Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
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2015 —
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Climate change disproportionately affects women farmers in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, threatening their livelihoods through altered temperature patterns, precipitation, and snowmelt. This study reveals that while traditional subsistence strategies—such as agriculture, livestock rearing, and migration—remain vulnerable to climate shifts, ecotourism offers a viable alternative to strengthen women's economic assets and community resilience. The research employs a gender-focused case study approach, integrating insights on inter-group diversity to propose policy-relevant frameworks for climate adaptation that prioritize social equity. Findings underscore the need for transformative perspectives in climate science and policy modeling to address gender justice in mountain ecosystems.
Białowieża Forest
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2015 —
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A groundbreaking genetic analysis reveals that the European bison population in Belarusian part of Białowieża Forest carries genes from the extinct Caucasian bison, unlike its Polish counterpart. This discovery challenges the assumption that both populations belong to the Lowland genetic line (LB). Researchers used 19 microsatellite markers and 1512 bovine SNP markers to compare DNA samples from Polish and Belarusian bison, as well as extinct Caucasian bison. The study found significant genetic differences between the two populations, with the Belarusian population showing traces of Caucasian origin. These findings suggest that the global LB line population is only half its officially recognized size, necessitating urgent conservation actions to preserve this unique lineage within Białowieża Forest.
Saint Catherine Area
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2015 —
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A study of the medicinal plant <em>Achillea fragrantissima</em> in Egypt revealed significant genetic diversity among 20 populations, with distinct clustering patterns based on both morphological traits and ISSR markers. Populations from high-elevation mountainous regions, such as South Sinai's Saint Catherine Area, exhibited higher genetic variability, including unique ISSR markers linked to desirable traits like plant size, seed yield, and vigor. These findings highlight the potential for targeted conservation and commercial use of <em>A. fragrantissima</em>, particularly in populations with traits beneficial for cultivation and medicinal applications.
Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest
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2015 —
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Kenyan native oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus) exhibit significant genetic diversity, with higher within-population variation (89%) compared to among-population differences. The study analyzed 71 isolates from three forests—Kakamega, Arabuko Sokoke, and Mount Kenya—and identified three species (P. djamor, P. floridanus, P. sapidus) using AFLP markers and ITS sequences. Arabuko Sokoke showed the highest genetic diversity (0.27), while commercial cultivars matched natural populations in diversity levels (0.24). This broad diversity suggests potential for developing native strains suitable for sustainable cultivation.
Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan
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2015 —
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Genetic analysis of ancient DNA (aDNA) from Teopancazco, a neighborhood center within the Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan, reveals that multiethnicity was a defining feature of its population from AD 200 to 600. The study, combining mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) data with stable isotope and paleodietary analyses, identifies three distinct population groups: locals from Teotihuacan, residents from nearby regions like Tlaxcala-Hidalgo-Puebla, and individuals from distant areas including coastal plains. This genetic diversity persisted across Teopancazco's history, though a genetically differentiated group emerged during the Transitional phase. The research also suggests neolocal post-marital residence patterns in adults but highlights greater male heterogeneity among infants, hinting at sex-specific cultural practices. Comparisons with other heterogeneous native groups and populations from the 'Teotihuacan corridor,' Oaxaca, and the Maya region further support Teopancazco's multiethnic character, aligning with archaeological evidence.
Central Sikhote-Alin
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2015 —
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A genetic analysis of Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) in the Russian Far East reveals that tigers in southern and northern Sikhote-Alin are more closely related than those separated by less than 10 km, indicating a significant barrier to tiger movement between Southwest Primorye and southern Sikhote-Alin. The study used noninvasive sampling of feces, hair, and blood from 63 identified individuals across three regions, analyzing nuclear DNA at nine microsatellite loci. This suggests that despite proximity, geographical or ecological factors may effectively isolate these populations.
Gough and Inaccessible Islands
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2015 —
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House mice on Gough Island have evolved the largest body size among wild populations within just a few hundred generations, primarily through accelerated growth during the first six weeks of life. Researchers identified 19 quantitative trait loci (QTL) linked to body weight and growth rate by comparing these mice with a smaller-bodied subspecies using genetic mapping in F2 intercrosses. While the effects of these QTL are modest and additive, this study reveals that rapid size evolution can be genetically complex, even under natural conditions. Comparisons with laboratory-selected mouse strains suggest parallels between natural and artificial selection for body size, though distinct loci contribute to the trait in each context. This work advances our understanding of the genetic basis of extreme body size evolution in island ecosystems.
