Elevated rates of horizontal gene transfer in the industrialized human microbiome.

Industrialization has impacted the human gut ecosystem, resulting in altered microbiome composition and diversity. Whether bacterial genomes may also adapt to the industrialization of their host populations remains largely unexplored. Here, we investigate the extent to which the rates and targets of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) vary across thousands of bacterial strains from 15 human populations spanning a range of industrialization. We show that HGTs have accumulated in the microbiome over recent host generations and that HGT occurs at high frequency within individuals. Comparison across human populations reveals that industrialized lifestyles are associated with higher HGT rates and that the functions of HGTs are related to the level of host industrialization. Our results suggest that gut bacteria continuously acquire new functionality based on host lifestyle and that high rates of HGT may be a recent development in human history linked to industrialization.

Biomechanical and taxonomic diversity in the Early Pleistocene in East Africa: Structural analysis of a recently discovered femur shaft from Olduvai Gorge (bed I).

Recent Plio-Pleistocene hominin findings have revealed the complexity of human evolutionary history and the difficulties involved in its interpretation. Moreover, the study of hominin long bone remains is particularly problematic, since it commonly depends on the analysis of fragmentary skeletal elements that in many cases are merely represented by small diaphyseal portions and appear in an isolated fashion in the fossil record. Nevertheless, the study of the postcranial skeleton is particularly important to ascertain locomotor patterns. Here we report on the discovery of a robust hominin femoral fragment (OH 84) at the site of Amin Mturi Korongo dated to 1.84 Ma (Olduvai Bed I). External anatomy and internal bone structure of OH 84 were analyzed and compared with previously published data for modern humans and chimpanzees, as well as for Australopithecus, Paranthropus and Homo specimens ranging from the Late Pliocene to Late Pleistocene. Biomechanical analyses based on transverse cross-sections and the comparison of OH 84 with another robust Olduvai specimen (OH 80) suggest that OH 84 might be tentatively allocated to Paranthropus boisei. More importantly, the identification of a unique combination of traits in OH 84 could indicate both terrestrial bipedalism and an arboreal component in the locomotor repertoire of this individual. If interpreted correctly, OH 84 could thus add to the already mounting evidence of substantial locomotor diversity among Early Pleistocene hominins. Likewise, our results also highlight the difficulties in accurately interpreting the link between form and function in the human fossil record based on fragmentary remains, and ultimately in distinguishing between coeval hominin groups due to the heterogeneous pattern of inter- and intraspecific morphological variability detected among fossil femora.

Understanding the influence of the bioaerosol source on the distribution of airborne bacteria in hospital indoor air.

The composition and concentration of airborne microorganisms in hospital indoor air has been reported to contain airborne bacteria and fungi concentrations ranged 101-103 CFU/m3 in inpatients facilities which mostly exceed recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO). In this work, a deeper knowledge of the performance of airborne microorganisms would allow improving the designs of the air-conditioning installations to restrict hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). A solution containing Escherichia coli (E. coli) as a model of airborne bacteria was nebulized using the Collison nebulizer to simulate bioaerosols in various hospital areas such as patients' rooms or bathrooms. Results showed that the bioaerosol source had a significant influence on the airborne bacteria concentrations since 4.00 102, 6.84 103 and 1.39 104 CFU mL-1 were monitored during the aerosolization for 10 min of urine, saliva and urban wastewater, respectively. These results may be explained considering the quite narrow distribution profile of drop sizes around 1.10-1.29 µm obtained for urban wastewater, with much vaster distribution profiles during the aerosolization of urine or saliva. The airborne bacteria concentration may increase up to 107 CFU mL-1 for longer sampling times and higher aerosolization pressures, causing several cell damages. The cell membrane damage index (ID) can vary from 0 to 1, depending on the genomic DNA releases from bacteria. In fact, the ID of E. coli was more than two times higher (0.33 vs. 0.72) when increasing the pressure of air flow was applied from 1 to 2 bar. Finally, the ventilation air flow also affected the distribution of bioaerosols due to its direct relationship with the relative humidity of indoor air. Specifically, the airborne bacteria concentration diminished almost below 3-logs by applying more than 10 L min-1 during the aerosolization of urine due to their inactivation by an increase in their osmotic pressure.

Microbial biomarkers reveal a hydrothermally active landscape at Olduvai Gorge at the dawn of the Acheulean, 1.7 Ma.

