Non-destructive analyses of iron-polyphenolic complexes for reconstructing iron-gall inks historical recipes.

Iron-gall inks (IGI) show considerable variability due to the wide range of historical recipes used in their preparation. Previous research has explored how factors such as pH and iron concentration affect IGI structure and how to detect these changes. This study focuses on variability induced by different tannins interacting with iron.

A Systematic Multianalytical Approach in the Study of Iron-Polyphenolic Complexes in Iron-Gall Inks: Exploring the Potentialities of Raman and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance.

Iron-gall inks (IGIs) are some of the most used writing materials in ancient times. Several efforts have been devoted to the identification and characterization of this type of ink in ancient manuscripts, with a particular focus on their degradation patterns. However, due to their complexity, the in-depth characterization of IGIs poses some challenges related in particular to their variability.

Fungal Biodeterioration Risk in Monastic Libraries without Climate Control.

Fungi have always posed an unquestionable threat to heritage collections worldwide. Now, in a future of climate change, biological risk factors may have to be considered even more than before. Models and simulations to assess possible impacts a changing outdoor climate will have on indoor environments and, in turn, on biodeterioration are still underdeveloped and require a more substantial data basis.

Diversity of fungi associated with petroglyph sites in the Negev Desert, Israel, and their potential role in bioweathering.

The petroglyphs of the Negev Desert, Israel, are famous and valuable archaeological remains. Previous studies have investigated the microbial communities associated with petroglyphs and their potential role in stone deterioration; nevertheless, the role of fungi remains unclear. In this study, the fungal communities present on the stone and, as a comparison, in the surrounding environment (soil and air) at Negev petroglyph sites were analyzed by means of culture-dependent and -independent (metagenomic) techniques.

Trichocoleus desertorum isolated from Negev desert petroglyphs: Characterization, adaptation and bioerosion potential.

The Negev petroglyphs are considered valuable cultural heritage sites, but unfortunately, they are exposed to deterioration processes caused by anthropogenic and natural forces. Despite the many studies that have already pointed to the role of cyanobacteria in biogenic rock weathering, the knowledge involved in the process is still lacking. In this study, a cyanobacterial strain was isolated from the Negev Desert petroglyphs aiming to reveal its involvement in geochemical cycles and in the weathering processes of the rock substrate.

Optimizing cultivation conditions for the highest expression of fungal allergens.

Background: Any reliable allergy diagnosis depends on the quality of the testing material. In the case of fungal allergy, fungal extracts, typically used as test solutions, exhibit considerable differences in their allergenicity. Better knowledge of fungal allergen expression would enable the production of diagnostic fungal extracts of higher quality and, thus, improve the specificity and sensitivity of fungal allergy diagnosis.

Natural sciences at the service of art and cultural heritage: an interdisciplinary area in development and important challenges.

Our cultural heritage is a common asset that tells the story of our shared past, is part of our origin and identity and has wide social relevance. Our works of art and our heritage must be enjoyed, appreciated and preserved for future generations. To this end, a wide and varied group of professionals, including conservators, restorers, curators, bibliographers, historians, archivists, but also scientists, such as biologists, chemists, physicists and bioinformaticians, work side by side to preserve our cultural heritage.

Shed Light in the DaRk LineagES of the Fungal Tree of Life-STRES.

The polyphyletic group of black fungi within the Ascomycota (Arthoniomycetes, Dothideomycetes, and Eurotiomycetes) is ubiquitous in natural and anthropogenic habitats. Partly because of their dark, melanin-based pigmentation, black fungi are resistant to stresses including UV- and ionizing-radiation, heat and desiccation, toxic metals, and organic pollutants. Consequently, they are amongst the most stunning extremophiles and poly-extreme-tolerant organisms on Earth.

Multivariate analysis and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS): a new approach for the spatially resolved classification of modern art materials.

The ever-increasing speed of exchange of ideas, information, and culture allows contemporary art to be in constant growth, especially concerning the choice of artistic materials. Their characterization is not only crucial for the study of artistic techniques but also for research into the stability of the material and, consequently, the best preservation practices. For this aim, an analytical method should have the advantages of not requiring sample preparation, performing superficial micro-analysis, and obtaining detailed spectral information.