Historic Centre of Puebla
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2015 —
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Gentrification in Puebla, Mexico, has been accelerated by neoliberal policies, transforming the historic center into a corporate-driven cultural and tourist hub while displacing local communities. The study highlights how state-backed real estate speculation, exemplified by the Paseo project, prioritizes corporate interests over preserving ethnic identity and heritage. This shift reflects broader trends of urban transformation under neoliberalism, where economic growth is pursued at the expense of social equity.
Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea
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2015 —
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Rapid gentrification is reshaping Rio de Janeiro's residential landscapes, driven by global mega-events, state-led urban development, and real estate speculation. Research highlights multiple forms of gentrification across four key areas: Flamengo (a central middle-class neighborhood), the Zona Portuaria (a port region undergoing state-financed revitalization), Vidigal favela in Rio's Zona Sul, and Barra da Tijuca (a suburban area with Olympic-led infrastructure investment). The study, based on data from Rio’s primary real estate search engine, newspaper reports, resident interviews, and personal observations, reveals that while rents have risen across the metropolitan region, gentrification processes vary significantly, reflecting the complex dynamics of urban transformation in a Global South megacity.
Paphos
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2015 —
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A geoarchaeological study of Paphos, Cyprus, reveals that the ancient town's agora was likely fully built-up, with walls extending into undiscovered sections. The research used ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to map 95 north-south and 51 east-west profiles across Nea Paphos and its harbor area, overcoming challenges like pebble layers that obscured stone structures. Additionally, the study identified morphogenetic processes shaping coastal plains, contributing to a hypothesis explaining the bay's shrinkage and harbor decline. This approach combines geomorphological prospecting with advanced geophysical techniques to unravel the region's archaeological and geological history.
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
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2015 —
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The Fernando de Noronha Archipelago exhibits two distinct volcanic units separated by a significant time gap and erosion surface. The older Remédios Formation (8–12 million years ago) consists of alkaline rocks with both sodic and potassic sequences, showing continuous geochemical trends indicative of crystal fractionation, while the younger Quixaba Formation (1–3 million years ago) comprises primitive, undersaturated sodic rocks. Geological, stratigraphic, petrographic, and geochemical evidence suggests these islands originated from intermittent melting of an enriched mantle, unrelated to asthenospheric plume activity. This study deciphers the archipelago's volcanic evolution through detailed petrological and geochemical analysis.
Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago
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2015 —
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Ha Long Bay's unique limestone topography and karst islands, recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, face significant threats from erosion, collapse, and chemical corrosion due to wave action and seawater. These natural processes are degrading the beauty of this geological marvel, posing challenges for its conservation. The study provides critical data to support management strategies aimed at preserving these irreplaceable features. By analyzing the impacts of environmental factors on the site's geomorphology, researchers offer insights that can inform targeted conservation efforts.
Ajanta Caves
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2015 —
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The Ajanta Caves offer significant geological heritage value through four key features: the artificial caves themselves, which showcase historical human geological activity; end-Cretaceous flood basalts that illustrate the emplacement of a Large Igneous Province and its associated palaeoenvironmental catastrophe; the unique landform created by the Waghora River's erosion of hard rocks; and rockfall hazards linked to cave construction and maintenance. Despite their potential for geotourism, the Ajanta Caves currently lack geological information in online resources, hindering their development as a geotourism destination. This study highlights the untapped opportunities for geotourism at cultural sites with high visitor numbers, emphasizing the importance of integrating geological heritage into conservation and tourism strategies.
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands
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2015 —
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A groundbreaking geological map and radiogenic isotope data reveal the Sub-Antarctic Snares Islands/Tini Heke, New Zealand, are composed primarily of the Snares Granite (c. 109 Ma) intruding Broughton Granodiorite (c. 114 Ma). The study identifies schistose rafts within the granite, suggesting a meta-igneous origin, and confirms no conclusive metasedimentary rocks exist despite sillimanite-bearing mica-rich schists on Rua. Deformation occurred between 95–109 Ma, overlapping with extensional ductile shear zones on Stewart Island. Additionally, basaltic dykes indicate volcanic activity across all Sub-Antarctic island groups, with larger islands capped by peat and gravel deposits.