Landscape-scale reconstructions of ancient environments within the cradle of humanity may reveal insights into the relationship between early hominins and the changing resources around them. Many studies of Olduvai Gorge during Pliocene-Pleistocene times have revealed the presence of precession-driven wet-dry cycles atop a general aridification trend, though may underestimate the impact of local-scale conditions on early hominins, who likely experienced a varied and more dynamic landscape. Fossil lipid biomarkers from ancient plants and microbes encode information about their surroundings via their molecular structures and composition, and thus can shed light on past environments. Here, we employ fossil lipid biomarkers to study the paleolandscape at Olduvai Gorge at the emergence of the Acheulean technology, 1.7 Ma, through the Lower Augitic Sandstones layer. In the context of the expansion of savanna grasslands, our results represent a resource-rich mosaic ecosystem populated by groundwater-fed rivers, aquatic plants, angiosperm shrublands, and edible plants. Evidence of a geothermally active landscape is reported via an unusual biomarker distribution consistent with the presence of hydrothermal features seen today at Yellowstone National Park. The study of hydrothermalism in ancient settings and its impact on hominin evolution has not been addressed before, although the association of thermal springs in the proximity of archaeological sites documented here can also be found at other localities. The hydrothermal features and resources present at Olduvai Gorge may have allowed early hominins to thermally process edible plants and meat, supporting the possibility of a prefire stage of human evolution.

Cleaning technologies integrated in duct flows for the inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms in indoor environments: A critical review of recent innovations and future challenges.

Pathogenic microorganisms are a major concern in indoor environments, particularly in sensitive facilities such as hospitals, due to their potential to cause nosocomial infections. This study evaluates the concentration of airborne bacteria and fungi in the University Hospital Complex of Albacete (Spain), comparing the results with recent literature. Staphylococcus is identified as the most prevalent bacterial genus with a percentage distribution of 35%, while Aspergillus represents the dominant fungal genus at 34%. The lack of high Technology Readiness Levels (TRL 6, TRL 7) for effective indoor air purification requires research efforts to bridge this knowledge gap. A screening of disinfection technologies for pathogenic airborne microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi is conducted. The integration of filtration, irradiation or and (electro)chemical gas treatment systems in duct flows is discussed to enhance the design of the air-conditioning systems for indoor air purification. Concerns over microbial growth have led to recent studies on coating commercial fibrous air filters with antimicrobial particles (silver nanoparticles, iron oxide nanowires) and polymeric materials (polyaniline, polyvinylidene fluoride). Promising alternatives to traditional short-wave UV-C energy for disinfection include LED and Far-UVC irradiation systems. Additionally, research explores the use of TiO2 and TiO2 doped with metals (Ag, Cu, Pt) in filters with photocatalytic properties, enabling the utilization of visible or solar light. Hybrid photocatalysis, combining TiO2 with polymers, carbon nanomaterials, or MXene nanomaterials, enhances the photocatalytic process. Chemical treatment systems such as aerosolization of biocidal agents (benzalkonium chloride, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine dioxide or ozone) with their possible combination with other technologies such as adsorption, filtration or photocatalysis, are also tested for gas disinfection. However, the limited number of studies on the use of electrochemical technology poses a challenge for further investigation into gas-phase oxidant generation, without the formation of harmful by-products, to raise its TRL for effectively inactivating airborne microorganisms in indoor environments.

D1/D5 Inverse Agonists Restore Striatal Cholinergic Interneuron Physiology in Dyskinetic Mice.

BACKGROUND: In advanced stages of Parkinson's disease (PD), dyskinesia and motor fluctuations become seriously debilitating and therapeutic options become scarce. Aberrant activity of striatal cholinergic interneurons (SCIN) has been shown to be critical to PD and dyskinesia, but the systemic administration of cholinergic medications can exacerbate extrastriatal-related symptoms. Thus, targeting the mechanisms causing pathological SCIN activity in severe PD with motor fluctuations and dyskinesia is a promising therapeutic alternative. METHODS: We used ex vivo electrophysiological recordings combined with pharmacology to study the alterations in intracellular signaling that contribute to the altered SCIN physiology observed in the 6-hydroxydopamine mouse model of PD treated with levodopa. RESULTS: The altered phenotypes of SCIN of parkinsonian mice during the "off levodopa" state resulting from aberrant Kir/leak and Kv1.3 currents can be rapidly reverted by acute inhibition of cAMP-ERK1/2 signaling. Inverse agonists that inhibit the ligand-independent activity of D5 receptors, like clozapine, restore Kv1.3 and Kir/leak currents and SCIN normal physiology in dyskinetic mice. CONCLUSION: Our work unravels a signaling pathway involved in the dysregulation of membrane currents causing SCIN hyperexcitability and burst-pause activity in parkinsonian mice treated with levodopa (l-dopa). These changes persist during off-medication periods due to tonic mechanisms that can be acutely reversed by pharmacological interventions. Thus, targeting the D5-cAMP-ERK1/2 signaling pathway selectively in SCIN may have therapeutic effects in PD and dyskinesia by restoring the normal SCIN function. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Photonic Label-Free Biosensors for Fast and Multiplex Detection of Swine Viral Diseases.

