Name: Using Archival Japanese Paper and Thermoplastic Resins to Prepare Fossils for Storage, Display, Transport, and Radiography (Video) | JoVE Journal
Uploaded: 2025-11-14T12:55:00.000+00:00
Duration: 7 min 30 s
Description: Learn the Mayborn method for fossil preservation using archival Japanese paper and thermoplastic resins. This reversible technique stabilizes fragile specimens for CT imaging and long-term storage without artifacts.

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5 minutes

We thank Stephany Potze (La Brea Tar Pits and Museum) for guidance developing an early version of these techniques, Jeff Huckeby and Jim Fau (Mayborn Museum Complex) for their help with tools and materials, G. Brian Henley and James Kusmierczyk (Cameron Park Zoo) for their expertise, Jessica Maisano and Dave Edey (University of Texas High-Resolution X-ray Computed Tomography Facility) for advice and problem-solving, Kris Juntunen (Tarleton State University) for transportation and assistance, and Evan Cerna and Molly Gielas (Baylor University Department of Geosciences) for assistance handling specimens. We thank the editorial team and reviewers, whose suggestions improved this manuscript. This work was made possible by funding from Cooperative Research and Training Program of the National Parks System grants (Grant # P21AC10517 and P22AC01166), Bryce C. Brown Research Fellowships from the Mayborn Museum, the Department of Geosciences at Baylor University, and a Frank Crane Memorial Scholarship from the Dallas Paleontological Society. Computed tomography was made possible by the NSF Division of Earth Science Instrumentation and Facilities Program (NSF EAR-1762458) and NASA (80NSSC23K0199).

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The authors declare no conflicts.

