Ancient Primate Relative Discovered: Southernmost Fossil Unearthed in Colorado

Posted on March 4, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Newly Discovered Tiny Fossil: Purgatorius
This shrew-sized mammal is recognized as the oldest known ancestor of all primates, including humans. Initially believed to be confined to northern North America, its range now extends hundreds of kilometers to the south. This week’s article in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, detailed in a recent paper, challenges conventional theories about the biogeography of early primates and suggests that their diversification occurred rapidly following the end-Cretaceous mass extinction.

Shortly after the Cretaceous mass extinction, the earliest known primates like Purgatorius McKivevelli adapted quickly, specializing in an omnivorous diet that included tree fruits and archaic ungulate mammals. Image credit: Andrei Atutin.

The origins and early biogeographical history of primates is a fascinating yet contentious subject. The oldest primates, Purgatorius, are small tree-dwelling mammals that first emerged in North America around 65.9 million years ago.

Previously, Purgatorius fossils were only found in northern regions such as Montana and Saskatchewan, creating an incomplete understanding of their evolutionary history.

Paleontologist Stephen Chester from the City University of New York and his colleagues describe the southernmost fossil of Purgatorius in their new paper.

The specimens were meticulously recovered from ancient sediments in the Coral Bluffs area of the Denver Basin in Colorado.

“This discovery fills a critical gap in our understanding of the geographic distribution and evolution of our earliest primate ancestors after the dinosaur extinction,” Dr. Chester stated.

The fossils analyzed by the team consist of small teeth that display a distinctive combination of features, indicating they may belong to an earlier, previously unidentified species of Purgatorius.

“The presence of these fossils in Colorado reveals that ancient primates likely originated in the north before expanding southward, rapidly diversifying post-end-Cretaceous mass extinction,” Chester explained.

While scientists previously believed Purgatorius was absent from southern regions during this period, new findings suggest that this assumption was primarily due to limited fossil sampling.

“Our results demonstrate that small fossils can easily be overlooked,” Dr. Chester remarked.

“More intensive searches, especially utilizing screen-cleaning techniques, will likely uncover numerous significant specimens.”

The study further questions long-held assumptions about the habitats of early primates.

“The ankle bone of Purgatorius suggested tree-dwelling characteristics, and we initially suspected its absence from southern Montana was due to extensive forest destruction following an asteroid impact 66 million years ago,” Chester noted.

“Yet, our paleobotanical colleagues indicate that plant recovery in North America was rapid, leading us to believe that Purgatorius likely existed further south—we just haven’t looked hard enough.”

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Stephen GB Chester et al. “Southernmost Origin of Purgatorius: Insights into the Biogeographic History and Diversification of the Oldest Primates.” Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, published online March 2, 2026. doi: 10.1080/02724634.2026.2614024

Source: www.sci.news

Unearthed in Canada: Rare Fossil of Baby Dome-Headed Dinosaur Discovered

Posted on March 3, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

For years, the fossil record of pachycephalosaurs (dome-headed dinosaurs) has primarily consisted of fossilized skulls. In contrast, the postcranial remains of young pachycephalosaurs have remained largely unexplored. Recent paleontological findings have unveiled the youngest known example of a pachycephalosaur body, shedding light on how these fascinating dinosaurs grew and moved during their early months of life.

Reconstruction of the life of the pachycephalosaur individual CMNFV 22039 in a typical environment of the Upper Maastrichtian French Formation. Image credit: Caitlin Lindblad.

Paleontologist Brian Moore from Carleton University and his team noted that pachycephalosaurs predominantly comprised small, bipedal dinosaurs (ranging from 2 to 6 meters long) found in Asia and North America during the Santonian to Maastrichtian periods (85 to 66 million years ago).

This clade is particularly recognized for its unique frontal and parietal bones, which merge to create a bulbous dome on their skulls.

The cranial elements surrounding this dome are occasionally integrated into the structure, often featuring nodes, spikes, and other decorative traits.

Notably, the frontoparietal dome is the most resilient part of the pachycephalosaur skeleton (besides the teeth), resulting in a fossil record that heavily favors partial skull remains.

Consequently, much of the understanding regarding the ontogeny and phylogeny of pachycephalosaurs relies significantly on skull morphology.

The recently described pachycephalosaur specimen, cataloged as CMNFV 22039, dates back to roughly 67 million years ago during the Maastrichtian period of the Late Cretaceous.

This fossil was discovered in the French Formation, the youngest of the five Maastrichtian formations located in southern Saskatchewan, Canada.

Remarkably, this dinosaur was likely under a year old at the time of its death, marking it as the youngest known pachycephalosaur from fossil records.

“Despite its small size (estimated at just 90 centimeters or 3 feet), the skeleton displays several features characteristic of pachycephalosaurs,” the paleontologists confirmed.

These findings indicate that many traits used to identify adult pachycephalosaurs were present from a very young age.

Additionally, they provide insight into how juvenile pachycephalosaurs moved. In comparison to adults, the hindlimbs of juveniles were proportionately longer, suggesting that they had a more agile physique during their early development.

As the dinosaur matured, its body seemingly transitioned to the more robust proportions observed in adults, indicating a shift in physical capabilities as it increased in size and weight.

“The relatively long hind limbs of juveniles compared to those of adults imply a likely negative ontogenetic allometry in the hind limbs,” the researchers concluded.

The team’s findings are detailed in a paper published in the February 26th issue of the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

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Brian R.S. Moore et al. Posterior skull of ontogenetically youngest known pachycephalosaur (Dinosauria: Ornithischia). Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, published online on February 26, 2026. doi: 10.1080/02724634.2026.2616325

Source: www.sci.news

Massive New Dinosaur Species Unearthed in Sahara Desert

Posted on February 23, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have made an exciting discovery of a monumental new dinosaur species in a secluded area of the Sahara Desert. Named Spinosaurus mirabilis—which translates to “amazing spinosaurus” in Latin—this colossal creature roamed more than 95 million years ago in what is now Niger, far from the coastal regions typically associated with similar fish-hunting dinosaurs.

Measuring as long as a school bus and weighing several tons, Spinosaurus mirabilis stands out from other spinosaurs due to its distinctive scimitar-shaped crest on its head. This unique feature was so rare that researchers did not recognize its importance during the initial excavation in 2019; they only grasped its significance upon returning in 2022 to unearth additional specimens.

“This discovery was so sudden and surprising that it was incredibly exciting for our team,” said Paul Sereno, Professor of Organismal Biology and Anatomy at the University of Chicago. Sereno led the groundbreaking research, which was published in a 2016 Science study.

“I will cherish the moment we gathered around our laptops at camp to observe the new species for the first time, after one of our team members generated a 3D digital model of the bones we uncovered to assemble the skull. It was then that the full significance of the discovery became clear,” he added.

The interlocking upper and lower teeth of the skull form a lethal trap for slippery fish. Fish-eating is a proven adaptation found in ichthyosaurs, crocodiles, and pterosaurs, and distinguishes Spinosaurus from its dinosaur relatives. – Photo credit: Keith Ladzinski

Previous Spinosaurus fossils are mainly found near ancient coastlines. These dinosaurs, characterized by their long snouts and conical teeth reminiscent of modern crocodiles, were exceptionally adapted for hunting fish.

The extent of their aquatic capabilities is still debated, with some researchers asserting they were powerful swimmers, while others believe they spent most of their time paddling through shallow waters.

Interestingly, S. mirabilis was discovered hundreds of kilometers away from the nearest coast. Researchers propose that this region of Niger may have once been a lush forest landscape crisscrossed by rivers, rather than a coastal area.

Ana Lazaro, a participant in the 2022 Niger Expedition, holds the third and most complete head print known from the new spinosaurid *Spinosaurus mirabilis*. – Photo credit: Alvaro Simarro

“I envision this dinosaur had no difficulty entering 2 meters (6.5 feet) of water with its robust legs, but likely spent most of its time stalking through shallower areas, hunting for the day’s many large fish,” Sereno remarked.

Nevertheless, many mysteries remain about this new species and its closely related counterparts in the Spinosauridae family.

“This new discovery will only enhance its mystique,” said Steve Brusatte, a professor and paleontologist at the University of Edinburgh, who was not involved in the study. BBC Science Focus.

“This surprising discovery underscores that there is still much to learn about Spinosaurus. While dinosaurs have long been shrouded in enigma, each new fossil sheds light on their true nature, bringing Spinosaurus into clearer focus.”

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Exciting Discovery: New Spinosaurus Species Unearthed in Niger

Posted on February 21, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists Discover the First Distinct Species of Fish-Eating Dinosaur Spinosaurus mirabilis in Over a Century

Spinosaurus mirabilis — One of the last surviving spinosaurids. Image credit: Dani Navarro.

Recently identified as Spinosaurus mirabilis, this remarkable new species thrived during the Cretaceous period, approximately 95 million years ago.

The dinosaur fossil was unearthed by University of Chicago professor Paul Sereno and his team in a remote fossil site located in Jengeb, Niger, deep within the central Sahara desert.

One of the most striking characteristics of Spinosaurus mirabilis is its large, scimitar-shaped skull, which is unprecedented within this group.

“The scimitar-shaped skull was so substantial and surprising that when we first excavated it along with some jaw fragments in November 2019, we didn’t immediately recognize it,” they explained.

“Upon returning in 2022 with an expanded team, we uncovered two additional skulls, confirming the distinctiveness of this new species.”

“Based on the surface texture and internal blood vessels, we believe the skull was once covered in a layer of skin.”

“This display likely featured vibrant colors during its lifetime, curving upward like a blade to attract attention.”

Spinosaurus mirabilis capturing a coelacanth Mawsonia approximately 95 million years ago, near a river in what is now Niger. Image credit: Dani Navarro.

The discovery of Spinosaurus mirabilis challenges longstanding beliefs regarding the habitat and behavior of spinosaur dinosaurs.

Until this finding, most spinosaur fossils had been located in coastal sediments, leading to speculation about their fully aquatic lifestyle.

However, the new fossils from Niger are situated 500 to 1,000 kilometers away from the nearest ancient coastlines.

The researchers suggest that Spinosaurus mirabilis likely inhabited forested inland areas interspersed with rivers.

“I envision this dinosaur as a sort of ‘hell’s heron.’ With its robust legs, it could easily wade through two meters of water but likely spent the majority of its time stalking through shallow waters in search of large fish,” said Professor Sereno.

This pivotal research is detailed in a recently published article in the journal Science: paper.

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Paul C. Sereno et al. describe the new scimitar-shaped Spinosaurus species and its role in the evolution of spinosaurids. Science, published online on February 19, 2026. doi: 10.1126/science.adx5486

Source: www.sci.news

Ancient 60,000-Year-Old Poisoned Arrow Unearthed in South Africa

Posted on January 9, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Recent archaeological findings have unveiled traces of two toxic plant alkaloids, bupandoline and epibufanisin, in artifacts discovered at the Umhlatuzana Rock Complex in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. These artifacts, known as lined microliths, date back approximately 60,000 years, providing evidence of poisoned weaponry from the Late Pleistocene era.

A lined microlith from the Umhlatuzana Caves, showing residues of bufanidrine and epibufanisin, along with reddish toxic glue attached to the tool. Image credit: Isaksson et al., doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adz3281.

Professor Marlies Lombard from the University of Johannesburg remarked, “This represents the earliest direct evidence of arrow poison used by humans.”

“Our research reveals that early humans in southern Africa invented the bow and arrow much earlier than previously believed and utilized natural compounds to enhance hunting efficiency.”

Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, Lombard and her team analyzed residues from 10 quartz microliths, identifying bufanidrine and epibufanisin in five of them.

These compounds are derived from the Amaryllidaceae plant family, which is indigenous to southern Africa.

The likely source is a plant species known as Buffondistica, historically associated with arrow poisons.

The residue patterns indicate that the Umhlatuzana microlith had a transverse handle and served as an arrow tip.

Visible poison residue along the dorsal part of some artifacts suggests that toxic compounds were incorporated into the adhesive used to attach the stone tip to the arrow shaft.

The presence of minor impact scars and edge striations supports its use as a tip for horizontally-handled arrows.

To validate their results, researchers compared the ancient residues with poisons extracted from 18th-century arrowheads in South Africa.

“Finding the same poison in both prehistoric and historical arrowheads was crucial,” stated Professor Sven Isaksson of Stockholm University.

“Through detailed analysis of the chemical structures, we confirmed that these materials can endure underground for extended periods.”

This groundbreaking discovery pushes the timeline for toxic weapons back significantly.

Previously, the oldest known arrow poisons were dated to the mid-Holocene, but the findings from Umhlatuzana demonstrate their use as far back as 60,000 years ago.

The authors explain that poisoned arrows are designed not for immediate kills, but to weaken animals over time, allowing hunters to track prey over great distances.

“Utilizing arrow poison requires foresight, strategy, and a keen understanding of natural effects,” noted Professor Anders Högberg from Linnaeus University.

“This indicates a level of cognitive sophistication in early human behavior.”

For further details, refer to the study published on January 7th in Scientific Advances.

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Sven Isaksson et al. 2026. Direct evidence of poison use in microlithic arrowheads from southern Africa, dating back 60,000 years. Scientific Advances, 12(2);doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adz3281

Source: www.sci.news

Remarkable Discovery: 160 Million-Year-Old Dinosaur Footprints Unearthed in Chile

Posted on December 27, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The recently uncovered theropod and sauropod footprints from the Late Jurassic Mahara Formation are the oldest dinosaur tracks documented in Chile and along the western edge of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana.

Palaeoartistic reconstruction of Quebrada Huatacon from the Late Jurassic period. Image credit: Nahuel Vazquez.

