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The International Politics of Vaccine Testing in Interwar Algiers

Kasbah of Algiers — 2012 — WHEB4B9DDC0F5

The Algiers BCG trial, conducted by Albert Calmette and his team at the Pasteur Institute between 1930 and 1934, was a groundbreaking effort to establish the efficacy of the tuberculosis (TB) vaccine BCG. It marked one of the first large-scale randomized clinical trials with a control group, setting a precedent for future medical research. The trial took place in the Kasbah neighborhood of Algiers, a densely populated and predominantly Muslim area that offered unique advantages: robust civil records and minimal resistance from local doctors or patients. Over 40,000 children were vaccinated, and their health was monitored over four years. While the trial ultimately failed to definitively prove BCG's efficacy due to methodological challenges—such as insufficient long-term follow-up and political interference—the study laid critical groundwork for modern clinical trial standards, including randomized designs and control groups. This research also highlighted the complex interplay between international scientific politics, colonial power dynamics, and public health in interwar Algiers.

The intriguing case of silicon crystals unveiled in ancient mosaic tesserae

Monasteries of Daphni, Hosios Loukas and Nea Moni of Chios — 2012 — WHEDBD7372DDB

A groundbreaking analysis of ancient mosaic tesserae from the 11th-century Daphni Monastery (Greece) has revealed silicon nanocrystals embedded within the glass matrix, challenging traditional assumptions about the origins of raw materials. Using micro-Raman spectroscopy, researchers identified these nanocrystals in all samples, suggesting a local glass production site rather than imports solely from the Middle East or Egypt. Statistical analysis further supported this finding, implying that the monastery may have had its own glassmaking capabilities.

The King's High Table at the Palace of Westminster

Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church — 2012 — WHE4A01C81807

Archaeological and engineering work in Westminster Hall (2005–6) uncovered additional remnants of the King's High Table, complementing earlier discoveries from 1960. This Purbeck marble table, a symbol of English monarchy for four centuries, played pivotal roles in coronation feasts and legal proceedings. The study reconstructs its original form and later expansions using recovered fragments while tracing its historical evolution within Westminster Hall and the Palace of Westminster. It also examines evidence for its construction, usage, and eventual destruction, contextualizing these findings against the site's broader history. Recent rediscovery and exhibition further highlight its significance.

The LanceletAsymmetron lucayanumComplex in Cocos Island National Park, Pacific Costa Rica

Cocos Island National Park — 2012 — WHE48131284C0

Researchers document the first occurrence of the lancelet Asymmetron lucayanum complex in the eastern Pacific, specifically within Cocos Island National Park. This discovery is significant as it expands the known distribution of this circumtropical species, which was previously unrecorded in the region. The study, conducted during a benthic survey, analyzed taxonomically significant characters such as myotome count and gonad placement to confirm the identification. Lancelets were found in subtidal sandy bottoms (5–42 m) with slightly gravelly, poorly sorted sediment. This finding contributes valuable baseline data for understanding marine biodiversity in this remote and ecologically important site.

The Large Chilean Historical Earthquakes of 1647, 1657, 1730, and 1751 from Contemporary Documents

Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville — 2012 — WHE2B0FE4E95A

A groundbreaking seismological study reveals that four major historical earthquakes in central Chile—1647, 1657, 1730, and 1751—were significantly larger in scale and impact than previously documented. The research, the first to directly analyze contemporary documents from the Archivo General de Indias in Seville, provides unprecedented detail on these events, including their destructive power, regional damage patterns, and associated tsunamis. Notably, the 1730 earthquake, the largest of the four, caused widespread devastation spanning over 1000 km, while the 1751 Concepcion earthquake was comparable in magnitude to the 2010 Maule earthquake, leading to the relocation of the city. This study underscores the importance of historical records in modern seismic risk assessment and understanding long-term tectonic activity.