The "Mayborn Method" is a suite of techniques using paper-resin composites to reconstruct and support fossil specimens. Developed by Waco Mammoth National Monument researchers at the Mayborn Museum Complex (Waco, Texas), these techniques evolved from those used at two other Quaternary research institutions, La Brea Tar Pits and Museum (Los Angeles, California)28,29, and The Mammoth Site (Hot Springs, South Dakota)27. Although these methods were developed to address the unique challenges of working with Quaternary fossils, they should be appropriate for most vertebrate fossil material.
These methods were tested on Columbian mammoth (Mammuthus columbi) specimens from Waco Mammoth National Monument (WMNM), housed at Baylor University's Mayborn Museum Complex (MMC), both in Waco, Texas, USA. WMNM fossils were deposited ≥50,000 years before present31, and permineralization of the material is minimal. Specimen fragments often fracture and/or crumble when handled, and moving reconstructed specimens can result in collapse or fragmentation. From 2016 to 2021, preparators used a gypsum compound ("water putty") to stabilize specimens when B-72 alone was insufficient.
The National Park Service recommends using materials that do not release gases or fluids that cause deterioration21. To better conform to these recommendations, WMNM standard operating procedures were updated in 2021 to mandate the use of reversible methods and archival materials. This mandate eliminated the use of gypsum compounds but also precluded alternatives such as epoxy putties and cyanoacrylates. Conservation of WMNM specimens needed to address stability concerns while also adhering to institutional guidelines, so WMNM researchers began searching for an easily reversible alternative to gypsum compounds.
A mammoth's right humerus (WACO 1000) was selected for both X-ray and CT imaging to document a pathology that involved the loss of a large volume of trabecular bone in the diaphysis. As a result of the pathology, the distal epiphysis was considerably heavier than the hollow diaphysis, with few points of contact between the two sections. Two early repairs, using only B-72 in acetone as a consolidant and adhesive, failed when the specimen was moved. Both times, the adhesive pulled free from points of contact between sections, resulting in the distal epiphysis detaching from the diaphysis and causing further abrasion of cortical bone. In light of the analyses planned for the specimen, the search for an alternative stabilizer now included the criterion that the new material(s) would not interfere with radiography. Ultimately, researchers chose paper-resin composites and acrylic supports for reconstruction of the specimen.
The use of these composites for reconstruction provides several benefits over other, conventional methods. One significant advantage is that these composites have proven easy to remove, unlike gap fillers such as gypsum compounds and epoxy putties. Researchers were able to use composites in several challenging scenarios within the WMNM collection. The composite material was strong enough to support a permineralized mammoth femur with heavily abraded fragments (Figure 2). At 9 GSM, kozo bandages were delicate enough to adhere to the contours of small artiodactyl vertebrae and a 4.1 cm bird carina ("keel"), also from WMNM. Another benefit of the composites is that they do not add substantially to specimen weight, which improves stability, aids transport, and reduces future wear on storage cabinetry.
The addition of internal acrylic supports is a novel technique that we found to be a significant improvement over conventional metal structures and/or high-density compounds. These types of support are often needed to keep large, sub-fossil specimens intact1,19. While this type of preservation is common in relatively younger fossils, such as Quaternary specimens1,3,6, it also has been observed in other contexts, such as the exceptional Cretaceous fossils from Mongolia25,32. Because these specimens are prone to damage when moved, they may be considered too fragile for investigations that require anything more than brief handling1,2,32. By stabilizing fragile specimens while simultaneously avoiding high-density materials, this method broadens the research opportunities for specimens previously considered too challenging for radiological analysis.
Paper-resin composites can be integrated throughout the fossil conservation process, from application in the field to preparation for display. Bandages can be placed in the field to stabilize loose fragments, prevent collapse, or provide a barrier between the specimen and its plaster jacket27. Bandages can also hold fragments in place while other treatments are applied28. WMNM staff successfully used stabilization straps to articulate a mammoth humerus, radius, and ulna into life position for display. Preparators did not require much time or effort to learn the new techniques, and with practice, some were able to create nearly imperceptible bandages (Figure 3C, Figure 10C).
Preparators interested in using these techniques should be aware of a few limitations. Solvents such as acetone and various alcohols can damage biomolecules in a specimen27,33,34. Specimens that may be used for molecular research (aDNA, proteins, lipids, etc.) should not be exposed to solvents. Additionally, consolidants and adhesives alter the chemical composition of a specimen, which can affect subsequent isotopic analysis33,34. Applying adhesives, fillers, and bandages will alter the surface of a specimen, potentially obscuring morphological, ichnological and/or taphonomic details18,33. Thorough documentation of all methods used on a specimen is the best practice for aiding future paleontological research18,35. Preparators may consider noting where composite materials have been applied, so these areas can be avoided when taking samples for any analyses. These methods should not be applied to specimens that may be used in chemical, chronologic, or surface wear analyses.
Anticipating research needs is an important skill for the preparator35, but one cannot predict every possible research scenario. The least intrusive method is that which leaves a specimen's most critical features unaltered. A comprehensive list of every possible fossil preparation scenario would not be practical, but a review of common scenarios can be instructive. A summary of the most common work flows used in the WMNM fossil preparation lab can be found in Figure 16.
<img alt="Conservation method diagram for varying specimen sizes, from least to most invasive treatments." class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/68979/68979fig16.jpg" data-altupdatedat="1783396841000" data-alt="Figure 16"> 
Figure 16: Stepwise application of the Mayborn Method in three common fossil preparation scenarios. For each scenario, treatments are presented from least invasive to most invasive. After each treatment, preparators should check the specimen for stability. If the specimen remains unstable, they should then proceed to the next treatment. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/68979/68979fig16large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
The most frequent issues we encounter with these new protocols involve getting the composites to conform to specimen contours. We found that when a specimen's surface is complex, we had more success applying multiple layers of thin kozo rather than a single layer of thick kozo. Related to this, we sometimes encountered issues when paper fibers would not lay flat during application, and as the composite began to dry, attempts to move the fibers resulted in the material sticking to tools and coming off the specimen. In these instances, we found it best to allow the composite to dry fully and then touch up the repair by applying 1 or 2 drops of consolidant to the area and smoothing the fibers down with a cotton swab soaked in acetone.
The authors continue experimenting with different materials to best stabilize large specimens. The protocols described above were implemented successfully on specimen WACO 1000 using B-72 in acetone as a consolidant and adhesive, 9 GSM paper as a "thin kozo," and 41 GSM paper as a "thick kozo." After reconstruction of WACO 1000, preparators of WMNM specimens switched to using B-76 due to supply chain issues impacting the availability of B-72. Preparators have noticed no appreciable differences in the quality of composites made with B-76 and those made with B-72 (see Table of Materials). Other combinations of different resins and/or papers may improve results in other laboratory settings. Working time will vary due to factors such as temperature, humidity, ventilation, and materials used. Preparators should experiment with different viscosities of consolidant and adhesive to assess which works best in their lab's conditions.

