Activation analysis of ungulate hair.

This study investigates the composition of hair samples from various ungulates and the skin of a rattlesnake and identifies unique trace elements within each species. The materials were scrutinized through neutron activation analysis and pulse-height analysis technique.

Research Methodology

The procedure involved analyzing hair samples from different ungulate species including:

• Horse
• Elk
• Deer
• Moose
• Antelope

In addition to hair samples, subcutaneous tissue from the moose and the antelope, as well as cast (shedded) and living skin from the rattlesnake, were also analyzed. The analysis was conducted through activation by exposure to a neutron flux. Neutron activation is a process used in science and industry to induce radioactivity within a sample. Beyond the activation, the subsequent decay of the radioisotopes was inspected and studied using pulse-height analysis.

Pulse-height Analysis

Pulse-height analysis is a method used to interpret the energy spectra of radiation detectors. In this study, the researchers applied this technique to study the products generated after the sample exposure to the neutron flux. It allowed them to distinguish the different species based on the unique results derived from this method.

Research Findings

The researchers identified differences in both the type and proportion of trace elements detected in each of the hair samples and skin sample. These differences were found to be consistent within each species, indicating the potential existence of species-specific elemental signatures. This discovery could potentially provide a new way to differentiate and identify species through examination of their hair and skin samples.

Implications of the Research

The consistency in the type and proportion of trace elements in the various specimens suggests that each species has a distinct elemental signature. This could hence open new avenues in the field of wildlife forensic science by enabling species differentiation based on their unique trace element composition. Furthermore, it could also aid in studies pertaining to the understanding of elemental uptake and bioaccumulation in different animal species.