The Legacy of the Bologna studium in Peter Auriol’s Hylomorphism

Historic Centre of Avignon: Papal Palace, Episcopal Ensemble and Avignon Bridge — 2012 — WHEAA229ADE94

A significant portion of Scholastic learning and literature during the later Middle Ages was produced in the studia or study-houses of religious orders, rather than in universities. These studia, which outnumbered and were more widely distributed across Europe than universities, served as primary educational institutions for members of mendicant orders, including prominent figures like Albert the Great, Thomas Aquinas, and John Duns Scotus. Additionally, the Papal Court, notably at the Sacred Palace in Avignon, played a crucial role in Scholastic discourse alongside royal courts. This volume highlights the institutional contexts and intellectual activities of these venues, featuring contributions from leading scholars.

The Lepidoptera of White Sands National Monument 5: Two new species of Cochylini (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae, Tortricinae)

Carlsbad Caverns National Park — 2012 — WHE433EA9BB73

Researchers have identified two new species of moths, Eugnosta brownana and Cochylis yinyangana, belonging to the genus Cochylini within the family Tortricidae. These discoveries were made through a decade-long study initiated in 2006, focusing on the Lepidoptera (moths) of two U.S. National Park Service sites: White Sands National Monument and Carlsbad Caverns National Park, both located in southern New Mexico. The study provides detailed illustrations of adult moths and their male and female genitalia, contributing to the taxonomic understanding of this region's biodiversity.

The Limits of Public Policy Intervention in Urban Logistics: Lessons from Vicenza (Italy)

City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto — 2012 — WHE1202792BD6

Public policy regulations restricting vehicle access to promote urban consolidation centers (UCCs) may face significant legal and practical challenges, as demonstrated by the case of Vicenza, Italy. The study analyzed municipal regulations and court rulings from 2006 to 2009, following a lawsuit by freight transport carriers against restrictive measures. While Vicenza's approach aimed to reduce urban traffic, it encountered legal resistance, highlighting the complexities of implementing such policies. The research identifies key lessons for other European cities, emphasizing the need for balanced regulations that consider both economic and technical feasibility, as well as legal implications.

The Lion-Bull Motifs of Persepolis: The Zoogeographic Context.

Persepolis — 2012 — WHE385A4BE50A

A groundbreaking analysis of the lion-bull motifs at Persepolis reveals that these iconic Achaemenian sculptures reflect a blend of near-natural zoomorphology and cultural symbolism, offering new insights into ancient Persian faunal representation. Unlike previous interpretations linking the motifs to astronomical or seasonal cycles, this study demonstrates that sculptors achieved remarkable precision in depicting lion and bull morphology, suggesting a combination of observational accuracy and mythological influence. The research integrates iconographic evidence with skeletal records and biogeographical data, highlighting the importance of non-skeletal faunal evidence—such as ancient texts, coins, and ceramics—in reconstructing holistic views of ancient animal populations. This approach provides a novel framework for understanding subsistence practices and socio-religious structures in protohistoric and early historic Iran.

The Long and Winding Road that Leads to Angkor

Angkor — 2012 — WHEB41C5BBC4E

Research in the upper Mun Valley of northeast Thailand reveals that the genesis of Angkor's civilization can be traced to two distinct surges in social complexity, both coinciding with the availability of exotic goods through exchange. The first surge occurred during the initial Bronze Age (11th century BC), while the second, more significant one took place in the late Iron Age, leading directly to the formation of powerful chiefdoms that laid the foundation for early civilizations in Southeast Asia, including Angkor. This study documents the entire prehistoric cultural sequence from late hunter-gatherers to the end of the Iron Age, challenging earlier narratives of Indianization and providing a new framework for understanding the region's complex history.

The making of Jerusalem's ‘Holy Basin’

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2012 — WHE954128FFBC

Jerusalem's 'Holy Basin,' a geographical zone encompassing the historic Old City and containing sites sacred to Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, has been significantly shaped by Western conservation practices and Romantic landscape perceptions introduced during the 19th century. This study reveals how these imperialist influences, first implemented by the British, have not only altered Jerusalem's urban fabric but also redefined its historic parts' role in modern planning. While the Holy Basin is now central to contemporary political discussions and conflict narratives, this research focuses on its historical development, highlighting the profound impact of Western conservation practices on the city's understanding and integration.