“The Late Jurassic fossil record highlights significant disparities in the density and distribution of dinosaur footprints between Laurasia and Gondwana,” stated Dr. Marco Yurac from the School of Paleontology and his colleagues.

“In Europe alone, numerous footprint sites have been identified, including regions in Italy, Croatia, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, France, Germany, and Portugal.”

“Moreover, North America boasts extensive track sites rich in ichthyological evidence.”

“Conversely, dinosaur footprints in Gondwana are relatively scarce and fragmentary, with notable exceptions like footprint-bearing outcrops in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco.”

“Beyond these, ichthyological evidence is limited, with only a few records from Australia.”

“In South America, the majority of dinosaur footprints are found along the eastern coast, particularly in Brazil, Guyana, and Uruguay, with additional reports from northern locales like Colombia.”

“In contrast, on the western coast of South America, corresponding to Gondwana’s western boundary, Late Jurassic dinosaur footprints have only been discovered in Chile.”

A track consisting of four consecutive imprints from a large three-fingered dinosaur in the Mahalla Formation of Chile. Image credit: Yurac et al., doi: 10.1186/s13358-025-00419-9.

Paleontologists have discovered five distinct formations containing footprints within the Majara Formation in the Quebrada Huatacondo area of Chile.

These footprints were created by theropod and sauropod dinosaurs approximately 160 million years ago.

“Around 160 million years ago, northern Chile experienced cycles of flooding and drought,” explained the researchers.

“While the climate was primarily arid, temporary wetlands formed from seasonal water accumulation, attracting a variety of animals, from small theropods to massive carnivorous dinosaurs.”

“As dinosaurs traversed wet mud near these water sources, their footprints were imprinted into the soft sediment.”

“Subsequent flooding gently covered these tracks, preserving them for millions of years.”

The Majara footprints reveal the existence of giant (51-52.8 cm), large (43.5-46.5 cm), and medium-sized (25-27 cm) theropod dinosaurs.

One surface showcases over 25 footprints (ranging from 8 to 13 cm), attributed to microscopic theropods.

“These footprints represent the smallest theropod prints ever recorded in Chile, and likely extend across the entire western margin of Gondwana,” said the scientists.

Another surface is the only stratigraphic level exhibiting solely sauropod footprints (potentially undertracks).

“Due to their poor state of preservation, exact quantitative measurements were not feasible,” commented the authors.

“Nonetheless, analyses of the digital model suggest at least nine footprints with configurations indicative of potential movements.”

Paleontologists assert that this discovery represents the earliest known dinosaur footprints from Chile and the western margin of Gondwana.

“These footprints offer crucial insights for reconstructing the paleoenvironment and behavioral patterns of dinosaurs in northern Chile during the Late Jurassic, reflecting the temporary inhabitation of semi-arid floodplain and ephemeral wetland ecosystems,” the researchers concluded.

This significant finding is detailed in a research paper published in the Swiss Journal of Paleontology.

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M. Yurac et al. 2025. Upper Jurassic dinosaur footprints from the Mahara Formation of the Huatacondo region (Tarapaca Basin, Chile): Reassessment of known localities and discovery of new footprints. Swiss Journal of Paleontology 144, 72; doi: 10.1186/s13358-025-00419-9

Source: www.sci.news

Ancient Artifacts Unearthed Near Cave in the Arabian Desert

Posted on December 2, 2025 by

A cave near an ancient human settlement in the Arabian desert

Provided by: Huw S. Groucutt et al.

Cave passage in Mrubbe Cave — A cave near an ancient human settlement in the Arabian desert

Provided by: Huw S. Groucutt et al.

The parched landscapes of northeastern Saudi Arabia were once sufficiently moist to sustain a thriving fauna. Evidence suggests that ancient hominins also inhabited the area.

“This paper offers the initial comprehensive survey of the archaeological findings in the interior of northeastern Arabia, a vast region that has been largely overlooked,” states Monika Markowska from Northumbria University in the UK, who was not part of the study.

This research targets a largely uncharted segment of the Arabian Peninsula situated between Qatar and Kuwait. Despite the lack of recorded prehistoric human activity, scientists are aware that the region historically enjoyed enough rainfall to support a diverse ecosystem.

“Hominins have existed in Arabia for over 500,000 years and likely underwent several periods of habitation,” remarks Hugh Gourcutt from the University of Malta.

In their efforts to understand how ancient humans may have thrived in this environment, Gurkat and his team pinpointed ancient rivers and caves located near deposits of chert, a durable rock that prehistoric peoples used for tool-making. “Caves often serve as crucial archaeological sites, preserving fossils and climatic data,” Gurkat explains.

A total of 79 caves and their adjacent regions were investigated. Some contained signs of ancient life, both human and animal. One cave, in particular, was found next to an area where over 400 stone tools were scattered on the ground. Additionally, remains of ancient reptiles, bats, birds, camels, gazelles, hyenas, and wolves were uncovered within the cave.

By analyzing the characteristics of the stone tools, Groukat and his colleagues established that humans inhabited the vicinity of these caves between 10,000 and 100,000 years ago.

“Today, [Arabia] reveals an exceptional preservation of thousands of bones within these caves, providing invaluable insights into historical ecosystems,” notes Markowska.

Team member Michael Petraglia, who has dedicated years to researching Arabian archaeology at Griffith University in Australia, adds, “This research marks another milestone in understanding caves, rivers, their contents, and what they reveal about life in Arabia’s dynamic ecosystem.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Enormous Bronze Age City Unearthed in the Kazakh Steppe

Posted on November 18, 2025 by

Aerial image of Seminyarka ruins

Peter J. Brown

A remarkable 140-hectare site, tracing back 3,600 years, has been uncovered in the plains of northeastern Kazakhstan, significantly altering our perception of prehistoric life in Eurasia. This discovery indicates that the Central Asian steppes were once inhabited by Bronze Age societies equal in complexity and connectivity to more prominent ancient civilizations.

“It’s not just a missing piece; it’s like losing half the puzzle,” states Barry Molloy, who obtained his PhD from the University of Dublin, though he was not part of this study.

The Bronze Age was notable for the rise of various prominent cultures, such as the Shang and Zhou dynasties in China, Babylonians and Sumerians in what is now Iraq, and multiple Mediterranean cultures including Egyptians, Minoans, Mycenaeans, and Hittites.

For a long time, the vast steppes of Central Asia were believed to be home to mobile groups residing in yurts or tents. However, Seminyarka, or “City of the Seven Valleys,” appears distinctly different and may have served a crucial role in the distribution of bronze tools among civilizations.

Initially identified in the early 2000s, the site overlooks the Irtysh River, which begins in China’s Altai Mountains, traverses the plains of Kazakhstan, and continues through Siberia to the North Pole.

Mirjana Radivojevic and colleagues from University College London have been documenting the site since 2016. Their findings reveal that Seminyarka included extensive earthworks, likely for defense, as well as at least 20 enclosed dwelling structures, likely mud-brick, and a central monumental building believed to have been used for rituals and governance. The pottery discovered dates the site to around 1600 BC.

Notably, evidence of crucibles, slag, and bronze items suggests that significant areas were dedicated to the production of copper and tin-bronze, an alloy primarily composed of copper with over 2% tin.

Radivojevic noted that the slag’s composition matches tin deposits from the Altai Mountains, about 300 kilometers away.

She mentions that the tin could have been transported by individuals traversing the steppes or via boats on the Irtysh River, or extracted directly from the water. “The Irtysh River was a vital source of tin during the Eurasian Bronze Age, with seasonal flooding aiding in the extraction process,” she explained.

The organized layout of Semyalka contrasts sharply with the dispersed camps and small villages typically associated with nomadic communities in the steppes.

Without thorough excavation efforts, team members indicate they are unsure whether the buildings were constructed simultaneously or over a prolonged period. Dan Lawrence from Durham University states, “However, the design is unmistakably clear. Ordinarily, this suggests contemporary construction, as sequential builds would unlikely align so neatly.”

Given its strategic location along a river near significant copper and tin resources, researchers propose that Seminyarka was not just a hub for bronze production but also an epicenter of trade and regional influence, serving as a crucial linkage in a vast Bronze Age metal network connecting Central Asia with the broader continent.

“The Irtysh River was a heavily trafficked route,” Lawrence remarked. “It’s essentially laying the groundwork for what would become the Silk Road, representing an early form of globalization.”

Radivojevic emphasized that this site reshapes our understanding of Bronze Age societies in the steppe, demonstrating their sophistication comparable to contemporary cultures.

“This indicates they were organized and capable of mobilizing resources and defending their interests,” said Molloy. “The presence of concentrated materials like ores and metals signifies a level of social organization extending beyond local dynamics, fitting into intricate networks that spanned Eurasia, where metals served as critical connections within those networks.”

Cairo and Alexandria, pioneers of science in the ancient world: Egypt

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Cairo and Alexandria, two iconic cities in Egypt that beautifully blend ancient history with modern allure.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Intact Impact Crater Unearthed in China

Posted on November 14, 2025 by

Scientists have identified an impact crater formed in a granite mountain, which is covered by a dense weathered crust in southern China. The Jinlin Crater, situated in Zhaoqing, Guangdong Province, is among approximately 200 craters recognized worldwide and is estimated to be less than 11,700 years old.

Panoramic aerial drone image of Jinlin Crater taken on May 12, 2025. Image credit: Chen et al., doi: 10.1063/5.0301625.

Throughout Earth’s geological history, a variety of impact craters have emerged.

Nevertheless, due to tectonic movements and significant surface weathering, many ancient craters have been eroded, distorted, or covered.

Currently, around 200 impact craters have been documented globally.

Only four of these impact craters have been reported in China, all of which are in the northeastern region.

In contrast, southern China experiences a tropical to subtropical monsoon climate, with high rainfall, humidity, and temperatures that promote substantial chemical weathering.

The newly found impact structure, referred to as Jinlin Crater, is located in the low mountains and hills of northwestern Guangdong province, adjacent to Jinlin Waterside Village in Deqing County, Zhaoqing City.

With a diameter of 900 m, it stands as the largest known impact crater of the modern Holocene, significantly surpassing the 300 m Maka crater, which was previously the largest identified Holocene impact structure.

“This discovery indicates that the scale of small extraterrestrial object impacts on Earth during the Holocene is much greater than previously known,” remarked Dr. Ming Chen, a researcher at the Hyperbaric Science and Technology Center.

In this instance, the “small” impactor is believed to be a meteorite, rather than a comet, which would have resulted in a crater no less than 10 km wide.

However, Chen and his team have not yet established if the meteorite was composed of iron or stone.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this crater is its remarkable preservation, especially given the monsoons, heavy rainfall, and high humidity conditions of the region, which are typically conducive to erosion.

Within the granite layers that shield and conserve that impact structure, researchers uncovered numerous quartz fragments that exhibit distinctive microscopic characteristics known as planar deformation features. Geologists utilize these as indicators of some form of impact.

“On Earth, quartz planar deformation features can only be formed by intense shock waves generated from celestial body collisions, with formation pressures between 10 to 35 gigapascals. This shock effect cannot be replicated by geological processes on Earth,” explained Dr. Chen.

“It is widely accepted that over Earth’s history, every point on the Earth’s surface has experienced impacts from extraterrestrial objects with roughly equal probability.”

“However, geological variations have led to different erosion rates of these historical impact markers, with some vanishing completely.”

“This underscores the significance of the Jinlin Crater discovery.”

“Impact craters serve as genuine records of Earth’s impact history.”

Uncovering Earth impact craters can furnish us with a more objective basis for comprehending the distribution, geological evolution, and impact history and regulation of small extraterrestrial objects.

For more details, refer to the team’s paper published in the Journal on October 15, 2025, titled Matter and radiation at the limit.

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Ming Chen et al. 2026. Jinlin Crater, Guangdong, China: Impact origin confirmed. Matarajith. extreme 11, 013001; doi: 10.1063/5.0301625

Source: www.sci.news

Fossils of Carnivorous “Swamp Creature” Unearthed in Brazil

Posted on October 24, 2025 by

Paleontologists have unearthed the fossilized lower right canine tooth of a significant proborchiid Sparathodont in Brazil’s Taubaté Basin.

The lower right canine tooth of a large proborchiid sparasodont excavated from the Tremembé Formation in Brazil. Scale bar – 5 mm inches (AE) and 20 mm inches (H). Image credit: Rangel et al., doi: 10.4072/rbp.2025.2.0534.

The newly discovered fossils date back to the Oligocene Desedan period, approximately 29 to 21 million years ago.

This specimen has been classified as a yet unnamed member of the Proborhyaenidae, an extinct family of South American mammals within the Metatherian order of Sparassodonta.

These creatures played the role of carnivorous predators on the Cenozoic continents.

“Sparassodonta represents an extinct clade of metatherians exclusive to South America, which served as the primary predator of terrestrial mammals on this continent throughout the Cenozoic era,” noted paleontologist Dr. Caio César Rangel from the Federal University of Uberlandia and the Federal University of Pernambuco and colleagues.

“Their evolutionary journey included two significant diversification events, first during the Eocene and later in the Miocene.”

“The Oligocene is marked by cooler temperatures compared to the late Eocene and Miocene.”

“This global cooling trend led to substantial environmental changes, resulting in a turnover in fauna across South America, including both extinctions and diversifications among various Metatherian clades.”

Reconstruction of Thylacosmilus atrochus, a type of post-saber-toothed beast that is part of the sister lineage to the Proborhyaenidae. Image credit: Roman Uchytel.

