In situ recordings of large gelatinous spheres from NE Atlantic, and the first genetic confirmation of egg mass of Illex coindetii (Vérany, 1839) (Cephalopoda, Mollusca)

In total, 90 gelatinous spheres, averaging one meter in diameter, have been recorded from ~ 1985 to 2019 from the NE Atlantic Ocean, including the Mediterranean Sea, using citizen science. More than 50% had a dark streak through center. They were recorded from the surface to ~ 60–70 m depth, mainly neutrally buoyant, in temperatures between 8 and 24°C. Lack of tissue samples has until now, prohibited confirmation of species. However, in 2019 scuba divers secured four tissue samples from the Norwegian coast. In the present study, DNA analysis using COI confirms species identity as the ommastrephid broadtail shortfin squid Illex coindetii (Vérany, 1839); these are the first confirmed records from the wild. Squid embryos at different stages were found in different egg masses: (1) recently fertilized eggs (stage ~ 3), (2) organogenesis (stages ~ 17–19 and ~ 23), and (3) developed embryo (stage ~ 30). Without tissue samples from each and every record for DNA corroboration we cannot be certain that all spherical egg masses are conspecific, or that the remaining 86 observed spheres belong to Illex coindetii. However, due to similar morphology and size of these spheres, relative to the four spheres with DNA analysis, we suspect that many of them were made by I. coindetii

Direct observation of ion dynamics in supercapacitor electrodes using in situ diffusion NMR spectroscopy

Ionic transport inside porous carbon electrodes underpins the storage of energy in supercapacitors and the rate at which they can charge and discharge, yet few studies have elucidated the materials properties that influence ion dynamics. Here we use in situ pulsed field gradient NMR spectroscopy to measure ionic diffusion in supercapacitors directly. We find that confinement in the nanoporous electrode structures decreases the effective self-diffusion coefficients of ions by over two orders of magnitude compared with neat electrolyte, and in-pore diffusion is modulated by changes in ion populations at the electrode/electrolyte interface during charging. Electrolyte concentration and carbon pore size distributions also affect in-pore diffusion and the movement of ions in and out of the nanopores. In light of our findings we propose that controlling the charging mechanism may allow the tuning of the energy and power performances of supercapacitors for a range of different applications

Hommes et environnements au Paléolithique supérieur en Ukraine continentale et en Crimée : introduction

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Reassessment of Anthropic Modifications on the Early Pleistocene Hominin Specimen Stw53 (Sterkfontein, South Africa)

International audienceLinear marks were observed on the maxillary zygomatic process of the early Pleistocene hominin fossil Stw53 from the Sterkfontein cave site. The taxonomic allocation of this specimen is still under debate, as it has been attributed either to the genus Homo or Australopithecus. Two alternative hypotheses have been proposed regarding the taphonomic agent responsible for the linear marks observed on this specimen. These modifications were initially assigned to anthropic cutmarks inflicted by stone tools, thus representing the earliest cutmarks discovered onhominin remains. Conversely, these linear marks were interpreted by others as non-anthropic modifications. In order to better understand the origin of the linear marks, a new taphonomic appraisal of these modifications was conducted using a multivariate statistical approach complemented by butchery and trampling experiments on extant mammal bones. This new study of Stw53 linear marks does not provide evidence for anthropic activities but, rather, supports the unintentional origin hypothesis

Investigating a Prehistoric mammoth bone dwelling: from field and lab research to education.: Project 1804S: Mezhyrich International Archaeology Summer School, interdisciplinary study of an Upper Pleistocene site

International audienceThe 2018 Mezhyrich International Archaeology Summer School, which took place from 15 to 30 July, was dedicated to young scientists in archaeology, especially Master students, PhD students and post-graduate early career researchers, from the following institutions of Ukraine and France: Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, National University "Kyiv-Mohyla Academy", Institute of Archaeology NAS of Ukraine, Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris. In the frame of an international field expedition, students were able to learn modern methods related to field work, analyses and interpretation of Upper Palaeolithic materials: methods of archaeological materials analysis, sampling, lithic industry analysis, preservation and storage of faunal materials and interdisciplinary analyses including geology, zooarchaeology and palynology

Comportements de subsistance à la transition Paléolithique moyen / Paléolithique supérieur : exemples d’Europe orientale et d’Asie centrale.

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