Scientists on Tuesday announced the development of a new method to determine the age of ancient artifacts that does not require damaging the remains in any way. Previously “off-limits” artifacts may now potentially be dated using the new technique. "This technique stands to revolutionize radiocarbon dating," said Dr. Marvin Rowe, head of the research team. "It expands the possibility for analyzing extensive museum collections that have previously been off limits because of their rarity or intrinsic value and the destructive nature of the current method of radiocarbon dating.”
Carbon dating requires scientists to remove a small sample of the target object, which they then subject to treatment of acids and bases before finally burning the sample in order to analyze the C-14 in the carbon dioxide gas it emits.
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