Biosignals Research Articles

Endogenous nege-like viral elements in arthropod genomes reveal virus-host coevolution and ancient history of two plant virus families.

Although negevirus is phylogenetically related to plant virus, the evolutionary history of negevirus-host and its relationship with plant virus remain largely unknown. In this study, we used endogenous nege-like viral elements (ENVEs) as the molecular fossil records to investigate the history of nege-like viral infection in arthropod hosts and the evolution of two related plant virus families (Virgaviridae and Kitaviridae). Our results showed the infection of nege-like viruses for over 60 My during the arthropod evolution. ENVEs highly homologous to viral sequences in Virgaviridae and Kitaviridae were present in a wide range of arthropod genomes but were absent in plant genomes, indicating that plant viruses in these two families possibly evolved from the nege-like virus ancestor through cross-species horizontal virus transmission. Our findings provide a new perspective on the virus-host coevolution and the origins of plant viruses.

An Artificial Intelligence-Based Platform for Medical Diagnosis

Medical diagnosis using artificial intelligence models uses methods of information collection via the Internet of Things (IoT) for the categorization of diseases. This may be attributed to a number different issues, such as inefficient auxiliary frameworks, high expenses associated with acquiring datasets, or difficulties encountered while constructing classifiers. The present paper analyses the recent developments in AI for medical diagnosis. The research uses a Deep Convolutional Neural Network (DCNN) to categorise medical conditions. In this paper, a model for categorising medical diagnosis has been introduced by making it easier for the network to adapt to new medical data. This article estimates the degree to which the classification falls into the right medical diagnosis category and separates the training sample into normal, critical, and suggestion samples using a dynamic threshold to solve the diagnostic issue. The recommended strategy categorises input to help the convolutional neural network learn more. This research modifies the convolutional neural network design to accommodate for input variety and data evolution temporal dynamics. This adjustment is made with the goal of achieving the five physiological data properties of bio signals (heart rate, blood pressure, EEG, ECG, and oxygen level). Because of the realised CNN optimisation algorithm model, the prediction effect has been increased, and the accuracy rate has been found to be 92.8% in medical diagnosis, which is a reasonably good performance in machine learning algorithms.

Geochemical characterization of Upper Cretaceous organic-rich deposits: Insights from the Azraq Basin in Jordan

Cretaceous sedimentary successions in Jordan are among the most promising unconventional global petroleum resources. The Upper Cretaceous deposits in the Azraq Basin in Jordan were analyzed using Rock-Eval pyrolysis, stable carbon isotopes, vitrinite reflectance, and biomarkers, as well as 1D basin modeling. This study aims to evaluate source input, depositional environment, burial history and potential for hydrocarbon generation of the Upper Cretaceous organic-rich deposits in Jordan. The Upper Cretaceous samples exhibit variable source rock potential. Maastrichtian samples are very good, primarily oil-prone, while Campanian and Cenomanian samples range from fair to poor, with Turonian samples showing good petroleum generation potential. Thermal maturity analysis of Cretaceous samples reveals higher maturity in Turonian and Cenomanian samples compared to the thermally immature Maastrichtian and Campanian samples based on the maximum temperature of pyrolytic hydrocarbons generation, vitrinite reflectance, production index and biomarker indicators. The molecular fossils data suggest that the organic matter of these source rocks was primarily of marine phytoplankton origin, with considerable contributions from microbial biomass, and deposited under oxygen-depleted bottom water conditions. Additionally, the resemblance in molecular composition between Cretaceous source rocks and crude oil samples suggests a common origin for the hydrocarbons. The highest contents of organic matter have been recorded at the top of the Maastrichtian and at the bottom of the Turonian sections. These findings correspond with Maastrichtian upwelling deposits in North Africa and the Middle East, as well as with deposits from the Cenomanian-Turonian Oceanic Anoxic Event (OAE2).

