Resume

• 2014

  Quirks & Quarks for Dec. 13

  This week

  wehave a drink with the apes; get a 4500-year-old diagnosis; meet triceratops' tiny grandfather; explore the polar bear's foot fetish; face the electric eel's taser; and climb the Avian family tree .

  Quirks & Quarks for Dec. 13

  An ancient killing reveals genetic anomaly

  The jaw of a Siberian man who was killed about 4

  000 years ago

  has revealed some interesting facts. Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan using the Biomedical Imaging and Therapy (BMIT) beamline at the Canadian Light Source synchrotron were able to study the jaw of the man to find out the details.

  An ancient killing reveals genetic anomaly

  Ancient bones reveal cancer

  More than 4

  500 years ago

  a Siberian man succumbed to a scourge all too familiar to modern humans

  a disease that left telltale signs on his bones for Angela Lieverse and her colleagues to read and diagnose.

  Is This The World's Oldest Case Of Cancer?

  Posted: Scientists in Siberia say they may have discovered the oldest human case of metastatic cancer -- in a skeleton that dates back 4

  500 years. (Story continues below image.) The pelvis bone of the 4

  500-year-old skeleton found in Siberia. The research was published online on Dec. 3 in the journal PLOS ONE.

  CTV News Channel: Oldest case of cancer discovered

  University of Saskatchewan bio-archeologist Angela Lieverse discusses the oldest case of cancer found in a 4

  500-year-old skeleton.

  CTV News Channel: Oldest case of cancer discovered

  Scientists find ancient case of human cancer in man who died 4

  500 years ago

  A group of researchers

  including a Saskatchewan scientist

  have found what may be the oldest case of human cancer in the world. Bones of a man exhumed in Siberia that date back 4

  500 years to the Early Bronze Age show he had lung or prostate cancer

  which eventually spread through his body from his hip to his head.

  Scientists find ancient case of human cancer in man who died 4

  500 years ago

  Public Speaking

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  Higher Education

  Penetrating spinal injury: an extraordinary case of survival in Early Neolithic Siberia

  VI Bazaliiskii

  David ML Cooper

  Penetrating spinal injury: an extraordinary case of survival in Early Neolithic Siberia

  Andrzej W. Weber

  Vladimir I. Bazaliiskii

  Death by Twins: a remarkable case of dystocic childbirth in Early Neolithic Siberia

  Obituary: Kenneth A.R. Kennedy (1930–2014)

  Hugh G. McKenzie

  Olga Ivanovna Goriunova

  Andrzej W. Weber

  Northern Hunter-Gatherer Research Series 6 (CCI Press) and Archaeology in China and East Asia 3 (Verlag)

  Kurma XI

  a Middle Holocene Hunter-Gatherer Cemetery on Lake Baikal

  Siberia; Archaeological and Osteological Materials

  Andrzej W. Weber

  Olga Ivanovna Goriunova

  Vladimir Ivanovich Bazaliiskii

  Lower limb entheseal changes are evaluated in order to reconstruct activity levels and more fully understand cultural and behavioral variation among the middle Holocene (ca. 9

  000–3

  000 years BP) foragers of Siberia's Cis-Baikal region. The four cemetery samples examined span a period of diachronic change characterized by an 800- to 1

  000-year discontinuity in the use of formal cemeteries in the region. Two of the cemetery samples represent the early Neolithic Kitoi culture

  dating from 8

  000 to 7

  000/6800 cal. BP; the other two represent the late Neolithic-early Bronze Age Isakovo-Serovo-Glazkovo (ISG) cultural complex

  dating from 6

  000/5

  800 to 4

  000 cal. BP. Findings suggest a dynamic pattern of cultural variability in the Cis-Baikal

  with spatial distribution (i.e.

  site location within particular microregions) appearing to be just as important a factor as cultural/temporal affiliation in explaining intersample differences in entheseal morphology. In addition

  intrasample comparisons reveal increasing sexual disparity with advancing age at death

  emphasizing the influence of sex-related activities on lower limb entheseal changes. Finally

  results from the separate fibrous and fibrocartilaginous datasets appear to be largely congruous

  implying that activity patterns in the Cis-Baikal may have similar effects on the morphology of both types of entheses.

