BioArCh has a unique concentration of expertise in bioarchaeology, with internationally recognised strengths in the analysis of human, animal, and plant remains and molecular techniques - proteins, lipids, DNA, and stable isotopes. We have dedicated laboratories for Archaeobotany, Archaeological chemistry, light stable isotopes, Paleogenomics, Paleoproteomics, zooarchaeology, Imaging and wear Analysis, and a suite of state-of-the-art instrumentation for various analyses. Our BioArCh centre is also strongly linked with the Centre of Excellence in Mass Spectrometry.

Some of the facilities available for work undertaken as part of the MEDGREENREV project are detailed below, but for further information regarding the full breadth of our available resources please refer to the website: https://www.york.ac.uk/archaeology/research/research-centres/bioarch/facilities/.

Organic residue analysis

We have extensive facilities for the chemical characterisation of organic materials associated with archaeological artefacts, skeletal remains and sediments.

This includes a dedicated organic chemistry lab for sample processing, extraction and derivatization of compounds prior to instrument analysis.

Our instruments are housed across three laboratories and include:

  • Gas Chromatograph-Flame Ionisation Detector (GC-FID)
  • Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS)
  • Agilent 7890A GC/FID/MSD
  • Perkin Elmer Clarus 690 GC coupled to a SQ8-T Mass Spectrometer
  • Agilent 7890B GC coupled to an Agilent 5975C MSD and via a combustion unit (Isoprime GC5) to an Isoprime 100 IRMS
  • Two Thermo Delta plus, each coupled to a Thermo Trace 1310 GC for Amino Acid and compound specific isotope analysis
  • FTIR (Bruker Alpha) with ATR attachment (Bruker platinum) for quick and minimally destructive structural analysis of archaeological specimens including bone, seeds and shell

Additional facilities for archaeological chemistry including access to high resolution mass spectrometry are available at the Centre of Excellence in Mass Spectrometry.

Stable Isotope analysis

We routinely conduct bulk stable isotope analysis of carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S) on a diverse range of organic samples.

This includes bone (collagen), tooth (dentine), hair and fur (keratin) and also deposits such as charred food crusts from ceramic vessels and archaeological plant remains. We also have facilities for analysing oxygen (O) and hydrogen (H/D) in organic material to inform on mobility.

We are also one of the few archaeological laboratories in the UK currently processing and analysing carbon and nitrogen isotopes of single amino acids from collagen (compound-specific isotope analysis); a relatively new technique to archaeology which provides higher resolution information on past diet than bulk analysis alone.

Sercon EA-IRMS

  • Sercon PyroEArth preparation unit fitted with combination pyrolysis furnace (C/N/S/O/H analysis)
  • Open carousel autosampler with 3 x 47 position sample trays
  • Sercon continuous flow HS2022 Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer with universal
  • Faraday triple collectors (C,N,S,O) and additional single Faraday collector for m/z 3 (H)
  • Sercon μCarbs for carbonates analysis

Thermo Delta V Plus and Thermo Trace GC

  • The Thermo Delta V Plus IRMS is coupled to a Thermo Flash IRMS Elemental Analyser and a Thermo Trace GC and GC ISOLINK II via a CONFLO IV interface.
  • Flash used for CNS analysis of bulk collagen and other solids (food crusts, plant material etc.).
  • This system is also used for determining 13C in single amino acids in CG-c-IRMS mode and 15N in single amino acids.

aDNA

BioArCh is home to a purpose-built palaeogenomic laboratory to recover ancient DNA from archaeological and historic specimens, following rigorous methodologies.

We routinely conduct ancient DNA extraction from various archaeobotanical and zooarchaeological remains. The types of samples analysed include: human and animal bones and teeth, plant and seed remains, wood and soil organic matter, coprolites. We also have a PCR lab that is used to amplify and characterise DNA fragments.

Ancient DNA Laboratory

  • Positive Pressure Filtered Ventilation System
  • UV-Irradiation System
  • Dremel Rotary Tools
  • Retsch Mixer Mill MM200
  • Esco Airstream Biological Safety Cabinets
  • Erlab Captair Ductless Fume Hood
  • Invitrogen Qubit 2.0 Fluorometer
  • UVP DNA Crosslinker
  • Thermal Cyclers (used only for preparation of high-throughput sequencing DNA libraries): Techne TC-412, Applied Biosystems

PCR Laboratory

  • Agilent 4150 TapeStation
  • Applied Biosystems Veriti Thermal Cycler
  • Applied Biosystems ProFlex PCR System
  • Applied Biosystems MiniAmp Thermal Cycler
  • Gel Rigs/Visualisation Equipment connected to the computer

 

*Photographs courtesy of York University