Molecular to macrofossils indicating last millennium sea level in Lavsa saltpans, Croatia

Intertidal salt production sites existed continuously around the Mediterranean since classical antiquity, and their remains are present in large numbers along the Dalmatian (east Adriatic) coast. Most of them are preserved and dated to medieval times. This study aims to develop complementary proxies identifying the salt production layer in submerged ancient saltpans of Lavsa, a remote island on the central Dalmatian coast, to date the saltwork units by optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and use them to infer changes in sea level. The significance of the study is in the application of molecular fossil analyses identifying the hypersaline layer in the sediments from a core drilled in the saltpan's site. The molecular fossil analyses correlate with the results of micro and macrofossil analyses and geochemical findings, all representing the saltwork unit. The depth of the hypersaline layers and the OSL dates provide relative sea level (RSL) lower limiting points of −145 ± 5 cm at 1309 ± 33 CE, probably the time when salt production started in Lavsa, and −115 ± 5 cm at 1364 ± 52 CE when saltwork activities ended. These limiting points extend the known RSL index point in Lavsa Island of −92 ± 8 cm, with an updated average age of 1337 ± 62 CE, correlating with the historical records. Medieval lower sea levels were also observed in the northern and southern parts of the east Adriatic coast as well as in other parts of the Mediterranean, probably driven by climate-related events, generating centennial-scale fluctuations in past sea levels that cannot be predicted by glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) models.

Feedbacks From Young Permafrost Carbon Remobilization to the Deglacial Methane Rise

AbstractThe abrupt warming events punctuating the Termination 1 (about 11.7–18 ka Before Present, BP) were marked by sharp rises in the concentration of atmospheric methane (CH4). The role of permafrost organic carbon (OC) in these rises is still debated, with studies based on top‐down measurements of radiocarbon (14C) content of CH4 trapped in ice cores suggesting minimum contributions from old and strongly 14C‐depleted permafrost OC. However, organic matter from permafrost can exhibit a continuum of 14C ages (contemporaneous to >50 ky). Here, we investigate the large‐scale permafrost remobilization at the Younger Dryas‐Preboreal transition (ca. 11.6 ka BP) using the sedimentary record deposited at the Lena River paleo‐outlet (Arctic Ocean) to reflect permafrost destabilization in this vast drainage basin. Terrestrial OC was isolated from sediments and characterized geochemically measuring δ13C, Δ14C, and lignin phenol molecular fossils. Results indicate massive remobilization of relatively young (about 2,600 years) permafrost OC from inland Siberia after abrupt warming triggered severe active layer deepening. Methane emissions from this young fraction of permafrost OC contributed to the deglacial CH4 rise. This study stresses that underestimating permafrost complexities may affect our comprehension of the deglacial permafrost OC‐climate feedback and helps understand how modern permafrost systems may react to rapid warming events, including enhanced CH4 emissions that would amplify anthropogenic climate change.

Penetrating Barriers: Noncontact Measurement of Vital Bio Signs Using Radio Frequency Technology.

The noninvasive measurement and sensing of vital bio signs, such as respiration and cardiopulmonary parameters, has become an essential part of the evaluation of a patient's physiological condition. The demand for new technologies that facilitate remote and noninvasive techniques for such measurements continues to grow. While previous research has made strides in the continuous monitoring of vital bio signs using lasers, this paper introduces a novel technique for remote noncontact measurements based on radio frequencies. Unlike laser-based methods, this innovative approach offers the advantage of penetrating through walls and tissues, enabling the measurement of respiration and heart rate. Our method, diverging from traditional radar systems, introduces a unique sensing concept that enables the detection of micro-movements in all directions, including those parallel to the antenna surface. The main goal of this work is to present a novel, simple, and cost-effective measurement tool capable of indicating changes in a subject's condition. By leveraging the unique properties of radio frequencies, this technique allows for the noninvasive monitoring of vital bio signs without the need for physical contact or invasive procedures. Moreover, the ability to penetrate barriers such as walls and tissues opens new possibilities for remote monitoring in various settings, including home healthcare, hospital environments, and even search and rescue operations. In order to validate the effectiveness of this technique, a series of experiments were conducted using a prototype device. The results demonstrated the feasibility of accurately measuring respiration patterns and heart rate remotely, showcasing the potential for real-time monitoring of a patient's physiological parameters. Furthermore, the simplicity and low-cost nature of the proposed measurement tool make it accessible to a wide range of users, including healthcare professionals, caregivers, and individuals seeking to monitor their own health.

