Divulgation

Project DiMeR

“In situ molecular and analytical analyses of stone monuments biodeteriorative microorganisms DIversity, MEtabolism and Resistome features to improve conservation strategies”

Project Divulgation

Save the Date!

We are nearing the end of Project DiMeR and thus it is time to present the final public seminar!

Save the date: 20/12/2024 (2 p.m) at room 1.4 of the Edíficio de São Bento at the Department of Life Sciences.

“Project DiMeR (winner of the SeedProjects@UC 2024 - strategic Area Heritage, Culture and Inclusive Society) aimed to implement a mobile molecular and analytical laboratory in the field to study microbial communities involved in the biodeterioration of stone monuments in the UNESCO area of Coimbra. Moreover, the project also aimed to study antimicrobial resistance genes that contribute to the recolonization of monuments after interventions have occurred.”

See you there!

Thank you!

We would like to thank all of you that attended the National Museum Machado de Castro (NMMC) divulgation action last Thursday! We are deeply grateful to NMMC and all its staff for the opportunity and for another great collaboration! Thank you!!!

Divulgation! Save the Date!

The National Museum Machado de Castro (NMMC) will host the first divulgation action of the DiMer Project!

Save the date: 5/12/2024 (5 p.m) at the NMMC.

“Project DiMeR (winner of the SeedProjects@UC 2024 - strategic Area Heritage, Culture and Inclusive Society) aims to implement a mobile molecular and analytical laboratory in the field to study microbial communities involved in the biodeterioration of stone monuments in the UNESCO area of Coimbra, specifically at the University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia site, which includes the National Museum Machado de Castro (MNMC). The growth of microorganisms on stone monuments is currently one of the greatest challenges for their preservation and conservation. In line with the project objectives, the collaboration between the DiMeR Project and the MNMC allowed, for the first time, the description of biodeterioration phenomena outside a laboratory context. This resulted in a holistic characterization of the biodiversity, resistance genes and biogeochemical reactions occurring in biofilms present in the MNMC Cryptoporticus. The application of these methodologies enhances the capacity for implementing and improving interventions aimed at preserving Cultural Heritage in this emblematic area.”

See you there!

Divulgation!

One of the objectives of Project DiMeR is to draw attention to biofilms that threaten the Coimbra UNESCO World Heritage Site. These complex microbial structures can contribute to stone monuments' biodeterioration through aesthetical, physical and chemical modifications, often leading to inestimable cultural heritage losses.

Some examples of the most common and problematic ones found at this area, can be viewed in the photos shown bellow.