Paleontological work must balance the needs of the researcher with the long-term conservation of specimens1,2. Nondestructive methods are preferred when preparing vertebrate fossils for exhibit or research, and considerable effort has gone toward developing less invasive alternatives to conventional, destructive methods2,3,4. For example, high-resolution computed tomography (CT) can be paired with 3D printing to minimize specimen handling by providing an alternative to conventional molding/casting2,5,6. As another example, synchrotron-based micro-tomography is a nondestructive alternative to histological sampling2,5,6,7,8. Furthermore, advances in equipment and techniques have made CT a viable option for increasingly larger specimens2,4,6,9.
The geologically younger specimens of the Cenozoic, particularly those of the Quaternary Period, often are non- or minimally-permineralized ("sub-fossil"). For this reason, large Cenozoic fossils may be underrepresented in CT research. While it is challenging to quantify how often specimens are excluded from analysis, as these decisions are rarely reported, it is possible to assess biases in the types of specimens scanned by surveying the published proceedings of professional conferences, which serve as a snapshot of a field's current work.
Abstracts of presentations at the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP) annual meetings from 202210, 202311, and 202412 were surveyed, and presentations of new CT data were tabulated. Presentations using only pre-existing CT data were not included. When more than one presentation used the same data, only one presentation was included. When a presentation included data from more than one geologic age, it was categorized by the oldest specimen scanned. This did not result in any Cenozoic fossils (pre-modern specimens) being excluded from the final tallies.
When initially reviewing CT data presented at SVP annual meetings from 2022 to 2024, Cenozoic taxa appear to be well-represented (Figure 1). For example, in 2024, 29 presentations focused on Cenozoic taxa, compared to 34 presentations focused on Mesozoic taxa. In 2023, presentations of Cenozoic taxa outnumbered those of Mesozoic taxa. However, for each of the years surveyed, about a third of the CT data for Cenozoic taxa are of modern specimens. Additionally, pre-modern Cenozoic specimens are predominantly microvertebrates, teeth, or particularly durable bones, such as vertebrae and distal phalanges. Of the 219 presentations surveyed, only three involved new CT data from large Cenozoic fossils: a partial mammoth tusk presented in 2022, a mammoth humerus presented in 2024 (discussed in this study), and a Uintatherium cranium presented in 2024 (Supplement 1). The paucity of data from large, fragile fossils suggests a need to address obstacles to CT analysis of these specimens.
<img alt="Paleo, Meso, Cenozoic taxa presentation comparison; pie chart; SVP data analysis; 2022-2024." class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/68979/68979fig1.jpg" data-altupdatedat="1783396841000" data-alt="Figure 1"> 
Figure 1: Presentations at the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology annual meetings, 2024, 2023, and 2022. Information was compiled from abstracts, and authors were contacted for clarification as needed. Presentations were categorized by the oldest specimen scanned; no Cenozoic fossils were removed using this method (see Supplement 1 for full details). <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/68979/68979fig1large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
One obstacle to CT scanning of fossils is durability; specimens must withstand transport, handling, and positioning1,2,9. Some researchers opt to use medical CT scanners, which are built to produce images of the human body. Medical CT scanners allow researchers to keep specimens in horizontal positions, which reduces the likelihood of damage3,4. However, medical CT scanners cannot accommodate specimens larger than a typical human. Those who research large taxa, such as cetaceans13 or proboscideans6, report excluding specimens or limiting images to partial scans due to the size constraints of medical CT scanners. Industrial CT scanners can accommodate larger specimens and also produce higher-resolution images than their medical-grade counterparts3,4. To do this, large specimens typically are oriented vertically on a turntable, rotating the specimen on its longest axis while being scanned by stationary instruments9. Given these parameters, specimens that are both too large for medical CT scanners and too fragile to withstand vertical orientation in an industrial CT scanner may be excluded from tomographic research.
Another obstacle to CT scans, and to radiography (X-ray imaging) in general, is that highly attenuating materials must be avoided. These materials can obstruct details from view or produce artifacts, which are distortions that can be problematic during analysis. High-density materials, such as bone and many minerals, increase the likelihood of beam hardening artifacts14. In most instances, beam hardening creates a "halo" along the periphery of an object, giving a false impression that the outer edge has a higher density than the interior4,14. In more extreme examples, beam artifacts can make an object appear smaller and/or thinner than actuality15. Other highly-attenuating materials, such as metals, can create streak or starburst artifacts, which block out detail2,3,4,9,16,17.
None of these artifacts can be completely avoided when scanning fossils, as fossil bone is especially dense and may be permineralized14. However, excluding certain materials from the fossil preparation process can prevent the creation of any additional artifacts. Traditionally, preparators have reinforced fragile specimens with materials such as wood, metal, gypsum compounds (plaster of Paris, "water putty," etc.), and/or two-part epoxy putties1,2,5,18,19. These materials allow specimens to be stored or displayed for long periods, but they can produce the artifacts detailed above, which can limit the ability to use radiographic research methods. Additionally, attempts to remove fillers such as gypsum compounds or epoxy putties can irreparably damage a specimen20. The movement to prepare fossils with archival grade, reversible materials1,18,21 may address obstacles to both transport and imaging.
Kozo washi is an artisanal Japanese paper used in the construction of such traditional objects as hanging scrolls and sliding doors22,23,24. This paper is useful in the conservation of artifacts and natural history objects due to its strength and flexibility23. Thermoplastic resins also are used widely in conservation work. For instance, acrylic "glass" (poly[methyl methacrylate]) is considered an inert material21. A variety of other thermoplastic resins (B-72, B-76, B-98, etc.) are ubiquitous in fossil preparation laboratories1,18,20,25,26.
Experiments combining kozo paper with thermoplastic resins have resulted in composite materials that can replace the use of gypsum compounds and epoxy putties in stabilizing specimens23,27,28,29. This composite of natural fibers in a resin matrix can be used to create "bandages" that have gap filling, backing, and facing applications. The composite also can be combined with acrylic supports to create an alternative to reinforcements made of wood or metal. These methods address concerns in both long-term conservation and paleontological research: the method is reversible, and the materials are lightweight, archival grade23,27,28, and radiolucent (do not interfere with X-ray or CT imaging)30.
For the purposes of the following protocols, an adhesive is a thermoplastic resin dissolved in acetone or ethanol, typically at a 1:1 ratio, to create a high viscosity solution for "gluing" two fragments together. A consolidant is a more dilute solution of a thermoplastic resin in acetone or alcohol (1:4 or 1:5 ratio), which is applied to a specimen to harden or solidify it25,26. Paper is graded by weight, which is expressed as grams per square meter (GSM). Please see the Table of Materials for a full materials list with suppliers.

