Irlanda: The signs of starvation: Victims of the Irish potato famine are identified nearly 200 years later using their TEETH
It caused the death of one million Irish people and was responsible for another million leaving Ireland in the mid 19th century.
Now the victims of the Irish potato famine can be identified, using their teeth.
For the first time, analysis of nitrogen and carbon in human teeth has been used to establish scientific markers for starvation.
The technique, developed by researchers from the University of Bradford and Durham University, can identify periods of physiological stress.
Some of the individuals studied by the researchers had survived earlier periods of famine before the Great Famine of 1845-52.
Others died of malnutrition after trying to survive on a diet of imported American maize, the main ingredient distributed as food aid, and used for most workhouse meals.
The authors analysed the carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios of the 19th century Irish workhouse residents.
They looked at one tooth from each of 20 Kilkenny Union workhouse residents in Ireland, including some who died in childhood.
Fuente: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3733364/The-dental-warning-signs-starvation-Victims-Irish-potato-famine-identified-using-TEETH.html
