Welcome to The Paleo-Environmental and Diet Laboratory (PaleoED)

Molecular biological analysis of modern organisms can help us understand their evolution and dynamics with human populations over time. PaleoED provides a platform for the preparation of genomic samples for next-generation sequencing and to carry out DNA extraction (e.g., from plant tissues).

Stable isotope analysis provides a means of characterizing past environments and diets, which is crucial for understanding the evolution of human behaviors and cultures. In PaleoED we sample and prepare animal and human bones collagen, dentine and enamel as well as sediment for carbon, nitrogen and oxygen stable isotope analysis and for biomarkers analysis.

Paleontological analysis of macro- and microorganisms, combined with sedimentological and geochemical analysis, allow us to know past environmental changes and to better understand their role in the evolution of human species, societies, and cultures. PaleoED has the necessary material to prepare samples for micro-fossil analysis  (e.g., diatom, foraminifera and ostracode).