<table><tbody><tr><td>Acetone</td><td>Uline</td><td>S-25036</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Acrylic rods</td><td>Blick</td><td>56929-5114</td><td>Pre-formed acrylic that can be cut to needed length.</td></tr><tr><td>Acrylic sheets</td><td>Uline</td><td>S-22486</td><td>Most cost-effective option but must be cut to needed dimensions.</td></tr><tr><td>Bamboo skewers</td><td>Lowes</td><td>5506242</td><td>Wood skewers also acceptable.</td></tr><tr><td>Board</td><td>Lowes</td><td>1368</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Butvar B-76 thermoplastic resin</td><td>TALAS</td><td>TCD001005</td><td>For use as consolidant and/or adhesive. Safety data sheet: https://www.talasonline.com/images/PDF/MSDS/butvar_b76.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOoqmrD4d3F1OW&lt;br/&gt; _W3MovVlSk-xk_EHQrQd&lt;br/&gt; 5ZTn6GmZFgS1jDXBgKu</td></tr><tr><td>Cotton balls</td><td>Uline</td><td>S-16227</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cotton swabs</td><td>Uline</td><td>S-18985</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Eye Protection</td><td>Uline</td><td>S-7023</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>HDPE bottles</td><td>Paleobond</td><td>none given</td><td>Listed as &quot;2 oz empty bottle with pinhead nozzle and overcap&quot; at https://paleobond.com/product/2-oz-empty-bottle-with-pinhead-nozzle-and-overcap/</td></tr><tr><td>Low-tack paper tape/Painter&#039;s Tape</td><td>Uline</td><td>S-23242</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Metal files</td><td>Blick</td><td>84218-1001</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Paintbrush</td><td>Blick</td><td>06000-0409</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Paper Tape/Masking Tape</td><td>Uline</td><td>S-11736</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Paraloid B-72 thermoplastic resin</td><td>TALAS</td><td>TFK028003</td><td>For use as consolidant and/or adhesive. Safety data sheet: https://www.talasonline.com/images/PDF/MSDS/B-72MSDS.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOor_ssJ1FJBcg&lt;br/&gt; rftOZ2zRhMocJDlIRLPqjS&lt;br/&gt; WSbkKI51tmpIiCdWQ</td></tr><tr><td>Polyethylene bags</td><td>Uline</td><td>S-1713</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Polyethylene foam blocks</td><td>Uline</td><td>S-15690</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Polyethylene foam sheets</td><td>Uline</td><td>S-2963</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Polyethylene stretch wrap</td><td>Uline</td><td>S-741</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Rubber bands</td><td>Uline</td><td>S-17254</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sand</td><td>Lowes</td><td>10392</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sandbags (empty)</td><td>Uline</td><td>S-14843</td><td>Fill one-half to two-thirds full with sand and sew shut.</td></tr><tr><td>Saw</td><td>Lowes</td><td>1097900</td><td>Any compound saw or table saw will suffice.</td></tr><tr><td>Scissors</td><td>Uline</td><td>H-6415</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sewing kit</td><td>Blick</td><td>73502-1019</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Stretch wrap</td><td>Uline</td><td>S-741</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Thick kozo washi</td><td>TALAS</td><td>TPB073404</td><td>Yukyu-Shi 41 GSM</td></tr><tr><td>Thin kozo washi</td><td>TALAS</td><td>TPB094001</td><td>Tengujo 9 GSM</td></tr><tr><td>Toothpicks</td><td>Blick</td><td>85915-1025</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Tweezers</td><td>Uline</td><td>S-25214</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

