University of Suffolk and museum team up to reveal ancient secrets

Why it matters: This collaboration between the university and Colchester + Ipswich Museums Service is uncovering previously hidden details about important historical objects, enhancing our understanding of the past.

The big picture: The project involves using state-of-the-art radiography equipment to examine a variety of museum artefacts, from prehistoric remains to Anglo-Saxon weapons.

Key findings

A mammoth vertebra from Ipswich may show signs of illness that affected the animal's final years.

An Anglo-Saxon fighting knife revealed an intricate pattern, suggesting it belonged to a high-status individual and X-rays of a taxidermied corncrake provided insights for future conservation efforts.

What they're saying: Dr Simon Jackson, Collections and Learning Curator at Colchester + Ipswich Museums, said: "X-ray analysis is a powerful tool to help us look beneath the surface of our objects and into their very fabric and nature. Although the technology has been around now for several decades, recent advances in X-ray technology allow far more detail to be seen."

Christopher Cobb, Senior Lecturer in Diagnostic Radiography at the University of Suffolk, said: "It was wonderful to see this collaboration has uncovered some new secrets for these fabulous artefacts -- some of which date back hundreds or thousands of years, and we look forward to seeing the publication of the full results of this study in due course."

What's next: The museum plans to publish the full results of the study at a later date, which may reveal more insights about the examined objects.

The bottom line: This collaboration demonstrates how modern technology can help us better understand and preserve our historical heritage.