A new study has found evidence of potentially hazardous microbial growth on mummified human and animal remains sold online, posing risks to buyers. The analysis also highlighted non-compliance with postal regulations, putting delivery workers and others at risk. Stronger oversight is needed across online marketplaces and industries.
SourceStaffordshire University·JournalInternational Journal of Cultural Property·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 13, 2026
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
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Researchers studied six royal mummies from the Middle Kingdom and found evidence of strong muscle attachments and healed fractures, indicating the princesses were skilled archers. The study provides insight into the daily lives of these royal women, revealing they faced hardships despite their high status.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Archaeology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2026
A pre-Columbian Bolivian mummy has been found to harbor the ancient Streptococcus pyogenes bacterium, a pathogen responsible for scarlet fever. The genome of this centuries-old bacterium was reconstructed from its DNA, revealing genetic variants that may no longer exist today.
SourceEurac Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2026
Researchers analyzed the gut microbiome of a 1,000-year-old mummy from Zimapán, Mexico, revealing specific types of bacteria present. The findings expand knowledge of ancient microbiomes and may provide clues to the individual's life, including their diet, health, and lifestyle.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateOct 8, 2025
The Conservation Soft Box is an airtight, controlled environment case that preserves cultural heritage with minimal maintenance. It achieves similar results to expensive display cases but at a much lower cost, making it accessible to countries with limited resources.
SourceEurac Research·JournalJournal of Cultural Heritage·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A 140,000-year-old child's skeleton from Israel reveals biological ties between Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens through unique morphological traits. The discovery confirms genetic exchanges between the two groups, with up to 6% of modern humans' genome originating from Neanderthals.
SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalL Anthropologie·DateAug 19, 2025
Researchers analyzed a centuries-old Austrian mummy and found it remarkably well-preserved due to an unusual embalming technique involving wood chips, twigs, fabric, and zinc chloride. The mummy, of a local parish vicar, was identified through interdisciplinary analysis, including radiocarbon dating and stable isotope patterns.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2025
The study found that individual mummies emitted unique scents, indicating differences in preservation processes. Researchers analyzed air samples using GC-MS-O and identified compounds from various sources, including mummification, microbiological activity, oils, and synthetic pesticides.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 20, 2025
Researchers from UCL and the University of Ljubljana conducted a systematic study on the smells of nine ancient Egyptian mummified bodies, identifying materials used in mumification and evolution of practices. The study also provides insights into how museums conserve remains and preserves their olfactory heritage.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025
Researchers found the woman was embalmed with costly imported ingredients, contradicting traditional beliefs about mummification. The study also revealed she suffered from arthritis and had a unique facial expression that may be attributed to a cadaveric spasm caused by intense pain.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 2, 2024
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Researchers analyzed skeletal remains of ancient Egyptian baboon mummies from the site of Gabbanat el-Qurud, finding lesions and deformations indicative of malnutrition and lack of sunlight. The findings provide insights into how baboons were kept in captivity before their eventual mummification.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2023
A study led by primatologist Gisela Kopp identified the Horn of Africa as the region of origin for ancient Egyptian mummified baboons. Genetic analysis and comparisons with historical records linked Punt to Adulis, suggesting two names for the same place used at different times.
Researchers found 13 mummified leaf-eared mouse cadavers atop 4-mile-high volcanoes, with DNA analysis revealing a distinct population from lower-altitude mice. The discovery suggests the rodents ascended without human assistance and have adapted to extreme conditions.
SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 23, 2023
Scientists uncover evidence of long-term resident populations of mice living at extreme elevations in the Andes. Genetic and radiocarbon analysis reveals a species of leaf-eared mouse thriving above 6,000 meters, challenging previous assumptions about mammalian life on Earth.
SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 23, 2023
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that pre-Columbian Caribbean cultures consumed a wide variety of plants, including sweet potato, chili peppers, and domesticated tomatoes. The analysis also detected tobacco and cotton, challenging the traditional staple food narrative.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 11, 2023
Researchers discovered 'mummified' bees in their brood cells, preserving them for 3,000 years due to exceptional conservation. The bees' cause of death remains unknown but is linked to oxygen shortages and changing temperatures in southwest Portugal.
SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalPaleobiology·DateSep 14, 2023
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute have recreated an ancient Egyptian woman's scent used in her mummification, revealing complex ingredients and trade connections. The 'scent of eternity' blend includes beeswax, plant oil, and exotic resins, highlighting sophisticated mummification practices and long-distance trade.
SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 31, 2023
The analysis of balms used to preserve ancient Egyptian noblewoman Senetnay's organs reveals a complex composition with imported ingredients, indicating her high social status. The presence of specific compounds, such as larixol and dammar, suggests that different balms were used for different organs.
SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 31, 2023
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A new study has discovered hundreds of mummified bees from the time of Pharaoh Siamun, which have provided valuable insights into the decline of bee populations. The bees were found in a fossilized state on the southwest coast of Portugal and preserved the smallest anatomical details, including sex and pollen supply.
SourceFaculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon·JournalPapers in Palaeontology·DateAug 24, 2023
Researchers detected Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest form of malaria, in mummified tissues from Medici family members. The parasite was identified through microscopic and molecular analyses, revealing characteristic ring-shaped structures and Maurer's clefts.
SourceEurac Research·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 12, 2023
Researchers analyzed six sealed copper alloy animal coffins using neutron tomography, identifying bones, textiles, and lead fragments that shed light on ancient Egyptian mummification techniques and ritual purposes.
SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 20, 2023
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
Researchers analyzed chemical residues in ancient vessels to identify specific embalming ingredients, including unexpected global sources like tropical Africa and Southeast Asia. The findings shed new light on the global trade relationships involved in ancient Egyptian mummification.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateFeb 2, 2023
The 'Golden boy' mummy is a 2,300-year-old undisturbed body equipped with 49 amulets of 21 different types, including golden and semiprecious stones. CT scans reveal these amulets were placed to protect the body and give it vitality in the afterlife.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 24, 2023
A study of 10 mummified crocodile remains discovered in an undisturbed tomb at Qubbat al-Hawā offers new insights into pre-Ptolemaic mummification practices. The unique preservation style suggests a different approach to carcass evisceration and resin use compared to other archaeological sites.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJan 18, 2023
Three pre-Columbian South American mummies found evidence of lethal trauma, with two males dying from extreme intentional violence. The study used 3D CT scans to examine the mummies and provide new insights into the rate of trauma and violent deaths in prehistoric human societies.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 9, 2022
A new study suggests that mummification in prehistory was more common in Europe than thought, dating back to 8,000 years ago. The researchers found evidence of desiccation and hyperflexion in skeletal remains from the Sado Valley in Portugal.
SourceUppsala University·JournalEuropean Journal of Archaeology·DateMar 3, 2022
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
Scientists have developed a new technique to extract DNA from the 'cement' head lice that attached eggs to hairs of ancient humans. This method reveals clues about pre-Columbian human migration patterns in South America, allowing for the study of unique samples from mummified remains where bone and tooth samples are unavailable.
SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 28, 2021
Researchers from Egypt used 3D CT scanning to 'digitally unwrap' the mummy of Pharaoh Amenhotep I, dispelling a theory that 21st dynasty restorers reused old royal burial equipment. The study revealed that the priests lovingly repaired injuries inflicted by tomb robbers and preserved the pharaoh's jewelry and amulets.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 28, 2021
A novel 'virtual segmentation' method enables accurate visualization of microtomography imaging of Egyptian mummies. This technique helps researchers reconstruct detailed anatomical structures of ancient animals, shedding new light on their biology and evolution.
A two-year project led by Dr. Kirsty Squires aims to analyze 41 mummified children from the 19th century using non-invasive methods. The study will provide essential data on juvenile health, development, and identity during this period.
A team of geneticists sequenced DNA from a 1,600-year-old sheep mummy from Iran's Chehrābād salt mine, revealing ancient sheep husbandry practices. The preserved DNA showed remarkable integrity, with longer fragment lengths and less damage than expected.
SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 13, 2021
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Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
Researchers found scarlet macaws and Amazon parrots transported from over 300 miles away, eating the same diet as agriculturalists. Mummified birds were often eviscerated and mummified with their mouths open or wings spread in flight.
SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 29, 2021
A recent CT scan study of the mummy of Pharaoh Seqenenre-Taa-II provides new insights into his death, revealing that he was executed by multiple attackers and that embalmers skillfully concealed some head wounds. The study also suggests that Seqenenre was about 40 years old at the time of his death.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·DateFeb 17, 2021
Researchers have discovered a rare 'mud carapace' treatment on an Egyptian mummy, revealing the mummy and its coffin did not originally belong together. The analysis suggests the body is older than the coffin, with the mud carapace providing restorative and potentially elite funerary practices.
Scientists analyzed geochemical data from mummy remains to determine if they were bred or hunted. The results indicate that the birds were wild and migrating seasonally, suggesting mass hunting and capture. This discovery sheds light on ancient Egyptian practices and their impact on the environment.
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Advanced X-ray imaging reveals details on ancient cat, bird and snake mummification, including possible causes of death and complex ritualistic behavior. The technique provides insights into conditions in which animals were kept and their relationships with humans.
SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 20, 2020
Three ancient Egyptian animals, a snake, bird, and cat, have been digitally unwrapped using high-resolution 3D scans. The scans revealed the animals' ages, possible causes of death, and conditions they were kept in, providing new insights into animal mummification, religion, and human-animal relationships in ancient Egypt.
SourceSwansea University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 20, 2020
A DNA study reveals that ancient Egyptians did not domesticate Sacred Ibises for ritual use, contrary to previous theories. The research suggests that the birds were short-term tamed in natural habitats or farmed seasonally.