using archival japanese paper and thermoplastic resins to prepare fossils for storage, display, transport, and radiography

Using Archival Japanese Paper and Thermoplastic Resins to Prepare Fossils for Storage, Display, Transport, and Radiography

Kozo washi is an archival-grade paper commonly used in the conservation of museum objects. This paper can be combined with widely used archival adhesives to form lightweight composites of natural fibers and thermoplastic resin, which can be used in fossil preparation. Unlike conventional gypsum compounds, epoxy, or metal supports, paper-resin composites are easily reversed and are made from archival materials, so they conform to modern conservation standards.
We present the new "Mayborn Method," a suite of techniques for reconstructing fossil specimens while retaining suitability for radiographic study. Paper-resin composite is used to fill gaps between fragments, reinforce points of contact, and mount acrylic struts inside specimens, creating internal structural supports. Specimens prepared with these composites can withstand orientation along multiple planes for optimal imaging during X-ray and computed tomography analyses. Once a specimen is durable enough to withstand handling, it can be packed for transport with polyethylene foam and stretch wrap, which can remain in place during radiographic imaging.
These techniques can be integrated throughout the fossil conservation process, from application in the field to preparation for display. These composites are strong enough to support large, heavy specimens, yet can conform to the contours of small, delicate specimens. Importantly, these techniques can stabilize "sub-fossil" material, broadening opportunities for research on these fragile specimens.

