Pasargadae
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2016 —
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Preliminary findings from the Estakhr Project, a collaborative mission involving Iranian and Italian researchers, reveal significant insights into the Islamic period at Pasargadae. The joint effort, combining expertise from the Iranian Center for Archaeological Research, the Parsa-Pasargadae Research Foundation, and Sapienza University of Rome, employed advanced archaeological techniques to uncover new evidence about the site's historical layers. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of Pasargadae's evolution, particularly during its Islamic phase, offering valuable data for conservation and further study.
Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection
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2016 —
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Coiba National Park harbors a marine cyanobacterium that produces coibamide A, a unique depsipeptide with potential as a glioma therapeutic. This compound demonstrates exceptional potency and selectivity against glioblastoma cell lines, inducing G1 arrest and triggering cell death in vitro while significantly reducing tumor volume in vivo. Coibamide A also exhibits antiangiogenic properties by decreasing VEGFA and VEGFR2 expression, suggesting it targets the cellular secretory pathway. The study leverages a bioluminescence-based assay to screen compounds that inhibit this pathway, aiming to identify novel therapeutics for glioblastoma multiforme.
Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa
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2016 —
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A comprehensive analysis of the Drimolen Palaeocave System Main Quarry (DMQ) deposits reveals a diverse macromammalian fauna, including rare and significant species such as Megantereon whitei, Lycyaenops silberbergi, Dinofelis cf. barlowi, and Dinofelis aff. piveteaui, alongside hominin remains like Paranthropus robustus and early Homo. The study, based on 826 taxonomically identifiable specimens from over two decades of excavations, provides the first detailed description of non-primate macromammalian assemblages in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Biochronological interpretations suggest deposition occurred after 2.33 million years ago (Ma), with carnivore evidence indicating a range from pre-2.0 Ma to maximally 1.6 Ma. The palaeoecology points to mixed open-to-closed habitats, though specific habitat or age boundaries are not clearly defined.
Caliphate City of Medina Azahara
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2016 —
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A comparative analysis of the urbanism and architecture of Madinat al-Zahra' (Umayyad Caliphate) and Sabra al-Mansuriyya (Fatimid Caliphate), two 10th-century administrative capitals, reveals distinct yet parallel political expressions of their respective caliphates. The study highlights how these cities embodied ideological shifts, reflecting changes in power dynamics, religious rites, and architectural traditions. By examining material culture—including urban topography, palatial functions, craftsmanship, and decorative aesthetics—the research identifies common principles underlying 'palatial' or 'governmental cities,' while also underscoring differences rooted in regional influences. This approach challenges traditional, text-based narratives by integrating archaeological evidence to deepen understanding of Islamic statecraft.
Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites
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2016 —
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Megaliths were not static or inert; their movement and repositioning during the Neolithic period represented a dynamic reconfiguration of the landscape, embodying and disrupting known places. This study challenges the focus on long-distance stone transportation by examining the local acquisition and movement of sarsen stones in the Avebury landscape, Wiltshire, where over 700 megaliths were used to construct ceremonial and funerary monuments. The research reveals that these practices were significant, as evidenced by the subsequent monumentalization of extraction sites, suggesting a profound cultural and symbolic importance tied to stone movement. By analyzing the processes and transformations involved in megalith acquisition, the study offers new insights into the emergent monument types of prehistoric Britain.
Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork
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2016 —
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A newly identified collection of Karol Górski’s legacy, preserved at the University Library in Toruń, reveals previously unknown sources that illuminate Professor Górski's scholarly and personal engagement with the Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork. These materials, including correspondence, official documents, and typescript texts, provide unprecedented insights into his post-World War II perspective on the castle’s conservation challenges and his polemic with German scholars regarding the assessment of its 'Polish period' (1466–1772). The collection also sheds light on the broader context of Malbork’s historical documentation, gathered after the war. This research highlights the significance of archival materials in understanding the intellectual debates and preservation efforts surrounding this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sangay National Park
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2016 —
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Sangay National Park (SNP), Ecuador, hosts the highest diversity of non-volant mammals in the Andes of Ecuador and the second-highest in the tropical Andes, with 103 species recorded. The study identified 86 species through extensive fieldwork between 2010 and 2015, including six first-time detections for SNP, such as <em>Chilomys instans</em> and <em>Marmosa rubra</em>, and several endemic species like <em>Caenolestes sangay</em>. Rodents were the most diverse group (36 species). The research combined trapping techniques (Sherman, Tomahawk, pitfall traps) with direct and indirect detection methods, totaling 5,730 trap-nights. These findings underscore SNP's biogeographic significance and its role as a critical biodiversity hotspot.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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2016 —
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the largest protected temperate forest ecosystems east of the Rocky Mountains, harbors 68 mammal species, with four additional probable species. This 2016 revision represents the first comprehensive update in over two decades, incorporating new records, distribution data, ecological insights, and taxonomic revisions. The study highlights significant changes since the 1995 publication, including successful reintroductions of two species (e.g., red wolf) and an unsuccessful one, alongside extensive documentation on mammal traits such as diet, reproduction, hibernation, and predation. Leveraging a vast bibliography, this work provides the most complete synthesis to date on the Park's mammalian biodiversity, underscoring its global ecological importance as both an International Biosphere Reserve (since 1976) and UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1983).
City of Quito
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2016 —
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Low-income condominiums in Bogotá, Colombia, exhibit higher maintenance levels compared to those in Quito, Ecuador, despite both cities sharing similar housing policies. Contrary to expectations, self-organization efforts in Bogotá negatively impact perceived maintenance levels (PML), while in Quito, such participation positively influences PML. This suggests that the relationship between formal legal requirements for self-organization and actual maintenance outcomes is more nuanced than initially hypothesized. The study applies Ostrom's Institutional Analysis and Development framework to analyze data from 414 households surveyed in 2014, examining community characteristics, governance structures, and physical environments. It highlights the complex interplay between property law and collective action in shaping urban housing conditions.
Galápagos Islands
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2016 —
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A modular, low-maintenance wastewater management system is proposed for Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, to address the growing environmental and health risks posed by inadequately treated sewage. The study highlights the urgent need for sustainable solutions in UNESCO-listed Galápagos Islands, where lava rock terrain limits deep excavation and remote location demands on-site maintainable technologies. The approach integrates Ecuadorian legislation, Millennium Development Goals, and PAHO guidelines, offering a replicable model for developing regions. Challenges include slow implementation due to technical difficulties, but the proposed system aims to balance tourism growth with ecosystem preservation.
Białowieża Forest
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2016 —
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Strict protection of the Białowieża Forest may not effectively preserve all its valuable natural features, contrary to claims that such management is sufficient. Brzeziecki et al. (2017) demonstrate that long-term trends in tree population densities and size structures—analyzed using data from permanent plots established in 1936—are representative of the entire Białowieża National Park. Their findings challenge the notion that strict protection alone ensures ecosystem diversity, highlighting the need for a more nuanced conservation strategy. By comparing modeled equilibrium distributions with actual data, the study underscores the importance of understanding woodland dynamics to retain the forest's unique value.
Saloum Delta
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2016 —
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Mangrove reforestation, while successful in expanding green coverage and gaining international visibility, often fails to enhance biological and cultural diversity or address spatial injustice. A study analyzing environmental narratives and NGO-led reforestation campaigns in Senegal's Saloum Delta and Lower Casamance between 2009 and 2013 reveals that extensive planting of a single mangrove species, <em>Rhizophora mangle</em>, is perceived as 'green grabbing' by local communities. Additionally, carbon tax purchases by industrial conglomerates exacerbate disempowerment. The research underscores the need for more integrated approaches to mangrove conservation, balancing ecological, cultural, and social dimensions.
Kakadu National Park
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2016 —
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Mangrove extent and cover in Kakadu National Park (KNP) exhibit significant fluctuations primarily driven by sea level rise and changes in rainfall, with minimal human disturbance. The study used a 25-year time series of Landsat data to quantify annual changes, identifying a foliage projected cover threshold of ≥30% (~50% planimetric canopy cover) as the most accurate measure for capturing mangrove extent. These findings suggest that natural environmental changes, particularly those linked to climate variability, are reshaping the hydrological regime and potentially impacting the park's internationally significant wetlands.