Paleontologists retrieved the new specimen, measuring 5.73 centimeters (2.3 inches) in length, from the lower section of the Tremembé Formation in São Paulo state, eastern Brazil.

The researchers explained, “The Taubate Basin is situated in São Paulo in southeastern Brazil, stretching from the city of Cachoeira Paulista to Jacarei.”

“It measures approximately 150 km (93 miles) in length and 10–20 km (6–12 miles) in width and lies within a rift between the Serra do Mar and Serra da Mantiqueira mountains.”

“The Tremembé Formation is the sole Late Oligocene fossil site in Brazil that preserves a diverse array of mammalian fossils and native species,” they added.

“The fauna within this area includes representatives from Metatheria, Pteroptera, Rodentia, Singleta, Astrapoteria, Litopterna, Notungulata, and Pyrotheria.”

This ancient predator thrived in wetland and lake environments and is believed to have held the position of apex predator.

The researchers noted, “The observable wear on the crown and the associated undulations found on the canines indicate that their frequent use is likely related to the capture or active processing of prey by adult specimens.”

This discovery broadens the geographic distribution of Proborhyaenidae and marks the second record of this member of the Sparasodontidae in Brazil.

“This record enhances the diversity of large mammals found in the Tremembé Formation,” the authors stated.

“In general, this region serves as a crucial geological and paleontological resource that offers valuable insights into the final phases of the Paleogene period in tropical South America.”

For more about this discovery, refer to the published paper in the August 2025 issue of Revista Brasileira de Paleontology.

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CC Rangel et al. 2025. The “swamp monster” of the Tremembé Formation (Taubaté Basin, Brazil, late Oligocene): description of a carnivorous metatherian (Sparasodonta, Proborhyaenidae). Revista Brasileira de Paleontology 28 (2): e20250534; doi: 10.4072/rbp.2025.2.0534

Source: www.sci.news

Significant Find: Potential Space Debris Unearthed in the Australian Desert

Posted on October 21, 2025 by

A significant piece of what seems to be space debris has been found in a secluded area of the Australian desert, as confirmed by the nation’s space agency on Monday.

The burnt, smoldering object was located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, according to the Australian Space Agency. While its exact nature and origin remain unclear, officials suspect it is likely a decommissioned rocket component.

The Australian Space Agency stated, “The debris is probably a propellant tank or pressure vessel from a launch vehicle.” This was mentioned in a post on X.

Details regarding the size or weight of the object were not disclosed, but the agency is collaborating with local authorities and other space organizations to investigate and ascertain “the precise nature of the debris and its origin.”

NBC News reached out for additional information, but the agency did not respond immediately.

Workers from a nearby mine stumbled upon the object on Saturday along a remote access road. As reported by Sky News, local officials do not believe the debris poses any risk to public safety. NBC News has yet to verify these details independently. (Sky News is a division of Comcast, the parent organization of NBC News.)

Various government space agencies and private companies frequently incinerate malfunctioning rocket parts or satellites in the atmosphere as a method of disposal. However, some debris can withstand the intense conditions of reentry. Despite this, it’s relatively uncommon for space debris to land on land, and even rarer for it to fall in populated regions, given that much of Earth is ocean.

Recently, however, experts have voiced concerns regarding the escalating issue of space debris, particularly with the increase in orbital launches.

Last summer, a 90-pound piece of space debris was found on a hiking trail in North Carolina and was later identified as part of the service module of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule, which returned four astronauts to Earth from the International Space Station earlier that year.

In March 2024, a 1.6-pound metal fragment crashed through a home in Naples, Florida. Follow-up investigations determined that the debris originated from a cargo pallet that was released from the International Space Station to burn up in the atmosphere.

There are tens of thousands of pieces of space junk, along with millions of smaller fragments, cluttering Earth’s low orbit, the critical area where many telecommunications and GPS satellites operate. These objects can travel at speeds of up to 18,000 miles per hour, jeopardizing spacecraft functionality and endangering astronauts aboard the International Space Station.

Due to these concerns, experts have long cautioned against the overcrowding of space. NASA and other space agencies are investing in research and technology demonstrations aimed at cleaning up substantial amounts of debris in orbit.

The Australian Space Agency reiterated its commitment in a statement to the long-term sustainability of space activities, which includes debris mitigation, and continues to advocate for this issue on the international stage.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Fossil of Long-Snouted Ichthyosaur Unearthed in the UK

Posted on October 14, 2025 by

Dean Lomax, a palaeontologist at the University of Manchester, along with his team, has unveiled a new genus and species of leptonectid ichthyosaur based on fossil remains found in Dorset, England.

Reconstruction of Siphodracon goldencapensis. Image credit: Bob Nichols.

The near-complete skeleton of this dolphin-sized ichthyosaur was unearthed near Golden Cap in 2001 by fossil collector Chris Moore from Dorset.

This specimen features a skull with large eye sockets and a long, sword-like snout, marking it as a new genus and species.

Dating back to the Pliensbachian period of the Early Jurassic, the fossil is estimated to be between 193 and 184 million years old.

“I vividly recall first seeing the skeleton in 2016. While we recognized its rarity then, we didn’t anticipate its significant contribution to our understanding of the intricate faunal turnover during the Pliensbachian period,” stated Dr. Lomax.

“This era is critical for ichthyosaurs, as certain families disappeared while new ones emerged, making this new species potentially the ‘missing piece of the ichthyosaur puzzle.’

“It is more closely related to species from the Late Jurassic, and its discovery helps indicate that faunal turnover transpires much earlier than we previously thought.”

“This marks the first early Jurassic ichthyosaur genus to be described in this region in over a century.”

Skeleton and skull of Siphodracon goldencapensis. Image credit: Dean Lomax.

Named Siphodracon goldencapensis, this new ichthyosaur measures approximately 3 meters (10 feet) in length and likely preyed on fish and squid. Evidence of its last meal can also be observed in the remains.

According to Dr. Erin Maxwell, an ichthyosaur specialist at the State Museum of Natural History in Stuttgart: “This skeleton not only offers essential insights into the evolution of ichthyosaurs but also enhances our understanding of life in Britain’s Jurassic seas.”

“The limb bones and teeth appear malformed, suggesting the animal suffered significant injury or disease during its life, and indications show the skull may have been bitten by a large predator, possibly another larger ichthyosaur, leading to this individual’s death.”

“Life in the Mesozoic ocean was perilous.”

The researchers identified several traits in Siphodracon goldencapensis that have not been seen in any known ichthyosaur.

One of the most peculiar features is the lacrimal bone, which has a unique protruding structure around the nostril.

“Thousands of complete or nearly complete ichthyosaur skeletons exist from both pre- and post-Pliensbachian layers,” noted Judy Massare, a ichthyosaur expert from the State University of New York at Brockport.

“Although the overall ecosystem shows similarities, the two faunas differ significantly with no overlapping species.”

“Evidently, a substantial shift in species diversity took place at some point during the Pliensbachian period.”

“Siphodracon goldencapensis aids in pinpointing when this change happened, yet we still lack insight into the reasons.”

This work is detailed in a study published in this month’s edition of Paleontology Papers.

_____

Dean R. Lomax et al. 2025. A new species of ichthyosaur with an elongated snout reveals complex faunal alterations during the poorly sampled Early Jurassic (Pliensbachian) period. Paleontology Papers 11 (5): e70038; doi: 10.1002/spp2.70038

Source: www.sci.news

“Roadging” Marathon: Has Gen Z Unearthed the Key to Reclaiming Focus? | Young Adults

Posted on October 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Name: Raw dog marathon.

Year: In a therapeutic sense, it’s quite recent.

Exterior: To be fair, it doesn’t really appear that way.

What is it? Initially, raw dogging referred to engaging in sex without a condom.

Is that why there are marathons? However, over time, it has evolved to mean undertaking activities without preparation, protection, or distractions.

What else fits this description? Pretty much everything: Taking an exam unprepared can jeopardize your success. Facing a long flight without entertainment could be challenging. Are you venturing out alone? Or remaining sober? That’s raw dogging.

So, should you run a marathon without any training, a raw marathon? Sometimes, people may interpret it that way, but such behavior is discouraged and not the focus of our discussion.

So, does a raw dog marathon imply doing something for an extended duration? No, it means doing nothing for a prolonged period.

I’m a bit lost. Specifically, it refers to remaining still for long spans while staring into space. Most importantly, avoid using your cell phone.

Can I listen to music? No.

Can I read a magazine? No.

Can I shower or stay in bed? No.

Why not? Because we’re engaging in raw sex!

How long should I do it? That’s up to you. Recently, a “Productivity Influencer” named Rowan filmed himself live with a dog while studying for an hour daily to enhance his focus.

What happened to the footage? He shared it on TikTok.

How can others view what he’s doing on his phone? No need to worry. To prevent boredom, he condensed the hour into a 30-second timelapse.

The irony of that isn’t lost on me. What were the outcomes? He discovered it helped improve concentration and productivity, inspiring many of his followers.

It seems like the TikTok generation has somehow reinvented meditation. This may come off as a bit arrogant, but today’s youth face overwhelming distractions. While older generations learned to endure boredom, this generation must learn to cultivate it.

But who enjoys being bored? Many neuroscientists believe that boredom is beneficial and a vital stimulus for creative thinking.

Remember: “Time spent away from your phone is never wasted.”

Please avoid saying: “Hey, I just completed a raw dog marathon. No headphones, no water, no shoes. I got discharged from the hospital on Tuesday.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Two Newly Unearthed Palaces in Mongolia

Posted on September 19, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have identified the Azdaltid wing bones, which belong to two newly discovered species of fossils from the Biansily Formation dating back to the Late Cretaceous period in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia.

Restoration of Bayanshiree Azhdarchid Pterosaurs: The coexistence of Gobiazhdarcho tsogtbaatari and tsogtopteryx mongoliensis in the Bayanshiree Paleoenvironment, with groups of Gobihadros Mongoliensis nearby. Image credit: Zhao Chuang.

These two new species thrived in Mongolia during the late Cretaceous period, approximately 99 to 90 million years ago.

They have been named Gobiazhdarcho tsogtbaatari and tsogtopteryx mongoliensis. Both flying reptiles are part of a toothless cosmopolitan family, likely associated with the terrestrial Azhdarchidae.

“Pterosaurs, the first vertebrates to develop powered flight, exhibit remarkable diversity, with a fossil record spanning from the late Triassic through the Cretaceous and into the Paleogene boundary.”

“Within pterosaurs, the Azdalcidae family signifies a distinct clade, currently accounting for at least 17 nominal species.”

“Primarily characterized by elongated cervical vertebrae with trace nerve spines, Azdaltids are commonly found in collections of Tronian Maaschan’s pterosaur fossils globally, representing the most diverse and widespread group during the late Cretaceous.”

“Similar to other Azdalcoids, they possess robust jaws and seem to have led a more terrestrial lifestyle compared to other pterosaurs.”

“Notably, Azhdarchids are recognized for including some of the largest flying creatures, such as Quetzalcoatlus northropi, Arambourgiania philadelphiae, and hatzegopteryx tambema, alongside the 9-meter wingspan Thanatos dracon amali.

The type specimens, Gobiazhdarcho tsogtbaatari and tsogtopteryx mongoliensis, were collected in the 1990s from two distinct locations within the Biansili Formation in the eastern Gobi Desert of Mongolia.

“Bayanshiree azhdarchids consist of two specimens: the Bayshin Tsav Azhdarchid (tsogtopteryx mongoliensis), which features nearly complete vertebrae from the middle neck, and the Burkhant Azhdarchid (Gobiazhdarcho tsogtbaatari), which includes vertebrae from cervical III and part of the core cervical,” stated the paleontologists.

“These specimens were gathered in 1993 and 1995 from the Bayshin Tsav and Burkhant regions, respectively, through efforts by the Museum of Natural History and the Mongolian paleontological archaeological expedition during the same years.”

According to the research team, Gobiazhdarcho tsogtbaatari represents a medium-sized early member of the Quetzalcoatlus–Arambourgiania lineage, with a wingspan of approximately 3.0-3.5 meters.

tsogtopteryx mongoliensis is an early representative of Hatzegopteryx, appearing to be a smaller form with a wingspan of less than 2 meters.

“Interestingly, the specimen tsogtopteryx mongoliensis, at a mere 1.6 meters in wingspan, stands as one of the smallest known Azdaltid species found to date,” noted the researchers.

The discovery of these two new species addresses a significant temporal gap in the evolutionary history of Azdalkid pterosaurs.

“Our findings provide new insights into the diversity and phylogeny of Azdaltid pterosaurs,” the scientists remarked.

“They further highlight the coexistence of various sized azdaltide species within the same sedimentary deposits.”

A paper detailing these findings was published online this week in the journal PeerJ.

____

RV Pegas et al. 2025. Diversity of the Azdaltid pterosaur clade in the Baiansili Formation during the late Cretaceous period of the Gobi Desert, Mongolia. PeerJ 13:E19711; doi:10.7717/peerj.19711

Source: www.sci.news

Discovery of a New Pakisephalosaur Species: A Dome-Headed Dinosaur Unearthed in Mongolia

Posted on September 18, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have unearthed fossilized remains of a previously unknown species of pachycephalosaur in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia. These fossils are the most complete and geologically oldest Pachycephalosaurus specimens discovered worldwide.

A young zavacephale rinpoche engaged in a territorial duel along the shores of a lake 108 million years ago. Image credit: Masaya Hattori.

“The Pakisepalosaurus, akin to the dome-headed dinosaurs, is one of the most intriguing dinosaurs,” states Dr. Tsogtbaatar Chinzorig, a researcher affiliated with the Mongolian Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Paleontology at North Carolina State University.