The protocols described above were implemented on specimen WACO 1000 using a 1:4 solution of B-72 in acetone as a consolidant, a 1:1 solution of B-72 in acetone as an adhesive26, a 9 GSM paper as "thin kozo," and a 41 GSM paper as "thick kozo." Points of contact were reinforced with both internal and external bandages. Voids in cortical bone were filled with a combination of bandages and shims, creating additional points of contact between fragments.
To prevent the collapse of the diaphysis, a strut was installed in the center of the cavity. Fragments did not align in one section due to taphonomic processes warping the bone; a second strut ensured cortical bone maintained its position on either side of the resulting gap. The struts were cut from a sheet of acrylic "glass" left over from the construction of a museum exhibit. Wrapping the struts in composite allowed the struts to hold their position within the specimen and also protected the specimen from any sharp edges where the acrylic had been cut.
After reconstruction, the specimen was able to withstand handling and vertical orientation without damage (Figure 14A). To pack the specimen for transport, museum staff chose materials based on the distance the specimen would travel and the amount of handling required to position the specimen. Staff inspected the specimen before and after each research trip to monitor it for any damage sustained during transport.
The specimen was imaged at the veterinary clinic of the Cameron Park Zoo (CPZ) in Waco, Texas, using a portable X-ray generator and a direct digital radiography system. To prepare for brief transport (3.7 km), the specimen was wrapped in a polyethylene bag and then strapped to a wooden board with polyethylene stretch wrap. Once the specimen arrived at the facility, it was removed from the wooden board, removed from the bag, and then placed horizontally on a wireless digital radiography detector panel. Polyethylene foam and low-tack paper tape supported the specimen's position during imaging (Figure 14B). Images were acquired at 75 kV and 3.0 mA. A small fragment (&lt; 1 cm2) broke off the specimen during return transport. The fragment was reattached and reinforced with an external bandage after the specimen was returned to the museum.
The specimen was next imaged at the University of Texas High-Resolution X-ray Computed Tomography Facility (UTCT Lab) in Austin, Texas, using a scanner and flat-panel detector. To prepare for longer transport (162.5 km), paper-resin transport straps were applied to one section of the specimen that needed extra support. Voids and concavities were filled with polyethylene foam blocks, which were cut to shape and held in place with polyethylene stretch wrap. The specimen was then covered in layers of polyethylene foam sheeting held in place with stretch wrap and low-tack paper tape. Stretch wrap kept the specimen strapped to a wooden board during transport. Once the specimen arrived at the facility, it was removed from the board. Keeping the specimen wrapped, it was then positioned vertically inside an acrylic cylinder (Figure 14C) and stabilized with phenolic resin foam ("florist's foam"). Four volume scans were taken (225 kV, 0.31 mA, brass plate prefilter) with a source-object distance of 611.27 mm and a source-detector distance of 899.209 mm. Voxel size was 136.0 µm, and a total of 6025 slices were produced. The specimen remained vertical nearly 25 h before being returned to a horizontal position. During this second excursion, the specimen sustained no damage from transport, imaging, or being unwrapped on return.
In the plain X-rays from CPZ, most of the composite repairs are not visible. Some areas with multiple layers of composite have visible outlines. The acrylic portions of the struts are visible but translucent, and no additional artifacts were produced (Figure 14D). In the computed tomography images from UTCT, the composite is visible as a faint shadow. The acrylic portion of the struts is a uniform gray, conducive to digital segmentation if desired (Figure 14E).
<img alt="Dinosaur bone imaging: X-ray and CT scan diagram, radiological images, fossil examination methods." class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/68979/68979fig14.jpg" data-altupdatedat="1783396841000" data-alt="Figure 14"> 
Figure 14: Results of preparation and imaging of specimen WACO 1000. (A) The specimen after reconstruction. Missing sections are marked in gray. (B) WACO 1000 in position for X-ray at Cameron Park Zoo. (C) WACO 1000 in position for CT scanning at UT Austin. (D) X-ray image of the area outlined in blue in Figure 14A. (E) CT image of the region marked by a red dashed line in Figure 14A. Acrylic struts are marked by yellow arrows, bandages are marked by green arrows, shims are marked by violet arrows, and polyethylene foam is marked by a pink arrow. This CT slice can be seen without arrows in Figure 15. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/68979/68979fig14large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
Some beam hardening occurred in denser sections of the specimen, consistent with other fossil material14. However, no beam hardening occurred in the acrylic, nor did any of the acrylic or composite material generate any streak or starburst artifacts (Figure 15).
<img alt="CT scan image, bone density analysis, structural assessment, grayscale imaging technique." class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/68979/68979fig15.jpg" data-altupdatedat="1783396841000" data-alt="Figure 15"> 
Figure 15: Transverse CT slice of specimen WACO 1000. This image can be seen with notations in Figure 14. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/68979/68979fig15large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
Supplement 1: Details of presentations at the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology annual meetings, 2022 through 2024. Presentations include both posters and talks. Information was compiled from abstracts, and authors were contacted for clarification as needed. When a presentation included fossils from multiple periods, the presentation was categorized by the oldest specimen scanned. When more than one presentation used the same scan, only one presentation was included in the dataset. No Cenozoic fossils were excluded using these methods. Notes include details from authors contacted and/or details about specimens included in the presentation. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/68979/Supplementary%20Table%201%20FINAL.xlsx" target="_blank">Please click here to download this File.</a>

This article presents a suite of techniques for reconstructing fossil specimens using paper-resin composites. These composites are made by combining archival-grade paper with thermoplastic resins commonly used in fossil preparation laboratories. The resulting lightweight composites add long-term stability to specimens while retaining suitability for radiological analyses.

Kozo washi is an archival-grade paper commonly used in the conservation of museum objects. This paper can be combined with widely used archival adhesives ...

