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Norse in Newfoundland: A critical examination of archaeological research at the Norse site at L’Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland

L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site — 2012 — WHE314A58044A

Archaeological research at L’Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland, reveals that the site corresponds to Vinland, the mythical Norse settlement described in 13th-century sagas. The study critically examines excavation reports from the Ingstad and Wallace excavations, alongside comparative analyses, to uncover the settlement's function and activities, with a focus on dietary practices and site operations. This research provides concrete evidence linking L’Anse aux Meadows to the Norse exploration of Vinland around 1000 CE, challenging and refining historical narratives about Norse expansion in North America.

Notes on Food Habits of Armadillos (Cingulata, Dasypodidae) and Anteaters (Pilosa, Myrmecophagidae) at Serra Da Capivara National Park (PiauÍ State, Brazil)

Serra da Capivara National Park — 2012 — WHE5C63F05686

A rare study on the dietary habits of armadillos and anteaters in Brazil's Caatinga biome reveals that invertebrates, particularly termites (Isoptera) and ants/hymenopterans, form the primary food source for six species: nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), seven-banded armadillo (D. septemcinctus), pichiciego (Euphractus sexcinctus), giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), southern tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla), and three-banded armadillo (Tolypeutes tricinctus). Surprisingly, seeds were also a significant component in the diets of most species, including the giant anteater and southern tamandua. Researchers analyzed fecal and stomach samples from individuals at Serra da Capivara National Park to uncover these insights, contributing critical data on the ecological roles of these mammals in the Caatinga ecosystem.

Nouvelles recherches archéologiques à Byblos

Byblos — 2012 — WHEB8786BAF56

Recent archaeological research at Byblos has uncovered significant new insights into the site's ancient layers and urban development. The study, published in Comptes rendus des séances de l'Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres, reveals evidence of continuous habitation from the Neolithic period through the Bronze Age, with particular focus on the Middle Bronze Age (2000–1550 BCE). Excavations and stratigraphic analyses exposed well-preserved architectural remains, pottery, and artifacts that provide a clearer picture of Byblos' role as a major maritime and cultural hub during this era. The research employs advanced stratigraphic techniques, including detailed mapping and artifact analysis, to reconstruct the site's evolution over time.

Numerical classification and ordination of forest communities in habitat of Sichuan Snub-nosed Monkey in Hubei Shennongjia National Nature Reserve

Hubei Shennongjia — 2012 — WHE0C90ABF87C

A study on the Hubei Shennongjia National Nature Reserve identified that the forest community dominated by Abies fargesii (Sichuan fir) and Betula utilis (Himalayan birch), along with Acer megalodum (giant maple) and Rosa caudata (trailing rose), provides the optimal habitat for the Sichuan Snub-nosed Monkey. This conclusion was derived from a numerical classification and ordination analysis of 58 forest plots, which revealed that altitude gradient is the most influential environmental factor shaping forest community distribution in this region. The research also highlighted that species richness varies across vegetation types, with shrubs generally exhibiting higher diversity than trees or herbs in coniferous forests and mixed forests. Additionally, lichens, a crucial winter food source for the monkey, were found exclusively in coniferous and mixed coniferous-deciduous broadleaf forests. These findings offer critical insights for the conservation planning of Sichuan Snub-nosed Monkeys, emphasizing the importance of preserving high-altitude, well-developed forest communities.

Nutrient status of seagrasses cannot be inferred from system-scale distribution of phosphorus in Shark Bay, Western Australia

Shark Bay, Western Australia — 2012 — WHE5D1851121D

Researchers found that phosphorus (P) availability for seagrasses in Shark Bay, Western Australia, cannot be predicted from large-scale sedimentary P distributions. Despite a known north-to-south gradient of P concentrations across the embayment, local-scale nutrient content in seagrass leaves (Amphibolis antarctica and Halodule uninervis) showed high variability and no strong correlation with sediment P levels. Mean nitrogen (N) to phosphorus (P) ratios (<33.5) also suggested that P limitation was unlikely, contrary to prior assumptions. The study concluded that P availability is likely a localized, complex interplay of nutrient inputs, delivery rates, and cycling dynamics, rather than a system-wide trend.

O comércio de queijo de coalho na orla de Salvador, Bahia: trabalho infantil e segurança de alimentos

Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia — 2012 — WHE900CC47EA3

A study on the cheese trade along Salvador's coastline reveals significant public health risks, including high levels of microbial contamination and child labor. The research found that 95% of raw cheese samples exceeded safety standards for aerobic mesophilic microorganisms, staphylococci, coliforms, and thermotolerant bacteria, while 50% of cooked samples also failed to meet guidelines. Additionally, the majority of vendors were children (75% male) aged around 14, working primarily on weekends to supplement family income or occupy time, often with inadequate food safety knowledge. The study employed a cross-sectional design, interviewing 40 child vendors and testing 80 cheese samples for microbial content. These findings underscore the urgent need for intervention to address both child labor and food safety in informal markets.

