To provide you with the best possible user experience, this website uses cookies. If you continue to browse this site, you agree to our use of cookies.
Isobar Science is a subsidiary of Beta Analytic
Copyright © 2024. Isobar Science. All Rights Reserved
Terms and Conditions 
Water: Dating & Isotopic Analyses
/in Boron Isotopes, Company Updates, Geology, Hydrology / Environmntal Science, Lead Isotopes, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, Sr Isotopes, U-Th Dating /by Daryll OratWater’s continuous movement and flow of water across landscapes contribute
to and provide important clues into the intricacies of biogeochemical cycles
at various spatial and temporal scales.
Limestone: Dating & Isotopic Analyses
/in Boron Isotopes, Company Updates, Geology, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, Sr Isotopes, Strontium Chronology, U-Th Dating /by Daryll OratLimestone is a granular sedimentary rock predominantly composed of
calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which commonly forms along shallow ocean
water beds from fossilized shells and exoskeletons of marine organisms.
Isobar Science 2024 Holiday / Lab Closure Schedule
/in Company Updates /by isobarPlease be informed the Miami lab will be closed on the following dates:
Gypsum: Isotopes & Dating
/in Archaeology, Boron Isotopes, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, Strontium Chronology, U-Th Dating /by Daryll OratGypsum is a relatively soft and common mineral made up of hydrous
calcium sulfate (CaSO4-2H2O). Whilst pure gypsum crystals are transparent
(often with a pearly or vitreous luster), they can appear opaque and colored
due to the inclusion of other materials (e.g. sand).
Strontium dating of foraminifera, shells & corals
/in Archaeology, Company Updates, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, Petroleum, Strontium Chronology /by Daryll OratStrontium dating (as enabled by the 87Sr/86Sr ratio of marine carbonates) can be used to date various marine samples based on the premise that the mixing of oceanic strontium occurs relatively rapidly through time compared to the residence time of oceanic strontium.
Provenancing Dust in Ice Core records using Isotopes
/in Boron Isotopes, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, Sr Isotopes /by Daryll OratIce core records are an important foundational archive for paleoclimatology. Through them scientists have reconstructed high resolution atmospheric CO2 and temperature records covering hundreds of thousands of years.
Isotopic Analysis of Pottery & Food Residues
/in Archaeology, Lead Isotopes /by Daryll OratArchaeological pottery samples can be provenanced through the analysis of the origin of its component clay and temper.
Quality Considerations for Bone Samples
/in Archaeology, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, U-Th Dating /by Daryll OratBones and teeth are relatively common within the archaeological and paleontological record due to the tendency for high preservation after burial.
NEW Strontium Chronology Service Available
/in Archaeology, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, Sr Isotopes /by Daryll OratIsobar Science is now offering a Strontium Chronology Service for dating marine carbonate samples. Strontium Isotope Ratios (87Sr/86Sr) within the ocean have varied through time, creating a predictable seawater curve that can be used for dating calibration.
Best Practices When Selecting Bone Samples
/in Archaeology, Company Updates, Lead Isotopes, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, Sr Isotopes, U-Th Dating /by Daryll OratBones and teeth can be used for a variety of different isotopic analyses, including Oxygen, Strontium, Lead, Neodymium, Carbon, Nitrogen and dating (radiocarbon and in some cases Uranium-Thorium). There are important requirements for bone samples to ensure they produce accurate results.
Identifying Origin and Trade of Textiles using Strontium Isotopes
/in Archaeology, Company Updates, Sr Isotopes /by Daryll OratArchaeological textiles can provide important evidence of social traditions and status, the economics of textile exchange, and evolving weaving technologies.
Free Webinar on Strontium + Boron in Hydrochemistry
/in Boron Isotopes, Hydrology / Environmntal Science, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, Sr Isotopes, Webinars /by Daryll OratIsobar’s webinar will focus on boron and strontium to identify isotopic variability in the hydrosphere, including identification of pollution sources.
Discovering the source of Metal Artifacts using Lead Isotopes
/in Archaeology, Company Updates, Lead Isotopes /by Daryll OratLead (Pb) has four stable isotopes (204Pb, 206Pb, 207Pb and 208Pb) which are commonly used in archaeological studies, particularly in the case of connecting metal artifacts to their relevant geological or mine sources.
Cave Deposits: Chronology Development & Environmental Reconstruction
/in Archaeology, Company Updates, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, U-Th Dating /by Daryll OratCaves are natural intact cavities found in many different landscapes which have been accessible to humans and animals for millions of years.
The Altitude Effect of Biogenic Apatite
/in Archaeology, Company Updates, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology /by Daryll OratBiogenic apatite is a molecule made up of calcium, phosphorus and oxygen. Importantly, the phosphorus is found primarily in the form of phosphate (PO4) – which is present in both soft and hard tissues in organisms.
