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Following our last post, this publication showcases more information about young Latin America scientists across the field of phytolith research, highlighting their ongoing work. Argentina Álvaro José Alavar – Universidad Nacional de Jujuy Research title: “Combustion technologies and assembled culinary practices. Archaeobotanical studies in the foothills of Jujuy at the beginning of the first millennium […]

India Dr Vivek Pandi – Manipal Centre for Natural Sciences (MCNS), Manipal Academy of Higher Education Research Title:  Spatial Distribution and Reliability of Grass Phytolith Assemblages Across Elevation and Vegetation Gradients in the Nilgiri Biogeographical Region, Western Ghats Assistant Professor: This study aims to examine the spatial distribution of grass phytolith assemblages in the soil […]

This post showcases the contributions of young scientists across Latin America in the field of phytolith research, highlights the ongoing work of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students of different courses, fostering knowledge exchange and building connections among researchers. Argentina Laura Carolina Vega – Universidad Nacional de Tucumán Research title: “Comparative studies between fractions of micro […]

The efforts of Latin America’s pioneers in phytolith studies have led to groundbreaking discoveries and inspired a growing community of scientists. Their research has yielded profound insights into various environmental dynamics and human societies from the region. Today, they share their experience and advice for the next generation of researchers. Margarita Osterrieth PhD in Natural […]

Laboratory Introduction: Established in the 1990s, the Phytolith Laboratory is China’s pioneering facility dedicated to phytolith research, equipped with advanced instruments for analysing pollen, phytoliths, calcium oxalate crystals, and starch grains. It houses an extensive collection of modern and fossil specimens and utilises sophisticated software for bio-fossil data processing, image analysis, paleoenvironmental quantification, and time […]

After an informal survey questionnaire with colleagues from South American countries such as Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay, we obtained some data that allows us to gain an understanding of the leading phytolith researchers and laboratories across the region as well as key locations where phytolith research is conducted. Statistics presented in this report […]

As highlighted on the previous post, the growing Brazilian phytolith community accounts with a great web of scientists. Here, we compile a brief description of Brazil’s leading phytolith researchers and their activities. Giliane Gessica Rasbold, Post-Doctoral Scholar at Dept. of Earth & Environmental Sciences – University of Kentucky Lexintong, Kentucky, United States of America Rasbold, […]

The taxomonic differentiation of broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum) and foxtail millet (Setaria italica) is of high relevance for archaeology and archaeobotany. The analysis of phytoliths from P. miliaceum and S. italica heavily relies on the morphology of those produced by inflorescence bracts, while other plant parts remain less explored. This study offers a meticulous examination […]