  Lower Limb Activity in the Cis-Baikal: Entheseal Changes among Middle Holocene Siberian Foragers

  Caroline Haverkort

  M. Anne Katzenberg

  Jay T. Stock

  In: Pinhasi R and Stock JT (editors) Human Bioarchaeology of the Transition to Agriculture. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

  The bioarchaeology of habitual activity and dietary change in the Siberian middle Holocene

  Robert J. Losey

  M.Anne Katzenberg

  Vladimir I. Bazaliiskii

  Kathleen Faccia

  Andrea L. Waters-Rist

  Journal of Archaeological Science

  Multicomponent analyses of a hydatid cyst from an Early Neolithic hunter–fisher–gatherer from Lake Baikal

  Siberia

  Nikolai A. Savel'ev

  Olga Ivanovna Goriunova

  Vladimir Ivanovich Bazaliiskii

  Andrzej W. Weber

  This examination of osteoarthritis in Siberia's Cis-Baikal region focuses on the reconstruction of mid-Holocene mobility and activity patterns with particular interest in an alleged fifth millennium BC biocultural hiatus. Five cemetery populations—–two representing the pre-hiatus Kitoi culture (6800–4900 BC) and three the post-hiatus Serovo-Glaskovo (4200–1000 BC)—are considered. The objective is to investigate osteoarthritic prevalence and distribution (patterning) within and among these populations in order to reconstruct mobility and activity patterns among the Cis-Baikal foragers

  and to test for possible disparities that may reflect differing adaptive strategies. The data reveal that levels of activity remained relatively constant throughout the mid-Holocene but that mobility and specific activity patterns did not. Although results are consistent with the current understanding of distinct Kitoi and Serovo-Glaskovo subsistence regimes

  specifically the lower residential mobility and narrower resource base of the former

  they also draw attention to adaptive characteristics shared by all occupants of the Cis-Baikal.

  Osteoarthritis in the mid-Holocene Cis-Baikal: Skeletal Indicators of Hunter-Gatherer Adaptation and Cultural Change

  Olga Ivanovna Goriunova

  David M. L. Cooper

  Naviculocuneiform coalitions are among the least common types of tarsal coalition

  a rare congenital anomaly characterized by incompletely separated tarsal bones. Only a handful of cases have been documented from the archaeological record

  none of which have been recovered from north central Asia or date to earlier than about 2000 years B.P. Here

  we present a case of nearly complete osseous coalition of the left navicular and cuneiform I from the early Bronze Age (ca. 5200/5000–4000 cal. BP) Lake Baikal region of Siberia (Russian Federation). We also provide substantial evidence for the congenital (rather than acquired) basis of this unusual condition and discuss

  using modern clinical data

  possible intra vitam complications.

  A rare naviculocuneiform I coalition from Bronze Age Siberia

  In: Weber AW

  Katzenberg MA

  Schurr T (editors) Prehistoric Hunter-Gatherers of the Baikal Region

  Siberia: Bioarchaeological Studies of Past Life Ways. Philadelphia

  PA: University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.

  Health and behavior in mid-Holocene Cis-Baikal: biological indicators of adaptation and cultural change.

  Andrzej W. Weber

  Olga Ivanovna Goriunova

  This paper employs a new three-part method for documenting skeletal condition in order to examine human taphonomy at the Glaskovo (5000–3700 BP

  calibrated) cemetery of Khuzhir-Nuge XIV

  located in the Lake Baikal region of Siberia (Russia). Relationships among three distinct aspects of condition – completeness

  fragmentation

  and articulation – and 15 identified taphonomic factors are investigated in order to explain the high variability observed at the site. Intrinsic skeletal characteristics such as element type and age at death were found to be responsible for some of the variable condition

  but cultural activities

  particularly mortuary practices

  appear to have played even greater roles – both direct and indirect. Articulation

  in particular

  appears to have been an aspect of skeletal condition which was directly affected by a number of cultural practices. In addition to applying a new method of documenting skeletal condition to human taphonomic analyses

  this research explains much of the variable condition observed at Khuzhir-Nuge XIV and emphasizes the significance of cultural practices as taphonomic agents affecting human remains.

