Materials experts at UCI have created a revolutionary new material that can change its reflectivity in under a second, mimicking the properties of squid skin. The technology has potential applications in military camouflage, space insulation, and more.
A decade of fossil collecting in Tanzania and Zambia has provided new perspectives on the Triassic period, revealing regional patterns and similarities across different geographic areas. The findings highlight the presence of early dinosaurs, such as Teleocrater, and other animals that co-existed with them.
Researchers have identified a new species of ancient reptile, Colobops noviportensis, with unusually developed jaw muscles, revealing insights into prehistoric environments and animal adaptations. The discovery sheds light on the origins of modern vertebrates in a world already inhabited by diverse physical extremes.
The Hispaniolan solenodon's genome sequence reveals it survived the dinosaurs and provides crucial insights for conservation. The data supports subspecies split within the population, requiring independent breeding strategies to ensure their survival.
A new study validates 'phantom' fossil footprints collected in the 1950s showing dicynodonts coexisting with dinosaurs. The discovery sheds light on ancient ecosystems and highlights the importance of trace fossils like footprints.
A Rice University study reveals a connection between dinosaur-era volcanoes and the formation of shale gas and oil fields. The research suggests that nutrient-rich ash from thousands of volcanic eruptions led to the creation of these deposits.
Researchers used synchrotron microtomography to reveal that Archaeopteryx had adaptations similar to those of modern flying birds, suggesting it could have flown actively. This discovery provides insight into the early evolution of dinosaurian flight and challenges previous assumptions about its lifestyle.
Researchers discovered six new species of pterosaurs with remarkable diversity in size and shape, contradicting previous studies that suggested a decline before the mass extinction. The fossils date to just over 66 million years ago, revealing that these flying reptiles dominated the skies until their extinction.
A new model based on ground-running birds can predict the locomotion of bipedal dinosaurs by analyzing their speed and body size. The BIRDS Model uses just two inputs to estimate stride length and force exerted per step, providing insights into extinct theropod dinosaur movement.
University of Oregon geologists discovered unusual seafloor structures indicating heightened worldwide magmatic activity 66 million years ago after the Chicxulub meteor struck. The research suggests seismic waves from the impact triggered accelerated volcanism globally, contributing to a mass extinction event.
A slab of sandstone at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center contains over 70 preserved tracks of mammals and dinosaurs, including small theropods and pterosaurs, providing a rare glimpse of their interaction. The discovery sheds light on ancient times on Earth and offers insights into prehistoric life.
The discovery of Mansourasaurus shahinae, a long-necked plant-eater with bony plates, fills gaps in Africa's Late Cretaceous fossil record. The species helps answer questions about Africa's connections to Europe and the degree to which its animals evolved independently.
The geologically oldest fossil of the genus Archaeopteryx, dating back 150 million years, has been found in Northern Bavaria. The new specimen exhibits unique features that differentiate it from other known specimens, providing a reliable diagnosis for distinguishing Archaeopteryx from its closest relatives.
A new study found that some building blocks of the Pentagon and Empire State Building were made by microbes up to 340 million years ago. The material, oolitic limestone, is composed of concentric layers of mineralized microbes debunking the popular snowball theory.
A newly discovered dinosaur fossil from China contains evidence that a tiny bird-like dinosaur may have used its flashy neck feathers and a bony crest on its snout to attract mates. The discovery provides the earliest evidence of iridescence in dinosaurs, which is similar to that found in hummingbird species today.
Researchers have made it possible to 3-D print and study a 200-million-year-old South African dinosaur skull, the Massospondylus. The digital reconstruction was created using CT scans, allowing for detailed analysis of its inner ear and brain structure.
A new species of turkey-sized herbivorous dinosaur, Diluvicursor pickeringi, has been discovered in 113 million year old rocks in southeastern Australia. The fossilized tail and foot bones provide significant information about the diversity of small, bipedal ornithopods that roamed the Australian-Antarctic rift valley.
A team of researchers from the University of Bonn has discovered a unique type of bony tissue called pneumosteum, which is found in birds and some dinosaurs. This discovery provides new insights into the evolution of their respiratory systems and opens up possibilities for studying extinct species.
Scientists discovered tick fossils trapped in amber, providing direct evidence of ticks parasitizing dinosaurs. The ticks were found attached to a dinosaur feather and offered the first direct fossil evidence of ticks feeding on dinosaurs.
A new study finds that bamboo lemurs, giant pandas, and red pandas share 48 gut microbes in common, highlighting the importance of diet in shaping their microbial ecosystems. The researchers discovered these microbes by analyzing feces from each species and comparing them to those of closely related animals.