In this paper we present the development of photonic integrated circuit (PIC) biosensors for the label-free detection of six emerging and endemic swine viruses, namely: African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV), Classical Swine Fever Virus (CSFV), Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PPRSV), Porcine Parvovirus (PPV), Porcine Circovirus 2 (PCV2), and Swine Influenza Virus A (SIV). The optical biosensors are based on evanescent wave technology and, in particular, on Resonant Rings (RRs) fabricated in silicon nitride. The novel biosensors were packaged in an integrated sensing cartridge that included a microfluidic channel for buffer/sample delivery and an optical fiber array for the optical operation of the PICs. Antibodies were used as molecular recognition elements (MREs) and were selected based on western blotting and ELISA experiments to ensure the high sensitivity and specificity of the novel sensors. MREs were immobilized on RR surfaces to capture viral antigens. Antibody-antigen interactions were transduced via the RRs to a measurable resonant shift. Cell culture supernatants for all of the targeted viruses were used to validate the biosensors. Resonant shift responses were dose-dependent. The results were obtained within the framework of the SWINOSTICS project, contributing to cover the need of the novel diagnostic tools to tackle swine viral diseases.

Deep classification of cut-marks on bones from Arroyo del Vizcaíno (Uruguay).

The earliest widely accepted presence of humans in America dates to approximately 17.5 cal kyr BP, at the end of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Among other evidence, this presence is attested by stone tools and associated cut-marks and other bone surface modifications (BSM), interpreted as the result of the consumption of animals by humans. Claims of an older human presence in the continent have been made based on the proposed anthropogenic modification of faunal remains; however, these have been controversial due to the highly subjective nature of the interpretations. Here, we employ advanced deep learning algorithms to objectively increase the accuracy of BSM identification on bones. With several models that exhibit BSM classification accuracies greater than 94%, we use ensemble learning techniques to robustly classify a selected sample of BSM from the approximately 30 kyr BP site of Arroyo del Vizcaíno, Uruguay. Our results confidently show the presence of cut-marks imparted by stone tools on bones at the site. This result supports an earlier presence of humans in the American continent, expanding additional genetic and archaeological evidence of a human LGM and pre-LGM presence in the continent.

Levodopa Causes Striatal Cholinergic Interneuron Burst-Pause Activity in Parkinsonian Mice.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced striatal cholinergic interneuron activity contributes to the striatal hypercholinergic state in Parkinson's disease (PD) and to levodopa-induced dyskinesia. In severe PD, dyskinesia and motor fluctuations become seriously debilitating, and the therapeutic strategies become scarce. Given that the systemic administration of anticholinergics can exacerbate extrastriatal-related symptoms, targeting cholinergic interneurons is a promising therapeutic alternative. Therefore, unraveling the mechanisms causing pathological cholinergic interneuron activity in severe PD with motor fluctuations and dyskinesia may provide new molecular therapeutic targets. METHODS: We used ex vivo electrophysiological recordings combined with pharmacological and morphological studies to investigate the intrinsic alterations of cholinergic interneurons in the 6-hydroxydopamine mouse model of PD treated with levodopa. RESULTS: Cholinergic interneurons exhibit pathological burst-pause activity in the parkinsonian "off levodopa" state. This is mediated by a persistent ligand-independent activity of dopamine D1/D5 receptor signaling, involving a cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) pathway. Dysregulation of membrane ion channels that results in increased inward-rectifier potassium type 2 (Kir2) and decreased leak currents causes the burst pause activity, which can be dampened by pharmacological inhibition of intracellular cAMP. A single challenge with a dyskinetogenic dose of levodopa is sufficient to induce persistent cholinergic interneuron burst-pause firing. CONCLUSION: Our data unravel a mechanism causing aberrant cholinergic interneuron burst-pause activity in parkinsonian mice treated with levodopa. Targeting D5-cAMP signaling and the regulation of Kir2 and leak channels may alleviate parkinsonism and dyskinesia by restoring normal cholinergic interneuron function. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Hominin skeletal part abundances and claims of deliberate disposal of corpses in the Middle Pleistocene.

