Proteins Unveil Hidden Stories in 1630 Plague Death Registry
Protein Analysis of Historical Documents
For centuries, the plague ravaged Europe, leaving devastation in its wake. Now, scientists have uncovered a groundbreaking technique to extract proteins from historical documents, shedding new light on the lives of those who lived during these tumultuous times.
Proteomics Technology
Proteomics, the study of proteins, has revolutionized the analysis of historical artifacts. Unlike DNA, which can degrade over time, proteins are more stable and can provide valuable information about the environment and individuals who handled the documents.
EVA Disks and Protein Extraction
Researchers have developed ethyl-vinyl acetate (EVA) disks that can be placed on paper-based documents to extract protein fragments. These fragments are then analyzed using mass spectrometry, which identifies the proteins and their sources.
1630 Milan Plague Death Registry
In a groundbreaking study, scientists applied proteomics to the 1630 Milan plague death registry. This meticulous record contained the names and ages of individuals who perished during the devastating outbreak.
Environmental Conditions
By analyzing the proteins present in the registry, researchers gained insights into the environmental conditions during the plague. They identified the presence of rodents, bacteria, and the food sources consumed by scribes and others who handled the document.
Scribes’ Diet and Animal Presence
The protein analysis revealed that the scribes primarily consumed maize, potatoes, chickpeas, rice, and carrots. The presence of sheep and goat proteins suggested that these animals were kept within the quarantine lazaretto, possibly to provide sustenance for infants whose mothers had succumbed to the plague.
Bacterial Contamination
The researchers also identified proteins belonging to the Yersinia family of bacteria, which includes the bubonic plague bacterium. However, they noted that these proteins could also belong to other Yersinia species that are not harmful to humans.
Challenges and Opportunities
While proteomics offers exciting possibilities for historical research, it also presents challenges. Identifying protein sequences can be complex, and contamination from modern sources can be a concern. Nevertheless, researchers believe that this technology has the potential to unlock hidden stories from countless historical documents.
Significance for Historians
The proteomics analysis of the 1630 Milan plague death registry provides valuable insights into the lives of those who endured this devastating outbreak. It reconstructs the environmental conditions, sheds light on the diet and animal presence, and reveals the challenges faced by individuals during a time of great turmoil.
Applications in Cultural Heritage Research
Beyond the study of plague, proteomics has wide-ranging applications in cultural heritage research. It can be used to investigate the original papers of authors, determine the presence of medicines or medical conditions at the time of writing, and uncover hidden information in medieval manuscripts.
Unveiling the Past
As researchers continue to refine proteomics technology, we can expect to gain an even deeper understanding of the past. By analyzing the proteins embedded in historical documents, we can reconstruct the lives, environments, and experiences of those who came before us, enriching our knowledge of human history.
