Yorkshire Philosophical Society

Event Information

Reading beneath the lines: the genetic stories of parchment.

Matthew Teasdale, BioArch, University of York
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research Fellow

Abstract: Parchment documents are the keepers of a hidden biological story; one of the animals from which they are made and the microbes that inhabit their surface. More than one million parchment documents are housed in UK archives alone, which represents a vast but often overlooked biobank. Non-invasive bio-molecular sampling methods have the potential to open up these collections, revealing a reservoir of genetic information. Moreover, knowing the composition of microbes on the parchments surface could provide insights into the current preservation state of these objects, guiding conservation.

Wednesday 5th December in City Screen Basement
Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm presentation

Tickets are free and can be pre-booked by phone or on-line with City Screen (0871 902 5726).

Alternatively tickets are available on the night of the event at the City Screen Ticket Desk.