Megalithic Temples of Malta
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2016 —
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Prehistoric Maltese islanders, often perceived as isolated due to their megalithic monuments dating from the fourth and third millennia BC, actually maintained manipulated connectivity with the outside world. Analysis of lithic assemblages from Late Neolithic megalithic structures reveals that despite declining obsidian availability, islanders procured flint from southeastern Sicily. This imported flint was used wastefully within the structures, indicating a disinterest in its limited supply and suggesting control over procurement by powerful individuals. The study suggests that this connectivity was tied to the organization of megalithic monuments, which were spatially connected to fertile plains and anchorage bays, reflecting specific social strategies in a setting of cultural isolation.
Sydney Opera House
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2016 —
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A novel methodology, 'mapping controversies,' emerges as a transformative approach to architectural theory and practice. This method transcends traditional divides such as architecture/society or nature/culture by tracing and visualizing the complex networks of actors, concerns, and trajectories surrounding contested urban knowledge. Leveraging digital technologies and computational design techniques, it offers a dynamic framework to analyze ongoing debates, exemplified through case studies like the Sydney Opera House, London's 2012 Olympics stadium, and Cardiff's Welsh parliament. By re-establishing connections between local and global, social and technical dimensions, this approach provides an alternative to critical architecture, positioning architecture at the intersection of human and nonhuman elements. The methodology is adaptable to a broad range of hybrid phenomena, offering a versatile tool for understanding complex systems.
Historic Centre of Florence
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2016 —
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A novel application of Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) reveals significant vertical and horizontal urban dynamics in Florence, Italy, over two decades. The study identified 12 macropatterns and 84 micropatterns of surface displacements, highlighting areas of new construction, land subsidence due to groundwater exploitation (up to 30–40 mm/yr), and interactions with underlying geology and slope instability. Notably, heritage assets along planned subway and tramway routes showed stable conditions, with minimal deformation. This baseline characterization offers critical insights for sustainable urban management and future infrastructure projects.
Okavango Delta
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2016 —
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From 2001 to 2012, the Okavango Delta experienced a notable shift in inundation patterns, with maximum annual flood extents increasing after a period of lower flooding. This study, using MODIS satellite data (MOD09Q1 and MOD11A1), mapped inundation frequency and duration with high accuracy (99.4% overall accuracy, kappa coefficient of 80%). A time-varying threshold method leveraging reflectance differences between waterbodies and dry/vegetated soil successfully classified inundated areas while accounting for seasonal changes. The findings reveal a gradual decrease in maximum inundation from 2001 to 2003, followed by a steady rise peaking during 2010–2012, providing critical insights for water resource management and habitat restoration in this vital Ramsar site.
The Sundarbans
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2016 —
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A 38-year study of the Sundarbans mangrove forest reveals significant shifts in species composition and distribution, driven by climate change and human activities. Heritiera fomes and Excoecaria agallocha declined by nearly 10%, while Ceriops decandra, Sonneratia apetala, and Xylocarpus mekongensis saw substantial increases of 12.9%, 380.4%, and 57.3%, respectively. Using Landsat satellite imagery and maximum likelihood classification techniques, researchers achieved accuracies ranging from 72% to 89% across four time points (1977–2015). These findings underscore the vulnerability of this critical ecosystem—essential for carbon sequestration, coastal protection, and biodiversity—to ongoing environmental pressures. The study highlights the need for adaptive management strategies to sustain mangrove resources amid accelerating degradation.
Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California
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2016 —
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Whale sharks exhibit distinct size-based segregation and high site fidelity in their movements, with juvenile aggregations predominantly occurring in coastal waters (Los Angeles Bay, La Paz Bay, San Luis Gonzaga, Nayarit, and Coyote Bay), while pregnant adult females congregate in oceanic regions like Espiritu Santo Island, Los Cabos, and the Revillagigedo Archipelago. A 21-year photo-identification study identified 898 sharks, revealing that juveniles (841 individuals) show remarkable fidelity to coastal sites, with up to 61% re-sighted annually in La Paz Bay, while adult females exhibit lower recapture rates. The research highlights the need for regional conservation strategies, as only three of eight studied localities are currently protected.