Data fusion for driver drowsiness recognition: A multimodal perspective

Drowsiness is characterized by decreased alertness and an increased inclination to fall asleep, typically from factors such as fatigue, sleep deprivation, or other related influences. In the context of driving, drowsiness poses substantial safety risks. The detection of driver drowsiness is of paramount importance in ensuring road safety, contributing to a significant number of accidents worldwide. Utilizing AI for drowsiness detection offers a potent solution to enhance road safety by identifying driver fatigue and preventing potential accidents. The proposed system addresses the challenge of detecting driver drowsiness using a WACHSens dataset collected from both manual and automated driving modes, encompassing rested and fatigued states. Various data sources, including vehicle-related information, facial expressions, and bio signals are employed to create a robust drowsiness detection system. A novel approach that leverages Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks to effectively detect drowsiness in drivers and achieve a 96 % accuracy level. It helps in enhancing road safety by devising effective drowsiness detection mechanisms, potentially preventing accidents and saving lives. Recall, accuracy, f1-score, and precision are the performance metrics to measure the drowsiness condition.

Using EMG to Better Understand Patient Pain and Stress During Routine Mammography

Since breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, it is recommended that women over the age of 40 get annual mammogram screenings. Regular mammograms allow for early breast cancer detection, and in turn, proper treatment and improved patient prognosis. However, the stress and discomfort associated with the mammogram procedure deter many women from routine screening. Most previous work attempting to characterize mammogram-related pain utilizes subjective, questionnaire-based methods. A more objective approach is needed to fully understand the stress and pain experienced by patients during the mammogram procedure. In recent years, bio signals such as surface electromyography (sEMG) have been used to quantify various physiological states including stress and pain. Advocating women’s health and early breast cancer detection, the Human-User Interaction Lab is the first research lab to use sEMG to quantitatively measure the stress and pain experienced by patients during mammography compressions.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Elderly Cognitive and Exercise Forest Therapy Program According to Brain Wave and Autonomic Nervous System Parameters

The purpose of this study is to more quantitatively identify changes in body function through various bio-signal parameters. (1) Background: Forest therapy is effective in stabilizing cognitive, emotional, cardiovascular, and autonomic nervous systems. In particular, it is necessary to more quantitatively confirm changes in body functions through various bio signals. (2) Methods: As a forest therapy program (FTP) for the elderly, it consisted of strength training in the forest, respiratory aerobic exercises, and cognitive function training, and a total of 19 sessions were performed for 12 weeks. The electroencephalography (EEG) and Photoplethysmography (PPG) before and after the program were measured and compared between program participants (FTP group) and non-participants (control group). (3) Results: the FTP group showed increase in the alpha band power in EEG and a decrease in the PRV index, Tad, and Tae after the program compared to the control group; (4) Conclusions: Significant differences occurred in the physiological functioning of the elderly participants after the program. This is a result that can confirm the effectiveness of forest therapy more quantitatively. Forest therapy has a positive effect on mental stress reduction and cardiovascular function.

Transfer RNA as a written molecular history of the life transition on earth

Transfer RNA as a written molecular history of the life transition on earth Zachary Burton, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, reports on tRNA (transfer RNA) as a written molecular history of the pre-life to life transition on Earth ~4 billion years ago. Friends, coders, gamers, puzzlers, historians, linguists, geneticists, lend me your brief attention. I come to report history recorded ~4 billion years ago during pre-life, inscribed and preserved in genetic code and tRNA sequence. The pre-life sequence of tRNA (transfer RNA) was recorded in the tRNA sequences of living organisms, preserving a historic record ~4 billion years after its initial composition. As such, tRNA sequences in living organisms record events that occurred before life began on Earth. By this measure, tRNA sequence is a molecular fossil of the pre-life to life transition, and tRNA sequences relate a simple story that is the core history of the pre-life to life transition.

Impact of steroid biosynthesis on the aerobic adaptation ofeukaryotes.