“It is thought that members of this group, characterized by their enlarged skull roofs and intricate skull features, developed a complex social structure.”

“Despite their crucial role in comprehending dinosaur behavioral ecology, the absence of uncontested early species has hindered our understanding of their origins and the reconstruction of early evolution.”

This new pachycephalosaur species has been named zavacephale rinpoche, which thrived in Mongolia during the early Cretaceous period, approximately 108 million years ago.

During this period, the region was a valley adorned with lakes and flanked by cliffs and wetlands.

“zavacephale rinpoche predates the known Pakisepalosaur fossils by about 15 million years,” Dr. Chinzorig notes.

“It was a small creature, measuring less than 1 meter (3 feet) in length, yet it stands as the most complete specimen discovered to date.”

Fossilized remains of zavacephale rinpoche were found in the Klen Duk Formation within the East Gobi Basin.

“zavacephale rinpoche represents a vital specimen for deciphering the evolution of the Pachycephalosaurus’s cranial dome. This has been a topic of debate for quite some time, given the lack of early divergent or pre-rear Cretaceous species and the fragmentary nature of most Pachyphalosaurus fossils,” Dr. Chinzorig explained.

“We’ve encountered many unique experiences worldwide,” remarked Lindsay Zanno, a researcher at North Carolina State University and director of paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

“The domes likely provided no defense against predators or help in thermoregulation; thus, they were probably a means of display for social interactions.”

“If you seek to establish a relationship, I suggest starting your rehearsals early,” she adds.

zavacephale rinpoche fills a significant gap in the timeline of Pachycephalosaurs.

“This specimen is a unique discovery,” Dr. Zanno emphasized.

“Not only does it push the fossil record of this group back by at least 15 million years, but it is also the oldest and most well-preserved Pachycephalosaurus known, offering profound insights into its anatomy and biology, including the use of gastroliths to aid in digestion.”

“The newly recovered materials from zavacephale rinpoche are helping to reconstruct our understanding of the paleobiology, locomotion, and anatomy of these enigmatic dinosaurs, including aspects of their hands, gastroliths, and the articulated tails with preserved tendons,” Dr. Chinzorig concluded.

The findings are detailed in a study published today in the journal Nature.

____

T. Chinzorig et al. A dome-shaped Pakisephalosaurus from Mongolia’s early Cretaceous period. Nature Published online on September 17th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09213-6

Source: www.sci.news

Newly Discovered Extinct Octagonal Rodent Species Unearthed in Amazon Fossils

Posted on September 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have discovered a new species of rodent, acarechimys, an extinct genus that was widely distributed across South America, based on partial jaws and teeth found in Brazil.

Hypothetical reconstruction of Red-tailed miracles hunikuini. Image credit: Márcio Castro.

Red-tailed miracles hunikuini inhabited the Amazon region, present-day Brazil, approximately 10 million years ago during the late Miocene epoch.

This ancient species is part of the Octodontidea, a family of neotropical rodents within the par order Caviomorpha.

“The aquatic rodent families of the Neotropics, specifically Kabiomorpha, are fascinating due to their remarkable taxonomic and ecological diversity, reflecting a complex evolutionary history,” noted Colonia and colleagues.

“These rodents first appear in South American fossil records at the end of the Eocene epoch, according to current data, particularly from the records in Peru’s Amazon region.”

“The early scarcity of these species had already contributed to the diversification seen in the initial representatives of the Crown Group.”

“Today, Caviomorphs comprise 266 species, organized into two major clades and four superfamilies.”

“The superfamily Octodontoidea includes existing groups like Abrocomidae, Echimyidae, Octodontidae, Ctenomyidae, and several extinct lineages.”

“This represents the most diverse and abundant clade within Caviomorpha, both taxonomically and phenotypically.”

The fossilized teeth of Red-tailed miracles hunikuini were collected from outcrops during fieldwork in 2019 and 2022 in the Solimus Formation near the city of Feijó in Brazil’s Acre state.

“Since the mid-19th century, the Solimus Formation has revealed a diverse array of vertebrate fossils,” paleontologists commented.

“Recent dating of the fossil-rich area has suggested that the sediments date back to the Tortonian stage of the Upper Miocene.”

“Mammals represent one of the most diverse fossil groups found here, including bats, sloths, litopterns, marsupials, prominent families of rodents, primates, and Sirenians.”

“Additionally, remains of birds, crocodiles, Chelonians, fish, amphibians, invertebrates, oological bones, and plant materials have also been documented.”

The discovery of Red-tailed miracles hunikuini in this area, alongside various other fauna, indicates the coexistence of multiple superfamilies and highlights the richness of Brazilian Amazonian fauna.

“acarechimys likely emerged following the end of anemia and diversified in the Patagonia region during the early Miocene,” the researchers stated.

“By the mid-Miocene, it expanded beyond Patagonia, spreading into northern South America.”

“In the late Miocene, this lineage persisted only in regions outside Patagonia.”

“This new discovery marks the last known occurrence of the genus, supporting the theory of a late survival of rodent lineages in tropical areas—a pattern also observed in octodontoids, hydrocherines, and neoepimarids.”

“The rapid diversification and radiation of acarechimys, combined with the scarcity of data and discrepancies among studies focused on this group, and the isolated teeth found in the Amazon region, pose significant challenges for research on this genus.”

“Further studies are essential to enhance our understanding of the diversification and temporal variations of this broad octodontoidea lineage.”

The team’s publication has been featured in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

____

Emmanuel Fontora et al. 2024. New Late Miocene Stem Octodontoids (Rodentia: Cabiomorpha: Octatinkiyoi) from the Solimus Formation (Brazil): Paleogeographical implications. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 44 (1): e2382822; doi: 10.1080/02724634.2024.2382822

Source: www.sci.news

Five-Million-Year-Old Deer Fossils Unearthed in Tennessee

Posted on August 20, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have unearthed fossilized remnants of the extinct deer species eocoileus gentryorum at an early Pliocene grey fossil site located in northeastern Tennessee, USA. This specimen stands as one of the earliest records of the deer family in North America and is the sole pre-factory record of deer from the Appalachian highlands.

Belize white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus nelsoni) with a woman. Image credit: Charles J. Sharp/CC By-SA 4.0.

“Grey fossil sites continue to unveil remarkable findings that enhance our knowledge of ancient life,” remarked Dr. Blaine Schubert, executive director of the Gray Fossil Site and Museum.

“Our team’s collaboration illustrates a fascinating narrative about how ecosystems have transformed over millions of years.”

“From tapirs and mastodons to these early deer, we reveal the remarkable diversity that once thrived in Tennessee, along with the resilience of deer-like species during this geological epoch.”

In a recent study, paleontologists analyzed fragmentary artifacts—including skulls, upper molars, and various limb bones—of eocoileus gentryorum, an extinct deer species first described in 2000.

Previously, eocoileus gentryorum was known only from Florida; the discoveries in Tennessee are pivotal for understanding how swiftly these early deer dispersed across the continent.

Interestingly, these ancient deer were considerably smaller than most modern species.

“These early deer are generally smaller than contemporary deer species in the New World,” stated Olivia Williams, a paleontologist at East Tennessee State University.

“Today, the only smaller species are the important deer found in Florida and the Brocket deer from Central and South America.”

“Fossil evidence from Washington and Florida indicates that these early deer rapidly diversified and adapted to various habitats, extending from coastal areas to Appalachian highlands after their arrival in North America.”

“Deer have maintained the same ecological role in Appalachian forests for nearly 5 million years, thriving through significant climate and habitat changes that have eradicated other large herbivores.”

The findings are detailed in a paper published in the journal Palaeontologia Electronica.

____

Joshua X. Samuel et al. 2025. Early Pliocene deer from a grey fossil site, Highlands, Appalachia, Tennessee, USA. Palaeontologia Electronica 28(2): A36; doi: 10.26879/1560

Source: www.sci.news

Unique Fossil of a Boy’s Chest Dragon Unearthed in Germany

Posted on August 2, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Rhynchocephalians – These are members of the sister group to squamates (which include lizards, snakes, and worm lizards) and encompass living Tuataras (Sphenodon punctatus), dating back to the late Jurassic period in the Solnhofen Archipelago. They have been recognized for nearly two centuries, with an increasing number of specimens and species, yet their evolutionary development remains poorly understood. A well-documented marine rhynchocephalian genus, Plerosaurus, existed during the late Jurassic period about 150 million years ago, but clear juvenile specimens have yet to be identified among more than 15 known specimens (with several unlisted).

Plerosaurus is a remarkable long-swimming Rhynchocephalian that lived around 150 million years ago in what is now Germany during the late Jurassic period. Image credit: Roberto Ochoa.

“Genuine Plerosaurus is the most common rhynchocephalian found in the Late Jurassic deposits of Canjuers and Cerin, France, as well as in the Solnhofen Archipelago, Germany,” stated Dr. Victor Beccari from the SNSB-Bayerische Staatsammlung für Paläontologie and the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, along with his colleagues.

“This genus is characterized by an elongated triangular skull, a reshaped anterior jaw, an absence of a low anterior flange in the front part of the teeth, and reduced forelimbs.”

“Currently, there are two species within this genus: Pleurosaurus goldfussi and Pleurosaurus ginsburgi.”

“The specific distinctions are based on the count of anterior sacral vertebrae (50 and 57, respectively), the ratio of skull to appendix, and more advanced pelvic development in Pleurosaurus goldfussi.”

“Extensive research has been undertaken; however, in the more than 15 published specimens of Plerosaurus, no clear juvenile specimens have been recorded as of yet.”

Plerosaurus cf. P. ginsburgi: (a) Standard light photographs. (b) Photo under UV light. (c) Interpretation diagram of the specimen. Image credit: Beccari et al., doi: 10.1002/ar.25545.

In a recent study, researchers described a juvenile specimen of Plerosaurus.

The fossils were sourced from the Mörnsheim Formation near Müllheim, close to Solnhofen, Bavaria, Germany.

“This fossil is especially intriguing as it distinctly exhibits characteristics typical of young animals,” commented the paleontologist.

“Its teeth are small, show no signs of wear, its bones remain underdeveloped, and the vertebrae are still forming.”

“This small size, along with other features, makes it the first clearly identified juvenile Plerosaurus. These specimens bridge crucial gaps in understanding the growth and development of these extinct reptiles.”

Findings of juvenile Plerosaurus have significant implications for classifying another genus, Acrosaurus.

“Historically, some paleontologists have posited that Acrosaurus might represent a juvenile form of Plerosaurus, but until now, there was no substantial evidence to support this theory,” the researchers noted.

“These new fossils exhibit numerous similarities to previously identified Acrosaurus, suggesting that it is not a separate genus, but rather a hatchling form of Plerosaurus.”

“For years, I have sought to comprehend how these animals grew and developed, but I had never encountered such a young, well-preserved specimen,” remarked Dr. Andrea Villa from the Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont Institute.

The team’s paper was published in the March 2025 issue of Anatomical Records.

____

Victor Beccari et al. 2025. Young Pleurosauride (Rhynchocephalia) from the Titonians of the Mörnsheim Formation, Germany. Anatomical Records 308(3):844-867; doi:10.1002/ar.25545

Source: www.sci.news

Ecosystem Unearthed 30,000 Feet Beneath the Pacific Ocean

Posted on August 1, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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Source: www.nbcnews.com

Archaeologists Discover 2,500-Year-Old Honey in Bronze Jars Unearthed in Italy

Posted on July 31, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Archaeologists have reexamined the 2,500-year-old remnants discovered in bronze containers at an underground shrine in Paestum, Italy, previously categorized as a mixture of wax, fat, and resin. Utilizing a multi-species approach, the researchers identified lipids, sugar degradation products, hexose sugars, and key royal jelly proteins.

Paestum Honey: (a) An underground shrine in Paestum, Italy. (b) One of the Hydrias showcased in 2019 alongside a Perspex box containing Ashmolean Museum residues. (c) A graphic representation of the arrangement of bronze artifacts within the shrine. (d) Samples extracted from the core of the residue. Image credit: Da Costa Carvalho et al. , doi: 10.1021/jacs.5c04888.

Honey played a crucial role in ancient societies.

Historical texts and depictions indicate that honey was utilized as an early sweetener in medicinal recipes, rituals, and cosmetics.

Within ancient Greek and Roman traditions, bees and honey were of significant religious and symbolic value.

Honey is thought to confer wisdom, with myths stating that Zeus was given honey in his infancy.

Discovering honey in archaeological residues offers direct chemical evidence of the collection, exploitation, and processing of bee products, illuminating early agricultural and subsistence strategies in various regions globally.

In 1954, excavations at an ancient Greek site in Pestum, southern Italy, dating back to around 520 BC, unveiled an underground shrine dedicated to an unknown deity. This shrine housed a bronze bottle and two amphoras encircling an empty iron bed.

The container was found to hold a paste-like residue with a distinct waxy aroma.

Archaeologists noted that the residue was initially a liquid or semi-liquid. Traces were discovered on the exterior of a vessel that had originally been sealed with a cork disk.

The excavation reports underscored the shrine’s sacredness, with the empty bed’s inaccessibility suggesting the presence of the deity.

Additionally, archaeologists identified the original contents of the bronze bottle as honey, a revered symbol believed to have originated from honeycomb, though only traces of beeswax persisted as a prominent element.

Subsequent laboratory analyses of samples with varying residues ruled out honey from the composition.

In 2019, when the residues from Paestum reached the Ashmolean Museum for display during the final evening of the Pompeii exhibition, it presented a fresh opportunity to reassess the biomolecular composition, leveraging recent advances in mass spectrometry technology.