Historic Centre of Évora
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2016 —
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Maria Ângela Beirante's work, 'Ao serviço da República e do Bem Comum: os Vinte e Quatro dos Mesteres de Évora, paradigma dos Vinte e Quatro da Covilhã (1535),' offers a critical analysis of the guilds in medieval urban settings, specifically focusing on Évora. This study sheds light on the socio-economic, religious, and political-institutional organization of the city's guilds, providing a paradigm for understanding similar structures elsewhere, such as in Covilhã. Beirante's approach involves a thorough historiographic review, addressing a long-neglected topic that was largely ignored during the 19th and much of the 20th centuries. Her research builds on her previous works on urban history, contributing significantly to the field by integrating multiple dimensions of historical analysis.
Lamu Old Town
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2016 —
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Lamu Old Town boasts remarkable marine biodiversity and cultural significance. The study reveals that the Lamu-Kiunga seascape supports diverse ecosystems, including rare coral genera (Siderastrea, Horastrea, Caulastrea, Moseleya) and endemic species like Apolemichthys xanthotis angelfish, alongside six shark and nine ray species. Coral cover averages 16%, with significant variation from inshore to offshore reefs. While mangrove cover remains relatively healthy, it has declined over decades due to human activities such as clay mining for pottery and deforestation. Key threats include population growth, poverty, and land tenure issues, but proactive measures—such as marine spatial planning, local management strategies, and legislation—have shown promise in mitigating these challenges. The research underscores the potential of integrating local knowledge with science and policy to sustain both ecosystems and coastal communities.
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands
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2016 —
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Seabirds, marine mammals, and fishes around the New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands act as critical vectors for bioactive metals (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd), concentrating them in their egesta. The study found that upper trophic levels—particularly New Zealand fur seals and Hooker's sea lions—bioaccumulate potentially limiting micronutrients like Mn, Fe, Co, and Zn, with metal concentration patterns more closely tied to food web structure than water mass differences between the Snares and Auckland Islands. Researchers analyzed egested material from 16 species (fishes, seabirds, pinnipeds) alongside suspended particulate organic matter, macroalgae, and zooplankton using isotopic (δ¹⁵N, δ¹³C) and multivariate profiling to assess trophic positions and metal distributions. This highlights the role of biological vectors in nutrient cycling within subantarctic island ecosystems.
Sangiran Early Man Site
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2016 —
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Paleoenvironmental analysis of marine-mollusc fossils from the Sangiran Early Man Site reveals that during the Lower Pleistocene, parts of the region were submerged under shallow seas and estuaries. The study identified 12 bivalve families (6 orders) and 14 gastropod families (4 orders), all indicative of intertidal zone habitats. This finding aligns with geological evidence suggesting a coastal environment in the area during this period, providing insights into the paleoecology of Sangiran's prehistoric landscape. The research, conducted by the Laboratory of Bioanthropology and Paleoanthropology at UGM, analyzed 64 mollusc samples from four stratigraphic formations (Kalibeng, Pucangan, Kabuh, and Notopuro), contributing to our understanding of Pleistocene biodiversity in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Shiretoko
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2016 —
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A study on the Shiretoko Peninsula, Japan, identifies four distinct clusters of ecotourism visitors based on their motivations, information search behaviors, and activities. These clusters vary significantly in their ecological awareness and economic impact, highlighting the need to balance sustainability with economic viability. The research employs a model-based latent class analysis to segment the heterogeneous tourist market, providing actionable insights for management strategies that can maximize benefits for the local economy while preserving ecological integrity.
Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna
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2016 —
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A groundbreaking archaeometric analysis of 36 marble statues from Leptis Magna reveals that the majority (34%) are crafted from Luna marble, challenging previous assumptions about material sourcing in North African sculpture. This study combines provenance data with stylistic and chronological observations to trace the origins, workshops, and production contexts of these artefacts. By integrating heterogeneous datasets—spanning typology, usage, and chronology—the research offers a comprehensive understanding of Leptis Magna's sculptural heritage, bridging gaps between material science and archaeological context.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
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2016 —
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A study on bark harvesting in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park reveals that current harvest levels of two medicinal plants, Rytigynia kigeziensis and Ocotea usambarensis, are biologically sustainable. Using matrix population models and long-term data, researchers found that only a small fraction (4% for R. kigeziensis and 3% for O. usambarensis) of stems showed signs of bark harvest, mostly mild. The model predicted stable or moderately growing populations, with growth rates primarily influenced by survival probabilities. Observed population structures aligned well with the model's predictions, suggesting that estimated vital rates (growth, recruitment, and survival) accurately reflect real-world conditions. While recent harvest levels appear sustainable, ongoing monitoring through tagging, marking, and remeasuring individuals is recommended for both species to ensure long-term stability.
Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
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2016 —
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Research reveals previously undocumented experiences of early Chinese migrants in 16th-century Spain, offering rare insights into their transoceanic journeys and integration. Archival records from the Archivo General de Indias in Seville provide evidence of three individuals' travels, conditions upon arrival, and prevailing European perceptions of East Asia. The study highlights the Asian Diaspora's role in shaping cultural exchanges between Europe and Asia during this period, challenging traditional narratives that focus primarily on European travelers.
Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site
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2016 —
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Gamma radiation levels on Bikini Island, part of the UNESCO-listed Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site, significantly exceed the agreed safety threshold for human habitation set by the U.S. and Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) governments (100 mrem/year or 1 mSv/year). Measurements on six northern Marshall Islands revealed mean radiation levels ranging from 7.6 mrem/year on Enewetak to 184 mrem/year on Bikini, with Rongelap showing elevated but sub-threshold levels (19.8 mrem/year). The study, conducted using gamma radiation detectors and interpolated mapping, highlights hot spots and compares findings to control sites like Majuro and New York City's Central Park. While external radiation on most islands is below the threshold, internal exposure via food ingestion remains a critical consideration for assessing resettlement safety.
Changdeokgung Palace Complex
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2016 —
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Korean traditional architecture, particularly in royal palaces like Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, achieves visual privacy through a strategic balance of openness and closure in courtyard gardens. This study quantifies such privacy using the concept of 'prospect and refuge,' a design strategy linked to psychological wellbeing. By applying space syntax analysis and image processing with Adobe Photoshop CS6, researchers measured spatial configurations, connectivity, depth, control value, integration, and area ratios of prospect and refuge. The findings suggest that these mathematical properties can partially quantify visual privacy, offering insights into how traditional Korean architecture enhances human comfort while resolving conflicts with others in high-density urban environments.
The Grand Canal
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2016 —
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A dual-core wetland ecosystem pattern is proposed for the Xianghe Segment of China’s Grand Canal (XSCGC) to restore degraded wetlands and enhance their ecosystem services. This approach, grounded in landsenses ecology, involves designing two key wetlands—upstream and downstream—and setting reconstruction goals to improve water quality, vegetation, habitat, and river channel structure. Field investigations identified ecological problems such as wetland deterioration, which threaten the Grand Canal’s stability and ecosystem health. The proposed measures aim to recover lost functions like water purification and biodiversity maintenance while ensuring sustainable management through reserve establishment.
Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong
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2016 —
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A study conducted at Andong Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Korea, identified key factors that influence visitors' intention to revisit the site. The research found that authenticity, a critical aspect of world heritage tourism, is multidimensional and can be divided into objective and existential dimensions. Objective authenticity was linked to 'uniqueness' (tour output) and 'realistic perception' (tour outcome), while existential authenticity encompassed 'assimilation' and 'self-discovery'. Multiple regression analysis revealed that 'realistic perception' and 'self-discovery' had the greatest impact on revisit intention. The study provides a validated scale for measuring authenticity and offers practical insights for visitor management at world heritage destinations.