Archaeological investigations of caves
/in Archaeology, Company Updates, Lead Isotopes, U-Th Dating /by Daryll OratCaves – or rock shelters – have been studied by archaeologists for the past two centuries, with specific focus on the investigation of prehistoric cave paintings, ceremonial use and other evidence of occupation.
Isotopes & Dating in Marine Environments
/in Archaeology, Company Updates, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, U-Th Dating /by Daryll OratThere are numerous different options for dating marine samples, each with applicable timespans, levels of certainty and limitations.
Free Webinar on Marine Environments
/in Archaeology, Boron Isotopes, Company Updates, Lead Isotopes, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, Sr Isotopes, U-Th Dating, Webinars /by Daryll OratIsobar Science and Beta Analytic invite researchers interested in isotopes and dating to view this FREE webinar: Isotopes & Dating in Marine Enviornments
Free Webinar – Biogenic Apatite
/in Archaeology, Company Updates, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, Webinars /by isobarLive Webinar: September 20, 2022 – 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Speaker: Maren Pauly, PhD
Biogenic Apatite (CaPO4) Analysis
/in Archaeology, Company Updates, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology /by isobarIsobar Science offers Biogenic Apatite (CaPO4) analysis on bones and teeth samples.
Reconstructing Lead Pollution & Exposure through History
/in Archaeology, Company Updates, Hydrology / Environmntal Science, Lead Isotopes /by isobarLead is a naturally occurring element found within the earth’s crust as well as in bodies of water, soil and overlaying plants. The rise and fall of lead use through space and time makes the reconstruction of lead isotopes very interesting for research into past civilizations and present environmental studies.
Isoscapes in Food Science
/in Archaeology, Company Updates, Food, Lead Isotopes, Sr Isotopes /by isobarIn the food industry, certain products and ingredients are more highly valued when they originate from specific regions of the world. Given the importance of designating an origin to products, geochemical fingerprinting can be used to identify product origin.
U-Th Dating in Archaeology
/in Archaeology, U-Th Dating /by isobarUranium-Thorium (U-Th) dating is a radioactive method to date a variety of carbonate samples, including corals, cave deposits, cave artwork, shells, foraminifera and bone.
Strontium & Neodymium Case Study: Connecting Atmospheric Dust to Source Region
/in Company Updates, Hydrology / Environmntal Science, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, Sr Isotopes /by isobarThe concentration, composition and circulation of atmospheric dust can play an important role in the global radiation budget. Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes are inherent in many geological settings and have been used to track the origin of sediments and dust.
Isoscapes: connecting samples to place
/in Archaeology, Company Updates, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, Sr Isotopes /by isobarMaps demonstrating variability in specific isotopes across a landscape have been produced in varying spatial resolutions (local, regional, global) – known as isoscapes.
On-demand Webinar – Bone Samples in Archaeology
/in Archaeology, U-Th Dating, Webinars /by Haley GershonView our on-demand webinar on Isotope Applications: Bone Samples in Archaeology. Topics include when to use radiocarbon dating versus uranium-thorium dating.
Isotopes in Petroleum Exploration (Pb-Sr) and Verification (14C)
/in Company Updates, Lead Isotopes, Petroleum, Sr Isotopes /by isobarIn petroleum exploration, it is vital to be able to interpret and date key occurrences within petroleum systems – including petroleum generation and alteration (post-generation). For example, identifying and dating the occurrence of certain authigenic minerals (e.g. carbonate cements) can provide information on when and where oil is likely to accumulate to aid in targeting exploration.
Using Strontium Isotopes to Track Animal Origin and Migration
/in Archaeology, Company Updates, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, Sr Isotopes /by isobarThe details of animal origin and migratory routes through terrestrial and aquatic systems can be traced through the analysis of various stable isotopes including strontium, neodymium, carbon and oxygen.
Tracing Petroleum and Other Pollutants Using Lead Isotopes
/in Archaeology, Company Updates, Lead Isotopes, Petroleum /by isobarLead isotopes (Pb) are known to be a very toxic non-essential element, with origins within the earth’s crust. Through anthropogenic activities, lead becomes altered and released into the atmosphere, where it acts as a trace aerosol pollutant.
ACRA Webinar on Bones: Isotopes in Dating, Diets and Migration Studies
/in Archaeology, Company Updates, Lead Isotopes, news, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, Sr Isotopes, U-Th Dating, Webinars /by isobarBones: Isotopes in Dating, Diets and Migration Studies
Live Webinar: April 14, 2022 – 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM Eastern Time
Isobar Science Exhibits at SAA 2022
/in Company Updates /by isobarIsobar Science and Beta Analytic continue to support the Society of American Archaeology (SAA) by joining its annual meeting as an exhibitor.