Humans are set apart from other organisms by the realization of their own mortality. Thus, determining the prehistoric emergence of this capacity is of significant interest to understanding the uniqueness of the human animal. Tracing that capacity chronologically is possible through archaeological investigations that focus on physical markers that reflect "mortality salience." Among these markers is the deliberate and culturally mediated disposal of corpses. Some Neandertal bone assemblages are among the earliest reasonable claims for the deliberate disposal of hominins, but even these are vigorously debated. More dramatic assertions center on the Middle Pleistocene sites of Sima de los Huesos (SH, Spain) and the Dinaledi Chamber (DC, South Africa), where the remains of multiple hominin individuals were found in deep caves, and under reported taphonomic circumstances that seem to discount the possibility that nonhominin actors and processes contributed to their formation. These claims, with significant implications for charting the evolution of the "human condition," deserve scrutiny. We test these assertions through machine-learning analyses of hominin skeletal part representation in the SH and DC assemblages. Our results indicate that nonanthropogenic agents and abiotic processes cannot yet be ruled out as significant contributors to the ultimate condition of both collections. This finding does not falsify hypotheses of deliberate disposal for the SH and DC corpses, but does indicate that the data also support partially or completely nonanthropogenic formational histories.

Biostimulation versus bioaugmentation for the electro-bioremediation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid polluted soils.

The aim of this work is to compare three biological strategies for the in situ remediation of a 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) polluted clayey soil by coupling electrokinetics (EK) and bioremediation (technology named as electrobioremediation, EBR). The first option (i) is EK-biostimulation, in which the activity of microorganisms already present in soil is enhanced by EK phenomena. The second and third options are EK-bioaugmentation, which consist of addition of microorganisms to soil through the inclusion of permeable biological barriers: (ii) using a microbial fixed biofilm reactor as biobarrier (BB1), and (iii) using a mixture of clean soil and a microbial suspension as biobarrier (BB2). Thus, three batch experiments at bench scale were conducted under a constant electric field of 1 V cm-1, and electrode polarity was periodically reversed every 12 h (2 d-1). The duration of each test was 10 days. Two additional tests using only biodegradation or only EK were performed as auxiliary reference tests. A microbial consortium acclimated to 2,4-D biodegradation was employed. Results showed that EK-biostimulation strategy offered the best pollutant removal efficiency (reaching up almost 100%) while biobarriers offered pollutant removal rates between 75 and 85%. Permeable biobarriers allowed the introduction of microorganism but caused a decrease in the electro-osmotic flow which, in turn, reduced the mobilization and contact between microorganisms and pollutants. These results can contribute to the knowledge and understanding of electrobioremediation of polluted soil and to the feasibility of delivering microorganism to the soil by using biobarriers. Despite biostimulation was found to be the best option, results show that permeable reactive biobarriers may result in a successful alternative for in-situ EK-bioaugmentation when acclimated microbial population is not already present in soil.

Electrochemical Technologies to Decrease the Chemical Risk of Hospital Wastewater and Urine.

The inefficiency of conventional biological processes to remove pharmaceutical compounds (PhCs) in wastewater is leading to their accumulation in aquatic environments. These compounds are characterized by high toxicity, high antibiotic activity and low biodegradability, and their presence is causing serious environmental risks. Because much of the PhCs consumed by humans are excreted in the urine, hospital effluents have been considered one of the main routes of entry of PhCs into the environment. In this work, a critical review of the technologies employed for the removal of PhCs in hospital wastewater was carried out. This review provides an overview of the current state of the developed technologies for decreasing the chemical risks associated with the presence of PhCs in hospital wastewater or urine in the last years, including conventional treatments (filtration, adsorption, or biological processes), advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) and electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs).

Biodegradability improvement of clopyralid wastes through electrolysis using different diamond anodes.

