Isobar Science and Beta Analytic’s bones webinar focuses on C-14 and U-Th methods for bone samples. Topics include optimal sample types, common issues, and how to prepare bone samples for isotopic analysis.
In geochemical research, stable and unstable isotopes are used to understand the chemistry behind natural processes. Isotopes are different forms of a single element, with differing numbers of neutrons within their nucleus, resulting in different atomic masses.
Stable and radioactive isotopes can be analysed in groundwater and surface water samples in order to assess the magnitude and origin of pollution, rate of pollution infiltration into the environment, and timing of water interactions with the atmosphere.
The origin and movement of atmospheric dust can be estimated by analysing the geochemistry of dust collected directly from the atmosphere or from the dust layers found within ice cores or lacustrine and ocean sediment cores.
Shells, corals and other carbonates are widely used in order to assess variability in climate and environmental conditions in time. A variety of stable and radioactive isotopes can be used to date these samples and provide further information on environmental context during their lifespan.
Different isotopes on bone samples may be measured, depending on the scope of the research, and which questions the researcher is seeking to answer.
Continental weathering is an important part of the global carbon cycle. The measurements of strontium and neodymium isotopes have been especially important in this research domain.
Using isotopic analysis of skeletal remains and forensic evidence, one can reconstruct human profiles, analyse the environmental conditions antemortem and estimate the time of death. Other forensics-related investigations using isotope geochemistry include the analysis of trace evidence materials as well as provenancing illegal wildlife, bullets, narcotics, and other forensic evidence.
Understanding the movement of herbivores across a landscape and ecological dynamics through time is important for current conservation and ecosystem management, while providing valuable insights into evolution and adaptation. Documented historical evidence in the relationship between organisms and their surrounding vegetation is generally limited and thus isotopic analysis of fossils can provide valuable insights into this important area of research.
Register here to view Isobar Science’s free webinar on Strontium Isotopes available on demand.
Live Webinar: February 17, 2021
Speaker: Dr. Arash Sharifi, VP of Lab Operations at Isobar Science