‘Bookworm’ is a cute thing to call a voracious reader, but actual bookworms — as well as microorganisms and time — break down the flour pastes commonly used to keep old publications in one piece. Now, researchers have analyzed the proteins in wheat-based glues applied in historic bookbinding to provide insights on their adhesiveness and how they degrade. This information could help conservators restore and preserve treasured tomes for future generations.
’Bookworm’ is a cute thing to call a voracious reader, but actual bookworms — as well as microorganisms and time — break down the flour pastes commonly used to keep old publications in one piece. Now, researchers have analyzed the proteins in wheat-based glues applied in historic bookbinding to provide insights on their adhesiveness and how they degrade. This information could help conservators restore and preserve treasured tomes for future generations. ‘Bookworm’ is a cute thing to call a voracious reader, but actual bookworms — as well as microorganisms and time — break down the flour pastes commonly used to keep old publications in one piece. Now, researchers have analyzed the proteins in wheat-based glues applied in historic bookbinding to provide insights on their adhesiveness and how they degrade. This information could help conservators restore and preserve treasured tomes for future generations.