Steroids are indispensable components of the eukaryotic cellular membrane and the acquisition of steroid biosynthesis was a key factor that enabled the evolution of eukaryotes. The polycyclic carbon structures of steroids can be preserved in sedimentary rocks as chemical fossils for billions of years and thus provide invaluable clues to trace eukaryotic evolution from the distant past. Steroid biosynthesis consists of (1) the production of protosteroids and (2) the subsequent modifications toward "modern-type" steroids such as cholesterol and stigmasterol. While protosteroid biosynthesis requires only two genes for the cyclization of squalene, complete modification of protosteroids involves ~10 additional genes. Eukaryotes universally possess at least some of those additional genes and thus produce modern-type steroids as major final products. The geological biomarker records suggest a prolonged period of solely protosteroid production in the mid-Proterozoic before the advent of modern-type steroids in the Neoproterozoic. It has been proposed that mid-Proterozoic protosteroids were produced by hypothetical stem-group eukaryotes that presumably possessed genes only for protosteroid production, even though in modern environments protosteroid production as a final product is found exclusively in bacteria. The host identity of mid-Proterozoic steroid producers is crucial for understanding the early evolution of eukaryotes. In this perspective, we discuss how geological biomarker data and genetic data complement each other and potentially provide a more coherent scenario for the evolution of steroids and associated early eukaryotes. We further discuss the potential impacts that steroids had on the evolution of aerobic metabolism in eukaryotes, which may have been an important factor for the eventual ecological dominance of eukaryotes in many modern environments.

Fossil steroid acids can arise from microbial alteration of steranes

Steroid acids are unique molecular fossils composed of a steroid carbon skeleton linked to a carboxyl group. These biomarkers contain special geological and biological clues in their structures. However, the origin of steroid acids remains a subject of debate, and there is a lack of direct evidence in previous studies. Here, we present experimental evidence for the origin of steroid acids. The origin of steroid acids during biodegradation in crude oil was observed for the first time. Molecular structures of these steroid acids reveal that they arose from steranes via bacterial oxidation of sidechain terminal methyl groups. Our results suggest that microbial activities indeed contribute to the formation of carboxyl groups on the eukaryotic steroid skeletons, and we believe steroid acids are a promising biomarker for both geomicrobial processes and ancient eukaryotic life in the rock record.

Reconstructing the palaeoecology of a middle Permian alkaline lake using molecular fossils, case study of the Lucaogou Formation in the Junggar Basin, NW China

The lacustrine Lucaogou Formation was deposited during the middle Permian in the Junggar Basin, northwestern China. The depositional environment was an alkaline, brackish to saline lake. The biological diversity of the Lucaogou Formation was reconstructed using biologically informative molecules such as n-alkanes, steranes, and hopanes, and the δ13C composition of organic matter. C30 4α-methyl-24-ethylsterane, C31 lanostane, and abundant C30 − C31 3β-methylhopanes were detected in the organic matter, suggesting the presence of type Ⅰ aerobic methanotrophs including the Methylococcaceae. C30 − C31 2α-methylhopanes and 7- and 8-methylheptadecanes are suggestive of the presence of cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria and green algae are proposed to have made the dominant contribution to the organic matter. The presence of more 13C-enriched hopanoids in the lower unit compared to the upper unit of the Lucaogou Formation suggest a greater contribution of cyanobacteria to the organic matter in the lower unit. The high abundances of C28 and C29 steranes relative to C27 steranes are likely due to green algae from the Chlorophyta, including the class Chlorophyceae. Dinosteranes that are diagnostic for dinoflagellates were not detected. The low concentrations of C40 isorenieratane, renieratane, β-isorenieratane, renierapurpurane, and β-renierapurpurane that are indicative of photosynthetic green and purple sulfur bacteria indicate a minor contribution from Chlorobiaceae and Chromatiaceae to the organic matter. It is inferred that low to moderate amounts of ciliates grew at or below the relatively unstable chemocline in the lake. The presence of C19-norisopimarane, 8β(H)-labdane, and 4β(H)-19-norisopimarane suggests the presence of coniferous plants growing around the lake, probably including Pinaceae, Araucariaceae, Cupressaceae.

Hardware and software co-design for detecting hypertension from photoplethysmogram

Hypertension is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease morbidity in the world. If remains untreated, it may cause severe damage like heart attack or even death. Early detection is required to prevent the development of other cardiac abnormalities. Photoplethysmogram (PPG) is a bio signal that can be obtained optically by a sensor. It is studied to monitor the change of volume of blood and detect heart conditions. Previous studies have already applied PPG to detect hypertension at the software level. In this article, along with software-based detection, we have implemented a digital hardware-based system for detecting hypertension from signals recorded using PPG sensor. Xilinx ZedBoard Zynq-7000 field programmable gate array (FPGA) board is utilized for designing the embedded system. The hypertension detection accuracy is 98.02% at the software level while for the digital system, it is 96.05% consuming 0.374 W power. The study can be analyzed for other cardiac disease detection and medical equipment development.

