Recent developments have revolutionized the study of biomolecules. Among them are molecular markers, amplification and sequencing of nucleic acids. The latter is classified into three generations. The first allows to sequence small DNA fragments. The second one increases throughput, reducing turnaround and pricing, and is therefore more convenient to sequence full genomes and transcriptomes. The third generation is currently pushing technology to its limits, being able to sequence single molecules, without previous amplification, which was previously impossible. Besides, this represents a new revolution, allowing researchers to directly sequence RNA without previous retrotranscription. These technologies are having a significant impact on different areas, such as medicine, agronomy, ecology and biotechnology. Additionally, the study of biomolecules is revealing interesting evolutionary information. That includes deciphering what makes us human, including phenomena like non-coding RNA expansion. All this is redefining the concept of gene and transcript. Basic analyses and applications are now facilitated with new genome editing tools, such as CRISPR. All these developments, in general, and nucleic-acid sequencing, in particular, are opening a new exciting era of biomolecule analyses and applications, including personalized medicine, and diagnosis and prevention of diseases for humans and other animals.

An analysis of the marine animal remains retrieved in a sector of Huacas de Moche archaeological complex is presented. The area, 14C-dated between 470 and 600 AD (Moche IV/V), includes a poorly diversified fauna with two dominating species (donax clam and hake) despite the large number of secondary taxa (71). Such faunal spectrum corresponds to a secondary type of cropping strategy, likely to go through some kind of cultural filter (market), thus indirectly certifying the social complexity of Moche urban centres in general and the centralized and redistributive nature of Moche economy in particular. From an environmental standpoint most of the taxa indicate 'normal' (i.e. non-El Niñ o -Southern Oscillation (ENSO)) conditions and their abundance and ecological affinities correspond to what one could expect to find at present on the shores of the Moche Valley. The fish assemblage, moreover, suggests the existence of a low status population whereas complementary data indicate that a few of the taxa might not have had exclusively dietary connotations.

Debris flows caused by El Niño events, earthquakes, and glacial releases have affected northern Perú for centuries. The Muralla Pircada, a northeast-trending, 2.5 km long stone wall east of the Santa Rita B archaeological site (Moche-Chimú) in the Chao Valley, is field evidence that ancient Andeans recognized and, more importantly, attempted to mitigate the effects of debris flows. The Muralla is upstream from the site and is perpendicular to local drainages. It is 1-2 m high, up to 5 m wide, and is comprised of intentionally-placed, well-sorted, well-rounded, 20-30 cm cobbles and boulders from nearby streams. Long axes of the stones are gently inclined and parallel local drainage. Case-and-fill construction was used with smaller cobbles and pebbles used as fill. Pre-Muralla debris flows are indicated by meter-sized, angular boulders that were incorporated in-place into construction of the dam and are now exposed in breeches in the dam. Post-Muralla debris flows in the Chao Valley are indicated by meter-sized, angular boulders that now abut the retention dam.

No abstract

No abstract