  Human Taphonomy at Khuzhir-Nuge XIV

  Siberia: A New Method for Documenting Skeletal Conditio

  Vladimir Ivanovich Bazaliiskii

  Daniel H. Temple

  Extensive osteolytic and osteoblastic lesions were observed on the skeletal remains of an adult male excavated from an Early Bronze Age cemetery dated to 4556+32 years BP

  located in the Cis-Baikal region of Siberia (Russian Federation). Lytic lesions ranged in size from several mm to over 60 mm in diameter and had irregular

  moth-eaten borders. Many of these lesions destroyed trabecular bone

  though a hollowed shell of cortical bone often remained observable. Radiographic analysis revealed numerous lytic lesions within trabecular bone that had not yet affected the cortex. Blastic lesions were identified as spiculated lines

  bands

  or nodules of mostly immature (woven) bone formed at irregular intervals. Anatomical elements with the greatest involvement included those of the axial skeleton (skull

  vertebrae

  sacrum

  ribs

  and sternum) as well as proximal appendicular elements (ossa coxae

  proximal femora

  clavicles

  scapulae

  and proximal humeri). Osteocoalescence of destructive foci was observed on the ilium and frontal bone

  with the largest lesion found on the right ilium. Differential diagnoses include metastatic carcinoma

  mycotic infections

  tuberculosis

  Langerhan's cell histiocytosis

  and multiple myeloma. Based on lesion appearance and distribution

  age and sex of the individual

  as well as pathogen endemism

  the most likely diagnostic option for this set of lesions is metastatic carcinoma. The age and sex of this individual and appearance of the lesions may reflect carcinoma of the lung or

  possibly

  prostate. This represents one of the earliest cases of metastatic carcinoma worldwide and the oldest case documented thus far from Northeast Asia.

  Paleopathological description and diagnosis of metastatic carcinoma in an Early Bronze Age (4588 +34 cal. BP) forager from the Cis-Baikal region of Eastern Siberia

  Andrzej W. Weber

  Olga Ivanovna Goriunova

  Vladimir Ivanovich Bazaliiskii

  David W. Link

  his investigation of the Cis-Baikal dental record focuses on health and lifestyle reconstruction of the region's mid-Holocene foragers

  with particular interest in an apparent fifth millennium BC biocultural hiatus. The four cemetery populations considered represent two distinct biological and cultural groups separated by an apparent 700-year hiatus: the late Mesolithic-early Neolithic Kitoi culture (6800–4900 BC) and the middle Neolithic-early Bronze Age Serovo–Glaskovo cultural complex (4200–1000 BC). Research focuses on the frequency and severity of seven dental health indicators: enamel hypoplasia

  caries

  alveolar defects

  periodontitis

  antemortem tooth loss

  dental calculus

  and dental attrition. Together

  these seven indicators provide a basis not only for better understanding mid-Holocene lifeways in the Cis-Baikal but also for independently assessing the relative effectiveness of the different adaptive strategies employed by pre- and posthiatus peoples. Results reveal some discrepancies between the Kitoi and Serovo–Glaskovo

  specifically in their relative vulnerability to physiological stress

  providing evidence to support previous interpretations of their distinct adaptive regimes (namely the narrower resource base and decreased mobility of the former). Results also suggest that some of the differences observed among the four sites may reflect geographical or environmental factors rather than simply cultural ones. However

  despite these distinctions

  the overriding trend appears to be one of general continuity

  social equality

  and good health among all mid-Holocene occupants of the Cis-Baikal

  pre- and posthiatus alike.

  Dental Health Indicators of Hunter-Gatherer Adaptation and Cultural Change in Siberia’s Cis-Baikal

  This evaluation of musculoskeletal stress markers (MSMs) in the Cis-Baikal focuses on upper limb activity reconstruction among the region’s middle Holocene foragers

  particularly as it pertains to adaptation and cultural change. The five cemetery populations investigated represent two discrete groups separated by an 800-1000 year hiatus: the Early Neolithic (8000-7000/6800 cal. BP) Kitoi culture and the Late Neolithic/Bronze Age (6000/5800-4000 cal. BP) Isakovo-Serovo-Glaskovo (ISG) cultural complex. Twenty-four upper limb MSMs are investigated in order to gain a better understanding of activity throughout the middle Holocene

  but also to independently assess the relative distinctiveness of Kitoi and ISG adaptive regimes. Results reveal higher heterogeneity in overall activity levels among Early Neolithic populations - with Kitoi males exhibiting more pronounced upper limb MSMs than both contemporary females and ISG males - but relative constancy during the Late Neolithic/Bronze Age

  regardless of sex or possible status. On the other hand

  activity patterns seem to have varied more during the latter period

  with the supinator being ranked high among the ISG

  but not the Kitoi

  and forearm flexors and extensors being ranked generally low among ISG females only. Upper limb rank patterning does not distinguish Early Neolithic males

  suggesting that their higher MSM scores reflect differences in the degree (intensity and/or duration)

  rather than the type

  of activity employed. Finally

  for both Kitoi and ISG peoples

  activity patterns - especially the consistently high-ranked costoclavicular ligament and deltoid and pectoralis major muscles - appear to be consistent with watercraft use.

