Undertaker turned academic discovers preserved ancient brains #

An academic, who used to work as an undertaker, has become fascinated with the preservation of ancient brains. She has compiled a unique database of information about 4,405 brains unearthed by archaeologists, some of which are over 12,000 years old. The anthropologist has identified four preservation mechanisms at play, including dehydration, tanning, freezing, and saponification. Additionally, there seems to be an unknown mechanism, possibly involving the presence of metals like iron, that contributes to the preservation of the brain. The research could potentially reveal ancient DNA and proteins, shedding light on the individuals to whom the brains belonged.