Works of Antoni Gaudí
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2015 —
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A groundbreaking analysis of Antoni Gaudí's pinacles at the Sagrada Família reveals intricate geometric design mechanisms, offering new insights into historic architectural construction. By leveraging three-dimensional modeling software and CAD tools, researchers have decoded the complex forms that define Gaudí's work, providing a framework for both preservation and future architectural innovation. This study not only enhances our understanding of Gaudí's expertise but also establishes methodologies for reconstructing damaged structures with precision, ensuring accuracy in design and engineering. The findings bridge the gap between historical analysis and modern technical documentation, equipping professionals with rigorous approaches to architecture and conservation.
Studenica Monastery
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2015 —
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A geometric approach to the revitalization of medieval Serbian monasteries, particularly focusing on Studenica Monastery and other significant yet damaged sites, has been developed. This method emphasizes the preservation of authentic architectural styles and medieval building techniques while addressing imperfections in construction. The study highlights the use of engineering documentation, including measuring, architectural style analysis, geometric design, 3D modeling (both classical CAD and terrestrial photogrammetric), and visualization to guide revitalization efforts. A case study involving a 15th-century church in Slavkovica, featuring three old sarcophagi, demonstrates the application of this approach, ensuring that the final geometric design aligns with expert opinions on monument preservation.
Anticosti
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2015 —
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A systematic set of fractures trending ~N100, likely extending to significant depths, has been identified in the Ordovician-Silurian Anticosti Basin. These joints, older and more continuous than a secondary set trending ~N10, exhibit median spacing of approximately 1 m and are partly controlled by mechanical bed characteristics. Some joints show notable horizontal and vertical continuity, suggesting potential influence on subsurface fluid flow if open at depth. The study, based on fracture mapping near Havre-Saint-Pierre, the Mingan Islands, and Anticosti Island, interprets these systematic fractures as having formed in a forebulge setting during local extension.
Sagarmatha National Park
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2015 —
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Rockslide deposits in the Khumbu Himal, Nepal, present a dual challenge for local populations: they offer gentle terrain suitable for settlements and agriculture but simultaneously pose critical water scarcity due to their highly fragmented and shattered composition. A study on Lukla and Namche-Khumjung rockslides reveals that these deposits, while providing essential living spaces in steep catchments, are characterized by rapid infiltration of percolating water, short residence times, and minimal spring water or surface runoff availability—a consequence of their internal structure. This ambivalent relationship underscores the need for adaptation strategies, particularly as tourism in the region grows. The research combined geomorphologic field mapping, orthophoto analysis, digital elevation models, and hydrogeologic sampling to elucidate these dynamics.
Okapi Wildlife Reserve
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2015 —
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Recent ecological studies and conservation assessments reveal significant population declines for both giraffe and okapi, with giraffe numbers dropping over 43% since 1998 and okapi populations likely halving in the last two decades. The okapi, once classified as 'Near Threatened,' is now listed as 'Endangered' by the IUCN, while two giraffe subspecies—West African and Rothschild's—are also critically endangered. These declines are driven by habitat loss, poaching, human encroachment, and socio-political instability across their ranges. The study highlights the urgent need for enhanced monitoring, conservation efforts, and global awareness to mitigate threats and ensure the long-term survival of these iconic species. Innovative methods such as camera traps and noninvasive genetic approaches show promise in addressing knowledge gaps, particularly for the elusive okapi.
Historic Centre of Urbino
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2015 —
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A groundbreaking approach to urban management using GIS technology has been developed, offering a dynamic and upgradeable 3D modeling system for UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This methodology, applied to Urbino's historic center, integrates geomorphological and historical data to provide comprehensive spatial analysis of the city's evolution from Roman settlements to its current state. The system focuses on managing urban elements' composition, geometric characteristics, conservation status, and monitoring interventions, all within a geodatabase environment that supports real-time updates. This innovative framework enhances urban area enjoyment while also supporting decision-making and planning processes.