Observation and Creativity: Leonardo da Vinci

Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci — 2012 — WHEFDE610B3D1

Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) stands as a paragon of Renaissance creativity, blending artistry with an imaginative and enquiring mind that often outpaced his contemporaries. His works, including the iconic 'The Last Supper' painted in Milan's Dominican convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, achieved legendary status by the 17th century, described as 'a very great miracle.' Da Vinci's artistic innovation is further exemplified by his portrait 'Lady with an Ermine,' which was recently showcased in London. His career reflects a unique synthesis of observation and creativity, challenging traditional distinctions between art and science.

Observation of “Traditional” Agriculture in Kastamonu, Turkey In Relation to the Evidence of Crop Husbandry at Neolithic Çatalhöyük, Central Anatolia

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2012 — WHE105B055942

Traditional agricultural practices in Kastamonu, Turkey, provide key insights into Neolithic crop husbandry at Çatalhöyük. The study reveals that small-scale, non-mechanized farming of ancient wheats (einkorn and emmer) mirrors prehistoric techniques, offering a window into how plants were cultivated, stored, and processed during the Neolithic period. Fieldwork documented traditional cultivation methods, storage practices, and milling/processing infrastructure, while also highlighting modern technological challenges to such practices. Observations from local farmers and storage facilities in Kastamonu suggest parallels with Neolithic agricultural behaviors at Çatalhöyük, enhancing our understanding of early plant procurement and consumption.

Observations of dugongs at Aldabra Atoll, western Indian Ocean: lagoon habitat mapping and spatial analysis of sighting records

Aldabra Atoll — 2012 — WHE7143356B2C

A significant cluster of dugong sightings was identified at Aldabra Atoll, challenging the belief that dugongs were extinct in the Seychelles. Spatial analysis revealed a strong association between dugong presence and seagrass beds, particularly in the north-west lagoon area known as Bras Monsieur Clairemont. Researchers combined historical sighting records with high-resolution benthic habitat mapping derived from satellite imagery to determine dugong distribution patterns. The study highlights the central western region of Aldabra's lagoon as the most suitable habitat for dugongs, providing critical insights into their conservation in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Observing calving-generated ocean waves with coastal broadband seismometers, Jakobshavn Isbræ, Greenland

Ilulissat Icefjord — 2012 — WHE6452B7A5C8

A groundbreaking study reveals that icebergs calving from Jakobshavn Isbræ, Greenland, generate ocean waves detectable up to 150 kilometers away, recorded via coastal broadband seismometers. These waves exhibit distinct spectral peaks, persist for hours without dispersion, and suggest the potential to stimulate seiches in both Ilulissat Icefjord and Disko Bay. The research integrates time-lapse photography, MODIS satellite imagery, ocean wave measurements, and seismic data, offering novel insights into the understudied oceanographic impacts of iceberg calving. This approach highlights the utility of land-based seismometers, such as those in the Greenland Ice Sheet Monitoring Network (GLISN), for advancing our understanding of glacial dynamics.

Ocelot density in the caribbean slope of the Talamanca region, Costa Rica

Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park — 2012 — WHED79BC3C209

Researchers estimated the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) population density for the first time on Costa Rica's Caribbean slope, specifically within the Talamanca-Caribbean Biological Corridor. Using camera-trapping and capture-recapture analysis, they found low densities ranging from 5.6 to 11.6 individuals per 100 km², depending on the model used (Mh or Mo). These findings suggest a small ocelot population in the region, highlighting its dependence on the corridor for long-term survival. The study provides critical baseline data for conservation efforts, emphasizing the need for protection of this UNESCO-listed area to sustain ocelot populations.

Ochrona zabytków a (od)budowa

Old town of Regensburg with Stadtamhof — 2012 — WHE7F1A989E01

This study reveals the complex interplay between monument preservation and urban reconstruction, highlighting how post-World War II approaches often prioritized modern functionality over historical integrity. It shows that while cities like Regensburg survived the war with minimal damage, their reconstruction was guided by conflicting ideologies—some advocating for faithful restoration, others embracing the Athens Charter's principles of modernity at the expense of historical authenticity. The research argues that contemporary reconstruction efforts, though ostensibly rooted in history, often serve to sanitize the past, erasing difficult narratives and reducing architectural heritage to a curated aesthetic. By analyzing the tension between preservation and modernization, the study underscores the ethical and cultural implications of urban renewal, warning against the loss of originality and historical awareness.

