ENIGMA
About
Why this project
A central challenge in the study of the history of humanity is to understand how evolution has shaped who we are today. Neanderthals are our closest relatives in the human evolutionary family tree. Therefore, understanding the differences and similarities between Neanderthals and Anatomically Modern Humans (AMH) is crucial for defining our phylogenetic history. Bone palaeohistology, the study of the microstructure of fossilized tissue, offers scientists a window into the past: Mineralized tissue keeps a record of an individuals’ growth and adaptive responses, therefore allowing us to study aspects of life history long after fossilisation.
ENIGMA
Due to the rapid increase of cutting-edge technology of Virtual Histology, we can image the internal microstructure of bone without inflicting damage to the material. This allows for the high-resolution study of important fossils, including those of early humans. Although of such high potential, bone histology is still a highly understudied field in human anatomical evolution.
In this project, we combine advanced X-ray techniques (synchrotron- and lab-based phase-contrast microtomography, synchrotron X-ray fluorescence and infrared spectroscopies) with the investigation of a large sample of skeletal elements from the Krapina Neanderthal collection (dated 130 +/- 10 kya), Croatia, to investigate detailed aspects of their developmental biology.
Research Objectives
Establishing the preservation state of the Neanderthal fossil remains
Examining the speed of maturation of juvenile Neanderthals
Assessing the type and intensity of Neanderthal physical activity and environmental adaption.
Valorisation of 3D modelling of fossil bone microstructure for museum and outreach purposes in commercial settings.
Dissemination
Results of the ENIGMA project will be disseminated both for the scientific community , my means of publications in scientific journals, conferences and workshops. Additionally, ENIGMA will focus on communicating its results to the Public at Large by joining multiple public outreach events organised in Europe.
Preservation
We establish bone preservation state
Ontogeny
We establish Neanderthal growth rate, ageing and maturation through bone histomorphometrics
Physical Activity
We examine Neanderthal bone remodeling parameters as a proxy for physical activity and environmental adaptation
Valorisation
We design strategies to valorise the 3D modelling of fossil bone microstructure for museum and outreach purposes in commercial settings