Researchers from Oxford University, including Luciana da Costa Carvalho and James McCulla, analyzed the residue samples, determining their molecular composition through several modern analytical methods.

The analysis revealed that the ancient residues bore nearly identical chemical signatures to modern beeswax and honey, with elevated acidity levels indicative of changes due to prolonged storage.

The chemical profile of the residue appears to be more complex than that of pyrolyzed beeswax, hinting at the existence of honey or other substances.

Residues in contact with the bronze jar showed a mixture of sugars that had reacted with copper.

Hexose sugars, frequently identified in honey, were present in higher concentrations in the ancient residues compared to modern beeswax.

Proteins linked to Royal Jelly, known to be secreted by western honeybees, were also identified in the residues.

These findings suggest that the ancient material may indeed be remnants of ancient honey.

However, researchers have not entirely ruled out the presence of other bee products.

“The ancient residues are not simply traces of what people consumed and offered to the gods; they represent intricate chemical ecosystems,” remarked Dr. Da Costa Carvalho.

“Investigating these substances will unveil how they have evolved over time, paving the way for future studies on ancient microbial activities and their potential applications.”

A paper detailing the study’s findings was published today in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

____

Luciana da Costa Carvalho et al. Immortal symbol: evidence of honey in bronze jars from 530 to 510 BC. J. Am. Chemistry. Soc, published online on July 30th, 2025. doi:10.1021/jacs.5c04888

Source: www.sci.news

Triassic Sauropod Dinosaur Fossils Unearthed in Switzerland

Posted on July 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have unearthed the skeletal remains of a completely new and unnamed Masopodan Sauropodmorph dinosaur in the Cretgau Formation of Canton Aargau, Switzerland.

Clear skull of a new Masopodian sauropod dinosaur in view on the right. Scale bar – 5 cm. Image credits: Lanier et al., doi: 10.1186/s13358-025-00373-6.

The newly found fossil is estimated to be from the late Triassic Epoch Norian period, around 206 million years ago.

This dinosaur was previously associated with an unidentified member of Masopoda, a vast group of Sauropodmorph dinosaurs that existed during the late Triassic to late Cretaceous epochs.

“Among Mesozoic terrestrial vertebrates, Sauropodomorpha stands out as one of the most successful dinosaur clades, becoming a dominant herbivore component in both Late Triassic and Jurassic paleoecosystems, with a wide global distribution from Antarctica to Greenland,” stated Dr. Alessandro Lania from the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn and his Swiss colleagues.

“The origin of Sauropodmorph can be traced back to the early late Triassic on the Gondwanan continent, with the oldest examples found in Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, and North America.”

“Based on the South American fossil record, we offer a detailed understanding of the early evolution of sauropods, moving away from a limited number of strains characterized by small size, bipedal locomotion, and a carnivorous diet. This heralds a shift to medium and large body plans, quadrupedal dynamics, and a transition to herbivorous habits in the Norian-Flyzia period.”

Moreover, this notable increase in the diversity of Sauropodmorph in South Pangea during the Norian period is evident through the emergence of new major lineages like Masopoda and Sauropodiformo, marking a significant morphological divergence.

The partially complete skeleton of the new Masopodan Sauropodmorph was discovered in 2013 at the top of the fossil horizon within the Gruharde members of the Kretgau Formation in Flick, Canton Aargau, Switzerland.

“The Kretgau Formation represents one of the most extensive stratigraphic sequences of the Late Triassic in Europe, consisting of a diverse, petrologically heterogeneous series of deposits spanning approximately 26 to 30 million years, from early Karnians to late Lechan,” explained the paleontologist.

“The Kretgau Formation can be seen in various locations across Switzerland, documenting discontinuous sequences of varied Playa deposits influenced by river and oceanic processes, reflecting several lateral paleoenvironmental shifts throughout the stratigraphy.”

This new specimen signifies the first den Plate Saurus of the Canton Aargau sauropods and Swiss sauropods from the 4th Triassic, distinguishing them from non-Sauropodian Sauropodmorph.

“Osteologic investigations combined with morphological comparisons have clarified the anatomy of mosaic cranial cephalogenesis, integrating typical features of non-masopodian plasal aurians and Masopodian sauropods, like Coloradisaurus Brevis from Argentina,” the researcher commented.

According to the authors, this dinosaur represents the first non-Sauropod-type masopodian from Laurasia.

“Interestingly, this scenario raises the hypothesis of the European origins of early Jurassic Masopodans from late Triassic Asia, though more evidence is needed to substantiate this,” they stated.

“Additionally, these fossils enhance our understanding of cranial variability and body diversity in Norian sauropodomorphs in Laurasia, paralleling those in Gondwana, particularly in South America and Africa.”

The team’s paper was published this month in the Swiss Journal of Palaeontology.

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A. Rania et al. 2025. Cranial osteology of the new Masopodan Sauropodmorph (dinosaurs: saury) from the late Triassic period (latest Norian) of Switzerland. Swiss J Palaeontol 144, 39; doi:10.1186/s13358-025-00373-6

Source: www.sci.news

Newly Discovered Armored Dinosaur Species Unearthed in China

Posted on July 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have identified a new species from the Ankylosaurus dinosaur genus Zhongyuansaurus, using specimens discovered in Henan Province, China.

Reconstructing the life of Zhongyuansaurus Junchangi. Image credit: Connor Ashbridge / CC by 4.0.

Ankylosaurids (Antirosaurididae) were a group of herbivorous tetrapods known for their sturdy, scute-covered bodies, distinct armor, leaf-shaped teeth, and club-like tails.

The earliest and most renowned ankylosaurid dates back to approximately 122 million years ago, while the last species went extinct around 66 million years ago during the mass extinction event.

The newly recognized species belongs to a previously monospecific genus of Ankylosaurus called Zhongyuansaurus.

It is named Zhongyuansaurus Junchangi and lived in the region now known as China.

Fossils were collected from the upper section of the Haoling Formation in Zhongwa village, Henan Province, China.

“The fossils are preserved within an area of about 9 m.²,” noted Dr. Ji Min Chang from the Henan Museum of Natural History.

“They are fragmented and show no overlapping preservation, indicating they belong to a single individual.”

“The specimen includes one right mandible, 14 free caudal vertebrae, seven fused terminal caudal vertebrae forming a rod-like structure, four ribs, one left humerus, one elongated metatarsal, and 41 osteoblasts of varying sizes and shapes.”

The right lower jaw of Zhongyuansaurus Junchangi. Image credit: Zhang et al., doi: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2023037.

Zhongyuansaurus Junchangi exhibits a unique autapomorphy, featuring at least five caudal armor plates arranged in a distinct shiny pattern resembling a swallow shape.

“Furthermore, it has a relatively slender mandible compared to the more robust mandibles found in advanced Ankylosaurina,” the paleontologist added.

“The anterior tip of the coronoid process differentiates it from Chamosaurus, extending only into the last two alveoli.”

“The distal caudal vertebrae are decorated with small osteoblasts, and the humerus has a shaft proportion enclosed within 0.46, distinguishing it from Zhongyuansaurus luoyangensis.”

“The discovery of Zhongyuansaurus Junchangi provides new insights into the evolution of ankylosaurs in the lower Cretaceous layers of Ruyang and enhances the species diversity within the Ruyang Dinosaur Fauna,” the researchers concluded.

Their paper was published in the journal Acta Palaeontologica Sinica.

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Ji-Ming Zhang et al. 2025. New ankylosaur material from the lower Cretaceous period in the Luyan Basin, Henan Province. Acta Palaeontologica Sinica 64(1): 60-73; doi: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2023037

Source: www.sci.news

Dog-Sized Neon Cyan Dinosaur Unearthed in Colorado

Posted on June 27, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Exciting discovery of a new genus and species of neornithischian dinosaur named Enigmacursor Mollyborthwickae. This dinosaur is recognized from its three-dimensionally preserved postcranial skeleton unearthed in the Morrison Formation in Colorado, USA.

Life reconstruction of Enigmacursor Mollyborthwickae. Image credit: Bob Nichols.

Enigmacursor Mollyborthwickae inhabited our planet during the late Jurassic period, approximately 150-145 million years ago.

This dinosaur was a bipedal herbivore standing about 0.5 m (1.6 feet) tall and measuring over 1 m (3.3 feet) in length.

It would have navigated the floodplains of the western United States alongside giants like diplodocus and Stegosaurus.

“There are indications that these dinosaurs are not fully mature. The upper vertebrae (neuronal arch) are formed separately and fused at the lower section, suggesting incomplete fusion,” noted Paul Barrett, a paleontologist at the Museum of Natural History in London, alongside Susannah Maidment.

The partial but well-preserved skeletons, along with several associated teeth, were excavated in 2021 and 2022 from a commercial quarry in Moffat County, Colorado, within the Morrison Formation.

Initially, this specimen was classified as Nanosaurus, a lesser-known herbivorous dinosaur first named in the 1870s.

However, upon thorough examination, paleontologists determined that the original Nanosaurus specimen was too poorly preserved to serve as a reliable reference for identification.

As a result, they set aside the name until higher quality fossils of Nanosaurus could ensure taxonomic stability.

The differences between the original and newly found specimens confirmed the classification as a new genus and species.

“The discovery of Enigmacursor Mollyborthwickae enhances our understanding of the diversity of ornithischian dinosaurs from the Morrison Formation and provides new insights into their anatomy,” researchers explained.

“Moreover, it highlights a previously unrecognized diversity among the small Morrisonian dinosaurs, suggesting they represent a more diverse component of these late Jurassic ecosystems than previously acknowledged.”

A paper detailing Enigmacursor Mollyborthwickae was published this week in the journal Royal Society Open Science.

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Susanna CR Maid & Paul M. Barrett. 2025. Enigmacursor Mollyborthwickae, a neornithischian dinosaur from the Jurassic Morrison Formation in the western United States. R. Soc. Open Sci. 12(6): 242195; doi: 10.1098/rsos.242195

Source: www.sci.news

Discovery of a New Metaterian Mammal Species Unearthed in Texas

Posted on June 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Members of the genus Metatherian Swaindelphys were previously identified in the Swain Quarry in southern Wyoming and the Nasimiento Formation in the San Juan Basin, New Mexico, and are now also found in the Black Peaks Formation in West Texas.

Reconstructing the life of Swaindelphys. Image credit: Kristen Tietjen.

The newly identified species thrived in Texas during the Ale-Nocene period, around 60 million years ago.

It has been designated Swaindelphys Solastella; these animals were significantly larger than related species, yet still about the size of a modern hedgehog.

It belonged to Metatherian, a group encompassing living marsupials and their extinct relatives.

“We’ve dedicated a lot of effort to uncovering this world,” remarked Kristen Miller, a doctoral student at the University of Kansas.

Fossil remains of Swaindelphys Solastella were uncovered in the Black Peak Formation within Big Bend National Park, West Texas.

“The earliest fossil mammals from the Big Bend during the Ale Holocene epoch were initially documented decades ago,” stated Professor Chris Beard of the University of Kansas.

“However, our mission is to uncover some of the smaller, more elusive fossil mammals that inhabited Big Bend during that era.”

“The new fossil we are describing holds significance as it represents the largest marsupial ever identified from the Ale Holocene in North America, in terms of body size.”

“This isn’t surprising considering that everything tends to be larger in Texas.”

The distribution patterns of Swaindelphys may provide insights into the natural features and barriers that limited the geographical spread of species during this time, including early primates.

“During the Ale New Century, the climate would have been warmer, likely leaning towards tropical,” Miller explained.

“Instead of the desert landscape seen today, there would have been more vegetation, possibly alongside numerous rivers and streams.”

“These fossils are found in what are referred to as river sediments, stemming from ancient river systems.”

The discovery of Swaindelphys Solastella is detailed in a paper released this month in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

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Kristen Miller et al. Implications of biogeographical and biostratigraphic novel species. Swaindelphys (Mammals, Metatheria) from the Black Peaks Formation, Big Bend National Park, Texas. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, published online on June 17th, 2025. doi:10.1080/02724634.2025.2500501

Source: www.sci.news

Ancient Frog Fossils Dating Back 55 Million Years Unearthed in Australia

Posted on June 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The discovery of Litoria Tylerantiqua indicates that Australian tree frogs (Perodrius) were already present in Australia when the continent was still attached to Antarctica and South America.

Artist Reconstruction of Litoria Tylerantiqua (right) alongside the previously described species Platyplectrum casca (left) from Margon in southeast Queensland. Image: Samantha Yabsley, https://www.instagram.com/shy_art.

Litoria Tylerantiqua lived in Australia during the early Eocene period, approximately 55 million years ago.

The fossilized frog bones were retrieved in the 1990s by paleontologists at the University of New South Wales while screenwashing clay samples from the Tingamara fossil frog site in Margon, Queensland.

“About 55 million years ago, Australia, Antarctica, and South America were connected as the last remnants of Gondwana,” stated Dr. Roy Furman and his colleagues at the University of New South Wales and the Australian National University.

“During this era, the global climate was warmer, facilitating forested corridors linking South America and Australia.”

“Previously, Australia’s oldest tree frogs were believed to have originated from the late Illuminocene (around 26 million years ago) and the early Miocene (approximately 23 million years ago).”

“Fossils from the late Illuminocene have been discovered in the Northern Territory’s kangaroo wells and the Etadunna formation in Lake Palancarina, South Australia. Furthermore, the Riversley World Heritage Area in Queensland unveiled an early Miocene tree frog.”

“This new species extends the fossil record of Perodrids by roughly 30 million years, bringing it closer to the timeframe when Australian tree frogs diverged from their South American counterparts,” they noted.

