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Researchers Reveal How Mount Vesuvius Eruption Turned Man’s Brain into Glass
Uncovering the Mystery of Glassified Brain Tissue
Mount Vesuvius, a volcano in Italy, is infamous for its historic eruption in 79 AD, which not only destroyed the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum but also had a remarkable and unexplained consequence – turning a man’s brain into glass.
The Discovery: A Glassy Substance in a Skull
In 2020, researchers made a groundbreaking discovery: a black and glassy substance was found inside the skull of a person killed during the eruption of Mt Vesuvius. The team, led by forensic anthropologist Pier Paolo Petrone, examined the remains of the man’s head that had turned into glass due to the eruption.
How Did it Happen?
The researchers have shed light on the phenomenon, attributing it to a scorching ash cloud that suddenly descended upon the city, killing all its inhabitants. The rapid exposure of the brain’s organic material to extremely high temperatures (at least 510 degrees Celsius or 950°F) and subsequent rapid cooling led to the formation of glass.
The Unique Properties of the Glassified Brain Tissue
The researchers conducted an extensive analysis, confirming the glass nature of the fragments and revealing their physical properties. They found that the glass formed as a result of this process allowed for an integral preservation of the biological brain material and its microstructures.
A Rare Case of Vitrification
The only other type of organic glass known to be formed is from rare cases of vitrification of wood, which has been found in some instances at Herculaneum and Pompeii. However, this is the first-ever recorded case of vitrified organic human remains.
The Mysterious Case of the College Custodian
The man’s body was first discovered in the 1960s inside the College of the Augustales, dedicated to the cult of Emperor Augustus, who had died in 14 AD. The remains were re-examined in 2018, revealing a fascinating story of a young man believed to have been the college’s custodian. His body was found with a glassy, black, and shiny substance surrounding his skull, similar to obsidian.
Unraveling the Mystery of the Glassified Brain
The team’s research, published in the journal Scientific Reports, is the only recorded case of a brain turned into glass. The findings provide answers on why and how this happened, offering a unique window into the past.
Conclusion: A Rare and Frightening Phenomenon
The transformation of a man’s brain into glass is a rare and understanding an eerie phenomenon. The Mount Vesuvius eruption, an event that has captivated the imagination for centuries, has revealed another captivating aspect – the transfiguration of human brain tissue into a substance we commonly associate with the production of wine, glass, and cutlery.
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