Huascarán National Park
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2015 —
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A comprehensive inventory of glacial lakes and moraine ridges in Huascarán National Park, Peru, reveals critical insights for glacial lake flood hazard assessment. Researchers mapped over 2370 lakes with specific dam types and 1250 moraine ridges longer than 200 meters, providing the most detailed dataset to date. The study highlights ongoing environmental changes affecting lake number, size, distribution, and development, including sediment accumulation and susceptibility to outburst floods. This work builds on previous inventories by incorporating new data crucial for understanding glacial dynamics and mitigating flood risks in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dougga / Thugga
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2015 —
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Chemical analyses of glass finds from a Late Antique-Byzantine farm at Aïn Ouassel, Tunisia, reveal similarities with central and northern Tunisian glass collections, providing new insights into the distribution and chronology of Roman and Byzantine glass forms. This study sheds light on the conventional use of multipurpose glassware, such as plates, beakers, and goblets, in rural areas far from the Mediterranean coast during this period. No local production centers have been detected in the surveyed area around the excavated farm, contrasting with other regions in Tunisia.
Piazza del Duomo, Pisa
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2015 —
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Fourteenth-century monumental civic artworks from Pisa, Venice, and Genoa employed Old Testament narratives and cartographic references to assert Mediterranean dominance and legitimize global imperial claims. The Pisan Camposanto’s frescoes depicted two millennia of Pisan influence, positioning the city as a global center. Genoa’s San Lorenzo Cathedral inscribed its empire’s origins in Abrahamic lineage, while Venice’s Palazzo Ducale façade integrated Old Testament imagery with diplomatic allusions to Mongols and Turks. These monuments synthesized pagan and Judeo-Christian knowledge, using the Old Testament as a framework for evolving spatial and temporal conceptions that shaped Renaissance-era European worldviews.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
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2015 —
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Digitization of the Directors' Correspondence (DC) collection at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, reveals complex epistemological implications that challenge traditional views of knowledge production. The study highlights how digitization introduces both gains and losses in historical perspective, emphasizing the importance of examining selection processes from letter writing to database curation. It underscores the role of project digitizers' expertise in generating new knowledge through close reading and metadata creation, while cautioning against replicating extractive practices that may obscure historical disconnections. This analysis provides a nuanced framework for understanding digitization's impact on collection-based biodiversity conservation.
Göbekli Tepe
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2015 —
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Göbekli Tepe, a prehistoric site in southeastern Turkey, stands out as an exceptional archaeological discovery, challenging long-held assumptions about the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities. Excavations at this site have revealed intricate megalithic structures dating back to approximately 9600 BCE, predating the emergence of agriculture by millennia. These findings suggest that complex social and ritual practices may have developed independently of farming, reshaping our understanding of early human civilization. This publication provides a concise history of archaeological work at Göbekli Tepe and details its nomination process for UNESCO World Heritage status, highlighting its global significance.
Aachen Cathedral
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2015 —
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A study of engravings and sculptures reveals the evolution of Christ's depiction in Christian art, particularly focusing on mannerist representations. The research highlights how Johann Andreas Pfeffel Jr.'s and Sr.'s works, along with Michelangelo's sculptures, illustrate allegorical themes related to Christ's Passion, resurrection, and the Eucharist. It also explores the significance of relics, such as the column of flagellation from the Holy Land, preserved in Rome and Aachen Cathedral, which pilgrims venerated for centuries. The analysis draws connections between these artistic representations and biblical texts, offering insights into the symbolic and theological dimensions of mannerist Christ figures.
Historic Monuments of Dengfeng in “The Centre of Heaven and Earth”
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2015 —
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Ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys of the ancient Guanxingtai Observatory in Dengfeng, China—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the earliest astronomical observatories—revealed key structural details. The study found that the brick layers have a dielectric constant ranging from 10.5 to 12, with a thickness of 0.57–0.6 meters, suggesting possible refilled mortar layers behind them. Strong diffractions in radargrams further indicated subsurface anomalies. Conducted using 500- and 900-MHz GSSI SIR-2 systems in 2009, the survey provides critical insights into the observatory's construction, aiding conservation efforts for this historic site.
Stone Town of Zanzibar
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2015 —
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Groundwater in Zanzibar Municipality is progressively becoming more saline, indicating significant saltwater intrusion into coastal aquifers. Analysis of water samples from production boreholes revealed increasing levels of chloride, electrical conductivity, and total dissolved salts over time, with trends showing that saltwater ingress is still limited near shoreline areas like Beit-el-Ras and Mbweni but poses a high risk to the historic Stone Town area. The study, which combined current water quality data with historical records, highlights the potential for groundwater salinization due to increased pumping. To mitigate this issue, researchers recommend controlled groundwater extraction and the establishment of long-term monitoring programs.
