Vesuvius Eruption Reveals Glass Brain Fossil

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• Glass brain fossil found in Roman victim of Vesuvius eruption
• Extreme heat from ash cloud caused brain tissue to vitrify
• Rare phenomenon reveals insights into volcanic eruption effects

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Insights from the Analysis of the Glass Brain Fossil

• The researchers utilized X-rays and electron microscopy to examine the fragments and observe their response to different temperatures, revealing the process of vitrification.
• Giordano expressed astonishment at the preservation of microscopic neural structures within the ancient brain, highlighting the remarkable nature of the discovery.
• The team's discovery of irregularly shaped pieces within the victim's skull in 2020 led to the reconstruction of events surrounding his death, providing a deeper understanding of the individual's final moments.

Source

Forbes

Implications of the Vitrified Brain Fossil Discovery

• The vitrified brain tissue found in the Roman victim is a unique example of organic glass formation resulting from extreme heat exposure, shedding light on the rare phenomenon of vitrification in natural settings.
• Understanding the high temperatures required for vitrification highlights the significant temperature difference needed for liquid material to cool rapidly without crystallizing, emphasizing the exceptional conditions present during the Vesuvius eruption of 79 AD.
• The discovery underscores the potential dangers posed by volcanic eruptions, particularly in terms of the lethal temperatures associated with pyroclastic flows, emphasizing the importance of effective prevention and mitigation measures for civil protection.

Source

Newsweek

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