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The Big Picture: bright beams bring Buddhas back

Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley — 2015 — WHE57373F1E4F

In June 2015, laser light projection temporarily resurrected the Bamiyan Buddhas, iconic 6th-century statues destroyed by the Taliban in 2001. The technology, developed by Chinese adventurers Janson Yu and Liyan Hu, projected 3D images of the 53- and 35-meter-tall Buddhas onto their original cliffside locations using a specialized projector. This demonstration showcased the potential for digital restoration to visually reconstruct lost cultural heritage, offering both symbolic revival and a proof-of-concept for preserving archaeological sites through innovative projection techniques.

The bioturbation of Olympic marmots ( Marmota olympus ) and their impacts on soil properties

Olympic National Park — 2015 — WHE13079486B8

Olympic marmots significantly alter soil properties through bioturbation, with abandoned burrows showing reduced compaction and organic matter compared to undisturbed sites. Surface temperatures were warmer on marmot-disturbed soils, while subsurface temperatures were cooler. Surprisingly, other soil characteristics like moisture, texture, pH, salinity, and macronutrients remained similar between disturbed and undisturbed areas. The study suggests that marmots influence both physical and chemical soil properties, though further research is needed to determine the duration and extent of these impacts.

The Bomb in the Museum: Nuclear Technology and the Human Element

Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) — 2015 — WHEB77A71F5B2

Nuclear museums in the U.S., particularly those funded by the Department of Energy, face a significant challenge: balancing the celebration of nuclear technology's civilian benefits with the acknowledgement of its devastating military applications. This study reveals that curating such narratives is fraught with contradictions, especially in the post-9/11 era where national security imperatives shape public perceptions. A comparison with the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum underscores that exhibiting 'nuclear victory' is more problematic than depicting nuclear victimhood. The research approach involves analyzing how these museums navigate this duality, reflecting on the complex legacy of American nuclearism and its global impact.

The Bonobo Pan paniscus (Mammalia: Primates: Hominidae) nesting patterns and forest canopy layers in the Lake Tumba forests and Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo

Salonga National Park — 2015 — WHE8C12240560

Research reveals a strong correlation between bonobo nesting patterns and specific forest structures within Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo. Bonobos preferentially nest in mixed mature forests with closed understories, where leaf-covered areas (LCA) at mid-storey elevations (4–16 m) are significantly higher compared to non-nesting sites. This preference is not observed in open or secondary forest types. The study systematically analyzed 134 transects, measuring canopy cover, structure, tree densities, and basal areas, while calculating LCA for seven forest types. Notably, nesting sites exhibited greater mid-storey leaf cover (55–55%) than non-nesting sites (39–42%), suggesting that bonobos favor habitats with complex vertical stratification. These findings highlight the importance of closed-canopy, mature forests in bonobo habitat selection and conservation efforts.

The Bravo Test and the Death and Life of the Global Ecosystem in the Early Anthropocene

Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site — 2015 — WHE33584E51FC

The Bravo Test, a hydrogen bomb detonated by the United States at Bikini Atoll on March 1, 1954, revealed profound and far-reaching ecological consequences. The weapon's yield exceeded expectations by threefold, releasing radioactive fallout that contaminated vast areas of the Marshall Islands and beyond. This contamination displaced thousands of residents, many of whom were never able to return home due to persistent radiation levels. The study underscores the global impact of nuclear testing, illustrating how a localized event can have widespread ecological and human health repercussions. The research approach involves analyzing historical records and scientific data to document the immediate and long-term effects of the Bravo Test on both the environment and human populations.

The Bronze Calyx-Krater from the ‘Heuzey B’ Tomb in Vergina (Ancient Aigai)

Archaeological Site of Aigai (modern name Vergina) — 2015 — WHE732F6F6073

A bronze calyx-krater, adorned with Maenad masks on its handles, was uncovered in the 'Heuzey B' tomb at Vergina (ancient Aigai), reinforcing its significance as a funerary urn from the late 4th century BC. This discovery, part of the Heuzey burial group, contributes to a small but notable collection of similar bronze kraters from Macedonia, including findings from Vergina-Aigai and Pydna, as well as comparative studies in Athens. The krater's dating aligns with archaeological evidence, underscoring its cultural and historical importance within the broader context of ancient Macedonian burial practices.

The Bryophyte Flora of the Vatican City State

Vatican City — 2015 — WHE5529EBDAEE

A comprehensive bryological survey of Vatican City State reveals 121 taxa of bryophytes, including 14 liverworts and 107 mosses, with significant biogeographical implications. Notably, one liverwort and nine moss species are newly recorded for the Lazio Region, with Tortula bolanderi marking the first report for the Italian peninsula. The study, conducted primarily in the Vatican Gardens, fills a critical gap in the unexplored bryological landscape of this territory, contributing valuable data to regional flora knowledge.