Yellowstone National Park
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2015 —
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Gray wolves in Yellowstone National Park with a higher proportion of older members or adult males are more likely to win aggressive interpack interactions, even if numerically outmatched. This study analyzed 121 such conflicts over 16 years (1995–2010), revealing that relative pack size (RPS) generally favored the larger group but was moderated by composition. Packs with more experienced or dominant individuals had higher odds of victory, regardless of territory location. These findings suggest that while group living may offer advantages in territorial defense, certain individuals play a disproportionately critical role in interpack conflicts, offering insights into the adaptive benefits of wolf social structures.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2015 —
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A study on Amami Oshima Island, Japan, reveals that the current mangrove forest at the mouth of the Sumiyo River has minimal influence on local flooding. Researchers found that sediment deposition, accelerated by a sea dike in Sumiyo Bay, could potentially expand the mangrove forest in the future, offering potential benefits for flood mitigation. The study used field observations and data analysis to assess the ecological dynamics and impact of mangroves on riverine flooding, providing insights into their role in disaster risk reduction and coastal management.
Evaporitic Karst and Caves of Northern Apennines
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2015 —
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Subhorizontal gypsum caves in the Northern Apennines, Italy, serve as indicators of climate-driven river incision and aggradation. These caves form during cold periods with stable river beds, while renewed cave formation occurs rapidly during river entrenchment. U-Th dating of calcite speleothems provides minimum age constraints for cave passage formation, revealing that speleothem ages coincide with warmer, wetter periods when CO2 availability in soils was greater. This climate-driven model suggests a broader applicability to karst systems in temperate, uplifting regions, offering insights into the interplay between geological processes and climatic conditions.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2015 —
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Strict protected areas (PAs) in the Cerrado, such as Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks, are significantly more effective at reducing deforestation compared to sustainable use PAs. These strict PAs, which currently cover only 3% of the Cerrado, should form the backbone of Brazil's efforts to meet the Convention on Biological Diversity's (CBD) 17% conservation target. The study reveals that sustainable use PAs exhibit deforestation rates similar to non-protected areas, rendering them inadequate for biodiversity protection. Urgent expansion of strict PAs is critical to safeguard the Cerrado's unique biodiversity, one of the world's most threatened ecosystems.
Simien National Park
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2015 —
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Research reveals that the endangered Ethiopian walia ibex (Capra walie) exhibits a strong preference for rocky and shrubby habitats over herbaceous ones within Simien National Park, Ethiopia. The study, conducted from 2009 to 2011, analyzed pellet distribution and habitat characteristics during wet and dry seasons, finding minimal overlap between walia ibex and livestock presence (70% of quadrats with walia pellets lacked livestock droppings). A predictive spatial model identified key factors influencing ibex habitat use: herb cover, shrub cover, distance to cliff, road proximity, and altitude. Notably, walia ibex populations have shifted toward steeper eastern areas, likely due to increased human activity in lowland regions. This research underscores the challenges of balancing conservation efforts for endangered species with growing human encroachment.
Bale Mountains National Park
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2015 —
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A significant overlap (28% to 74%) exists among the habitat preferences of five ungulate species in Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. While mountain nyala showed the highest habitat-use diversity and occupied all surveyed vegetation types, Menelik's bushbuck exhibited the lowest diversity and was the most selective. Grazers demonstrated lower intra-species overlap than with browsers, suggesting a strategy to mitigate competition. The study, conducted via total counts across 11 vegetation types in 2009, highlights complex habitat dynamics but calls for further research on feeding behavior to deepen understanding.
Serra da Capivara National Park
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2015 —
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A right-hand preference during tool use was observed in wild bearded capuchins (Sapajus libidinosus) inhabiting the Caatinga forests of Serra da Capivara National Park, Brazil. The study recorded 118 tool-use bouts, revealing that digging tools—used to extract tubers or roots—showed a trend toward right-hand dominance, likely due to the motor demands of these tasks. This finding suggests that the harsh Caatinga habitat may drive increased laterality and right-handedness in capuchins, though larger sample sizes are needed for conclusive evidence. The research highlights tool use as a potential driver of limb preference in non-human primates, challenging assumptions about the universality of human-like lateralization patterns.