On contradictory regulations

Old and New Towns of Edinburgh — 2012 — WHE991349839F

Contradictions between safety standards and conservation guidelines can be harnessed as creative design opportunities. This study highlights the tension between British Standard 8213-1:2004, which provides risk-based recommendations for window designs to ensure safety during use and cleaning, and Edinburgh City Council's Conservation Area Guidelines, which prioritize preserving the historic character of New Towns. By analyzing these conflicting regulations, the research demonstrates how such discrepancies can inspire innovative architectural solutions that balance practical safety with aesthetic preservation in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

On the Capital of Koguryo and its Cemetery

Complex of Koguryo Tombs — 2012 — WHE551FB5B9A8

A new analysis of Koguryo’s capital cities and cemeteries reveals that the first walled settlement, Xia gu cheng zi, was built by native Koguryo people rather than Chinese influences. The study also clarifies the timing of Koguryo’s move to the Jian region (A.D. 3) and identifies Wei na yan cheng as its earliest mountain fortress. Additionally, it shows that Pyongyang’s first capital aligns with Cheng am li to sung, not An hak gung, and that royal tombs were strategically placed far from the city, mirroring Han dynasty patterns in China. The research suggests this reflects Koguryo’s expansion of direct royal control (Wangki). Cemetery data further indicate significant population migration from Jian to Pyongyang.

On-Street Visual Analysis on Outdoor Space of Jalan Hang Jebat, Melaka

Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca — 2012 — WHE81C3065A47

A study on Jalan Hang Jebat, Melaka, reveals that the outdoor space between heritage buildings—dubbed the 'outdoor living room'—plays a significant role in shaping pedestrian behavior. The research demonstrates that both physical and socio-cultural attributes of these streets influence pedestrian density, activity, and movement patterns over time. To uncover this relationship, unobtrusive methods such as digital photography and CCTV were employed to analyze on-street aerial-visual data. The findings highlight how the character of these spaces, whether heritage or commercial, impacts pedestrian dynamics, offering insights into the interplay between urban design and human behavior in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

On‐and off‐site Raman study of rock‐shelter paintings at world‐heritage site of Bhimbetka

Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka — 2012 — WHEDB33497140

A Raman spectroscopy study of the rock-shelter paintings at Bhimbetka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India, identified mineral-based pigments used from prehistoric times to the 19th century. The research detected calcite, gypsum, hematite, whewellite, and goethite both on-site with a portable spectrometer and off-site with micro-Raman spectroscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. This non-invasive method allowed for the precise identification of pigments even in tiny fragments (100–200 µm), providing insights into the materials used across different historical periods without damaging the artworks.

Oochoristica koubeki n. sp. (Cestoda, Anoplocephalidae) from African Chamaeleo senegalensis (Chamaeleonidae) and emendation of the genus Oochoristica Lühe, 1898

Niokolo-Koba National Park — 2012 — WHE271D965EF2

A new tapeworm species, Oochoristica koubeki n. sp., was discovered in the intestine of Chamaeleo senegalensis (Senegalese chameleon) within Niokolo-Koba National Park, Senegal. This cestode, belonging to the Anoplocephalidae family, is distinguished by its unique morphological traits, including an extremely high number of egg capsules and a reinforced genital atrium, setting it apart from related species like O. theileri and O. celebensis. The discovery also prompted an emendation of the genus Oochoristica's diagnosis, refining its taxonomic boundaries. The research highlights the rich biodiversity and parasitic diversity within this UNESCO-listed protected area, contributing to our understanding of cestode evolution and host-parasite relationships in West African ecosystems.

Open Borders and Closing Threats

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump — 2012 — WHEBCC788835F

Historically, the Canadian-US border was characterized by fluid movement and minimal constraints, contrasting sharply with current security measures. The study examines how the US-Canadian relationship, once defined by open borders and neighborly cooperation, has evolved under heightened security post-9/11. It highlights anecdotes of cross-border interactions—such as shared services, dual-national children, and emergency responses—that illustrate a long-standing tradition of integration. While the border remains politically marked, socioeconomic dynamics have largely transcended these boundaries, reflecting a unique continental relationship that predates modern security paradigms.

Optimizing the habitat of the Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) in Ujung Kulon National Park by reducing the invasive palm Arenga obtusifolia

Ujung Kulon National Park — 2012 — WHE4DA4A4780A

Controlling invasive arenga palm (Arenga obtusifolia) significantly improves habitat quality for the critically endangered Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) by increasing food plant abundance and diversity, leading to greater rhino visitation. Researchers demonstrated this in Ujung Kulon National Park by reducing palm dominance across four 1-hectare plots, selected based on ecological criteria such as shading levels and potential for connecting rhino home ranges. The study, conducted in two phases—palm control and monitoring—showed that invasive species management can enhance habitat accessibility and nutritional availability for rhinos, offering a practical conservation strategy to support their survival.

Optimum interpolation analysis of basin-scale 137Cs transport in surface seawater in the North Pacific Ocean

Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site — 2012 — WHEB4A22EF100

A basin-scale analysis reveals that cesium-137 (¹³⁷Cs) from nuclear tests at Bikini and Enewetak Atolls, along with global fallout, was transported eastward by the Kuroshio and North Pacific Currents, accumulating in the eastern North Pacific until 1967 before declining due to southward transport. The study used optimum interpolation (OI) analysis to map ¹³⁷Cs distribution and temporal changes in surface seawater from 1957 onward, uncovering complex circulation patterns, including northward transport of less contaminated water in the western Pacific during the 1970s, indicative of recirculation within the North Pacific Gyre. This work provides critical insights into oceanic tracer dynamics on decadal scales.