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A new study highlights the potential use of Sr isotopes in forensic science
Many species of animals and plants are currently traded internationally, and this trade is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Not only green pythons are among the popular species kept as pets, and their illegal capture could lead to the decline of native populations. Some farms in Indonesia act as intermediaries for exporting wild-caught pythons. Forensic tool capable of distinguishing between individuals originating from the wild and those bred in captivity would support the enforcement of CITES regulations. One such tool could be the analysis of strontium isotope composition combined with trace element data. This is evidenced by a new study published in the journal Radiocarbon, which presents pilot data for stripped green python skins originating from the Czech Republic and Indonesia.
Morla, the Ancient One
Manouria morla is a new species of fossil tortoise, named after Morla, a fantasy character from the book The Neverending Story written by Michael Ende, later adapted as a movie in 1984.
Morla, the Ancient One, is a giant tortoise who lives in the Swamps of Sadness. The newly described species is the oldest known species of the genus from the Early Miocene of Czechia; therefore, the Ancient One. Its comes from the swamp deposits of Ahníkov (NW Bohemia), a parallel to the Swamps of Sadness. For additional information on the find see Planetárium or Novinky.cz
Workshop on archaeomagnetic dating
We invite all interested parties to a workshop focused on archaeomagnetic dating. It will take place in the premises of the Institute of Geology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, v. v. i. at Praha-Lysolaje and Průhonice on December 2, 2025.
The aim of the workshop is to provide a comprehensive overview of the method that allows to determine the age of heat-affected archaeological finds based on the preserved record of geomagnetic field. The morning and afternoon blocks will be guided by researchers from the Laboratory of Paleomagnetism at Průhonice together with their foreign colleagues, who will share their experience in the field of archaeomagnetism. Participants can register online here. For additional information click here.
A new book on alkaline rocks
A new volume ‘Alkaline Rocks: Economic and Geodynamic Significance through Geological Time’ has been just published by the Geological Society of London. The book brings together the latest insights into alkaline rocks – a specific group of igneous rocks that represent an important source of critical metals essential for modern technologies and sustainable energy.
The publication was co-edited by Prof. Lukáš Krmíček, who contributed alongside an international team of experts.
Additional information about the book here
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