Škocjan Caves
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2016 —
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A five-year study at Škocjan Caves, Slovenia, reveals that prolonged exposure to radon radiation and other microclimatic factors—such as temperature, humidity, and air flow—can induce physiological changes in cave workers. The research, conducted by the Institute for Occupational Safety, Ljubljana, combines continuous radon monitoring with precise tracking of staff time spent underground, enabling accurate estimation of annual radiation doses. To mitigate health risks, the study implements regular medical surveys, including blood tests, as mandated by national regulations. These measures aim to prevent potential health issues while providing insights into the broader impacts of cave microclimates on human physiology.
Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque
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2016 —
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A comprehensive ethnobotanical study of San Basilio de Palenque, Mexico, reveals 135 medicinal plants used by the community between 2009 and 2014, with 57 species identified across 58 botanical families. The research highlights a unique interplay between African and American medicinal traditions, linking plant lifecycle, temperature classification (cold-hot), territory, and human health. This study underscores how traditional knowledge integrates ecological cycles with therapeutic practices, influencing dosage and treatment efficacy. The findings were derived from consensus interviews with local informants, providing insights into the cultural and biological significance of medicinal plants in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Western Caucasus
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2016 —
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A comprehensive documentation of traditional plant use in Svaneti and Racha-Lechkumi, Georgia, reveals 203 species utilized for medicinal and food purposes. The study found that while plant diversity slightly varied across communities, the variation in their uses was more pronounced. Contrary to hypotheses, elevation did not significantly influence plant use knowledge or home garden practices, which were consistent across high and low-altitude settings. Fieldwork involving 63 participants in 17 communities identified species primarily collected from the wild (99), grown in home gardens (73), or both (35). Environmental fit analysis showed that community differences explained much of the variation in reported plants but not their uses, with gender playing no significant role.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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2016 —
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Medieval Jerusalem challenges the notion that the city was merely a revered religious site, suggesting instead it may have served as an administrative center of the early Islamic world. The study examines Muslim historiography and religious lore alongside Jewish traditions to demonstrate how Islam positioned itself as the dominant monotheistic religion, superseding Judaism and Christianity. By analyzing literary sources and archaeological discoveries, such as those along the south wall of the Temple Mount, Lassner applies a rigorous method akin to legal interrogation to interpret both historical texts and material culture. This work corrects popular narratives about Jerusalem's past, offering new insights into its political and religious significance during the medieval period.
Historic Centre of Siena
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2016 —
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A groundbreaking urban planning solution implemented in Siena, Italy, in 1965 demonstrated the feasibility and benefits of pedestrian zones in historic medieval towns. This initiative, the first of its kind, successfully addressed traffic congestion without resorting to the construction of urban motorways or the demolition of ancient buildings, which would have irreparably damaged several historic centres. The approach set a precedent for other towns, preventing further urban decay and preserving the architectural integrity of medieval townscapes. The study highlights the long-term impact of proactive traffic management in safeguarding cultural heritage.
Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection
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2016 —
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Researchers have discovered medusamide A, a novel cyclic depsipeptide from marine cyanobacteria collected in Coiba National Park, Panama. This compound is notable for containing four contiguous β-amino acid residues, specifically (2R,3R)-3-amino-2-methylhexanoic acid (Amha), marking the first report of multiple Amha residues within a single cyclic peptide-type natural product. The stereochemical assignment of these residues was achieved through synthesis of reference standards and derivatization with Marfey's reagent, followed by LC-MS analysis.
Old and New Towns of Edinburgh
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2016 —
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A collaborative project successfully demonstrated that energy-efficient upgrades can significantly reduce heat loss in historic 'hard-to-treat' buildings without compromising their architectural character. The study, involving five Category B Listed residential tenement properties in Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage site, tested various measures such as bio-polymer-based profiles and traditional methods like wall and window retrofits. These interventions met strict conservation requirements while addressing thermal discomfort and high fuel consumption reported by social-rented sector tenants. Notably, the project won the Carbon Trust’s Low Carbon Building Awards in 2012, highlighting its potential for replication across similar properties in Scotland. The research also explored sustainable alternatives to traditional materials, such as bio-polymer profiles reinforced with natural fibers, which were adapted using existing pultrusion techniques.
