-26%, potentially altering the seasonal hydrological patterns. The study, using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) calibrated with data from global circulation models under the Special Report on Emission Scenarios (SRES), predicts colder winters with increased snowfall but overall lower precipitation, which could lead to water scarcity in the region.
Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley: originary habitat of Mesoamerica
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2017 —
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Sunflower seeds exhibit significantly higher radiosensitivity to gamma irradiation from cobalt-60 compared to roselle, with no observed LD50 (lethal dose 50%) within the tested range of up to 35 Gy. The study employed a randomized complete block design to assess germination rates across increasing radiation doses (0–35 Gy) for both species in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley. While sunflower's sensitivity was markedly greater, neither species reached 0% germination, suggesting that LD50 values likely exceed 1000 Gy. The radiosensitivity curves were modeled linearly with high accuracy, indicating a proportional relationship between radiation dose and germination inhibition. These findings highlight the differential resilience of subtropical plant species to ionizing radiation, with implications for ecological studies in irradiated environments.
Gamzigrad-Romuliana, Palace of Galerius
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2017 —
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A comprehensive analysis of the late antique palace complex Felix Romuliana, associated with Emperor Galerius (283–311 AD), reveals significant insights into the diachronic development and historical framework of its micro-region. This study, part of the TOPOI Excellence Cluster in Berlin, goes beyond previous research by examining not only the palace itself but also its immediate and wider hinterland from prehistoric to medieval times. The findings provide a new understanding of settlement patterns, offering valuable context for the palace's role within its historic and topographic landscape.
Central Suriname Nature Reserve
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2017 —
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Only about 1.8% of the world's wilderness is protected under UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS), with notable exceptions like the Okavango Delta and Central Suriname Nature Reserve. A global analysis identified significant gaps in wilderness representation across 22 terrestrial biorealms, despite WHS containing some excellent examples. The study used a 'last-of-the-wild' method to map remaining wilderness areas and assessed their coverage under existing protected designations. It also pinpointed 840 large protected areas—predominantly wilderness—that could serve as candidates for future WHS designation, addressing critical biodiversity gaps. The research underscores the urgent need for the World Heritage Convention to prioritize ecological integrity in preserving these irreplaceable landscapes.
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
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2017 —
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A comprehensive study of gastrointestinal parasites in feral cats and rodents from the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil, revealed that 100% of the samples tested positive for these pathogens. The research identified 17 genera or species, with Ancylostoma sp., Strongyloides sp., Trichuris campanula, and Toxocara cati being prevalent in feral cats, while Eimeria sp., Strongyloides sp., and Trichuris muris were more common in rodents. This finding underscores the significant risk of parasite transmission to the human population due to the presence of infected feral animals. The study highlights the complex dynamics of parasitic infections in insular regions, where confined populations of hosts and parasites coexist, and emphasizes the need for further research to address knowledge gaps in this area.
Persepolis
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Gemelli Careri’s 17th-century description of Persepolis, one of the Achaemenid Persian Empire’s capital cities (ca. 550–330 BCE), offers a unique lens into the transition from imaginative to more scientific travel writing about archaeological sites. His detailed account—spanning twenty pages with two engraved plates—stands out for its precision and insight, even as it remains largely overlooked in modern studies of Achaemenid Persia. By comparing his observations with those of contemporary travelers and current archaeological knowledge, this study highlights the significance of Gemelli Careri’s work as a bridge between earlier, more fanciful narratives and later, more rigorous scientific approaches to site documentation.
Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
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Archaeological findings of stove tiles from Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra reveal significant insights into the evolution of Ukrainian tile-making traditions and the history of the monastery. The collection, spanning XV–XIX centuries, showcases distinct stylistic and typological developments, including early pot-like tiles (XV–XVI centuries), decorated tablet tiles with sacral or mythological themes (XVI–XVII centuries), and a diverse range of products from XVIІ–XVIII centuries. Comparative analysis with synchronic examples from Pechersk suggests potential for further chronological differentiation, linking tiles to specific periods or household objects within the monastery. The findings also highlight urgent conservation needs, which could transform this collection into a comprehensive museum exhibit.
Galápagos Islands
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A study on the genetic diversity and population structure of two Galapagos tomato species, Solanum cheesmaniae and Solanum galapagense, reveals distinct evolutionary patterns linked to the islands' geological history. Analysis of 3,974 polymorphic SNP markers using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and STRUCTURE identified clear genetic distinctions between the species, with S. cheesmaniae showing subdivision based on geographical origin and island age. The findings suggest that the movement of the Galapagos Islands from west to east influenced gene flow in S. cheesmaniae, while the absence of S. galapagense in eastern islands indicates post-isolation divergence. This research highlights the potential of these species for plant breeding, offering novel alleles contributing to stress tolerance.
Hyrcanian Forests
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A study on the genetic diversity of Castanea sativa, an endangered tree species in Iran's Hyrcanian Forest, reveals significant genetic erosion and population differentiation. Using 18 simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci—10 nuclear and 8 chloroplastic—the research found low nuclear genetic diversity with observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.125 to 1.000, while chloroplast SSRs showed no polymorphism. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated high within-population variation (84%) but notable between-population differentiation (16%). Structure and UPGMA analyses separated the Shafaroud population from others, suggesting a genetic extinction vortex due to limited gene flow over short distances. The findings underscore the urgent need for stricter protection measures across all four known populations of this species in Iran.