Evolutionarily ancient deep‐water seep communities in the Eocene Tethys: examples from Buje (Croatia)

AbstractWe report a newly discovered hydrocarbon seep deposit from the Eocene bathyal flysch, exposed in the town of Buje in Istria, Croatia. Molecular fossils of methane‐oxidizing prokaryotes and abundant banded botryoidal cements indicate strong fluid flux at this site. We systematically describe the fauna of this and another seep deposit previously reported from Buje. The faunal assemblages are composed of eight species, these being an unidentified solemyid protobranch bivalve, the nuculid Nucula bowerbanki?, the nuculanid Nuculana? sp., the mytilid Brachidontes? amanoi sp. nov., the two thyasirids Channelaxinus dinaricus sp. nov. and Thyasira histriaensis sp. nov., the lucinid bivalve Amanocina bujensis sp. nov., and a possible provannid gastropod. The two assemblages are of low diversity (4 and 5 species, respectively), and are dominated by chemosymbiotic species whose occurrence is largely restricted to seeps. Despite their spatial and stratigraphic proximity, the two deposits share only a single species, Channelaxinus dinaricus, probably due to different fluid flux regimes at both seeps. The Buje seep assemblages are among the very few Late Cretaceous to Palaeogene chemosynthesis‐based faunal assemblages from the Tethys Ocean (the others being Late Cretaceous vent assemblages from Cyprus). From an evolutionary perspective, the Buje seep communities consist of genera with Mesozoic origins but lack Cenozoic novelties such as bathymodiolin mussels and vesicomyid clams, which are known from coeval deposits from the Pacific and dominate vents and seeps today. Thus, the Buje seep fauna support previous assertions that the Eocene Tethyan seep faunas preserved an ancient aspect, whereas evolutionary novelties arose in the Pacific.

Charting the course of pinniped evolution: insights from molecular phylogeny and fossil record integration.

Pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, walruses, and their fossil relatives) are one of the most successful mammalian clades to live in the oceans. Despite a well-resolved molecular phylogeny and a global fossil record, a complete understanding of their macroevolutionary dynamics remains hampered by a lack of formal analyses that combine these 2 rich sources of information. We used a meta-analytic approach to infer the most densely sampled pinniped phylogeny to date (36 recent and 93 fossil taxa) and used phylogenetic paleobiological methods to study their diversification dynamics and biogeographic history. Pinnipeds mostly diversified at constant rates. Walruses, however, experienced rapid turnover in which extinction rates ultimately exceeded speciation rates from 12 to 6 Ma, possibly due to changing sea levels and/or competition with otariids (eared seals). Historical biogeographic analyses, including fossil data, allowed us to confidently identify the North Pacific and the North Atlantic (plus or minus Paratethys) as the ancestral ranges of Otarioidea (eared seals + walrus) and crown phocids (earless seals), respectively. Yet, despite the novel addition of stem pan-pinniped taxa, the region of origin for Pan-Pinnipedia remained ambiguous. These results suggest further avenues of study in pinnipeds and provide a framework for investigating other groups with substantial extinct and extant diversity.

High‐Adhesion, Weather Resistance, Reusable PAM/Gly/Gel/TA/Fe3+ Biopolymer Dual‐Network Conductive Hydrogel for Flexible Bioelectrode

AbstractConductive hydrogel is considered a promising wearable sensor material. Developing flexible conductive hydrogel sensors with stretchability, adhesion, and stability remains challenging. In this study, a transparent, self‐adhesive, antifreeze, anti‐UV, stretchable, conductive, and reusable hydrogel with polyacrylamide/glycerol/gelatin/tannic acid/Fe3+ (PGGT‐Fe3+) structure is successfully constructed through a simple one‐pot polymerization method. The PGGT‐Fe3+ hydrogel is composed of dual networks of polyacrylamide and gelatin for organic cross‐linking, using water/glycerol as the dispersion medium, and incorporates a viscous substance: tannic acid, and a conductive substance: metal ions (Fe3+). Due to the introduction of the abundant amino, carboxylic acid, and hydroxyl functional groups on gelatin and tannic acid, the PGGT‐Fe3+ hydrogel exhibits excellent and repeatable adhesion capabilities on various surfaces (including glass, metal, plastic, and pigskin) with maximum adhesion strength of 98 kPa when attached to pigskin. Furthermore, based on the stable conductive network and high conductivity, the hydrogel not only exhibits strain sensitivity, fast response, and stability but also can stably collect epidermal bio signals. In conclusion, this work provides a new approach to the design and development of next‐generation multifunctional conductive hydrogels and opens up vast possibilities for their applications in the flexible electronics field.