The use of boron-doped (BDDs) anodes for efficient removal of complex organic molecules, such as organochlorine compounds, is well stated in the literature. However, the role of the different characteristics of this anode on the transformation of these type of contaminants into more biodegradable molecules is a topic of interest that need to be clarified when aimed an efficient combination of an electrochemical system as a previous step to biological treatment. In this work, improvement in the biodegradability of synthetic wastes polluted with clopyralid, as an organochlorine model compound, is studied after electrolysis with different BDDs in the presence of the two most common supporting electrolytes (containing sulfate or chloride ions). For that, clopyralid removal, mineralization, aromatics intermediates, short-chain carboxylic acids, and inorganic ions were monitored. Improved results were found in sulfate media for BDD with 200 ppm, capable of removing 88.7% of contaminants and 85% of TOC, resulting in an improvement in biodegradability of almost 7-fold compared to the initial sample. These findings point out that lower doping levels are preferable when coupling studied technologies.

Electrochemically assisted dewatering for the removal of oxyfluorfen from a coagulation/flocculation sludge.

This work focuses on the evaluation of the electrochemical dewatering of sludge obtained in the coagulation of wastes polluted with oxyfluorfen. To do this, sludge samples were treated, aiming not only to reduce the sludge volume, but also to facilitate the degradation of oxyfluorfen contained in the cake via electrolysis with a boron-doped diamond anode. Results show that water can be effectively recovered through three sequential stages. First, a gravity-driven stage, that can recover around 60% of initial volume and where no oxyfluorfen is dragged. Then, a second stage that involves the application of pressure and which accounts for the recuperation of an additional 25% of the total volume of the water removed and in which oxyfluorfen also remained in the cake. Finally, an electrochemical stage, which involves the application of electricity with increasing electric fields (1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 16.0 V cm-1), accounting for the recovery of the rest of water released and where an electrolytic degradation of oxyfluorfen is obtained, whose extension depends on the electrode configuration used in the electro-dewatering cell. This electrode configuration also influences the retention or loss of oxyfluorfen from the cake, being the optimum choice the placement of the cathode downstream, next to the outlet of the dewatering cell.

Biodegradability improvement and toxicity reduction of soil washing effluents polluted with atrazine by means of electrochemical pre-treatment: Influence of the anode material.

This work focuses on the partial anodic electro-oxidation of atrazine-polluted soil washing effluents (SWE) in order to reduce its toxicity and to improve its biodegradability. Concretely it has been evaluated the influence of the anodic material used. It is hypothesized that such partial oxidation step could be considered as a pre-treatment for a subsequent biological treatment. At first, atrazine was extracted from a polluted soil by means of a surfactant-aided soil-washing process. Then, four different anodic materials were studied in partial electro-oxidation pre-treatment batch experiments at different electric charges applied: Boron Doped Diamond (BDD), Carbon Felt (CF), and Mixed Metal Oxides Anodes with Iridium and Ruthenium. Atrazine, TOC, surfactant and sulphate species concentrations, as well as changes in toxicity and biodegradability, were monitored during electrochemical experiments, showing important differences in their evolution during the treatment. It was observed that BDD was the most powerful anodic material to completely degrade atrazine. The other materials achieve an atrazine degradation rate about 75%. Regarding mineralization of the organics in SWE, BDD overtakes clearly the rest of anodes tested. CF obtains good atrazine removal but low mineralization results. All the anodes tested slightly reduced the ecotoxicity of the water effluents. About the biodegradability, only the effluent obtained after the pre-treatment with BDD presented a high biodegradability. In this sense, it must be highlighted the mineralization obtained during the BDD pre-treatment was very strong. These results globally indicate that it is necessary to find a compromise between reaching efficient atrazine removal and biodegradability improvement, while also simultaneously avoiding strong mineralization. Additional efforts should be made to find the most adequate working conditions.

The meta-group social network of early humans: A temporal-spatial assessment of group size at FLK Zinj (Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania).

Humans are the only primates that maintain regular inter-group relationships and meta-group social networks that enable the inter-group flow of individuals. This is the basis of the band/tribe concept in the anthropology of modern foragers. The present work is a theoretical approach to the development of analytical tools to understand group size and the temporal scale of site occupation in the archaeological record. We selected FLK Zinj as one of the oldest examples of a taphonomically-supported anthropogenic site in which both variables (group size and time) could be modelled using a combination of modern forager regression estimates from their camp sizes and estimates derived from the combined use of modern African foragers' meat consumption rates per day per capita during the dry season and minimum estimates of flesh yields provided by the carcass parts preserved at FLK Zinj. This approach provides the basis for a testable hypothesis which should be further tested in other Oldowan sites. An estimate of 18-28 individuals occupying FLK Zinj was made, which is similar to the estimated 16 individuals of one of the 1.5 Ma Ileret Homo erectus footprint trails. It also shows a similar proportional distribution to Dunbar's equations (group size to neocortex ratio) as documented in modern foragers, which suggest that most of the social network of H. erectus was in the meta-group level as is the case of modern foragers. Irrespective of the range of variation discussed for both variables (group size and length of time represented), it is argued that neither small estimates of time nor small group sizes can account for the formation of FLK Zinj.