The business of D-Day: an exploratory study of consumer behaviour

Beaches of the D-Day Landings, Normandy, 1944 — 2015 — WHED1F8288707

Economic pressures on heritage tourism can undermine the perceived quality and sacredness of historically significant sites, leading to their commodification. This study identifies key determinants of visitor experience quality at Normandy's D-Day landing sites—including historical significance, gravitas, ambience, exhibit authenticity, and respect in display—which offer a framework for 'experience engineering' to mitigate this inverse relationship between economic imperatives and perceived value. The research employed qualitative methods, analyzing visitor interactions at five academic-led sites using consumer behavior models (Holt’s metaphors of consumption and the sacred/profane dichotomy) alongside concepts of authenticity and verisimilitude from MacCannell.

The Business of Prostitution in Early Renaissance Venice

Venice and its Lagoon — 2015 — WHE5D907D0DDB

Venice's late fourteenth and early fifteenth centuries saw the establishment of a legalized prostitution system, managed by government officials and primarily operated by women brothel-keepers. This study reveals how debt and credit mechanisms within this system often subjugated prostitutes to their brothel-keepers and other creditors, limiting their autonomy. The research also explores the integration of sex workers into local society and traces broader trends in Venetian policy toward prostitution up to the sixteenth century. By analyzing archival records, the study reconstructs the economic and social dynamics of this unique business model, offering insights into gender roles and state regulation during the Renaissance.

The Cambridge World History

Chaco Culture — 2015 — WHEA004B4AFEB

A comprehensive analysis of global developments from 1200 BCE to 900 CE reveals the formation and expansion of powerful states, empires, and cross-cultural networks, alongside transformative changes in science, technology, economic systems, social hierarchies, and cultural practices. The study, part of The Cambridge World History, employs a multidisciplinary approach to examine critical transitions across Eurasia, the Mediterranean, South Asia, Africa, East Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania. It highlights specific regional studies, including trade dynamics along the Silk Roads and Sahara, Chaco culture in the US Southwest, and Confucianism's role in East Asian governance, offering a nuanced understanding of historical processes that shaped these civilizations.

The Casbah: Reimagining the Counter-Space

Kasbah of Algiers — 2015 — WHE6BEFF33DA5

A novel urban and architectural strategy, termed 'counter-space,' is proposed to reintegrate Algerian youth into the heart of Algiers' Casbah by leveraging interstitial spaces like scaffolding and abandoned plots. This approach involves creating temporary structures that physically situate youth within their context, fostering confrontation between them and their environment. The resulting counter-space aims to provide a platform for self-determination and expression, addressing the psychological impact of the Algerian Civil War on young residents.

The Castagnone Site (Cerrina Valley, Monferrato Hills, NW Italy): Early Pleistocene Sedimentary Record and Biochronology

Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato — 2015 — WHE9367F6D055

Research at the Castagnone site in Italy's Cerrina Valley reveals a significant early Pleistocene sedimentary record, dating back approximately 1.07 to 0.99 million years ago during the Jaramillo Subchron. The study identified two alluvial units with distinct faunal remains, including Galerian macrofauna and microtine vole teeth, suggesting a dynamic paleoenvironmental history. Sediment analysis also indicated progressive syn-sedimentary tilting, linked to tectonic uplift in the Monferrato Hills, which appears to have stabilized before the deposition of the second alluvial unit. This finding provides crucial insights into the geological and biological evolution of the region during a pivotal period of Earth's history.

The Catuspatha Pattern in Balinese Palace: Architectural Conservation and Challenges

Cultural Landscape of Bali Province: the Subak System as a Manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy — 2015 — WHE4666255AF1

Balinese palaces, rooted in pre-colonial architecture and deeply intertwined with the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, face significant conservation challenges amid tourism development and globalization. These structures, historically located at road intersections (catuspatha) and embodying sacred values like pempatanagung, retain their cultural significance despite Bali's unified governance. The study reveals that while these palaces symbolize a bygone era of Balinese society, their preservation must balance modern pressures with traditional reverence. Through extensive literature reviews, surveys, and observational inventories at multiple palaces, the research highlights the need for strategies that respect Balinese cultural heritage while accommodating global influences.

The chronology and the historical context of the construction of the Studenica monastery: Contribution to the study

Studenica Monastery — 2015 — WHE37587269F1

A new analysis of early hagiographies and political records reveals that the construction of Studenica Monastery under Stefan Nemanja was closely tied to Byzantine influences, particularly during the reign of Emperor Isaac II Angelos. The study identifies a chrysobull issued by Nemanja, along with his title of 'samodrzac' (autokrator), as key historical markers that date the monastery's founding and contextualize its architectural development within broader political relations between Serbia and Byzantium.

