International Journal of Paleopathology Launched
Elsevier, a world-leading publisher of scientific, technical and medical information products and solutions, is pleased to announce the launch of a new journal, International Journal of Paleopathology, the official journal of the Paleopathology Association (http://www.paleopathology.org/). Published quarterly, the first issue of the journal is now freely available to view online on SciVerse ScienceDirect ( http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/18799817). Print copies of the first issue will be available at the 7th World Congress on Mummy Studies on 12-16 June 2011 in San Diego, USA, where Elsevier will host a reception to officially launch the journal.
Editor-in-Chief Professor Jane E. Buikstra of Arizona State University said, “I am energized by the challenge of creating an academic journal format that seeks to encourage research and foster interdisciplinary communication. As the only dedicated paleopathology journal in the community, we are extremely proud to have the designation of “Official Journal of the Paleopathology Association”.
The International Journal of Paleopathology will publish original and significant articles on human and animal (including hominids) disease. The articles are based on the study of physical remains, including osseous, dental, and preserved soft tissues at a range of methodological levels, from direct observation to molecular, chemical, histological and radiographic analysis. Discussion of ways in which these methods can be applied to the reconstruction of health, disease and life histories in the past is central to the discipline. This way the journal would also encourage papers covering interpretive and theoretical issues, and those that place the study of disease at the centre of a bioarchaeological or biocultural approach.
Papers dealing with historical evidence relating to disease in the past – rather than with history of medicine – will also be published. The journal will also accept significant studies that apply previously developed techniques to new materials, setting the research in the context of current debates on past human and animal health. Paper types encouraged are original research articles, case studies, technical notes, brief communications, book reviews and invited commentaries.
The first issue of the International Journal of Paleopathology is now freely available to view online on SciVerse ScienceDirect, as well as the first issue’s Welcome Editorial from the Editor-in-Chief, Jane E. Buikstra.