Fossilized cartilage reveals dinosaur cells in incredible detail

Paleontologists have isolated cartilage cells from an exceptionally well-preserved dinosaur fossil in China. The cells’ nuclei still contain traces of biomolecules and other organic structures, and the scientists are even able to tell which stage of th… Continue reading Fossilized cartilage reveals dinosaur cells in incredible detail

World’s biggest Triceratops skeleton goes up for auction

Your chance to own one of the most iconic dinosaurs is about to come up – provided you have a spare few million and an empty ballroom on hand. The largest known specimen of Triceratops, nicknamed “Big John,” will go up for auction in October.Continue R… Continue reading World’s biggest Triceratops skeleton goes up for auction

7-meter-wide “spear-mouth” pterosaur was Australia’s largest flying reptile

Paleontologists have discovered the largest known flying reptile that ever took to the Australian skies. Named Thapunngaka shawi, this “fearsome dragon” sported a 7-m (23-ft) wingspan and a jaw full of awful jagged teeth.Continue ReadingCategory: Scien… Continue reading 7-meter-wide “spear-mouth” pterosaur was Australia’s largest flying reptile

Dinosaur-killing rock traced to population of “dark primitive asteroids”

About 66 million years ago, a gigantic object crashed into the Earth, triggering a mass extinction that took out the dinosaurs. Now, scientists from Southwest Research Institute say they’ve traced the culprit back to its point of origin, identifying it… Continue reading Dinosaur-killing rock traced to population of “dark primitive asteroids”

Fossilized “megaripples” record huge tsunami from ancient asteroid impact

Around 66 million years ago, a gigantic asteroid smashed into the Earth and brought the 160-million-year reign of the dinosaurs to an end. Now, researchers have discovered direct evidence of this world-changing cataclysm in the form of fossilized “mega… Continue reading Fossilized “megaripples” record huge tsunami from ancient asteroid impact

Fossilized “megaripples” record huge tsunami from ancient asteroid impact

Around 66 million years ago, a gigantic asteroid smashed into the Earth and brought the 160-million-year reign of the dinosaurs to an end. Now, researchers have discovered direct evidence of this world-changing cataclysm in the form of fossilized “mega… Continue reading Fossilized “megaripples” record huge tsunami from ancient asteroid impact

Fossil footprint from “cat-sized” baby stegosaur surprises scientists

Although adult stegosaurs reached lengths of up to 9 m (30 ft) they still started out as small as a cat, if a recently-found footprint is anything to go by. And what’s more, they may have walked differently as babies.Continue ReadingCategory: Biology, … Continue reading Fossil footprint from “cat-sized” baby stegosaur surprises scientists

Bizarre bones helped giant pterosaurs straighten up and fly light

While dinosaurs roamed the Earth, flying reptiles called pterosaurs ruled the skies above. These included the largest animals to ever take flight, and a new study has uncovered some of the biological secrets that helped them grow so large. CT scans hav… Continue reading Bizarre bones helped giant pterosaurs straighten up and fly light