The Maned Wolves of Noel Kempff Mercado National Park

Noel Kempff Mercado National Park — 2012 — WHEB44D316226

Maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) exhibit unique territorial behavior and seasonal activity patterns, with home ranges varying from 40–123 km² and strong seasonal variations in land use. GPS-collar data revealed that adult maned wolves travel an average of 14 km/night during dry months and 7 km/night in wet months, with activity being sharply nocturnal in the dry season but partly diurnal in the rainy season. The study also found that females hold territories into which males move to form pairs, while young males emigrate. Young females often stay on natal territories as presumed helpers, acquiring the territory upon the disappearance or death of adult females. Dental disease was identified as a major cause of morbidity, with extreme tooth wear observed by 8 years old. Habitat loss and drought-related resource loss are significant conservation threats to the species in Noel Kempff Mercado National Park, Bolivia.

The Maratha Complex at Ellora

Ellora Caves — 2012 — WHE5D52C3F611

A study of the Maratha Complex at Ellora, a lesser-known but historically significant site adjacent to the famous cave-temples, reveals its architectural and cultural ties to both Hindu and Islamic traditions. The samadhis (memorials) of the Bhonsle family, built in the early 17th century, exhibit Nizam Shahi architectural styles, reflecting their close association with the Deccan sultanate overlords despite being non-Muslim in function. Notably, these structures lack corporeal remains but serve as commemorative monuments. The Ghrishneshvara temple, a replacement built by Holkar queen Ahilyabai in the 18th century, echoes archaic Yadava-era sacred architecture, suggesting its reconstruction after severe damage during Delhi sultanate invasions in the late 13th and 14th centuries. An inscription on the nearby Shivalayatirtha tank confirms Ahilyabai's patronage and dates its completion to 1769, further underscoring its sacred function with eight symmetrically arranged linga shrines around a central pool.

The Marcommanic Wars

Frontiers of the Roman Empire – Dacia — 2012 — WHE369D86BA90

The Marcomannic Wars, spanning from the accession of Marcus Aurelius to 171 CE, marked a critical turning point for the Roman Empire, signaling the onset of prolonged northern frontier instability that foreshadowed the empire's fifth-century decline. This period saw unprecedented pressure on Rome's Danube frontier, with multiple Germanic and Sarmatian tribes launching coordinated attacks. The conflict began under Marcus Aurelius' rule, exacerbated by the diversion of legions to a Parthian war (162–166 CE), which left the northern front vulnerable. Two new legions were raised in 165–166 CE to counter the threat, but an invasion by northern German tribes, including Lombards and Obii, destabilized Pannonia. Despite Roman efforts, the war was complicated by a severe plague that delayed military campaigns and claimed significant lives, including Emperor Lucius Verus' death in 169 CE. The study highlights how this prolonged conflict reshaped Rome's strategic priorities and resource allocation, setting precedents for future imperial challenges.

The Microbial Factor of Travertine Deposition between Yellowstone National Park (YNP), USA and Huanglong Scenic, Sichuan

Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area — 2012 — WHEA16861640C

A comparative analysis of travertine deposition mechanisms between Yellowstone National Park (YNP), USA, and Huanglong Scenic District, Sichuan, China, reveals distinct microbial influences despite differing environmental conditions. While YNP's travertine formation is driven by geothermal activity, Huanglong's occurs in high-altitude, cold environments with cold-water systems. The study highlights the role of microbial diversity, community structure, and metabolic pathways in YNP's hot springs, contributing to our understanding of carbon cycling and potential insights for extraterrestrial research, particularly Mars. It also suggests that similar biological factors may influence travertine deposition in Huanglong, warranting further investigation.

