Palaeoproteomics and ZooMS
Palaeoproteomics is the extraction and analysis of proteins from archaeological remains to contribute to our understanding of the past.
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 welcome informal enquiries from anyone wishing to develop projects or fellowships in these areas.
Related links
Find our more about our work in Organic Residue Analysis
See more about our work in Stable Isotope Analysis
See our facilities in Palaeoproteomics and ZooMS
Our people
| Photo | Name | Role |
|---|---|---|
 |
Dr Jessica Hendy
|
Lecturer in Palaeoproteomics |
 |
Professor Kirsty Penkman
|
Professor in Analytical Chemistry |
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Dr Samantha Presslee
|
ZooMS Research Technician |
Focus areas
- Ancient dairying practices
- Protein biomarkers of disease
- Developing cheaper and faster palaeoproteomics methods
Our ZooMS service
We are a collaborative research facility offering ZooMS analysis for external academics and commercial groups. If you are interested in ZooMS analysis please fill in a ZooMS Request Form with information about your request.
We have compiled a spreadsheet of published ZooMS markers of different taxa which is available to all. This is a living document and will continue to be updated and you are welcome to comment on it. We hope that this is a useful resource for identifying which taxa have been studied using ZooMS. Please contact Sam Presslee if you encounter any issues with accessing this spreadsheet.
We do not offer a commercial service for other palaeoproteomic analyses, however if you are interested in developing collaborations then please do get in touch with an informal enquiry.
Please visit our facility page for more technical information about the instruments involved.
Related links
Find our more about our work in Organic Residue Analysis
See more about our work in Stable Isotope Analysis
See our facilities in Palaeoproteomics and ZooMS