Isobar’s Webinar: Migration Studies & Geographic Origin
/in Archaeology, Lead Isotopes, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, Sr Isotopes, Webinars /by Haley GershonIsobar’s webinar on migration studies and geographic origin will focus on lead isotopes for tracking origin and trade of metal artifacts in addition to using strontium isotopes to track diet.
A highlight on tsunami research: Professor Sam Purkis
/in Hydrology / Environmntal Science, news, U-Th Dating /by isobarA study researchering the dynamics of carbonate stratigraphy and vulnerability of sea life to climate change used a combination of radiocarbon and U-Th dating of corals and cemented sediments to date an incipient submarine landslide
Tracing Volcanic Eruptions using Strontium Isotopes
/in Geology, news, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, Sr Isotopes /by isobarVolcanic eruptions are significant geological events with far reaching implications. The analysis of isotopes in various sample types can provide information on the timing and magnitude of past volcanic eruptions.
Lead Isotopes in Archaeology
/in Archaeology, Lead Isotopes, news /by isobarIn archaeological studies, lead isotopes are measured for two main applications: tracing origin of metal artefacts and reconstructing human origin and migratory patterns.
Boron Isotopes as a Tracer for Oceanic CO2 and Ocean Acidification
/in Boron Isotopes, news, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology /by isobarBoron isotopes are predominately made up of two naturally occurring stable isotopes – 10B and 11B. In the biosphere, boron represents a trace element integrated into organisms, allowing one to reconstruct variability in δ11B over time.
Strontium Isotopes (87Sr/86Sr) for Geochronology
/in Archaeology, news, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, Sr Isotopes /by isobarStrontium ratios have varied in the world’s oceans through time as a result of fluctuations in strontium type and availability, often resulting from weathering of continental materials as well as volcanic activity at the mid-oceanic ridge. Such variations are recorded in oceanic sediment as a result of the precipitation of minerals from seawater, which has been used as a basis for the 87Sr/86Sr marine curve.
Corals: A marine recorder of climate variability
/in Boron Isotopes, news, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, Sr Isotopes, U-Th Dating /by isobarBefore a time series of climate variability can be developed, the coral growth bands must first be dated. Corals can be dated using radiocarbon dating, U-Th dating and/or Sr-Sr dating.
Sediments Webinar: Dating & Environmental Reconstructions
/in news, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, Sr Isotopes, U-Th Dating, Webinars /by Haley GershonIsobar Science and Beta Analytic’s webinar on sediments focuses on dating & environmental reconstructions. This complimentary webinar takes place on December 2, 2021 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada).
Analysing lake sediment cores: from dating to paleoclimate reconstructions
/in Lead Isotopes, news, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, Sr Isotopes, U-Th Dating /by Haley GershonSediments used for climate and environmental reconstructions come in many different forms (including lacustrine, marine, peat, terrestrial and aeolian deposits) and can be characterized by their grain size, shape, sedimentary facies, chemical and biological composition and accumulation/sedimentation rate.
How to choose optimal samples for U-Th dating
/in Archaeology, news, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, U-Th Dating /by Haley GershonU-Th dating can be used to date various sample types including cave deposits/speleothems, corals, shells, bones and carbonate layers in sedimentary successions.
Bones Webinar: Isotopes in Dating, Diets and Migration Studies
/in Archaeology, Lead Isotopes, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, Sr Isotopes, U-Th Dating, Webinars /by Haley GershonIsobar 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.
Geochemistry: Stable and Radioactive Isotopes
/in Archaeology, Boron Isotopes, Hydrology / Environmntal Science, Lead Isotopes, news, Sr Isotopes, U-Th Dating /by isobarIn 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.
Developing Chronologies for Reconstructing Past Climates
/in news, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, U-Th Dating /by Haley GershonPaleoclimate archives are generally dated using two main methods: radiocarbon and uranium-thorium dating. 14C dating tends to be more accurate, however, it can only be used on samples that are less than around 50,000 years old. Whereas U-Th dating can be used for the last 500,000 years.
Analysing Water Samples
/in Boron Isotopes, Hydrology / Environmntal Science, Lead Isotopes, news, Sr Isotopes /by Haley GershonStable 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.
Paleoclimatology Webinar: Isotopes in dating and climate-proxy relationships
/in Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, U-Th Dating, Webinars /by Haley GershonIsobar Science and Beta Analytic’s paleclimatology webinar focuses on the importance of C-14 and U-Th dating in paleoclimatology, and how archives can be used to reconstruct past climate.
Mineral Dust Samples: Analysing Strontium (Sr), Strontium-Neodymium-Hafnium (Sr-Nd-Hf) and Lead (Pb) Isotopes
/in Geology, Lead Isotopes, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, Sr Isotopes /by isobarThe 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
/in Boron Isotopes, Geology, news, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, Sr Isotopes, U-Th Dating /by isobarShells, 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.
The use of isotopic analysis on bones: dating, environmental analysis & migration
/in Archaeology, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, Sr Isotopes /by isobarDifferent isotopes on bone samples may be measured, depending on the scope of the research, and which questions the researcher is seeking to answer.
Assumptions for U-Th Dating: Open vs. Closed Systems
/in Archaeology, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, U-Th Dating /by isobarThe most optimal samples for accurate U-Th dating are those that exist in closed systems, including speleothems and corals. In some cases, bones and lake sediments may also be used, but the state of your samples should be carefully considered prior to planning your analysis and interpreting U-Th dating results.
What is Uranium-Thorium Dating?
/1 Comment/in Archaeology, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, U-Th Dating /by isobarU-Th dating is an analytical method used to date calcium carbonate (CaCO3) bearing samples, including cave deposits/speleothems, CaCO3 rock, corals, shells and (in some cases) bones.
Isobar’s Webinar: Application of Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb Isotope Systematics in Earth Science
/in Geology, Webinars /by isobarView our on-demand webinar “Geochemical Fingerprinting: Application of Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb Isotope Systematics in Earth Science.” Topics include: how different processes control the distribution of elements in the earth system; measuring Sr, Nd, Hf, and Pb and reporting conventions; application of Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb systematics in studying the governing processes in the earth system; research design and sampling strategies; and what to expect from your lab when measuring Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb isotopes.
Sr-Nd Isotopes for Weathering Studies
/in Geology, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, Sr Isotopes /by isobarContinental 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.
Studying past climates using stable isotopes
/in Boron Isotopes, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology /by isobarThe study of past climates (paleoclimatology) offers an opportunity to improve the predictability of future climate change. The stable isotopes of boron (δ11B) and oxygen (δ18O) are two important variables used to reconstruct climate in a variety of natural archives.
Isotopic analysis in forensic geography
/in Forensics, Lead Isotopes, Sr Isotopes /by isobarUsing 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.
Tracing the diet of herbivores and omnivores through isotopic analysis
/1 Comment/in Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, Sr Isotopes /by isobarUnderstanding 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.
Isobar’s Lead Isotopes Webinar
/in Geology, Lead Isotopes, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, Webinars /by isobarRegister here to view Isobar Science’s free webinar on Lead Isotopes and Applications.
Live Webinar: March 24, 2021
Speakers: Dr. Maren Pauly and Dr. Arash Sharifi
U-Th Dating vs Radiocarbon Dating
/in Archaeology, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, U-Th Dating /by isobarThe analysis of the uranium-thorium (U-Th) decay chain can be used to date a variety of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) bearing samples, including cave deposits (e.g. speleothems), calcium carbonate rock, corals, shells and (in some cases) bones. This method can be used to date samples existing from present day until 500,000 calendar years before present.
Isobar’s Geochemistry of Strontium Isotopes Webinar
/in Archaeology, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, Sr Isotopes, Webinars /by isobarRegister 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
Isobar’s U-Th Dating Webinar
/in Archaeology, Paleontology / Paleoclimatology, U-Th Dating, Webinars /by isobarRegister to watch Isobar’s U-Th Dating Webinar on-demand.
Live Webinar: January 27, 2021
Speaker: Dr. Maren Pauly, Beta Analytic and Isobar Science Account Manager
Isobar Science’s Boron Isotopes Webinar
/in Boron Isotopes, Hydrology / Environmntal Science, Webinars /by isobarView Isobar’s Boron Isotopes free webinar on-demand.
Live Webinar: November 12, 2020
Speaker: Sean Ahearn, Project Manager for Water Services at Beta Analytic
Isobar Science Presents at EGU2020: Sharing Geoscience Online
/in Conferences /by isobarThe EGU General Assembly 2020 has moved online. EGU2020: Sharing Geoscience Online is free and open to anyone, no registration required. So, come hear Isobar Science research & development scientist Dr. Arash Sharifi present evidence from Iranian stalagmites that early human mobility in SW Asia was driven by regional climate change events.
Isobar Science Offers High-quality Isotopic Analysis
/in Company Updates /by isobarIsobar Science is a subsidiary of radiocarbon dating and biobased testing laboratory Beta Analytic. Isobar Science provides high-quality stable isotope analysis with timely data for the following services: Sr isotopes, U-Th dating, Pb isotopes, B isotopes, Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic ratios.