A new genus and species of amphibious dinosaur, Halszkaraptor escuilliei, has been discovered in Mongolia. The fossil, found at Ukhaa Tolgod, exhibits a unique mix of features that suggests it was an aquatic predator, with flipper-like forelimbs and a long neck.
A reevaluation of the Haarlem specimen reveals it to be a predator anchiornithid rather than Archaeopteryx, shedding new light on the evolutionary transition from reptiles to birds. The fossil's taxonomic analysis suggests that modern birds are direct descendants of carnivorous dinosaurs.
A University of Bristol-led study has revealed new details about the ancient dinosaur Anchiornis, including its fluffy and primitive feathers. The findings suggest that the animal's feathers would have increased drag when gliding and affected its ability to control temperature and repel water.
Researchers identified key genes involved in scale and feather development, demonstrating their ability to convert scales into feathers by turning on specific molecular circuits. The study reveals five morpho-regulatory modules essential for modern feather formation and potentially explains how early birds evolved flight.
Scientists from CNRS and ENS de Lyon discover the world's longest sauropod dinosaur trackway, spanning over 155 meters, in the French village of Plagne. The trackway is estimated to be 150 million years old and belonged to a dinosaur at least 35m long and weighing 35t.
Fossils of the oldest mammals related to mankind have been discovered on the Jurassic Coast of Dorset, dating back 145 million years. The two teeth belong to small, rat-like creatures that lived during the time of the dinosaurs and are the earliest undisputed fossils of mammals belonging to the line that led to human beings.
A new study reveals that mammals began living in the daytime approximately 66 million years ago, shortly after the dinosaurs' disappearance. The ancestors of simian primates were among the first to abandon nocturnal activity, with their visual adaptations comparable to diurnal reptiles and birds.
Researchers discover iridium, a densest metal, kills cancer cells by filling them with deadly oxygen, without harming healthy tissue. The treatment uses laser light to activate the compound, targeting key proteins in cancer cells.
A recent proposal to reorganize the traditional dinosaur family tree has sparked debate among experts. However, a new analysis by an international consortium found that the current model of an Ornithischia-Saurischia split remains supported, albeit with weak evidence for an alternative arrangement.
A team of international experts has re-evaluated a radical proposal to split dinosaurs into two new groups, finding that the evidence is not strong enough to overthrow traditional classification models. The study suggests that the most likely site of origin for dinosaurs is still in the southern hemisphere, particularly South America.
Researchers confirm Sinosauropteryx had striped tail and 'bandit mask', suggesting it lived in open habitats. The dinosaur's countershaded body revealed its habitat was not dense forest but rather more open terrain.
Researchers reconstructed Sinosauropteryx's likely colour patterning, showing it used bandit mask-like stripes and countershading to avoid detection. This helped the small dinosaur evade larger meat-eating dinosaurs and sneak up on prey more easily.
A new species of mega-carnivore has been discovered in southern Africa with footprints measuring 57cm long and 50cm wide. The estimated body length of the dinosaur is around nine meters, four times that of a lion, making it one of the largest carnivores to roam the continent.
A new study reveals that mass extinctions have predictable consequences, leading to low diversity and the emergence of dominant species. The researchers analyzed nearly 900 animal species between 260-175 million years ago and found a global pattern of 'disaster faunas'.
Two mass extinction events led to the survival of a low number of 'weedy' species that spread globally, affecting ecosystems and biogeography. The findings shed light on modern high extinction rates and potential consequences for current biodiversity loss.
A new University of Colorado Boulder study found that some large plant-eating dinosaurs in present-day Utah ate crustaceans on purpose, possibly for protein and calcium sources. The evidence comes from fossilized feces samples containing thick bits of fossilized shell, indicating the crustaceans were living in decaying wood.
Researchers discovered that early sauropod dinosaurs like Saturnalia tupiniquim were capable of a bipedal gait and had agile ancestors. The brain structure of S. tupiniquim revealed specific features enabling it to track moving objects with its eyes, execute rapid movements of its head and neck in a coordinated fashion.
Researchers have identified a new species of prehistoric crocodile, Deltasuchus motherali, from a fossil site in north central Texas. The species, which lived around 95 million years ago, is estimated to have grown up to 20 feet long and ate a wide variety of prey, including turtles and dinosaurs.
A new study reveals a clear relationship between the frontal bones and forebrain as well as parietal bones and midbrain in dinosaurs and birds. The research used CT scanning techniques to analyze embryos of lizards, alligators, and birds, confirming the link found in reptiles.
A new study reveals that birds' skulls evolved differently from their relatives, resembling those of young dinosaurs and crocodiles. The team's analysis suggests that adult modern birds retain features of 'young' dinosaur ancestors, such as proportionally larger brains and eyes.
