New dating technique could cut wait times for results

Researchers at the University of Liverpool are working on a new carbon-dating technique that could provide results for dating bone in two days, weeks faster than current methods.

It is the hoped the pioneering dating technique will reduce the wait for results from more than six weeks to two days, all for a lower cost than traditional methods.

A Norton Priory spokeswoman said radiocarbon dating is one of the most important techniques used by archaeologists to find out the age of organic samples, but is expensive and takes place off-site leading to lengthy lengthy times hanging on for findings to be provided.

This means that an excavation is likely to be over before the dating information can be obtained.

[Full story]

Story: Oliver Clay, Liverpool Echo | Photo: Liverpool Echo