Researchers have discovered a unique glassy substance inside the skull of a person killed during the eruption of Italy’s Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. The substance, found in the coastal town of Herculaneum, was initially thought to be fossilized brain tissue but scientists say it’s actually vitrified human brain tissue.
The study suggests that the victim’s body was heated to above 510 degrees Celsius (950 Fahrenheit) before cooling rapidly to form the glass-like substance. However, experts have raised skepticism about this finding, citing that vitrification of soft tissue is extremely unlikely and requires rapid cooling to extremely low temperatures.
Vitroformer, a process involving cooling organs in liquid nitrogen, was used by scientists to analyze samples of the glass. They found that brain tissue transforms into glass at a temperature of at least 510 degrees Celsius (950 Fahrenheit). However, forensic anthropologist Alexandra Morton-Hayward questions the findings, stating that organic tissues can only be vitrified by rapid cooling to extremely low temperatures.
Despite this, lead author Guido Giordano claims that the evidence suggests an ash cloud formed during the eruption could have created conditions for the unique vitrification process. The study published in Scientific Reports sheds new light on a mysterious substance discovered 2,000 years ago and highlights the importance of considering all possible explanations when analyzing ancient artifacts.
Giordano notes that previous research has shown neurons and proteins in the individual’s brain were preserved, supporting the claim that the glass is organic in origin. However, more research is needed to confirm the findings and fully understand this extraordinary phenomenon.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/27/science/vesuvius-brain-glass-study/index.html