Surprise found in why some ancient brains don’t decay

What happened

Researchers studying preserved brains in archaeological contexts have identified a biochemical pattern that may explain why some ancient brains do not decay in the same way as other soft tissues. The study suggests that certain proteins can form stable structures in wet, low-oxygen burial conditions after death.

The research was done using mice. The researchers also found that the proteins most likely to survive after death are associated with brain ageing and Alzheimer’s disease.

Why the finding matters