  Upper limb musculoskeletal stress markers among middle Holocene foragers of Siberia’s Cis-Baikal region

  Andrzej Weber

  V.I. Bazaliiskii

  Brianna Mack

  Revisiting osteoarthritis in the Cis-Baikal: implications for cultural transition among middle Holocene foragers

  Andrzej W. Weber

  Kathleen Faccia

  Andrea L. Waters-Rist

  Vladimir Ivanovich Bazaliiskii

  Robert J. Losey

  Routledge

  In Watts C (editor) Relational Archaeologies: Humans

  Animals

  Things. New York

  NY: Routledge

  The Bear-able Likeness of Being: Ursine Remains at the Shamanka II Cemetery

  Lake Baikal

  Siberia

  Andrzej W. Weber

  Vladimir I. Bazaliiskii

  David M.L. Cooper

  Schulting

  Rick

  Pratt

  Isaac

  Point taken: An unusual case of incisor agenesis and mandibular trauma in early Bronze Age Siberia

  Andrzej W. Weber

  Vladimir Ivanovich Bazaliiskii

  Michael A. Metcalf

  An adult male skeleton from the early Neolithic cemetery of Shamanka II on the south coast of Lake Baikal (Siberia

  Russia) presents one of most striking examples of upper limb bilateral asymmetry documented without obvious indicators of skeletal pathology or trauma to the afflicted arm. The condition is noteworthy not only for its severity

  with asymmetry values as high as 89.5%

  but also for its involvement of the whole upper extremity

  from clavicle to manual phalanges. The lack of any demonstrable hypertrophy on the unaffected left arm

  and the clear evidence of extensive hypotrophy/atrophy on the right

  leave little doubt that this asymmetry has a pathological or traumatic basis rather than a functional (activity-induced) one. It most likely reflects paralysis or paresis of the entire right arm resulting from complete brachial palsy incurred prior to the attainment of skeletal maturity in that limb

  Pronounced Bilateral Asymmetry of the Complete Upper Extremity: A Case from the Early Neolithic Baikal (Siberia)

  Angela

  Lieverse

• 2000

  Cornell University

  University of Saskatchewan

  Memorial University of Newfoundland

  Cornell University

  Assistant Professor

  University of Saskatchewan

  University of Saskatchewan

  Saskatoon

  SK

  Head

  Department of Archaeology and Anthropology

  University of Saskatchewan

  Professor

  University of Saskatchewan

  Post-doctoral Fellow

  Memorial University of Newfoundland

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

  Bioarchaeology

  Cornell University

• 1996

  Master of Arts (M.A.)

  Physical and Biological Anthropology

  University of Alberta

• The Case of the Missing Incisors - Archaeology Magazine

  Lieverse and her colleagues used clinical CT and synchrotron radiation micro-CT at the university's Canadian Light Source facility to solve the mystery. \"The position of the projectile point was simply a coincidence

  \" she says

  and the teeth hadn't been removed. Rather

  they had never been there at all.

  The Case of the Missing Incisors - Archaeology Magazine

  The Earliest Record Of Human Twins - 2015/02/14 - Pt. 3

  The earliest record of human twins has been found from 7

  700 years ago

  dead from childbirth.

  Canadian finds 7

  700-year-old skeletons of twins in Siberian cemetery

  SASKATOON -- A Saskatchewan bio-archeologist says she has discovered the oldest set of confirmed twins during her field research in a Siberian cemetery. Angela Lieverse said the exhumed skeletons of a mother and her twins are around 7

  700 years old.

  Canadian finds 7

  700-year-old skeletons of twins in Siberian cemetery

  Oldest Twin Remains Found in Siberia : DNews

  A team of Canadian and Russian researchers investigating an early Neolithic cemetery in Siberia have identified the world's oldest set of human twins

  buried with their young mother. The skeleton of the woman was exhumed in 1997 from a hunter-gatherer cemetery in south-eastern Siberia.

  Oldest Twin Remains Found in Siberia : DNews