The middle Danian Faxe Formation – new lithostratigraphic unit and a rare taphonomic window into the Danian of Denmark

Stevns Klint — 2012 — WHE1654DF4DEF

A new lithostratigraphic unit, the middle Danian Faxe Formation, has been identified at Stevns Klint, Denmark, offering a rare taphonomic window into the Danian period's marine biodiversity. This formation, exposed in the Faxe quarry, transitions from coral and bryozoan limestone to bryozoan limestones of the Stevns Klint Formation. The Baunekule facies within this unit preserves a high-diversity invertebrate fauna with both calcite and originally aragonite-shelled species, many of which are unknown elsewhere in the Faxe Formation. Unlike the lithified parts of the formation, the Baunekule facies is weakly consolidated, allowing for easier fossil preparation and providing an unusually complete picture of cold-water coral mound ecosystems. This discovery sheds light on the diversity and density of shelly invertebrate fauna during this period.

The Middle Triassic marine reptile biodiversity in the Germanic Basin, in the centre of the Pangaean world

Monte San Giorgio — 2012 — WHE3737C78CC6

A rich diversity of Middle Triassic marine reptiles, including sauropterygians and ichthyosaurs, has been identified in the Germanic Basin near Bayreuth, Germany. These fossils, preserved in shallow marine sediments, reveal distinct ecological adaptations: placodonts like Placodus gigas thrived in macroalgae meadow environments, while pistosaurs and ichthyosaurs likely migrated from open oceans to reproduce in these shallow waters. The study highlights parallels with contemporaneous sites like Monte San Giorgio (Switzerland/Italy) and Perledo (Italy), suggesting shared paleoenvironments across the Pangaean supercontinent. New skeletal reconstructions based on 3D-preserved remains provide deeper insights into the biodiversity and ecological niches of these ancient reptiles.

The Monumental Archaic Roof of the Temple of Hera at Mon Repos, Corfu

Old Town of Corfu — 2012 — WHE453A818FBA

A groundbreaking reconstruction of the Temple of Hera at Mon Repos, Corfu, reveals its roof as a pioneering hybrid gabled system combining elements of hipped roofs, creating a proto-pedimental space. This monumental architectural terracotta was the most ambitious project of its kind around 610 B.C., incorporating intricate designs such as large, brightly painted lions, gorgoneia, and Daedalic maidens. The study, based on excavation records and fragment analysis, challenges previous interpretations by attributing all fragments to a single roof rather than separate subphases or buildings. Drawing from Mediterranean styles, the artisans demonstrated advanced techniques for replication, offering new insights into Archaic Greek architectural innovation.

The mosquitoes (Diptera: Culidae) of Seychelles: taxonomy, ecology, vectorial importance, and identification keys

Aldabra Atoll — 2012 — WHE773BB33210

A comprehensive study of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Seychelles, including the UNESCO-listed Aldabra Atoll, reveals 22 species, five of which are endemic. The research updates the culicidian fauna, confirming Aedes seychellensis as a synonym of Ae. albocephalus and documenting new records for Culex antennatus (Aldabra) and Cx. sunyaniensis (Praslin). Only three species (Ae. albocephalus, Cx. scottii, Cx. simpsoni) are shared between granitic and coralline islands, while Aedes albopictus dominates on granitic islands but is absent from Aldabra, where Ae. aegypti thrives. The study also highlights the aggressive behavior of Ae. fryeri and an unidentified Aedimorphus species on coralline islands. The research combines bibliographic review with field surveys during the 2008 rainy season across six granitic and six atoll sites, providing illustrated identification keys for adults and larvae. This work advances understanding of mosquito diversity, ecology, and vectorial importance in Seychelles, offering insights into island biology.

The Never-Ending Story? The Lessons of Fifteen Years of Archaeological Monitoring at the Former Island of Schokland

Schokland and Surroundings — 2012 — WHE6952FAD612

Archaeological monitoring over fifteen years at Schokland, now part of the Netherlands' mainland after drainage in the 1940s, has revealed a dynamic landscape shaped by human settlement and environmental change. The study highlights the significance of Mesolithic campsites, Neolithic and Bronze Age settlements, and medieval dwelling mounds (terps) within this UNESCO World Heritage Site. By analyzing these layers, researchers uncovered how past communities adapted to shifting environments, including rising water levels that necessitated the construction of terps for habitation. The approach combined extensive field surveys, stratigraphic analysis, and interdisciplinary research to reconstruct Schokland's complex history, offering insights into human resilience and environmental interaction in a rapidly changing landscape.