Oxford, England – Alexandra Morton-Hayward, a forensic anthropologist and doctoral student at the University of Oxford, has delved into a fascinating study of ancient brains. Her research sheds light on the remarkable preservation of brains, dating back thousands of years, found in various locations worldwide. Morton-Hayward’s work has uncovered insights into the unique mechanisms that have allowed these brains to survive the test of time.
Through extensive research spanning centuries of scientific literature and collaborations with historians and archaeologists, Morton-Hayward has curated a database of 4,405 ancient brains. These brains have been unearthed from diverse sites such as peat bogs in northern Europe, Andean mountaintops, shipwrecks, and even Victorian poorhouses. Among her discoveries are brains dating as far back as 12,000 years.
The preservation of these ancient brains has sparked questions about the environmental and climatic factors that have contributed to their survival. Analysis of the brains has revealed four distinct preservation mechanisms, including dehydration in dry, hot conditions resembling the embalming of mummies, tanning in acidic peat bogs, freezing in cold climates, and the transformation of fats into “grave wax” through saponification.
In a recent publication in Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Morton-Hayward and her colleagues explore the mystery behind the preservation of these ancient brains. They hypothesize that a fifth unknown mechanism, potentially related to molecular crosslinking facilitated by metals like iron, may play a role in the exceptional preservation seen in some cases.
Beyond the scientific implications, Morton-Hayward sees these preserved brains as more than just biological specimens. Each brain tells a story of the individual it belonged to, offering a glimpse into their lives and possibly revealing details that bones and teeth cannot provide. From saints to sacrificial victims, these brains connect us to the humanity behind the archaeological artifacts.
As Morton-Hayward continues her research in the lab in Oxford, surrounded by jars containing ancient brains, she remains fascinated by the wealth of information that these preserved organs hold. With the potential for extracting ancient DNA and proteins from these brains, the study opens up exciting possibilities for further unraveling the mysteries of our past and understanding the complexities of the human brain.