Researchers use advanced technology to study child mummy

In this November 27, 2017 photo, Argonne X-ray scientist Jonathan Almer (left) and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine professor Stuart Stock (right) prepare to use high-energy X-ray beams to learn more about the 1,800-year-old mummified remains believed to be of a 5-year-old girl in Lemont, Ill. Researchers from Northwestern and Argonne National Laboratory are using advanced technology to unwrap the mysteries of the mummy. They say high-energy beams from a synchrotron will provide molecular information about what is inside. (AP Photo/Teresa Crawford)

LEMONT, Ill. — Researchers from Northwestern University and Argonne National Laboratory near Chicago are using advanced technology to unwrap the mysteries of a mummy that is 1,800 years old.

They said the high-energy X-ray beams from a synchrotron would provide molecular information about what is inside the mummy of the little girl. Argonne said it is the first time that the beams have been used in this way.

Researchers said the technology allows them to study what is inside the mummy while leaving the 5-year-old girl’s remains and wrappings intact.

Scientists examined the rare find on Monday in the hopes of learning more about how the girl died. They also said that studying the wrapping materials may shed new light on ancient Egyptian culture.         /kga