Palaeoproteomics and ZooMS

Applications of ancient protein analysis are diverse, including the study of past foods and diets, taxonomy and phylogeny, disease processes and studies of protein diagenesis and modification.

Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry (ZooMS) is a rapid, low-cost form of protein analysis which uses collagen or other proteins preserved in archaeological and historic artefacts and cultural heritage to identify the species from which they derive.

Our research

Some of BioArCh’s past proteomics and ZooMS research includes the identification of milk consumption through the analysis of ancient dental tartar, the taxonomic identification of extinct megafauna using the analysis of collagen sequences, and understanding patterns of animal use in medieval Europe through the analysis of manuscript parchments.

Current research at York focuses on how proteins can be used to understand past diet and culinary practices, the identification of marine species using ZooMS, the application of non destructive methods for the successful retrieval of proteins, as well as the optimal identification of proteins from novel substrates, such as organic residues, coprolites and artefacts. We also focus on amelogenin, a protein based in enamel, where x and y isoforms can enable an estimation of sex in humans and other fauna.

We welcome informal enquiries from anyone wishing to develop projects or fellowships in these areas.