Organic molecules detected in 66-million-year-old dinosaur bones

May 14, 2026

Reported by AI

Scientists have identified traces of original collagen in an Edmontosaurus fossil from South Dakota. The finding, published in 2025, challenges the belief that all biological material is lost during fossilization.

Researchers at the University of Liverpool examined a 22-kilogram sacrum bone from an Edmontosaurus fossil recovered in the Hell Creek Formation. Using mass spectrometry, protein sequencing and other laboratory techniques, they detected remnants of collagen, the main protein in bone tissue. Colleagues at UCLA confirmed the presence of hydroxyproline, an amino acid linked to collagen, strengthening the case that the molecules originated from the dinosaur itself rather than modern contamination.

Brazil fossil reanalysis challenges early animal origins

Scientists have determined that structures once seen as traces of tiny animals in 540-million-year-old Brazilian rocks are actually fossilized communities of bacteria and algae. The reexamination uses advanced imaging to reveal preserved cells and organic material.

MIT study links ancient sea sponges to earth's earliest animals

February 27, 2026 Reported by AI

Researchers at MIT have discovered chemical evidence in rocks over 541 million years old suggesting that ancient sea sponges were among Earth's first animals. The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, identify molecular fingerprints matching compounds from modern demosponges. This builds on earlier work and confirms the signals originate from biological sources rather than geological processes.

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Scientists uncover 125-million-year-old dinosaur with hollow spikes in China

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Dinosaur tracks from 132 million years ago discovered near Knysna

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Tiny fossils identified as baby ankylosaurs after 20 years

New giant dinosaur species unearthed in Patagonia

Researchers have described a previously unknown sauropod dinosaur from fossils found in Argentina's Chubut province. The creature, called Bicharracosaurus dionidei, reached about 20 meters in length and lived around 155 million years ago.

Scientists identify new baby dinosaur species in South Korea

April 02, 2026 Reported by AI

Researchers have named a newly identified juvenile dinosaur species Doolysaurus huhmini, discovered on Aphae Island in South Korea. The fossil, the first from the country to include skull parts, reveals a turkey-sized animal that likely had a fluffy appearance and an omnivorous diet. The findings, led by Jongyun Jung, were published on March 19 in the journal Fossil Record.

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