Dietary options and behavior suggested by plant biomarker evidence in an early human habitat.

The availability of plants and freshwater shapes the diets and social behavior of chimpanzees, our closest living relative. However, limited evidence about the spatial relationships shared between ancestral human (hominin) remains, edible resources, refuge, and freshwater leaves the influence of local resources on our species' evolution open to debate. Exceptionally well-preserved organic geochemical fossils--biomarkers--preserved in a soil horizon resolve different plant communities at meter scales across a contiguous 25,000 m(2) archaeological land surface at Olduvai Gorge from about 2 Ma. Biomarkers reveal hominins had access to aquatic plants and protective woods in a patchwork landscape, which included a spring-fed wetland near a woodland that both were surrounded by open grassland. Numerous cut-marked animal bones are located within the wooded area, and within meters of wetland vegetation delineated by biomarkers for ferns and sedges. Taken together, plant biomarkers, clustered bone debris, and hominin remains define a clear spatial pattern that places animal butchery amid the refuge of an isolated forest patch and near freshwater with diverse edible resources.

Design and Development of Photonic Biosensors for Swine Viral Diseases Detection.

In this paper we introduce a field diagnostic device based on the combination of advanced bio-sensing and photonics technologies, to tackle emerging and endemic viruses causing swine epidemics, and consequently significant economic damage in farms. The device is based on the use of microring resonators fabricated in silicon nitride with CMOS compatible techniques. In the paper, the designed and fabricated photonic integrated circuit (PIC) sensors are presented and characterized, showing an optimized performance in terms of optical losses (30 dB per ring) and extinction ration for ring resonances (15 dB). Furthermore, the results of an experiment for porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) detection by using the developed biosensors are presented. Positive detection for different virus concentrations has been obtained. The device is currently under development in the framework of the EU Commission co-funded project SWINOSTICS.

A Diagnostic Device for In-Situ Detection of Swine Viral Diseases: The SWINOSTICS Project.

In this paper, we present the concept of a novel diagnostic device for on-site analyses, based on the use of advanced bio-sensing and photonics technologies to tackle emerging and endemic viruses causing swine epidemics and significant economic damage in farms. The device is currently under development in the framework of the EU Commission co-funded project. The overall concept behind the project is to develop a method for an early and fast on field detection of selected swine viruses by non-specialized personnel. The technology is able to detect pathogens in different types of biological samples, such as oral fluids, faeces, blood or nasal swabs. The device will allow for an immediate on-site threat assessment. In this work, we present the overall concept of the device, its architecture with the technical requirements, and all the used innovative technologies that contribute to the advancements of the current state of the art.

Assessment of statistical agreement of three techniques for the study of cut marks: 3D digital microscope, laser scanning confocal microscopy and micro-photogrammetry.

In the last few years, the study of cut marks on bone surfaces has become fundamental for the interpretation of prehistoric butchery practices. Due to the difficulties in the correct identification of cut marks, many criteria for their description and classification have been suggested. Different techniques, such as three-dimensional digital microscope (3D DM), laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) and micro-photogrammetry (M-PG) have been recently applied to the study of cut marks. Although the 3D DM and LSCM microscopic techniques are the most commonly used for the 3D identification of cut marks, M-PG has also proved to be very efficient and a low-cost method. M-PG is a noninvasive technique that allows the study of the cortical surface without any previous preparation of the samples, and that generates high-resolution models. Despite the current application of microscopic and micro-photogrammetric techniques to taphonomy, their reliability has never been tested. In this paper, we compare 3D DM, LSCM and M-PG in order to assess their resolution and results. In this study, we analyse 26 experimental cut marks generated with a metal knife. The quantitative and qualitative information registered is analysed by means of standard multivariate statistics and geometric morphometrics to assess the similarities and differences obtained with the different methodologies.