My research investigates paleo pathologies in fossil mammals and uses patterns of population health to infer past environmental conditions. In paleontology, we use many of the same tools you would in veterinarian medicine. For my research, I review x-rays or CT scans of bones to assess the health condition of a fossil animal.The Mayborn method is an easy to learn archival method that's completely reversible. The protocols can be used from discovery to curation on a wide variety of cultural and natural resources. Even the most delicate or fragmented materials can be preserved for future generations.Thanks to the added stability, researchers can ask new and exciting questions about specimens that were previously unavailable for research. Thanks to these methods, the Waco Mammoth National Monument fossils are telling unique stories of life and death 65, 000 years ago. We're investigating multiple deposits, how they were preserved, and the paleo environment of central Texas.To begin, select the most suitable kozo paper. Arrange all required tools on the workspace, including kozo paper, tweezers, adhesive, consolidant, acetone, and preferred application tools. Lay out more swabs and toothpicks than are likely to be needed.Then measure the length of the seam between two fossil fragments to determine the size of the bandage needed. Tear the selected kozo paper to the desired dimensions instead of cutting it, then fray the edges by gently pulling the fibers to create a soft boundary. Align the paper over the target seam before moving forward to check the fit of the paper.Using a brush or appropriate tool, apply a broad and thin layer of adhesive to the target area on the fossil. Use tweezers to place the prepared kozo paper bandage over the adhesive coated area. Using the chosen tool, gently press the paper into the contours of the specimen.Smooth down the fibers at the edges of the paper to ensure they adhere to the surface. Once the paper is fully positioned, use a dropper to saturate it with consolidant, applying approximately one to two drops per square centimeter. Allow the bandage to dry completely before moving the specimen.To begin creating acrylic struts, measure the height of the space where they will be placed. Subtract 0.5 centimeters from this measurement to calculate the final length. Lay out the required tools, including personal protection equipment.Cut the acrylic to the desired dimensions. If using sheet acrylic, cut it with a saw. Then tear a piece of thick kozo paper into a rectangle large enough to wrap around the acrylic strut, leaving a one to two centimeter overhang at each end.Apply a broad, thin layer of adhesive to one side of the paper. Wrap the adhesive coated paper around the acrylic strut and press it tightly in place so that the paper adheres to itself. Place the strut on the workstation with the seam side facing downward.Saturate the paper wrapping with three to four drops of consolidant per linear centimeter and allow it to dry completely. Using scissors, cut the excess paper at both ends into box-shaped flaps. Flare out the paper flaps.Apply adhesive to both the visible end of the acrylic strut and to the flared flaps. Cover the exposed end with a small piece of thin kozo paper, making sure it conforms to the flared shape and fully encases the acrylic in composite material. To identify the ideal location for placing the strut, select a weight-bearing area where both ends can make direct contact with the fossil specimen.Arrange all necessary tools, including paper, prepared struts, tweezers, adhesive, consolidant, acetone and preferred implements. Lay out more swabs and toothpicks than are likely needed. Apply adhesive to the selected location on the fossil.Place the prepared strut onto the adhesive spot. Use a toothpick or a paintbrush soaked an acetone to gently press the flared edges of the strut into the surface of the fossil. Apply an additional layer of adhesive to the base of the strut and let it dry for several hours before moving forward.To test the firm placement of the strut, apply gentle pressure with fingers or tweezers. Once confirmed, apply adhesive to the free end of the strut and points of contact on the specimen in preparation for securing the next fossil fragment. Place the next fossil fragment onto the prepared adhesive using assistance if needed.Once the strut and attached fossil fragments are stable, use a toothpick or a paintbrush soaked in acetone to press the flared end of the strut firmly into the surface of the fossil. Use sandbags or foam blocks to support and stabilize the fossil fragment in position while the adhesive cures. Apply additional internal or external bandages to stabilize the newly positioned fragment or strut.The specimen remains structurally intact and could withstand vertical positioning without damage after reconstruction. During imaging, x-rays showed limited visibility of composite repairs, while the acrylic struts appeared translucent and produced no imaging artifacts. Computed tomography scans from the University of Texas CT Lab revealed faint shadows for the composite material and uniform gray for the acrylic struts, both free of imaging artifacts.No beam hardening artifacts were observed in the acrylic or composite materials during computed tomography scanning.

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Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

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Learn the Mayborn method for fossil preservation using archival Japanese paper and thermoplastic resins. This reversible technique stabilizes fragile specimens for CT imaging and long-term storage without artifacts.

Using Archival Japanese Paper and Thermoplastic Resins to Prepare Fossils for Storage, Display, Transport, and Radiography

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