Australopithecus Sediba at the ESRF

In February 2010, one of the best-preserved hominid fossils has been analysed with synchrotron light.

Prof. Lee Berger of the University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa) has discovered a new species of early human ancestor. The fossil's extraordinary state of preservation encouraged scientists to exploit a non-destructive tool called X-ray synchrotron microtomography, which has revolutionised palaeontology and palaeoanthropology in the last decade. Preliminary, not-yet-published results show the presence of what could be fossilised insect eggs and hints of a potential brain remnant of the hominid.

The use of X-ray synchrotron microtomography for studying fossils has been developed at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France, by Paul Tafforeau. The ESRF synchrotron light enables scientists to visualise the inside of a fossil block, sometimes up to the micron scale, without breaking it open, with contrast, sensitivity and resolution far above those of conventional X-ray machines.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Paul Tafforeau
• Lee Berger
• hominid
• synchrotron
• paleontology

[distractionxx]

i enjoyed this vid

[TheKcsmithy]

This is a great video

[shellybirdy]

some great inforamtion here thanks

[EldarNigarAzerbaican]

:o



[EldarNigarAzerbaican]

:O