Collaborate Disseminate
Researchers have discovered the oldest known animal sperm sample, dating back 100 million years. A piece of amber caught dozens of small crustaceans called ostracods in a compromising position with their “soft parts” out, and weirder still their sperm … Continue reading 100-million-year-old giant sperm trapped in amber is world’s oldest
After only 162 years, the first complete dinosaur skeleton to be recovered has finally been properly reconstructed and studied. Found on the shore beneath Black Ven at Charmouth in west Dorset, the 193-million-year-old fossilized remains of a Scelidosa… Continue reading First complete dinosaur skeleton reconstructed 162 years after find
Mysteries surrounding an ancient, long-necked reptile that lived 242 million years ago have been resolved after almost 170 years by an international team led by the Chicago Field Museum of Natural History. First described in 1852, Tanystropheus is so d… Continue reading CT scan solves the mystery of 425-million-year-old long-necked reptile
Researchers in Canada have diagnosed an advanced, malignant bone cancer – in a dinosaur. Using the kinds of diagnostic techniques used in humans, a team of cancer professionals examined a large growth on the long-dead animal’s leg bone, marking the fir… Continue reading Dinosaur diagnosed with late-stage cancer in first-of-its-kind study
Research led by scientists associated with the American Museum of Natural History suggests that the giant reptiles of the age of the dinosaurs were descendants of a very tiny ancestor, shedding light on how the characteristics of dinosaurs and flying p… Continue reading Giant dinosaurs may have evolved from tiny insect eaters
If the Jurassic Park movies are to be believed, Tyrannosaurus rex spent a lot of time quickly chasing down its prey. According to a new study, though, its legs were probably designed more for endurance than for speed.Continue ReadingCategory: Biology, … Continue reading Study suggests T. rex’s legs were made for walkin’ – not running
A new Spinosaurus fossil has revealed that this gigantic predatory dinosaur was a proficient swimmer. The first fossil of the creature’s tail has been discovered, revealing large spines that indicate a paddle shape like a crocodile’s tail – the first d… Continue reading Superpredator Spinosaurus revealed as first known swimming dinosaur
It’s hard to piece together the full history of human evolution from piles of old bones. But now, scientists have made use of a new method to study proteins in dental enamel of an 800,000-year-old human species, helping place it in the family tree.Cont… Continue reading Ancient tooth proteins reveal our relation to mysterious human species
It’s hard to imagine Antarctica as anything other than a freezing lifeless landscape, but that wasn’t always the case. Now, an international team has recovered a 90-million-year old soil sample that paints the most detailed picture of ancient Antarctic… Continue reading Ancient Antarctica was a warm swampy rainforest, says sediment study
While huge dinosaur skeletons sure look impressive towering over us in museums, there’s only so much we can learn from dusty old bones. But occasionally more striking specimens turn up bearing skin or feathers, encased in gemstones, and even preserving… Continue reading Not just boring old bones: 6 incredible dinosaur fossils