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Updated: Jan 28, 2026

Optimized Bone Sampling Protocols for the Retrieval of Ancient DNA from Archaeological Remains
Published on: November 30, 2021
Application of a robotic THz imaging system for sub-surface analysis of ancient human remains
Eva-Maria Stübling1, Arno Rehn2, Tabea Siebrecht2
1Department of Physics and Material Science Center, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Renthof 5, 35032, Marburg, Germany. eva-maria.stuebling@physik.uni-marburg.de.
Abstract:
We used a robotic-based THz imaging system to investigate the sub-surface structure of an artificially mummified ancient Egyptian human left hand. The results obtained are compared to the results of a conventional CT and a micro-CT scan. Using such a robotic THz system promises new insights into the sub-surface structure of human remains. The depth resolution of the THz images exceeds the resolution of a conventional CT scan and is comparable with a micro-CT scan. The advantage of THz measurements over micro-CT scans is the fact that even comparatively large samples, like complete bodies, can be scanned. These would not fit into a conventional micro-CT scanner.
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