Editor’s note: Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.
have been found in historic soil samples for the first time, according to a new study, potentially upending the way archaeological remains are preserved.in soil deposits more than seven meters underground, which were deposited in the first or second century CE and excavated in the 1980s, a team led by researchers from the University of York in the United Kingdom said in a statement published Friday.
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that are no larger than five millimeters —about the size of a single sesame seed—and form when larger plastics break down,They were also commonly used in some beauty products until around 2020, say researchers, and conversations about their proliferation in the world around us have spiked in recent years.
While preserving archaeological remains in situ has been the favored approach in recent years, the new findings could trigger a change in approach, as microplastic contamination could compromise the remains’ scientific value. “We are familiar with plastics in the oceans and in rivers. But here we see our historic heritage incorporating toxic elements. To what extent this contamination compromises the evidential value of these deposits, and their national importance is what we’ll try to find out next.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
DC cherry blossoms peaked so early and the famous festival hasn't even startedThe blossoms on the famous cherry trees on the Washington, D.C., Tidal Basin have peaked, and the region&8217;s annual festival hasn&8217;t even started. The peak bloom took place Sunday, March 17, according to the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which doesn&8217;t open until Wednesday.
Read more »
One of the largest eruptions in Earth’s history could have wiped out humans. Here’s how scientists say some survivedEditor&8217;s note: Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.
Read more »
‘Devil comet’ visible in night sky now won’t swing by Earth again for decadesEditor&8217;s note: Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.
Read more »
Some perplexing animal mysteries stumped scientists during the 2017 eclipse. Here’s whyEditor&8217;s note: Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.
Read more »
Explosive star event will create once-in-a-lifetime sight in the sky. Here’s how to see itEditor&8217;s note: Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.
Read more »
The burning acid behind ant stings was spotted around two starsEditor&8217;s note: Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.
Read more »