Overview

• A Polish Antarctic team discovered about 200 human remains and personal effects on Ecology Glacier in January as rapid melting exposed them
• King’s College London forensic geneticist Denise Syndercombe Court confirmed the remains belong to Dennis “Tink” Bell through DNA matches with his siblings
• Recovered artifacts cataloged by the British Antarctic Survey include radio components, a lantern, ski poles, an engraved wristwatch, a Swedish knife and an ebonite pipe mouthpiece
• Bell’s brother and sister have been notified and are arranging to bring his remains home to the UK for a formal memorial
• Researchers say the case highlights one of many instances where a 2.5 °C regional temperature rise since 1950 is uncovering long-buried historical remains and expedition gear in Antarctica