Aphrodisias
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2016 —
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Aphrodisias, an ancient Greek city in Asia Minor, offers a unique lens to study the evolution of memory and identity from the late second century BCE to the seventh century CE. The research reveals how civic, social, and religious identities were dynamically expressed through inscriptions, images, and name changes, reflecting responses to historical shifts such as Roman contact, competition with other cities, and the rise of Christianity. Memory played a pivotal role in shaping collective identity, particularly through war narratives and foundation legends, while elite benefactors and intellectuals influenced its transmission. In late antiquity, religious symbols and acclamations became central to expressing competing identities amid growing religious conflicts. The study leverages extensive epigraphic and visual sources to trace these processes, highlighting the adaptive nature of identity in response to changing contexts.
Medieval Town of Toruń
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2016 —
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Mendicant orders played a significant role in the pastoral care of urban populations within the domains of the Teutonic Order and particular bishoprics in medieval Prussia and Livonia. The study reveals that the network of mendicant friaries mirrored the demographic potential and urbanization levels of these regions, with their effectiveness evidenced by numerous prayer agreements, burials in friary churches, and bequests from townspeople. The success of these orders is further confirmed by the partially preserved great hall-type churches they erected in major towns such as Gdańsk, Toruń, Tallinn, and Riga. The research focuses exclusively on pastoral activities among urban populations, highlighting both similarities and differences in the conditions under which friars worked across Prussia and Livonia.
Namib Sand Sea
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2016 —
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A novel lineage of haloarchaeal salterproviruses was discovered in the Namib Desert's Hosabes playa, alongside a rich diversity of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) viruses. This finding significantly expands our understanding of viral communities in extreme environments. The study employed metaviromics—combining multiple displacement amplification with deep sequencing—to analyze viromes from two salt pans, Hosabes and Eisfeld. Network analysis revealed a predominantly unknown but diverse ssDNA viral community, with Gokushovirinae subfamily contigs being common. While the viromes were closely related to each other, they showed minimal overlap with other environmental viromes, underscoring their uniqueness.
Choirokoitia
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2016 —
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A novel methodology for locale-scale monitoring of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, demonstrated at Choirokoitia in Cyprus, integrates multiple geospatial techniques to assess ground stability and deformation risks. The study combines radar interferometry (InSAR) with field measurements—including static GNSS, total station surveys, leveling, laser scanning, and UAV data—to validate and refine satellite-derived motion data. By systematically comparing in-situ observations with Persistent Scatterer Interferometry results over two decades, the research aims to identify micro-movements and geohazards threatening archaeological remains. Additionally, it uses archival and current optical satellite images to calibrate risk assessments and urban expansion analyses, providing ground truth for land-use change classification. This approach offers a robust framework for monitoring cultural heritage sites vulnerable to geological instability.
Fuerte de Samaipata
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2016 —
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Archaeological research at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Fuerte de Samaipata, led by Albert Meyers and Isabelle Combès, reveals significant insights into the pre-Columbian landscape and its cultural significance. The study employs a combination of sketches, maps, drawings, and digital reconstructions to analyze the site's complex features, including its terraces, platforms, and astronomical alignments. Findings suggest that the fortress was not only a defensive structure but also a ceremonial center with advanced engineering techniques, reflecting sophisticated pre-Hispanic urban planning. This interdisciplinary approach provides a comprehensive understanding of Samaipata's role in ancient societies, bridging gaps between archaeology, anthropology, and digital reconstruction methods.
Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture in the Arica and Parinacota Region
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2016 —
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A novel methodological approach enhances the discrimination of ceramic shards using Micro X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) by automatically separating mineral inclusions from the clay matrix, allowing independent statistical analysis. This improved protocol was applied to 83 ceramic shards from the Arica y Parinacota region in Chile, revealing that some samples were misclassified when using traditional methods that rely solely on spatially averaged elemental concentrations. The study provides a general overview of ceramic compositional classification in this region but highlights the need for further analysis on more specific sample sets to draw concrete archaeological conclusions.