The Civic World of Early Renaissance Florence

Historic Centre of Florence — 2015 — WHE1A1DF6D695

A key insight into the transition of Florence from a medieval to a Renaissance city is that changes in social order, particularly the shift from corporate to elitist politics, were pivotal. This study provides a detailed socio-political history by analyzing archival material, revealing how the Black Death weakened traditional corporate entities and how the guild regime (1378-1382) marked the beginning of political readjustment. The research also examines the impact of foreign affairs, such as the Visconti wars, which solidified an elitist regime post-Giangaleazzo Visconti's death. Originally published in 1977, this work remains a foundational text for understanding the development of early Renaissance Florence.

The Collections of Pontifical Tithes from the Diocese of Oradea Between 1332-1337

Historic Centre of Avignon: Papal Palace, Episcopal Ensemble and Avignon Bridge — 2015 — WHE0AC134AD96

A rare and atypical record of pontifical tithes collected from the Diocese of Oradea between 1332–1337 reveals unique insights into financial strategies during the papacy's centralization in Avignon. Unlike standard practices, these collections were marked by collector reluctance and local stakeholder influence, yet they sustained vital funds for the Apostolic Camera. The study analyzes a Latin register transcribed from this period, detailing tithes from eleven Hungarian dioceses, with the Diocese of Oradea listed first. This document, preserved in Monumenta Vaticana Hungariae, provides structural and fiscal data absent in other sources, offering a nuanced view of medieval financial diplomacy and ecclesiastical administration.

The community distribution of bacteria and fungi on ancient wall paintings of the Mogao Grottoes

Mogao Caves — 2015 — WHED210F7520C

A study of ancient wall paintings in the Mogao Grottoes reveals that fungal community diversity correlates with the age of the caves, independent of environmental factors. This finding suggests that older cave paintings may be more susceptible to biodeterioration due to specific microbial interactions. Researchers analyzed ten samples from five caves using both culture-independent and culture-dependent methods, uncovering a high diversity of bacteria and fungi. While bacterial communities varied without clear temporal or spatial patterns, fungal diversity showed a significant relationship with the age of the grottoes. Additionally, many culturable strains exhibited resistance to various stresses, potentially contributing to the damage observed in these ancient paintings.

The complexity of heritage and societal development - The example of Gjirokastra, Albania

Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra — 2015 — WHE727E689C96

Gjirokastra, Albania, exemplifies the complex interplay between heritage preservation and societal development. The study reveals that while efforts to protect older structures and archaeological sites have intensified, post-war industrial sites—key to understanding the city's full historical context—are deteriorating due to economic instability since the 1990s. This decline is exacerbated by high unemployment and a drug-trafficking economy, posing challenges to securing heritage assets for positive societal growth. The research highlights the need for integrated approaches to heritage management that address both cultural preservation and socio-economic development in post-communist societies.

The Construction of Aboriginal Dwellings and Histories in the Wet Tropics

Wet Tropics of Queensland — 2015 — WHE4E063E1B22

Aboriginal building traditions of the Girramay people in Queensland's Wet Tropics persisted into the 20th century, offering rare insight into pre-colonial settlement patterns and construction practices. This study refines understanding of these traditions by combining archival analysis with oral histories and the reconstruction of twelve traditional dwellings (2002–2004). It challenges generalized narratives from settler-era archives, demonstrating their limitations in capturing Indigenous architectural knowledge.

The Content of Heavy Metals in Bottom Sediments of the Streams of the Sikhote-Alin Biosphere Reserve and the Streams Draining Mines of the Transit Zone of the Reserve

Central Sikhote-Alin — 2015 — WHE1A03D8F5F1

Elevated concentrations of heavy metals, particularly zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd), were found in the bottom sediments of streams draining tin mines within the Sikhote-Alin Biosphere Reserve, exceeding permissible soil levels. The study defined background ranges for iron (Fe), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), Zn, and Cd in the reserve's streams, revealing significant metal enrichment near mining areas. Notably, Cu concentrations remained elevated even 10 km from the mines, while sediments from a gold and silver mine showed increased Cu, manganese (Mn), and lead (Pb) without exceeding permissible limits. Tailing ponds were enriched in Cu and Pb but lacked Cd, Ni, and Zn compared to background levels. The research analyzed fine-grained sediment fractions (<0.1 mm) from reserve streams and mining-affected areas, providing critical data on metal contamination dynamics.