“Previous estimates based on molecular clock analyses suggest that Australian and South American frogs diverged approximately 33 million years ago.”

Litoria Tylerantiqua is the only other known frog from Margon, also identified as Platyplectrum casca (previously categorized as Lechriodus Casca), recognized as the oldest frog species in Australia.

Both have existing relatives in Australia and New Guinea, showcasing incredible resilience over time.

“Despite their fragile nature, these frogs have surprisingly thrived, surviving numerous major extinction events since their origin around 250 million years ago.”

“Current global extinction threats, fueled by human activities like rapid climate change and the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, pose significant challenges for frogs. The fossil record reveals how certain frog groups have navigated past adversities, potentially by adapting to less-threatened habitats.”

“This insight might guide future conservation efforts, such as relocating endangered frogs to safer environments.”

One such species, the Southern Corroboree Frog (Pseudophryne corroboree), is currently endangered due to habitat hostility caused by climate change.

“If fossil records show similarly structured frogs occupying very different habitats, today’s frogs could potentially benefit from reintroductions into comparable environments.”

The findings are detailed in a study published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

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Roy M. Furman et al. New fossil discoveries for early Eocene perodrids from local faunas of Southeast Queensland, Margon, Tingamara, and frog molecular lineages. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology published online on May 14, 2025. doi:10.1080/02724634.2025.2477815

Source: www.sci.news

Newly Discovered Pterosaur Unearthed in Germany

Posted on June 10, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have identified a new genus and species of Gnathosaurine Pterosaur named Spathagnathus roeperi from a fossilized specimen discovered in the Solnhofen limestone of southern Germany.

Artistic reconstruction of Spathagnathus roeperi. Image credit: Alessio Ciaffi.

Spathagnathus roeperi lived in the Solnhofen Archipelago during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 150 million years ago.

“The Solnhofen limestone in southern Germany is renowned as one of the most productive fossil sites ever discovered,” states Dr. Alexandra Fernandez, a museum colleague and co-researcher at the Associate Historians Museum at the Statzmurung für Paläontologie und Geologie in Bayern.

“The regions and layers found between Solnhofen and Regensburg have been explored for over 200 years and have produced exceptional specimens, offering unique insights into the paleoenvironment of the subtropical shallow seas.”

“The rich paleobiotic diversity of fauna in the Solnhofen area is attributed to its original sedimentary environment, located in a depression within a shallow marine reef on the north coast of the Thetis Sea, which has been referred to in recent literature as the Solnhofen Archipelago fossil community.”

Fragments of Spathagnathus roeperi were uncovered during a systematic excavation at the Blanc Quarry near Regensburg, Germany.

“The Blanc area represents the oldest section of the Solnhofen complex, and only one Pterosaur has ever been documented from this region,” the paleontologist noted.

Based on their phylogenetic analysis, Spathagnathus roeperi is categorized within Gnathosaurinae, a small subgroup of the Pterosaur family Ctenochasmatidae.

This newly identified flying reptile is also a sister species to the ctenochasmatid pterosaur Tacuadactylus luciae from Uruguay.

“The limestone of Solnhofen is rich in late Jurassic fossil vertebrates, and Pterosaurs are no exception,” the researchers concluded.

“Within this extensive collection, while Ctenochasmatid remains are relatively abundant, Gnathosaurines are quite rare.”

Spathagnathus roeperi marks the earliest representation of Gnathosaurine and extends the paleoenvironmental stratigraphic range of Gnathosaurinae within the broader fossil community of the Solnhofen Islands.

“Additionally, this new species contributes to the known diversity of ctenochasmatids from the late Jurassic, emphasizing the significance of this early radiation within the pterosaur lineage during this period,” the scientists concluded.

Their paper was published this month in the journal Palz.

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AE Fernandez et al. A new species and early appearance of Gnathosaurinae (Pterosauria) from the late Kimmeridgian of Brun, Germany. Palz, published online on June 6th, 2025. doi:10.1007/s12542-025-00725-0

Source: www.sci.news

Newly Discovered Herbivorous Dinosaur Species from the Jurassic Period Unearthed in China

Posted on May 27, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A newly identified genus and species of the Eusauropod dinosaur has been discovered from a fossilized partial skeleton, which includes almost complete skulls, located in Ganshu province, China.

Skull of niedu in side view. Image credits: Li et al., doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-03210-5.

The newly recognized dinosaur species existed during the mid-Jurassic period, roughly 165 million years ago.

Named niedu, it is an early representative of the long-necked, exclusively herbivorous dinosaurs known as Eusauropoda.

“Sauropod dinosaurs, which are massive herbivores from the early Jurassic to the late Cretaceous period, have been found across all continents,” stated Dr. Ning Li, a researcher at a Chinese university of Earth Sciences.

“Due to global warming events occurring during the Late Jurassic, Eusauropod has become the sole surviving sauropod lineage.”

“In the middle and late Jurassic, non-neosauropods thrived, including taxa like Schnosaurus, Omeisaurus, and core forms of Mamenchisaurus.

Fossils of niedu were gathered from the base of the Xinhe Formation near Jinchan city in Gansu province, northwestern China.

The specimen comprises five cervical vertebrae and nearly complete mandibles, alongside 29 distinct caudal vertebrae.

The skull of niedu measures approximately 31 cm in length and 12.5 cm in height.

A sauropod dinosaur being chased by two carnivorous dinosaurs. Image credit: Lida Xing.

“Finding a well-preserved skull is uncommon in non-neosauropod eusauropods due to their fragility,” the paleontologist noted.

“The skull of niedu is exceptionally well maintained and nearly complete.”

“However, the left side of the skull shows deformation due to internal compression.”

“Most cranial sutures are clearly visible on niedu,” they added.

According to the researchers, niedu marks the earliest sauropod discovered in Gansu province.

“niedu is significant,” they concluded.

“We also present more information that enhances our understanding of sauropod evolutionary history in northwestern China.”

The paper was published in the journal Scientific Reports on May 23rd.

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N. Li et al. 2025. A new Eusauropod (dinosaurs, sauropods) from the central Jurassic in China. Sci Rep 15, 17936; doi:10.1038/s41598-025-03210-5

Source: www.sci.news

Rescue of 2,600-Year-Old Stones Unearthed from Ancient Nineveh

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The preservation of ancient stones is illustrated in the context of Ashurbanipal. A team of archaeologists from the University of Heidelberg has discovered depictions of two gods and other figures representing the rulers of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, spanning from 699 to 631 BC.

A fragment of a 2,600-year-old stone relief from the archaeological site of Nineveh. Image credit: Aaron Schmidt.

Two artifacts, dating back 2,600 years, were unearthed at the archaeological site of Nineveh, located in modern-day Mosul, northern Iraq.

Nineveh served as the capital and largest city of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, and for almost 50 years, it was the largest city in the world.

“The ancient city of Nineveh is recognized as one of the most significant cities in North Mesopotamia. King Sennacherib established it as the capital of the Assyrian Empire in the 8th century BC,” stated Professor Aaron Schmidt from the University of Heidelberg and his team.

The recently unearthed relief from the throne room of King Ashurbanipal’s North Palace stands out not only for its dimensions but also for the intricate scenes it portrays.

This enormous stone slab measures 5.5 m (18 feet) long and 3 m (10 feet) tall, weighing approximately 12 tons.

3D model of stone relief from the archaeological site of Nineveh: dark gray marks the fragments, while light gray areas indicate reconstructions based on findings. King Ashurbanipal is depicted in the center, flanked by the god Ashur (left) and the guardian goddess of Nineveh (right), followed by fish spirits and skilled attendants. Image credit: Michael Rummel.

“Among the various reliefs found in the Assyrian palace, this is the first to prominently feature the major gods,” commented Professor Schmidt.

“At the center of the newly uncovered relief is King Ashurbanipal, the last major ruler of the Assyrian Empire.”

“He is positioned next to the two greatest deities: Assur and Ishtar, along with the guardian goddess of Nineveh.”

“Surrounding them are fish spirits, symbolizing divine life and sovereignty, as well as armed supporters, potentially depicted as scorpions.”

“The evidence implies that a large winged solar disk may have originally adorned the relief.”

Researchers will continue to analyze the depictions meticulously and aim to publish their findings in an academic journal.

“This relief was originally located in a niche opposite the front entrance of the throne room, indicating its significance within the palace,” Professor Schmidt elaborated.

“We discovered a fragment of the relief in an earth-filled hole behind this niche.”

“It’s possible it was buried during the Hellenistic period around the 3rd or 2nd century BC.”

The burial of these fragments is likely one reason why British archaeologists failed to locate them over a century ago.

Source: www.sci.news

Fossils of Terrestrial Apex Predators Dating Back Six Million Years Unearthed in the Dominican Republic

Posted on May 1, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A recent study conducted by the Florida Museum of Natural History reveals that this apex predator is a type of Cebucid crocodile with origins in South America.

The Cebushid crocodile ruled the South American landscape after the dinosaurs vanished, remaining dominant until roughly 11 million years ago. Image credit: Jorge Mackey.

The sebecids were the last survivors of notosuchia, a large and varied group of extinct crocodiles with fossil records that trace back to the era of dinosaurs.

Notosuchians exhibited a wide range of sizes, diets, and habitats, distinguishing themselves from their alligator relatives, as most inhabited terrestrial environments.

The Sevecid behaved like a carnivorous dinosaur, sprinting with four long, agile limbs and tearing flesh with its notorious teeth.

Some species were equipped with protective armor made of bone plates embedded in the skin, reaching lengths of up to 6 m (20 feet).

The catastrophic mass extinction at the end of the Cretaceous period, which eradicated non-avian dinosaurs, also nearly led to the extinction of the notosuchians.

In South America, only the Sevecids survived post-dinosaurs, quickly ascending to the role of apex predators.

The open waters separating the Caribbean islands from the South American mainland posed significant challenges for the Sevensids when it came to swimming.

In a new research effort, paleontologist Jonathan Bloch and his colleagues from the Florida Museum of Natural History analyzed vertebrae from fossilized teeth and spinal vertebrae dating back six million years, collected from the Paleopoultry 1 site in Savanna Grande de Boya, Dominican Republic.

“Our first question upon discovering these teeth in the Dominican Republic and other Caribbean islands was: what could they be?” Dr. Bloch mentioned.

The team also examined 18 million-year-old teeth found in Cuba and 29 million-year-old specimens from Puerto Rico.

“The fossils suggested evidence supporting the Girllandia hypothesis,” they noted.

This theory posits that a temporary land bridge or chain of islands enabled the migration from South America to the Caribbean.

“If the serrated teeth found in other Caribbean islands also belong to the Sevecid, the history of these giant reptiles stretches beyond just the Dominican Republic.”

“They would have played a significant role in shaping the ecosystems of this region for millions of years. However, today, evidence of large terrestrial predators is scarce.”

“In their absence, smaller endemic predators like birds, snakes, and crocodiles have evolved to fill gaps in the food chain,” he added.

“We could not have predicted this just by studying modern ecosystems,” Dr. Bloch remarked.

“The presence of large predators greatly differs from our previous assumptions, and it’s thrilling to explore what further discoveries might await in the Caribbean fossil record.”

The team’s paper was published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

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Lázaro W. Viñola López et al. 2025. The South American Sevecid from the Miocene of Hispaniola documents the presence of apex predators in the ecosystems of the Early West Indies. Proc. R. Soc. B 292 (2045): 20242891; doi: 10.1098/rspb.2024.2891

Source: www.sci.news

A Small Herbivorous Dinosaur Unearthed in Scotland

Posted on April 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Lead by a team of paleontologists from the National Museum of Scotland, this specimen is recognized as the first and most complete dinosaur skeleton discovered in Scotland to date.

The artist’s impression of Ornishkia’s dinosaurs. Image credit: Peter Trusler.

The newly identified specimen originates from the mid-Jurassic period, approximately 166 million years ago.

“Dinosaurs from the Triassic and Early Jurassic were typically small, bipedal, and carnivorous or omnivorous. However, by the late Jurassic, a remarkable diversification occurred, leading to the emergence of some of the largest terrestrial vertebrates to ever walk the Earth,” stated Dr. Elsa Pansilolli, a paleontologist and her colleagues at the National Museum of Scotland.

“This significant diversification in dinosaur species appears to have primarily occurred during the mid-Jurassic period, positioning these dinosaurs as key elements for understanding the drivers behind this rapid evolution.”

“Unfortunately, central Jurassic dinosaur fossils are exceedingly rare and underrepresented globally,” they added.

“Consequently, the early evolutionary history and major diversification of many dinosaur groups remain largely unknown.”

“Thus, new dinosaur findings from the central Jurassic are critical for unwinding the development of ecosystems dominated by dinosaurs.”

A 166 million-year-old skeleton of Ornithikian dinosaurs from the Kilmalag Formation on the Isle of Skye. Image credit: Pansilolli et al., doi: 10.1017/s1755691024000148.

Partial dinosaur skeletons were initially discovered in 1973, but the collection was only completed in 2018.

“The specimen comprises numerous bones and fragments that seem to originate from a single bedding plane within an area measuring approximately 60 cm x 40 cm,” remarked the paleontologist.

The skeleton was uncovered in the Kilmalag Formation, located north of the village of Ergol on the Isle of Skye.

This representation includes Scotland’s most comprehensive fossils, with its initial discovery preceding the earliest reported dinosaur fossils from Skye.

“The central Jurassic in Scotland is becoming more representative of fossil finds from the Kilmalag Formation, increasing its global significance in understanding this period of tetrapod evolution,” the researchers indicated.

