Paleometry and its Applications: A multidisciplinary Approach to Uncover Lost and New Worlds

Paleometry is an emerging interdisciplinary field that leverages advanced imaging and analytical techniques to probe the physicochemical properties of fossils at varying resolutions. This methodological approach has significantly enhanced the quantity, rigor, and quality of information extracted from the fossil record. Despite these advancements, several gaps remain in our understanding of the taphonomic processes that affect fossil preservation and the accurate reconstruction of ancient ecosystems. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of spectroscopic techniques such as Raman spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence, as well as 2D and 3D imaging methods like X-ray elemental mapping and tomography, to provide detailed insights into the morphology, structure, and chemical composition of fossils. However, there is still a need for systematic testing, adjustment, and proposal of these techniques to fully exploit their capabilities. Addressing these gaps is crucial for improving our understanding of the terrestrial biosphere's limits, the paleoecological effects of these limits, and the identification of biosignatures across different scales.

This Research Topic aims to advance the field of paleometry by compiling the latest technical and methodological breakthroughs, original findings from paleometric studies, and experimental approaches that test conflicting hypotheses concerning the fossil record. The primary objectives include refining spectroscopic and imaging techniques for fossil analysis, quantifying anatomical features using advanced methods, and conducting experiments to better understand taphonomic processes. By addressing these aims, the research seeks to facilitate more detailed reconstructions of extinct organisms and ecosystems, enhance our understanding of living systems, and explore new frontiers in both paleobiology and astrobiology.

To gather further insights into the boundaries and limitations of paleometry, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Results from studies on fossils and biosignatures, including imaging, spectroscopy, spectrometry, and experimental assays.
- Development and presentation of novel approaches to investigate fossils and biosignatures: studies on parameter testing, proposals for combined techniques application, and proposed analytical and experimental protocols.
- Experimental approaches to constrain taphonomic processes and their impact on fossil preservation.
- Interdisciplinary studies that integrate paleometric techniques with other scientific fields to explore new research avenues.
- Applications of paleometric methods in astrobiology, including the detection of biosignatures in extraterrestrial environments.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: paleobiology; astrobiology; use of cutting edgs techniques in the study of fossils and biosignatures; biosignatures; biominerals, taphonomy, paleobiology, astrobiology, fossils, biosignatures, biominerals

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.