Los Alerces National Park
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2016 —
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High survival rates and slight growth differences were observed for Austrocedrus chilensis and Nothofagus dombeyi seedlings planted within differently shaped canopy gaps (rectangular vs. circular) in a Pinus contorta plantation in Los Alerces National Park, Argentina. The study found that while soil temperature remained consistent across gap types, photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) and soil moisture were significantly higher in gaps compared to the understory control. Rectangular gaps promoted greater seedling diameter growth than circular ones, suggesting shape influences performance. These findings highlight the potential for reconverting monocultures into native forests but underscore the need for further testing of gap sizes and stand densities to optimize outcomes.
The Grand Canal
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2016 —
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Researchers propose a microclimatic spatial planning strategy for the Xianghe Segment of China’s Grand Canal (XSCGC) to mitigate urban heat island effects and improve human comfort. By analyzing meteorological data and employing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, the study identifies optimal land-use patterns that suppress northeasterly winds while protecting southwesterly winds. The proposed planning divides XSCGC into four functional zones—microclimate regulatory areas, development core areas, natural ventilation corridors, and development extension areas—to enhance livability and microclimatic security. This approach integrates landsenses ecology to harmonize urbanization with natural wind and temperature dynamics, offering a scalable model for sustainable urban planning in heritage sites.
Mount Etna
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2016 —
WHE387731A3C7
Water significantly weakens basalt under stress, with saturation reducing strength by up to 50% compared to dry samples. This finding emerges from 65 uniaxial and triaxial compression experiments on Mount Etna basalt, covering porosities of 5–16% and effective pressures up to 200 MPa. The study reveals that brittle faulting in low-porosity (5%) samples is governed by wing crack propagation under triaxial stress and pore-driven cracking in uniaxial conditions, particularly in more porous rocks. Additionally, shear-enhanced compaction occurs at lower pressures (≥80 MPa) in 8% porosity samples, driven by cataclastic pore collapse—a process consistent with a dual-porosity model. These insights are critical for understanding volcanic system dynamics and have implications for geothermal energy and reservoir management.
Messel Pit Fossil Site
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2016 —
WHEAD1DCB640A
This study reveals the exceptional preservation of osteocyte-like and blood vessel-like microstructures within fossilized bones from Eocene vertebrates at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Messel Pit, Germany. These microstructures, identified in turtles, crocodiles, and a pangolin, exhibit distinct chemical and physical characteristics, including a thin layer with mottled texture and striations, as well as microbial troughs on their surfaces. Iron (Fe) was notably abundant in these structures but absent from the bone matrix or collagen fibril-like microstructures. The findings suggest that soft-tissue elements, at least in their physical form, can be preserved in Messel fossils, paving the way for future investigations into biomolecule preservation, such as proteins or DNA.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2016 —
WHE8F55DB9871
A new species of Microstachys, M. crassifolia, has been discovered in the Chapada dos Veadeiros region of Goiás, Brazil. This hemicryptophyte distinguishes itself from its closest relative, M. nana, by its fleshy, glandless leaves and reddish inflorescences, contrasting with M. nana's membranaceous, gland-bearing leaves found in southern Brazil. The discovery highlights the biodiversity of the Cerrado grasslands, a key component of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park. The study employed morphological comparisons to differentiate the species, emphasizing the importance of underground systems and leaf characteristics in their identification.
Western Tien-Shan
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2016 —
WHE6F8D7B2D8B
A first-of-its-kind multi-decadal ice core record from the Inilchek Glacier in the Tien Shan reveals significant mid-twentieth century increases in anthropogenic lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and copper (Cu) concentrations, reflecting large-scale Soviet industrial and agricultural expansion. The study, spanning 1908–1995 AD, demonstrates that these pollutants surged by factors of up to 5, 6, and 3 relative to pre-1950 levels, with primary sources traced to southern Kazakhstan and the Fergana Valley. Declines in the 1980s coincided with Soviet economic downturns, but resurgent trends in the 1990s indicated a shift to western China as the dominant emission source, highlighting regional and hemispheric-scale pollutant transitions. High-resolution trace element analysis, combined with back-trajectory modeling (NOAA HYSPLIT), provided unprecedented insights into anthropogenic pollution dynamics in central Asia.