Umm Al-Jimāl
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2015 —
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A groundbreaking approach to heritage engagement, 'heritage as practice,' challenges traditional preservation paradigms by treating heritage sites as dynamic sources of inspiration and creativity. This study demonstrates that architectural experimentation can empower individuals—particularly students—to develop a 'soft authority' over heritage through instinctual, creative interpretation rather than formal authorization. The research involved architecture students analyzing Umm el-Jimal in Jordan, producing 'creative material' that was further re-created during community engagement exercises. The findings suggest that this shift from authorized to informed, instinctual engagement not only fosters a deeper connection with heritage but also validates authority through continuous creative reinterpretation, offering a novel model for heritage education and participation.
Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces
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The Honghe Hani Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 2013, represent a unique cultural landscape shaped by the Hani people's millennia-old rice farming traditions. This study reveals that the terraces' spectacular spatial structure—integrating forest, water, and village systems—is sustained by a harmonious blend of physical factors and deep-rooted cultural practices, including land-use management and spiritual values. The research highlights how this landscape, now a global attraction for scholars and tourists, faces challenges from modern tourism and development, raising critical questions about its long-term preservation.
Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture
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2015 —
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A rare archaeological discovery at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tiwanaku, Bolivia, reveals evidence of trophy head taking during the transition between the Late Formative and Tiwanaku periods (A.D. 200-800). Unlike other Andean cultures where such practices are only depicted iconographically, this study presents physical remains of three individuals subjected to extreme violence, including beheading, cranial fracturing, defleshing, jaw removal, and possible eye extraction. The heads were found in a ritual cache at Wata Wata, a trade and ceremonial center in the Kallawaya region, suggesting they served as a strategic metaphor to strip power from the individuals, given the skull's symbolic significance in Andean culture. This finding sheds light on political strategies of control during this transitional period, particularly in a key interregional exchange corridor.
Arslantepe Mound
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Arslantepe Mound, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Eastern Turkey, offers a unique window into the social and economic evolution of ancient Anatolia from 4200 to 1750 BCE. This study reveals that fire installations and culinary practices at Arslantepe were not merely functional but also served as markers of identity, reflecting social hierarchies, familial economies, and cultural shifts over nearly 2500 years. By analyzing the typology and spatial distribution of hearths and cooking tools, researchers identified patterns that correlate with significant historical transitions—from the emergence of state structures to their collapse, followed by the rise of semi-nomadic pastoral communities and small agricultural villages. The findings suggest that culinary practices were deeply intertwined with social organization, economic strategies, and cultural identity, providing a nuanced understanding of how ancient societies adapted to changing circumstances.
Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst
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Research on the karstic soils and vegetation of the Béke-cave watershed in Hungary's Aggtelek National Park revealed distinct patterns of heavy metal mobility. The study found that metals exhibited varying degrees of bioavailability depending on soil texture, with a clear sequence of metal transfer between soil and common plant species such as oak, hornbeam, and corn. By analyzing both total (acid-soluble) and bioavailable metal concentrations, the study established a hierarchy of metal mobility, providing insights into how these elements move through ecosystems in this UNESCO-listed karst region.
Archaeological Site of Cyrene
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Among the nearly 4,500 terracotta figurines discovered in the extramural sanctuary of Demeter and Persephone at Cyrene, Libya, six fragments stand out due to their early date, placing them at the beginning of the 6th century BCE. This predates the founding of Cyrene around 631 BCE by approximately 50 years and the establishment of the extramural sanctuary around 600 BCE by about 75 years. The antiquity of these figurines raises significant questions about their origins and potential functions within the sanctuary, challenging existing assumptions about the timeline of religious practices in early Cyrene.
Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands
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Researchers have discovered and described a new species of Heliotropium, <em>Heliotropium perlmanii</em>, endemic to the Marquesas Islands (French Polynesia). This plant, found exclusively on Eiao Island, is closely related to another Marquesan endemic, <em>Heliotropium marchionicum</em>. The study provides an amended description of <em>H. marchionicum</em> and a key to distinguish between the two species, highlighting their morphological differences. This contribution advances the understanding of the region's vascular flora, particularly within the Boraginaceae family.
Delos
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2015 —
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Recent research on Hellenistic and Roman Delos has revealed the island's pivotal role as a commercial, religious, and political hub. Delos, home to the Sanctuary of Apollo since the Archaic period, flourished during the Late Hellenistic period, particularly after gaining duty-free status under Roman rule and reverting to Athenian control in 167 BC. This strategic position at the center of the Aegean world facilitated extensive trade networks connecting the eastern and western Mediterranean. The study integrates new excavations, re-evaluations of existing material, and analyses of religious, economic, and political activities, providing a comprehensive understanding of Delos' significance during this period.
Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape
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2015 —
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A study of goat populations in the Richtersveld National Park, South Africa, reveals that population dynamics are tightly coupled to dry-season forage availability. Despite environmental stochasticity, density-dependent declines in body condition due to resource depletion directly influence pregnancy rates, litter sizes, and juvenile survival, with adult survival depending on mid-dry season body condition. Population growth is primarily determined by the length of the dry season and previous year's population size, contradicting theories that extreme variability decouples consumer-resource dynamics. The research combines long-term monitoring of 500 tagged females with demographic data to link forage resource heterogeneity to population stability.
My Son Sanctuary
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2015 —
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Aesthetic experiences play a pivotal role in transforming visitors' engagement with cultural heritage sites, often elevating their perception from mere interest to near-spiritual appreciation. This study highlights how the aesthetic dimensions of landscape and dance at Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary and the Cham Museum in Vietnam contribute to an evolutionary experience of place for tourists. By employing qualitative methods, researchers uncovered that these sensory elements significantly shape visitors' demand for heritage tourism, deepening their connection with indigenous Cham culture and its artistic expressions. The findings underscore the importance of aesthetic considerations in managing cultural tourist attractions, offering insights into how such experiences can foster a more profound and meaningful engagement with heritage.
Ironbridge Gorge
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This study highlights the cultural and social significance of heritage sites, particularly those memorializing working-class lives and occupations. It reveals how these sites, such as Ironbridge Gorge, serve as poignant reminders of a lost era, evoking a sense of loss and powerlessness associated with the decline of traditional industrial sectors like coal mining. The research approach involves qualitative analysis, focusing on the narrative of an 'ordinary' miner, Bryn Rees, whose story encapsulates the collective strength and eventual demise of the UK's coal industry. This study underscores the role of heritage sites in preserving and interpreting the cultural image of the working class amidst rapid socio-economic transformations.
Ningaloo Coast
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Heritage designation and scale are not just hierarchical abstractions but dynamic relationships shaped by spatial politics. This study redefines 'scale' in heritage research to include size (geographical), level (vertical), and relation, revealing how these elements interact in specific contexts. Using the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Site as a case study, it demonstrates that heritage processes are constituted through complex interrelationships, with researchers' choices about scale being inherently political. The analysis highlights how spatial politics come into focus when examining configurations of size, level, and relation within heritage designation processes.
Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa
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A state-led heritage tourism initiative at the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site in South Africa has not yet achieved its potential for driving local development, despite being designed as a pro-poor growth strategy. The study analyzes this major infrastructure-driven project, which aimed to boost economic and social benefits in a marginalized region. While heritage tourism is increasingly important for local economies globally, particularly in the global South, this research finds that current impacts fall short of expectations. The analysis likely relied on quantitative or qualitative data collection methods to assess development outcomes, though specific details are not provided.
St Kilda
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A groundbreaking study on St Kilda's Soay sheep reveals stark differences in the genetic architecture of body size traits. While jaw and weight exhibit polygenic inheritance—with multiple chromosomes contributing to variance without specific SNPs driving significant phenotypic changes—leg length traits (foreleg, hindleg, metacarpal) are dominated by two key SNPs on chromosomes 16 and 19, each explaining over 10% of additive genetic variance. Heterozygous females for one SNP (s74894.1) outperform homozygous counterparts in lamb production and recruitment, hinting at fitness advantages. The research also traces shorter leg alleles to historic admixture with Dunface sheep, underscoring how dense SNP panels can unravel selection pressures and evolutionary history in wild populations.
Historic Cairo
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2015 —
WHE1B7E0460C7
Railway infrastructure at the turn of the 20th century played a pivotal role in shaping suburban subjectivities and social distinctions for middle-class residents in both Berlin and Cairo. The study reveals that trains and stations were not merely transportation hubs but integral to practices that fostered a sense of happiness, health, and differentiation from urban lower classes. By analyzing contemporary publications, the research demonstrates how train rides—associated with reading, rationalizing technology, and appreciating historic landscapes—contributed to the formation of suburban identities in both cities. This comparative approach underscores shared historical processes of subject formation while acknowledging differing power structures, advocating for a more integrated study of European and non-European urban histories.