“Despite being fragmented, it remains the most intact dinosaur specimen known from Scotland, including partial ilium, nerve arches, rib parts, and other key elements.”

The dinosaurs from the Middle Jurassic are likely Ornithischian Dinosaurs, known as Ornithopoda.

“If the specimen is confirmed to represent Ornithischian, as suggested by the partial iliac bone and histological sections, it signifies a geologically recent event in Scotland, originating from the Kilmalag Formation,” the scientist noted.

The team’s study has been published in the journal Earth and Environmental Science Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

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Elsa Panchiroli et al. The first and most complete dinosaur skeleton from the central Jurassic region of Scotland. Earth and Environmental Science Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh Published online on March 6, 2025. doi:10.1017/s1755691024000148

Source: www.sci.news

Hunting Kit from 6,500 Years Ago Unearthed in West Texas

Posted on April 4, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Approximately 6,500 years ago, hunting kits included spear throwers, boomerang fragments, wood and stone tipped darts. These were discovered in a cave in West Texas near remnants of a small fire and a well-preserved pile of human waste, suggesting past human habitation.

Recently, archaeologists from Surros State University and Kansas University uncovered one of the oldest almost complete wooden and stone hunting weapons in North America. The findings are still being studied, but initial assessments indicate that one weapon may be around 7,000 years old.

Brion Schroeder, director of the Big Bend Research Center, expressed surprise at the discoveries, highlighting the unique insights into ancient hunting methods and tool maintenance.

Recent discoveries in a cave near Malfa, Texas have revealed hunting kits containing weapons and antelope skins likely used for clothing. The excavation, funded by the University of Kansas, aims to uncover ancient human artifacts in North America.

Dr. Schroeder and his team faced challenges from looters but persisted in their search for ancient artifacts. The depths of the cave yielded valuable insights into the hunting practices of early humans.

During the excavation, researchers unearthed parts of a hunting kit, suggesting the cave was used by hunters to store and repair their weapons. This sheds light on how ancient hunters maintained their tools and equipment.

The discovery of various tools and their arrangement indicates a systematic approach to hunting and tool maintenance by the ancient inhabitants of the cave.

Among the artifacts found is an atlatl, or spear thrower, considered one of the oldest in North America. The well-preserved wooden components of the atlatl provide valuable insights into ancient hunting techniques.

In addition to the atlatl, researchers discovered fragments of boomerangs, wooden darts, and stone tips, indicating a sophisticated approach to hunting and tool usage by ancient humans.

The discoveries offer a rare glimpse into the daily lives and hunting practices of ancient people, showcasing their advanced technology and strategic planning.

The age and completeness of the artifacts suggest a well-maintained weapon kit used by ancient hunters, providing valuable insights into their behavior and technology.

The discoveries shed light on the skills and foresight of ancient hunters, highlighting their ability to adapt to their environment and plan for their hunting expeditions.

Anthropology experts emphasize the rarity of finding well-preserved organic materials in ancient tools, showcasing the complexity of ancient hunting equipment beyond stone tools.

Ongoing analyses of the artifacts aim to uncover not only insights into ancient human diet and DNA but also the advanced weaponry used by early hunters. Collaboration with Indigenous groups ensures respectful research practices and eventual public sharing of findings.

The discoveries challenge preconceived notions of ancient hunting methods and highlight the intelligence and adaptability of early human societies.

Archaeologists and researchers emphasize the importance of these findings in understanding the behavior and technology of ancient hunting communities.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Eggshell Fossils of Dinosaurs and Crocodiles from 100 Million Years Ago Unearthed in Utah

Posted on March 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A team of paleontologists from Lake Forest College, Stellenbosch University, University of Minnesota, and North Carolina State University described a new population of fossil eggshells, members of the formation of cedar mountains, a well-known unit among scientists studying early lobular epochs.

A 100 million-year-old dinosaur eggshell fragment from a Mussantit member of Cedar Mountain Formation. Image credit: Lake Forest College.

The first fossil eggshells from Mussantit members of Cedar Mountain Formation were described over 50 years ago.

Since then, in half a century, the diversity of fossil eggshells in this rock unit has been limited to only one egg type.

However, Dr. Josh Hedge and his colleagues at Lake Forest College revealed another story.

“We found new dinosaur egg types here and here, which we didn’t see before,” Dr. Hedge said.

“When previous research explained one type, we found five types of eggshells in this area.”

“Three eggshell fragments belonging to the feathered bipedal dinosaur, two types of dinosaurs with dinosaurs with ornitopod ducks, and a truly funky discovery: some crocodile eggshells.”

These new discoveries challenge the traditional view of one of the different types of dinosaurs that live in ecosystems.

“You can see patterns of coexisting dinosaurs,” Dr. Hedge said.

“Just as multiple big cat-loving animals coexist in Africa’s savanna, we can see the co-occurrence of similar types of dinosaurs in one geographical area.”

Researchers hope to uncover information that will lead to a better understanding of ecosystems 100 million years ago.

They are currently researching ways to better understand these oviraptorosaur eggs.

“We found so many eggshells, so we hope that we can distinguish between individuals who share a single nest, not just the species, for example, because we have sample sizes large enough to interpret them at a higher resolution,” Dr. Hedge said.

Team’s paper Published online in the journal PLOS 1.

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J. Hedge et al. 2025. Diversity of fossil eggshells from Mussentuchit members of Cedar Mountain Formation, Utah. PLOS 1 20(2): E0314689; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0314689

Source: www.sci.news

Ancient Bone Tool Unearthed in Tanzania Dates Back 1.5 Million Years

Posted on March 7, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have documented a collection of bone tools from one horizon, 1.5 million years ago, in Tanzania’s All-Bai Valley. These bone tools preceded more than a million years ago other evidence of systematic bone tool production, shedding new light on the almost unknown world of early human bone technology.

The elephant’s humerus, which was 1.5 million years ago, has soaked into the tool. Image credit: CSIC.

Early humans had already made stone tools with some capacity for at least a million years, but there was little evidence of widespread adoption from bones about 500,000 years ago.

Humanity, who shaped the newly discovered bone tools, did it in the same way they created stone tools by shaving small flakes and creating sharp edges.

The transfer of this technology from one medium to another shows that the human race who made bone tools had a high understanding of tool creation, and that they can adapt their technology to different materials, important intellectual leaps.

It could be that human ancestors at the time had higher levels of cognitive skills and brain development than scientists thought.

“The discovery envisages that early humans will greatly expand their technical options, previously limited to stone tools production, and now allow new raw materials to be incorporated into a repertoire of potential artifacts.”

“At the same time, this expansion of technological potential demonstrates the advances in the cognitive and mental structures of these humans, who knew how to incorporate innovation by adapting knowledge of stone work to manipulation of bones.”

“The tool provides evidence that their creators work carefully on the bones, shatter the flakes and create useful shapes,” says Dr. Renata Peters, a researcher at the University of London.

“We were excited to find these bone tools from these early time frames.”

“It means that human ancestors were able to transfer skills from stones to bones, a level of complex cognition that we have not seen elsewhere in a million years.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipecfzkuytc

The 1.5 million-year-old bone tool was discovered at the T69 complex site in Friedalie Ki Collongo West Gully in the All-By Valley in northern Tanzania.

The research authors discovered a collection of 27 bones shaped into the site’s tools. The bones mostly came from large mammals, mostly elephants and hippopotamus.

The tool is made only from the bones of the animal’s limbs. These are because they are the most dense and strong.

Very early stone tools have come from the All Old One era, which grew from about 2.7 million to 1.5 million years ago. It employs a simple method of making stone tools by shaving one or several flakes from the stone core using hammer stones.

The bone tool reported in the current study was a time when ancient human ancestors began in the Akeirian era, when they began around 1.7 million years ago.

Acheulean technology is best characterized by using more complex hand axes carefully shaped by napping.

Bone tools show that these more advanced techniques have been carried over and adopted for use in bone.

Prior to this discovery, bones shaped into tools were only sporadically identified in rare and isolated cases of the fossil record, not a way to imply that human ancestors systematically produced them.

Due to the overall shape, size and sharp edges, exactly what the tool was used is unknown, but it may have been used to deal with animal corpses in food.

It is also unknown that human ancestor species created the tool.

Alongside the collection of bone artifacts, no relics of humanity were found, but they are known at the time, Homo Erectus and Paranthropus Boisei He was a resident of this area.

“These tools were such an unexpected discovery, so we hope that our findings will encourage archaeologists to reconsider bone discoveries around the world in case other evidence of bone tools is missed,” the researchers said.

Their paper Today I’ll be appearing in the journal Nature.

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I. de la Torr et al. Systematic bone tool production 1.5 million years ago. NaturePublished online on March 5th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-08652-5

Source: www.sci.news

Roman Helmets and Weaponry Unearthed in Denmark

Posted on February 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Archaeologists with Vejle Museum unearthed a 1,600-year-old weapon offering, including over 100 spearheads, lances, swords, chainmails, and two fragments of Roman helmets, at the site of Løsning Søndermark, Hedentified, Denmark.

Dr. Elias Witt Thomasen reveals the provision of a massive weapon at the Løsning Søndermark site in Hedensted, Denmark. Image credit: Vejle Museums.

“Two unusual iron plates were excavated during the investigation of one of the largest weapons deposits provided in the home’s mailholes.

“In the beginning, their origins were unknown. However, with the help of x-ray imaging, parents and archaeologists were able to see under the thick layer of rust surrounding the object.”

“The results revealed a very rare find: the ruins of a Roman helmet.”

According to the team, the discovery is the only known Roman helmet discovered in Denmark and the earliest iron helmet in the country.

“The two plates consist of a neck plate of a so-called coat of arms of helmets and decorated cheek plates, a type used in the Roman Empire of the 4th century AD,” the researchers said.

“In southern Scandinavia, Roman helmets from the Iron Age are extremely rare and have no direct similarities to this discovery.”

“There are several similar findings from Thorsbjerg Moor in Schleswig and from South Sweden and Gotland-None in Denmark.”

X-ray image of neck and cheek guards from a Roman helmet. Image credits: Vejle Museums

The finding raises an important question: why were the neck plate and one cheek plate only discovered?

“The answer lies in the nature of postwar rituals in the Iron Age, where weapons and military equipment rarely accumulate intact,” explained Dr. Thomasen.

“The spearhead was separated from the shaft, the blade of the sword was divided into the handle, the equipment was destroyed and divided between the parties involved in the conflict.”

“The missing cheek plates and helmet bowls could be distributed elsewhere.”

“Helmets may have belonged to Germanic warlords who served in Roman auxiliary institutions.

“Or maybe it was plundered from Roman legions in a battle near the Imperial Germanic frontier and later brought to Jatland.”

“In itself, in relation to the broader deposition of weapons and military equipment at the site, the helmet offers valuable insight into the connection between the Iron Age military elite and the powerful southern neighbor, the Roman Empire. .”

Source: www.sci.news

Long-Held Ostrich-Like Dinosaur Unearthed in Mexico

Posted on January 31, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The fossilized archaeological site discovered in Mexico’s core wilderness in 2014 has identified the strange new genus and species of the Ornithomimid dinosaur.

Reconstruction of life Mexidracon Longimanus. Image credit: ddinodan / cc by 4.0.

The newly identified dinosaur species walked around the earth about 73 million years ago in the late Cretaceous era.

It was named Mexidracon Longimanus. The length of this ancient creature was about 3 m (10 feet).

It belongs to Ornithomimidae, a dinosaur family that evolved a beak without teeth, is omnivorous or herbivorous, and likely resembled a superficial ostrich.

“Ornithomimosaurs have a large orbit, long neck, non-radical manus, long rostral bones with a slender, long, and distally delicate skull of the beast legs resembling a dinosaur,” said Benemerita Escuela Normal Deco Aria and her colleagues in the United States, Mexico, and Spain.

“The size of the body ranges from small forms (exceeding 12 kg) like Nqwebasaurus Thwazi and Blue Weather from early Cretaceous in Africa and Asia to large Asian species in the late Cretaceous like Deinocheirus Mirificus (6 tons).

“Ornithomimosaurs are known from the Caucasian strata in Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa.”

The fossil of Mexidracon Longimanus was discovered in 2014 in the Cerro del Pueblo Formation in Mexico.

“The Cerro del Pueblo layer of Core Wayla represents one of the richest layers, including Mexican dinosaurs,” said researchers.

“Similar to other Cretaceous sites in North America and Asia, Ornithomimosaurs are very common in the Cerro del Pueblo layer.

“However, most of these specimens are very fragmentary, and even relatively complete specimens remain officially unexplained.”

“Mexidracon Longimanus represents the first officially described ornithomimid dinosaur species from the Cerro del Pueblo layer.”

Its most prominent autoapomorphy is the extreme elongation of its manual phalanges, forming the palm of its hand.

“The discovery of Mexidracon Longimanus suggests a wide body size diversity and geographical distribution of ornithomimosaurs among the Campanians in southern Laramidia.

“The record of ornithomimosaurs in the Cerro del Pueblo layer is another example of the coexistence of ornithomimids and Deinocheirids, reaching a wide body size diversity in this ‘ostrich’ dinosaur clay.”

The discovery of Mexidracon Longimanus will be reported in a paper released in the journal “Cretaceous Research” this week.