Molecular fossils of Aptian–Albian blue marls of the Vocontian Basin (France), depositional conditions and connections to the Tethys Ocean

Molecular fossils of Aptian–Albian blue marls of the Vocontian Basin (France), depositional conditions and connections to the Tethys Ocean

Geoffrey Eglinton. 1 November 1927—11 March 2016

Where have all life's molecules gone? Recycled to carbon dioxide every one! Ah! But look—a hardy few remain As biomarkers imprisoned in the fossil domain (G. Eglinton & R. Pancost, Immortal molecules ( 47 )) Geoffrey Eglinton trained as an organic chemist at the University of Manchester working on acetylene synthesis, and the Eglinton reaction signifies his discovery of an effective method for their oxidative coupling. At the University of Glasgow, he recognized the potential of analytical advances to open new frontiers for characterization of molecular constituents of complex mixtures and continued to adopt and adapt instrumental techniques throughout his career. Eglinton's exploration of plant leaf waxes, and their taxonomic profiles, prompted forays in organic geochemistry, seeking molecular evidence for ancient life. Thus, his focus shifted to studying ‘chemical fossils’ preserved in the rock record and pioneering identification and interpretation of their compositions. At the University of Bristol, he established the Organic Geochemistry Unit and steered its rise to international prominence as a leading centre for research, a legacy that continues today. He served in planning the Apollo sampling programme and led research that explicated the carbon chemistry of the Moon. Major advances in using molecules as witnesses of the origins and fate of sedimentary organic matter bear the hallmarks of his insightful contributions and commitment to interdisciplinary, collaborative ventures. They include deciphering how environmental controls and thermal transformations govern the composition of petroleum hydrocarbons, and validating the ability for molecules to afford invaluable evidence of past climates. Eglinton's research accomplishments were recognized by many prestigious awards, including a Royal Gold Medal of the Royal Society, the V. M. Goldschmidt Medal of the Geochemical Society, the Wollaston Medal of the Geological Society, and the Dan David Prize.

Tracing the geochemical imprints of Maastrichtian black shales in southern Tethys, Egypt: Assessing hydrocarbon source potential and environmental signatures

This study conducted comprehensive bulk and molecular geochemical analyses, as well as elemental investigations, on seventeen black shale samples collected from the Upper Cretaceous sediments on the western margin of the Red Sea. The primary objective is to assess the hydrocarbon generation potential, maturity, source input, biodegradation levels, and depositional environment characteristics within the Lower Maastrichtian interval near the Safaga area. Lower Maastrichtian black shales demonstrate very good to excellent source rock generative potential based on pyrolysis data. The prevalent kerogen type in the older black shale at the Heweitat mine is Type II, whereas within the younger units at the Queih mine, it predominantly exhibits Type II/III kerogen. These Maastrichtian black shales remain thermally immature, as evidenced by vitrinite reflectance (VRr < 0.5%), pyrolysis data, and biomarker proxies.The studied black shales show that the organic matter input comprises bacterial and algal biomass with minor terrigenous contributions. Additionally, there is no evidence of significant biodegradation in the studied samples based on molecular fossils data. Microscopic analysis and various bulk and molecular characteristics, in conjunction with major and trace element profiles, collectively indicate a marine depositional environment with oxygen-deficient bottom water conditions during source rock deposition. The presence of isorenieratene and aryl isoprenoids suggests persistent and episodic photic zone anoxia during the Maastrichtian period. Elevated nutrient inputs and paleobioproductivity were recorded in the older black shale at the Heweitat mine compared to the younger one at the Queih mine. Paleoproductivity and oxygen depletion emerge as pivotal factors influencing the accumulation and preservation of organic matter within the black shales. These findings provide valuable insights into the environmental conditions prevailing during the deposition of Maastrichtian sediments in the Eastern Desert.