Pantanal Conservation Area
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2017 —
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Anthropogenic pressures, including overfishing and dam construction, are significantly reducing genetic diversity and population resilience in two Neotropical catfish species, <em>Pseudoplatystoma corruscans</em> and <em>P. reticulatum</em>, within the Pantanal Conservation Area and adjacent basins. The study revealed that while these migratory fishes remain abundant in the Pantanal, isolated populations—particularly those in the upper Paraná Basin—exhibit signs of genetic bottlenecks and diminished diversity due to human interference. Microsatellite analysis further exposed subtle yet significant genetic differentiation between populations, particularly between the Paraguay and upper Paraná basins for <em>P. corruscans</em>, suggesting historical isolation patterns. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted conservation measures to mitigate anthropogenic impacts on these species' migratory corridors and preserve their genetic integrity.
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
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2017 —
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Researchers have identified three distinct elevational and climatic zones for the optimal collection of Abies religiosa (sacred fir) seeds, crucial for sustaining Monarch Butterfly overwintering sites in Mexico. These zones are defined by specific elevation ranges and Mean Temperature of the Coldest Month (MTCM), with boundaries at 2650 masl or 9.7 °C, 3000 masl or 8.5 °C, 3350 masl or 7.3 °C, and 3700 masl or 6.1 °C. The study found significant genetic variation among A. religiosa populations along an elevational gradient (2850-3550 masl), with populations differing by as little as 364 meters in elevation showing distinct traits such as growth rate, frost damage resistance, and dry weight. Projections suggest that these zones will shift upwards by 350 meters by 2030 due to climate change, potentially exceeding the current highest elevations within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (MBBR). This necessitates the establishment of A. religiosa stands outside the MBBR to serve as future overwintering sites. The research involved a common garden experiment with seedlings from fifteen populations, evaluated over 30 months for various quantitative traits, providing critical insights for adaptive management strategies.
Gough and Inaccessible Islands
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Research on wild house mice from Gough Island reveals that genome-wide recombination rate evolution is not directional and proceeds from distinct genetic loci. The study identified four quantitative trait loci (QTL) influencing recombination rates, with one exhibiting effects opposite to parental trait differences. By analyzing 240 F2 male mice from intercrosses between Gough Island-derived mice and the wild-derived inbred strain WSB/EiJ, scientists quantified autosomal recombination rates using immunofluorescence cytology. Candidate genes and mutations were pinpointed by integrating whole-genome sequencing data with spermatocyte transcriptomic profiles. These findings challenge the assumption that recombination rate evolution follows a predictable pattern, offering new insights into genetic diversity and adaptation in isolated populations.
Lake Baikal
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A metagenomic analysis of Lake Baikal's sub-ice waters revealed novel microbial lineages with small genomes, adapted to the lake's extreme oligotrophic and cold conditions. These microbes, distinct from those in other freshwater bodies, showed closest relationships to lineages found in similarly cold but brackish environments like the Baltic Sea. Notably, many contained rhodopsin genes, suggesting widespread photoheterotrophy despite limited light penetration due to ice cover. The study also identified a nonmarine Pelagibacter-like genome and a phage infecting Polynucleobacter, highlighting the unique microbial diversity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
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2017 —
WHEF307F8575F
A genomic analysis of eight Ensifer strains isolated from pristine caves, including Wind Cave National Park and Lechuguilla Cave within Carlsbad Caverns National Park, reveals significant genetic overlap between the genera Ensifer and Sinorhizobium. Contrary to traditional phylogenetic separation, these bacteria share over 50% conserved proteins, suggesting they should be classified as a single genus. This finding challenges existing taxonomic boundaries and provides robust genomic evidence for re-evaluating bacterial classification in these environments.
Kronborg Castle
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2017 —
WHE97E5E3B69F
Kronborg Castle, located twenty-five miles north of Copenhagen, is identified as the likely setting for Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' despite no direct evidence linking Shakespeare to the site. The study suggests that Shakespeare may have chosen this newly erected castle for its familiarity with Englishmen who visited the royal court and possibly entertainers like Will Kempe, a later member of Shakespeare's company. While the play contains some local color, it lacks detailed accuracy, indicating that any connection to Kronborg Castle is speculative rather than proven.
Nahanni National Park
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2017 —
WHED378796D66
Zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) serve as the most effective pathfinder elements for detecting metal(loid) dispersion in streams and sediments of the Prairie Creek district, within Nahanni National Park Reserve. Unlike other mineralized areas, this region exhibits a weak geochemical signal, yet Zn and Pb show anomalous concentrations downstream from Mississippi Valley-type mineralization and quartz-carbonate-sulphide vein deposits, respectively. While Zn is more mobile than Pb, neither element persists significantly beyond the metal source. Microanalytical studies reveal that Zn and Pb are associated with iron oxides like goethite and hematite, indicating active chemical weathering in this subarctic alpine environment. The study sampled stream waters and sediments to investigate mineral hosting of elements (Pb, Zn, Ag, As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Sb, Se) and their mobility controls.
Nahanni National Park
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2017 —
WHE10B6E43589
A significant discovery at the Prairie Creek Zn-Pb-Ag deposit within Nahanni National Park reveals that smithsonite and cerussite, primary metal carbonates in the oxidized zone, host substantial concentrations of trace elements like Pb, Cd, Cu, As, Sb, Hg, Ag, and Se. These minerals can retain up to 53% of Hg and 79% of Ag within their structure, posing potential environmental risks if released during mining operations. The study employed advanced microanalytical techniques, including electron microscopy, laser-ablation spectrometry, and synchrotron-based mapping, to characterize these mineralogical controls on metal(loid) mobility under mine waste conditions. Findings suggest that while near-neutral pH may initially retain trace elements in solids, long-term oxidation and dissolution could mobilize these contaminants, particularly in localized flow paths or acidified environments.
