The 3-D reconstruction of medieval wetland reclamation through electromagnetic induction survey

Studies of past human-landscape interactions rely upon the integration of archaeological, biological and geological information within their geographical context. However, detecting the often ephemeral traces of human activities at a landscape scale remains difficult with conventional archaeological field survey. Geophysical methods offer a solution by bridging the gap between point finds and the surrounding landscape, but these surveys often solely target archaeological features. Here we show how simultaneous mapping of multiple physical soil properties with a high resolution multi-receiver electromagnetic induction (EMI) survey permits a reconstruction of the three-dimensional layout and pedological setting of a medieval reclaimed landscape in Flanders (Belgium). Combined with limited and directed excavations, the results offer a unique insight into the way such marginal landscapes were reclaimed and occupied during the Middle Ages. This approach provides a robust foundation for unravelling complex historical landscapes and will enhance our understanding of past human-landscape interactions

Varicella-zoster virus recapitulates its immune evasive behaviour in matured hiPSC-derived neurospheroids

peer reviewedVaricella-zoster virus (VZV) encephalitis and meningitis are potential central nervous system (CNS) complications following primary VZV infection or reactivation. With Type-I interferon (IFN) signalling being an important first line cellular defence mechanism against VZV infection by the peripheral tissues, we here investigated the triggering of innate immune responses in a human neurallike environment. For this, we established and characterised 5-month matured hiPSC-derived neurospheroids (NSPHs) containing neurons and astrocytes. Subsequently, NSPHs were infected with reporter strains of VZV (VZV eGFP-ORF23) or Sendai virus (SeV eGFP), with the latter serving as an immune-activating positive control. Live cell and immunocytochemical analyses demonstrated VZV eGFP-ORF23 infection throughout the NSPHs, while SeV eGFP infection was limited to the outer NSPH border. Next, NanoString digital transcriptomics revealed that SeV eGFP-infected NSPHs activated a clear Type-I IFN response, Frontiers in Immunology frontiersin.org 0