The largest ever recorded Ichthyosaurus was a pregnant adult female, estimated to be 3-3.5m long, and is an important discovery for the field of palaeontology. The specimen, found in a museum collection, has provided valuable insights into the size range of the species and the presence of embryos.
The Institute for the Study of Mongolian Dinosaurs' Moveable Museum travels across rural Mongolia, offering engaging exhibits and workshops to promote paleontology and protect local fossils. The museum aims to inspire local kids to become paleontologists and support conservation efforts.
A new study compares the recovery of land-dwelling vertebrates from different localities in southern Pangaea, finding stark differences in ecological diversity levels. The research suggests that carnivores and archosaurs were diverse and abundant in Zambia and Tanzania but relatively uncommon or absent in South Africa.
A newly discovered dinosaur fossil from Mongolia shows three juvenile oviraptors roosting together, suggesting a unique behavior among bird-line theropods. The specimen provides valuable insights into the origins of communal roosting in birds and sheds light on the social habits of ancient dinosaurs.
Scientists estimate that a massive asteroid impact could have triggered 2 years of darkness on Earth, shutting down photosynthesis and drastically cooling the planet. The research found that soot in the atmosphere would have blocked sunlight, causing a steep decline in average temperatures.
Researchers at University of Cambridge and Natural History Museum analyze 450 anatomical characteristics to place Chilesaurus in dinosaur family tree. The study reveals Chilesaurus fills a large gap between two major dinosaur groups, with implications for understanding the origins of Ornithischia.
A newly discovered armored dinosaur genus exhibits countershading, suggesting it faced predation stress from meat-eating dinosaurs. The 18-foot-long Borealopelta markmitchelli had reddish-brown-pigmented skin with countershading across its body.
A new species of troodontid theropod has been identified and named Albertavenator curriei in honour of renowned Canadian palaeontologist Dr. Philip J. Currie. The discovery was made by ROM scientists who compared the dinosaur's skull bones to those of its close relative Troodon.
A new study reveals that a mass extinction 66 million years ago sparked an explosion of new frog species on different continents. The research, compiled by scientists from the University of Texas at Austin and other institutions, provides the most accurate frog family tree to date.
A new study reveals that most frog species descended from just three lineages that survived the mass extinction event, with rapid radiation occurring due to available environmental niches. The loss of dinosaurs led to the rise of trees and flowering plants, which in turn favored the evolution of frogs.
A new study has found that the mass extinction event that wiped out dinosaurs simultaneously led to the evolution of three major lineages of modern frogs, which make up about 88% of living species. This finding suggests that the survivors filled up new ecological niches after the extinction event, resulting in the rapid diversification...
Researchers found clear links between volcanic activity and the end-Triassic mass extinction. The study revealed repeated large emissions of carbon dioxide from volcanoes, which led to a profound impact on the global climate.
A new study published in PeerJ introduces modern techniques to understand the landmark site's history, revealing that dinosaur bones were introduced to the deposit after death. The research suggests a combination of drought periods and flood events led to the accumulation of Allosaurus fossils, with environmental factors contributing t...
A new study reveals that Teleocrater rhadinus, a 3-meter-long, crocodile-shaped dinosaur, challenges earlier hypotheses on early dinosaur evolution. The discovery suggests that the most ancient dinosaurs' ancestors were quadrupedal, contradicting the long-held image of bipedal, chicken-like creatures.
A new species of pliosaur, a large predatory marine reptile from the 'Age of Dinosaurs', has been found in Russia. The discovery reveals that pliosaurs colonized a wider range of ecological niches than previously thought.
A rare tooth discovery in Mississippi, USA, has revealed that horned dinosaurs, closely related to Triceratops, roamed freely across eastern North America during the Late Cretaceous period. The fossil, dated to around 68-66 million years ago, challenges previous assumptions about the separation of western and eastern continents.
Researchers found T. rex could generate forces equal to three small cars while simultaneously applying world-record tooth pressures. The dinosaur's long conical teeth allowed it to drive open cracks in bone and produce catastrophic explosions.
The study reveals that enterococci, leading hospital superbugs, have been resistant to antibiotics and disinfectants for hundreds of millions of years. They were shaped by their environment, including living in the intestines of extinct animals, and can withstand drying out and starvation.
A study led by the University of Bath discovered a distinct dinosaur fauna in Africa at the end of the Cretaceous period. The newly discovered species, Chenanisaurus barbaricus, was found in phosphate deposits in Morocco and is considered one of the last dinosaurs on Earth before its extinction.
A new sauropod species, Galeamopus pabsti, has been described from 150 million-year-old fossils in Wyoming, USA. The discovery expands the already unexpected diversity of 'whiplash dinosaurs', known for their elongated necks and tails.