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Claudiainéssserrano-Breweryas et al. Mexico, Core Wayla Campanians (Upper Cretaceous). A new long ornithomimid dinosaur from the Cerro del Pueblo layer. Cretaceous Research was released online on January 28, 2025. Doi: 10.1016/J.CRETRES.2025.106087

Source: www.sci.news

Ancient Byzantine Monastery Unearthed in Israel Revealing Vibrant Mosaic Floor

Posted on January 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) have discovered the remains of a Byzantine monastery with a colorful mosaic floor and Greek inscriptions, an ancient wine press, and other buildings at the Israel Antiquities Authority, Kiryat Gat, Israel.

IAA archaeologists clean ancient mosaics in a Byzantine monastery in Kiryat Ghat, Israel. Image credit: Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority.

“This is the largest and most important Roman and Byzantine site ever discovered in this region,” IAA archaeologists Sheila Lifshitz and Marjan Margulis said in a statement.

“Blessed are you when you come in, and blessed are you when you go out (Deuteronomy 20:6).. ” This was written on the floor of a colorful monastery discovered during extensive excavations carried out before the establishment of a new district north of the modern city of Kiryat Ghat. ”

Researchers found the remains of at least 10 buildings, including a monastery, a wine press, and a large warehouse building.

“The monastery dates back to the Byzantine period (5th-6th century AD) and is part of an ancient site that already existed in Roman times and lasted for about 600 years,” they said.

“The monastery and its surroundings retain a large amount of imported pottery, coins, marble elements, and metal and glass vessels, all of which testify to the presence of a rich and important community here. I am.”

“The mosaic floor of the monastery is decorated with crosses, lions, doves, amphorae, flowers, and geometric patterns.”

The research team also discovered a sophisticated wine press that had been built and repaired many times over the years.

The mosaic floor of the fermentation chamber and recovery tank incorporates blue and white stones.

The floor of the north collection tank was made of slabs, on some of which you can still see the Greek letters used to mark the masonry of the winepress builders.

All these features indicate that the construction and development of this winery required a lot of money, time, and the work and efforts of various professionals.

“Early settlements were located at the intersection of central roads connecting mountainous areas and coastal plains,” the scientists said.

“It was clearly serving small communities and passing tourists in the area.”

“This is the largest and most important Roman and Byzantine ruin discovered in the area.”

“This discovery indicates that there was a series of settlements from the early Roman period (1st century AD) to the end of the Byzantine period (late 6th century AD).”

Source: www.sci.news

Ancient Ichthyosaur Fossil, 98 Million Years Old, Unearthed in New Zealand

Posted on December 10, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

New Zealand paleontologists have discovered a partial skeleton. platypterygoid ichthyosaur It dates back to the Cretaceous period.

a pair of Platypterygius sp. Image credit: Dmitry Bogdanov / CC BY 3.0.

“Ichthyosaurs are a clade of secondary aquatic marine reptiles that lived in the oceans for much of the Mesozoic, first appearing in the Early Triassic and eventually becoming part of the Cenomanian.'' It became extinct at the Turonian border.”

“Cretaceous ichthyosaurs were once thought to be a group with low diversity and disparity, the result of a long-term decline since the Jurassic.”

“However, recent studies have produced a growing body of evidence that Cretaceous ichthyosaurs were much more diverse than previously thought.”

“Ichthyosaur fossils were first recorded in New Zealand by von Haast in 1861 from Pott Mountain in the central South Island,” they added.

“Over the next 150 years, ichthyosaur fossil material was recovered from the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods.”

The new New Zealand ichthyosaur was discovered in the Coverham area at the northern end of the Waiau Toa/Clarence Valley.

The specimen is a disarticulated partial skeleton preserved in a tubercle.

Its origins date back to 98 million years ago during the Cretaceous period, about 4 million years before ichthyosaurs finally became extinct.

“This material comes from the condensate that was discovered.” on site “It lies within the Swale Silt Formation of the Split Rock Formation, a siliciclastic unit deposited during the Cenomanian period and found throughout southern Marlborough and northernmost Canterbury on New Zealand's South Island,” the paleontologists said.

“All Cretaceous ichthyosaur material ever described in New Zealand comes from the North Island.”

This specimen is the most completely preserved ichthyosaur known from New Zealand.

It has a well-preserved pelvis and dorsal fin, adding to the known data set of these elements, which are poorly preserved in Cretaceous species.

“Although the specimen is too fragmentary to be formally named, this taxon has an extremely reduced basioccipital extracondylar area, a scapula with a prominent acromion process and a strap-like scapular shaft, and A complete left pelvic girdle with an elongated depression “located on the anteroproximal aspect of the ischium” is shown, the researchers said.

They suggest that it is a late-diverging member of the platypterygian ichthyosaurs and is closely related to East Gondwanan species. Platypterygius australis and many European Cretaceous ichthyosaurs.

However, it appears to be unrelated to the Cretaceous ichthyosaurs of western Gondwana, suggesting potential regionalism in the Cretaceous ichthyosaur populations of Gondwana.

“New Zealand ichthyosaurs add to the known diversity of Gondwanan-Cretaceous ichthyosaurs, and suggest that ichthyosaur populations were distributed regionally, rather than internationally, near the margins of Cretaceous Gondwana. “This may indicate that,” the scientists concluded.

of findings will appear in Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

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George R.A. Young others. A platyptera ichthyosaur from the Cenomanian region of central New Zealand. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontologypublished online October 30, 2024. doi: 10.1080/02724634.2024.2408391

Source: www.sci.news

New Zealand Revealed: Unearthed Fossils of Rare Whitefly and Plantain Insects

Posted on December 4, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have identified a new genus and species of whitefly from fossils found in Miocene crater lake deposits at Hindon Mar, near Dunedin, Otago, South Island, New Zealand.

Close-up of two small pupae Miotetraleurodes novaezelandiae It is attached to the leaves of angiosperms. Image credit: Drohojowska others., doi: 10.1007/s12549-024-00628-z.

Adult whiteflies are small insects about 3 mm in size, and immatures are even smaller.

The fossil discovered at Hindon Maar is approximately 1.5mm x 1.25mm and was preserved by pasting it on the back of a fossilized leaf.

It has a black, oval body and has some similarities with modern whiteflies, such as shape and color, but differs in that all parts of the body are clearly defined by deep sutures.

“Fossils of adult whiteflies are not uncommon, but unusual circumstances are required for the pupa (the protective shell in which the insect emerges) to become fossilized,” says palaeontologist at the University of Göttingen and former postdoctoral researcher at the University of Göttingen. says Dr. Uwe Kaulfus. University of Otago.

“About 15 million years ago, the pupal leaves must have been torn off the tree, blown into a small lake, sunk to the deep lake bed, become covered in sediment, and become fossils.”

“It must have happened in quick succession because the fossils of the small insects are so well preserved.”

“The new genera and species described in our study are Miotetraleurodes novaezelandiaerevealed for the first time that whitefly insects were an ecological component of ancient forests in the South Island. ”

“It was difficult to see much with the naked eye, but when we looked at the fossils under a microscope we could see amazing details,” said Emeritus Professor Daphne Lee from the University of Otago.

“The fact that they are still alive on leaves is incredible and extremely rare.”

“These small fossils are the first of their kind to be found in New Zealand, and only the third pupa fossil of this type known worldwide.”

“These new discoveries from the Otago fossil site are an important contribution to our understanding of New Zealand's past biodiversity and forest ecosystem history. It means we have a new appreciation for the importance of it.”

“Most people are interested in big fossils, big charismatic fossils, but most of the animals in the forest are insects.”

“New Zealand is home to 14,000 insect species, 90% of which are found nowhere else in the world.”

“The discovery of these tiny fossils shows that this insect group has been present in Aotearoa New Zealand for at least 15 million years.”

“This provides a well-dated calibration point for molecular phylogenetic studies.”

of study Published in a magazine Paleobiodiversity and paleoenvironment.

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J. Drohojovska others. The first Miocene whiteflies and parrots (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Aleyrodoidea and Psylloidea) from Aotearoa, New Zealand. Paleobio Paleoembupublished online on October 1, 2024. doi: 10.1007/s12549-024-00628-z

Source: www.sci.news

Neanderthal Hearth Structure Unearthed in Gibraltar Dating Back 65,000 Years

Posted on December 4, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Archaeologists have announced the discovery of a new type of Neanderthal hearth in Gibraltar’s Vanguard Cave. This hearth structure is consistent with predictions from theoretical studies that require the use of heating structures to obtain birch tar commonly used in hafting. Researchers suggest that this hearth was used to burn herbs and shrubs over guano mixed with sand and heat rockrose without oxygen.

Neanderthal hearth structures may have been constructed according to the following steps: Image credit: Ochando others., doi: 10.1016/j.quascirev.2024.109025.

“The use and control of fire would have provided important adaptive benefits.” Homo and even shaped its evolution,” said Clive Finlayson of Gibraltar National Museum and colleagues.

“Manufacturing fire technology has been shown to be common from 400,000 years ago to the present, and it has probably been around for much longer.”

“A variety of studies have demonstrated the ability of Neanderthals to create, protect, and carry fire.”

“The main functions of the use of fire are related to providing heat, light and the possibility of cooking food.”

“But it could also lead to the development of new technological innovations,” they added.

“These include deliberate heat treatment of stone artifacts, durable wood, smoking purposes, and the use of distillation of birch bark and adhesives from coniferous resins to create stone flakes on wooden elements. This may include the production of hafting multi-component tools.”

“Other innovations by Neanderthals were the construction of pits and the diversification of the types of fuels used with a variety of commonly used plants, liquid hydrocarbons, and lignite.”

“However, plants are the most common type of fuel and are therefore expected to have been subject to a selection process by Neanderthals among available resources in the nearby, and perhaps even beyond, landscape.”

Special combustion structures discovered by the Vanguard Cave team have revealed previously unknown ways in which Neanderthals managed and used fire.

The structure is 68,000 to 61,000 years old and is adapted for steam distilling essential oils from rockrose to obtain tar, a hafting substance proven to have been used by Neanderthals.

The researchers tested that interpretation experimentally by building structures with similar morphological and compositional characteristics to those excavated in the cave.

Distilling a small bunch of young rockrose leaves in a closed, nearly anoxic environment for a reasonable period of time produces enough to hold two spearheads using only locally available tools and materials. of tar could be produced.

“Neanderthals had to go through a series of thought processes to choose which plants and find a way to extract the resin without burning them,” Dr Finlayson said.

“Our extinct cousins were not the brutal humans of the popular imagination,” said Dr. Fernando Muñiz, an archaeologist at the University of Seville.

“This human species has been shown to have cognitive abilities, as reflected in studies showing mastery of the industrial process of making resin as an adhesive for attaching stone points to spear handles. ”

This finding is reported in the following article: paper in a diary Quaternary Science Review.

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Juan Ochando others. 2024. Neanderthals' special combustion structure adapted to the acquisition of tar. Quaternary Science Review 346: 109025;doi: 10.1016/j.quascirev.2024.109025

Source: www.sci.news

A new species of armadillo fossil unearthed in Brazil

Posted on December 3, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists identify new species of extinct armadillo Partetus From fossilized bone embryos collected in the state of Paraná in southern Brazil.

Hypothetical artistic reconstruction Partetus Oliveirai Middle to late Eocene of Brazil. Image credit: Marcio L. Castro.

Partetus Oliveirai It lived in South America from 42 million years ago to 39 million years ago (mid-late Eocene).

The ancient species belongs to Euphractinae group of armadillo family Dasipidae.

Paleontologist Tabata Klimek of Santa Federal University and his colleagues said, “The armadillo family is represented by modern armadillos and extinct armadillos.''

“This group is stratigraphically and geographically widespread, from southern Patagonia to southern North America.”

“The paleontological record of armadillos is represented primarily by osteoderms.”

“According to other interpretations, they are known from nearly all South American mammal faunas from the late Paleocene/early Eocene, or only from the early Eocene.”

“Euphractinae is the most diverse clade (subfamily) of Dasypodidae,” they noted.

“The earliest undisputed occurrences of euphractin date back to the mid-to-late Eocene of the Gran Barranca region of Argentine Patagonia and the mid-Eocene Upper Lumbrella Formation of northwestern Argentina.”

“Partetus “It is one of the earliest branching euphractins,” they added.

“The genus was described in 1902 and the type species is Partetus chicoensis I'm from Patagonia, Argentina. ”

8 bone embryo fossils Partetus Oliveirai It was discovered in the Guavirotuba Formation in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.

“The Guavilotuba Formation is the main lithostratigraphic unit of the Curitiba sedimentary basin,” the paleontologists said.

“It is represented by distributed fluvial system deposits consisting of immature subalcoholic sand and mud interspersed with limited gravel deposits at the edges of the basin.”

“Geological features indicate a semi-arid environment, with temporary rivers forming during the rainy season, transporting sediment and forming alluvial fans.”

This new species expands our knowledge of the diversity of armadillos, which lived in southeastern South America during the Paleogene period.

“Partetus OliveiraiThe osteoderm differs from other species of this genus in the following ways: (i) More surface glandular and ciliary pores. (ii) flat surface joint areas between osteoderms; There is no groove in the central part of the osteoderm. (iii) large size,” the researchers said.

“Combined, this set of traits does not exist in any other species. Partetus Genus. ”

“The increase in the number and size of surface glandular and ciliary pores may be related to the global cooling that occurred during the mid-to-late Eocene, which affected South American faunas. .”

“Finally, this new species expands our knowledge of the lesser-known diversity of mammals that lived in southeastern South America during the Eocene.”

of findings Published in Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

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TDF Klimek others. 2024. Uncovering the diversity of Paleogene zonal fauna from Brazil: new species Partetus (Euphractinae) Guavilotuba Formation (Middle to Late Eocene). Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 44 (1): e2403581;doi: 10.1080/02724634.2024.2403581

Source: www.sci.news

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