The discovery of the first adult T. rex trackway provides insights into the movement of this iconic predator. The 23-foot-long trackway, consisting of four three-toed footprints, was estimated to be around 66.5 million years old and suggests the T. rex was walking at a pace comparable to a brisk human walking pace.
A new beetle species, Pulchritudo attenboroughi, was identified in a fossil from the Green River Formation in Colorado, with its unique beauty and preserved patterns making it an exceptional find. The beetle was named after Sir David Attenborough, who inspired its discoverers.
A new species of pelomedusoid turtle, Sahonachelys mailakavava, is described from a nearly complete fossil in Madagascar. The turtle has an unusually flattened skull and enlarged tongue bones adapted for suction feeding, suggesting it fed on small-bodied prey like insect larvae and tadpoles.
The new Parasaurolophus skull reveals the structure of its iconic tube-shaped nasal passage, showing that the crest functions primarily as a sound resonator and visual display used to communicate within species. The discovery provides long-awaited answers about the evolution of this bizarre feature.
An international team is working to develop an ethical framework for ancient DNA research, incorporating diverse voices and expertise from Indigenous communities. The project aims to foster better collaboration and address concerns around the use of human genetic material.
Researchers analyzed diamonds from the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and University of British Columbia, gaining a rare look at the processes that led to Earth's crust formation. The study reveals an incredible 3-billion-year journey through tectonic collisions and volcanic eruptions.
A team of paleontologists, including Denver Museum of Nature & Science curator Dr. Tyler Lyson, has discovered that the earliest turtle shells were not for protection, but rather an adaptation for burrowing underground. The broadened ribs in early proto turtles allowed them to dig and escape harsh environments.
The Snowmastodon Project Science Volume provides a new benchmark for understanding climate change in the American West, revealing dramatic ecosystems changes in response to climate shifts. The nearly continuous 85,000-year time span of the site offers the best-known record of life and climate at high elevation anywhere in North America.