A new imaging study of ancient mummies found that their arteries were more clogged than thought, indicating heart disease was prevalent among human ancestors. The study used near-infrared spectroscopy to detect cholesterol buildup in the arteries, revealing a prevalence of cholesterol-rich plaques even in people at a relatively young age.
SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalAmerican Heart Journal·DateSep 23, 2019
Researchers uncover evidence of prehistoric embalming process in ancient Egyptian mummy dating back to 3700-3500 BC. The 'recipe' contained antibacterial agents used in similar proportions as later Egyptian embalmers, revealing a wider geographical use of these balms.
SourceUniversity of York·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateAug 15, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers analyzed the stomach contents of the world's oldest naturally preserved ice mummy and found a remarkably high proportion of fat in his diet. The analysis also revealed wild meat from ibex and red deer, cereals, and traces of toxic bracken, providing insights into ancient dietary habits and food preparation.
Researchers use advanced techniques to confirm the ancient queen's identity, shedding new light on Egyptian mummification practices. The team's findings support the idea that the mummified legs belong to Queen Nefertari, a favorite wife of Pharaoh Ramses II.
SourceUniversity of York·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 5, 2016
Researchers successfully extracted ancient DNA from a southern African mummy, providing insights into past population dynamics. The analysis revealed genetic ties to the Sotho-Tswana and Khoesan communities, shedding light on the region's cultural heritage.
SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalSouth African Journal of Science·DateMar 16, 2016
Researchers found that microscopic bone analysis can identify previously mummified skeletons, revealing a wider practice of mummification in Bronze Age Britain. The study suggests that ancient Britons used different methods to mummify their dead, including smoking over fires and burial in peat bogs.
SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalAntiquity·DateSep 30, 2015
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A study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science found evidence of mass breeding of raptors in ancient Egypt, including a mummified kestrel that died from force-feeding. The findings suggest that birds were kept and bred for religious purposes, with implications for falconry practices.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateSep 3, 2015
A study published in PLOS ONE found evidence of ancient Egyptian mummification practices dating back to the Late Neolithic period, around 4500-3350 BC. The discovery suggests that early Egyptians may have used natural products to preserve bodies, laying the groundwork for later Pharaonic mummification techniques.
Researchers from the Universities of York, Macquarie and Oxford discovered evidence that ancient Egyptians used complex embalming agents 1,500 years earlier than thought. The findings suggest that mummification originated in Upper Egypt during the Neolithic period, around 4500-3100 BC.
Twenty-four new species of Aleiodes wasps were discovered in the cloud forests of Ecuador, mummifying caterpillars in an unusual way. These small organisms have a significant impact on forest ecology by controlling plant-feeding caterpillar populations, helping to sustain biodiversity.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateMay 8, 2014
A rare mummified specimen of the duck-billed dinosaur Edmontosauraus regalis has revealed a fleshy comb on its head, similar to a rooster's red crest. This discovery dramatically alters our understanding of these gentle giants and raises the possibility of similar crests among other dinosaurs.
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A team of forensic experts found no genetic link between the mummified head and three Bourbon descendants of King Henry IV. The analysis ruled out a maternal connection as well, making it highly unlikely that the head belonged to the French king.
Scientists analyzed 500-year-old Inca mummies to uncover the truth behind the 'capacocha' ritual, revealing that children consumed coca and alcohol before sacrifice. The findings provide new insights into the ancient practice, which was used to sedate children before their death.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2013
A study of ancient mummies from diverse cultures reveals that hardening of the arteries was a widespread problem globally, contradicting previous assumptions about its occurrence in ancient Egypt and diet-related factors. The research found that nearly half of the examined mummies showed signs of probable or definite atherosclerosis.
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Researchers identified a possible new feline disease in Scotland, characterized by robotic-like movements in cats. Meanwhile, an X-ray investigation of an over 2000-year-old Egyptian mummy revealed insights into cat burial practices, including treatment with natron and intricate wrapping techniques.
SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateApr 11, 2012
A team of researchers has discovered a mummified forest in the Arctic that provides valuable insights into how plants adapted to a long-ago global cooling event. The trees, which are estimated to be 2-8 million years old, show signs of stress and suffered from extreme conditions, including half a year of darkness and cooling climate.
A team of radiologists used CT scans to re-examine the mummy of King Tutankhamun, estimating his age at death between 18-20 years old. The findings suggest a premortem fracture to the femoral bone, potentially caused by an open wound that became infected and fatal.
SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 27, 2006
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A Texas A&M University team has discovered that ancient Egyptians used tar from natural oil seeps in the Middle East for preservation and mummification. The researchers found that tar acted as a watersealer, preventing moisture from penetrating the wrappings and destroying the body.
A team of experts from UC Berkeley's engineering school have developed a machine to zap static cling, allowing fragile ancient papyrus documents to survive. The recovery includes royal proclamations, land transactions, and literary texts from the third century B.C., dating back thousands of years.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateDec 6, 1996