In situ laser-Raman imagery of precambrian microscopic fossils

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2001 Jan 30;98(3):823-6. doi: 10.1073/pnas.98.3.823.

Abstract

Laser-Raman imagery is a sensitive, noninvasive, and nondestructive technique that can be used to correlate directly chemical composition with optically discernable morphology in ancient carbonaceous fossils. By affording means to investigate the molecular makeup of specimens ranging from megascopic to microscopic, it holds promise for providing insight into aspects of organic metamorphism and biochemical evolution, and for clarifying the nature of ancient minute fossil-like objects of putative but uncertain biogenicity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Biological Evolution*
  • Fossils*
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Paleontology / methods*
  • Plants / chemistry*
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman