Articles tagged with Amber
Scientists studied six pieces of amber preserving extinct insects, including ants, to understand their roles in past ecosystems. The study found ants interacting with mites and termites in three cases, suggesting symbiotic relationships.
Researchers have identified 21 bio-inclusions of ancient insect orders and plant fossils in Ecuador's Genoveva quarry, shedding light on a previously unknown ecosystem. The discovery provides a unique snapshot of the Cretaceous era and its biodiversity in the Southern Hemisphere.
A 16-million-year-old fossil of a newly discovered extinct dirt ant species, Basiceros enana, has been found in Dominican amber. The Caribbean species is notably smaller than its modern relatives, offering direct evidence of their presence in the region before local extinction.
Researchers discovered a fossilized wasp from the mid-Cretaceous period with a Venus flytrap-like abdomen, indicating it was a parasitoid insect. The species, Sirenobethylus charybdis, had a unique grasping apparatus that likely targeted highly mobile prey.
A new study reveals fossilized chewing lice eggs in mid-Cretaceous amber, associated with enantiornithine feathers. The discovery provides insight into early coevolution between bird hosts and ectoparasites, shedding light on the origins of modern lice.
A team of researchers has made the southernmost discovery of amber in the world, revealing environmental conditions and forest ecosystems near the South Pole. The 'Pine Island amber' provides direct insights into a swampy, conifer-rich, temperate rainforest environment 90 million years ago.
Researchers at Harvard University used confocal laser microscopy to examine ancient fossils of tardigrades, revealing a new species and confirming the existence of four previously unknown specimens. The study sheds light on the evolutionary history of tardigrades, including their ability to survive extreme conditions.
Scientists have found nematodes embedded in the outer layer of pseudoscorpions preserved in Baltic amber, revealing a new parasitic relationship. The discovery provides insight into the biology and ecology of ancient organisms.
Researchers have discovered fossilized water striders in copulation, providing a rare glimpse into the mating behaviors of ancient insects. The study reveals strong sexual conflict between males and females, with males using specialized morphological adaptations to overcome female resistance.
Researchers found a 100-million-year-old endoparasitic marine tapeworm fossil in Kachin amber, providing new information on the early evolution of tapeworms. The discovery shows that amber can preserve internal structures of helminths like tapeworms, shedding light on their taphonomy.
Researchers from OIST used X-ray micro-CT to study a 38 million-year-old termite pair trapped in amber, revealing a male and female in tandem running behavior. The discovery provides new insights into the fidelity of behavior fossilization in amber.
The discovery of fossilized male mosquitoes in 30 million-year-old amber suggests that males were also hematophagous, feeding on blood. This finding helps narrow the 'ghost-lineage gap' for mosquitoes and complicates our understanding of the evolution of blood-feeding habits.
A newly described family of jewel wasps, Protoidae, has been found in Cretaceous amber from Lebanon, providing a unique snapshot of the group's early evolution. The discovery reveals striking characteristics, including a long, shovel-like process, which may have assisted with egg-laying and ovipositing.
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a novel genus and species of micro-wasp with mysterious, bulbous structures on its antennae. The discovery, published in the journal Life, provides new insights into the biology and ecology of ancient insects.
A Neolithic necklace found on a child's grave in Jordan provides new insights into the social complexity of the time. The analysis of colorful stone and shell materials, amber beads, and other adornments reveals intricate craftsmanship and trade networks.
Researchers discovered that coniferous forests spread across the planet during the Cretaceous period, allowing for high resin production and creating conditions suitable for mass formation of amber deposits. The study sheds new light on Earth's history, revealing insights into ancient ecosystems dominated by flowering plants.
A fossil arthropod from 100-million-year-old Burmese amber has been identified as a new genus and species of froghopper. The newly discovered insect had prodigious leaping ability in adulthood, similar to its modern-day counterparts.
Researchers from Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County have discovered evidence of a symbiotic relationship between Cretaceous dinosaurs and feather-feeding beetles. The study found that the beetles fed on the feathers of theropod dinosaurs during the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 105 million years ago.
The study found fossils of beetle larvae in intimate contact with dinosaur feathers, suggesting a symbiotic relationship where the beetles fed on the feathers. The discovery provides insight into coevolution between vertebrates and arthropods over 500 million years, revealing rare evidence of their interaction.
A fossilized flower, dated to 40 million years ago, was found encased in amber. The rare flower is believed to be from an ancient evergreen plant related to the Asian species Symplocos.
A researcher at Oregon State University has discovered a new species of cockroach encased in Dominican amber, with the male specimen displaying well-preserved yellow stripes and spines. The finding also marks the presence of fossilized roach sperm for the first time.
Research into Myanmar amber fossils is hindered by the country's ongoing political, legal, and economic crises. The strict restrictions on research access have led to international researchers acquiring the valuable amber for study.
Researchers used high-resolution imaging techniques to identify a new ant species and genus, †Desyopone hereon gen. et sp. nov., from 16-23 million year old Ethiopian amber.
Researchers discover fossil lacewing larvae with enlarged abdomens, providing insights into the evolution and lifestyle of early lacewings. The discovery sheds light on the successful evolutionary strategy of physogastry, which allows insects to greatly increase their body volume when required.
A rare fossil flower of the Euphorbiaceae family has been discovered in 30-million-year-old amber, along with a parasitic wasp. The flower, named Plukenetia minima, is notable for its small size and lengthy stalk. The wasp, Hambletonia dominicana, was found to have an egg that hatches into a fly larva within the flower's seed pods.
Researchers used terahertz time-domain spectroscopy to compare fossil and synthetic ambers. The technique detected differences in the materials' compositions, indicating potential detection methods for synthetic forgeries.
Researchers discovered calcification and silicification of insects in Kachin amber, preserving complete compound eyes, cuticle structures, and skin sensillae. The study sheds light on the role of mineralization in preserving fossils and challenges existing views on amber taphonomy.
Ants have evolved a unique division of labor for over 100 million years, with fossil discoveries providing the first evidence of cooperative behavior in the early Cretaceous period. The study describes two new species of extinct ants, revealing intricate details about their anatomy and social structure.
A 100-million-year-old cockroach fossil provides insights into its sensory organs, which suggest the species lived in bright environments during the day. The study found that the extinct species had well-developed eyes and a unique pattern of receptors on its antenna, indicating it may have used these to communicate between sexes.
Researchers at Oregon State University identified a new genus and species of legume, Salpinganthium hispaniolanum, from flowers preserved in amber. The species is believed to have been extinct for millions of years and may have disappeared due to unique biological or physical events.
Researchers have reconstructed a swampy paleoenvironment with conifers and diverse plants from 110 million years ago, featuring dinosaurs like Proa valdearinnoensis and Europelta carbonensis. The study of Ariño amber has enabled the differentiation of two types of resin, one produced by tree roots and another by branches, providing ins...
A newly discovered ancient crab fossil, Cretapsara athanata, has shed new light on the evolution of crabs. The 100 million-year-old fossil, found in amber, provides evidence that crabs transitioned to land around 100 million years ago, bridging a previously unknown gap in their evolutionary history.
A team of international scientists has discovered a 5-millimeter crab in 100-million-year-old amber, pushing back the age of non-marine crabs to at least 100 million years ago. The find provides new insights into the evolution of true crabs and their spread across the world.
A team of scientists has discovered the oldest modern-looking crab, Cretapsara athanata, preserved in 100-million-year-old amber. The fossil is remarkably complete, including delicate tissues and well-developed gills, revealing an aquatic to semi-aquatic animal that defies explanation for its preservation in tree resin.
Researchers have discovered a new genus and species of tardigrade fossil, Paradoryphoribius chronocaribbeus, preserved in 16-million-year-old Dominican amber. The specimen is the first tardigrade fossil recovered from the Cenozoic era and offers insights into the evolution of this ancient lineage.
Researchers at Oregon State University have made history by describing the first fossilized grass ever discovered in Baltic amber. The findings provide valuable insights into the evolution of plant life during the Eocene epoch.
A 100-million-year-old weevil fossil, Rhamphophorus legalovii, has been identified with a unique 'trunk' that was likely used as a weapon during combat. The species is part of the Nemonychidae family and belongs to the sub-family Cimberidinae, known for their long-nosed weevils.
Researchers found a new family of beetles, Triamyxa coprolithica, with legs and antennae intact in a fossilized droppings sample from the Triassic period. The discovery offers a new alternative to amber fossils for studying insect evolution and food webs.
A new species of Oculudentavis has been discovered in a 99-million-year-old amber fossil, revealing physical characteristics that distinguish it from birds and confirm its status as a lizard. The discovery sheds light on the early evolution of squamates during the Cretaceous Period.
A new research discovery reveals an exceptionally diverse tropical seasonal rainforest biota from the Miocene era, with over 250 arthropod families and 78 broadleaf tree species. This find provides insights into the evolution of rainforests and their potential adaptability to a warmer world.
New methods to detect doping compounds in urine samples using ion mobility-mass spectrometry will help regulatory agencies track existing dopants and future 'designer' compounds. Baltic amber's therapeutic effects have been pinpointed, potentially leading to new medicines for antibiotic-resistant infections. Scientists also report a wa...
Researchers uncover a new fossil beetle species from mid-Cretaceous amber, shedding light on the earliest pollinators of flowering plants. The discovery shows that short-winged flower beetles visited angiosperms in the Cretaceous, leading to a direct link between early flowering plants and their insect visitors.
Researchers have identified compounds in Baltic amber that show activity against gram-positive, antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These compounds, including abietic acid and dehydroabietic acid, could lead to new medicines for treating infections caused by these resistant bacteria.
New research reveals that artificial light at night significantly suppresses courtship activity in fireflies, with bright amber light having the greatest impact on female receptivity. This study highlights the need to minimize outdoor lighting to protect firefly populations.
A research team led by LMU zoologists identified fossils of insect larvae in Baltic amber, which suggest open areas of grassland nearby. In another sample, a rare Cretaceous butterfly larva with spines was discovered in Myanmar amber, supporting the idea that butterflies underwent early diversification.
Researchers at Oregon State University have identified a new genus and species of flower from the mid-Cretaceous period, found in 100 million-year-old Burmese amber. The tiny male flower has unique details, including spiral-shaped stamens and an egg-shaped floral cup.
Researchers found dinosaur feathers and mammalian hair preserved in amber from 105-110 million years ago, shedding light on ancient ecosystems. The discovery reveals a new conservation process called 'pull off vestiture', where small portions of animal epidermal structures are trapped by sticky resin.
The discovery of a new genus and species of albie, named Yaksha perettii, reveals that these tiny animals were sit-and-wait predators with a projectile firing of their tongue. This finds a whole new understanding of the entire lineage, providing insights into their hunting strategy.
A research team led by the University of Bonn has reconstructed four newly found beetle species using computer tomography, providing insights into their morphology and evolutionary history. The study suggests that beetles suffered a decrease in diversity during the Cretaceous period as plants transitioned from gymnosperms to angiosperms.
An international team detected DNA from ambrosia beetles trapped in recent tree resin for less than seven years. The study challenges previous fails in finding DNA in older samples and opens up new possibilities for genetic research.
Researchers at Oregon State University have identified four new species of parasitic, cockroach-killing ensign wasps that became trapped in tree resin and fossilized into amber 25 million years ago. The discovery reveals the wasps' long history of controlling cockroach populations and sheds light on their behavior.
A new study introduces a 'traffic light' system to monitor blood glucose levels, enabling certificated pilots with insulin-treated diabetes to work as commercial pilots. The protocol has been implemented in the UK, Ireland, and Austria, resulting in a significant increase in individuals with diabetes working in safety-critical jobs.
Fossilized ostracods found in 100-million-year-old amber reveal evidence of sexual intercourse, including male clasper, sperm pumps, hemipenes, eggs, and female seminal receptacles. This discovery provides insights into ancient ostracod autoecology and reproductive behavior.
Researchers measure neurological responses to light pollution in wildlife, finding both magpies and pigeons' sleep disrupted by artificial white and amber lighting. The study suggests that using short-term solutions like switching off porch lights and installing sensor lights can help mitigate the impact of light pollution on bird sleep.
Scientists discovered colorful insect specimens in 99-million-year-old amber fossils, revealing the secrets of true coloration. The study sheds light on the behavior and ecology of ancient animals, providing insights into ecosystems in the deep geological past.
The Pan-European Atlas of In-Stream Barriers provides a comprehensive overview of river fragmentation in Europe, revealing that over 85% of barriers are small structures like weirs. Removing these barriers can help restore stream connectivity and minimize ecological impacts.
Scientists at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences have developed a biomaterial that promotes an immune response to encourage repair and lowers the risk of inflammation in damaged bone tissue. The technology is designed to deliver microRNA silencers, increasing cells responsible for bone repair.
The COMPASS experiment at CERN is analyzing the proton's inner structure using particle collisions and complex algorithms. The team confirmed a theoretically expected sign change in the Sivers function, which relates to quark orbital motion inside the proton.
A fossil trove from Southern Gondwana has shed light on the ecology of ancient Australia and New Zealand, preserving the oldest known animals and plants. The findings include rare 'frozen behaviour' of long-legged flies, oldest known fossil ants, and first Australian fossils of a tiny insect species.
Researchers discovered four new beetle species in 99 million-year-old amber fossils from Myanmar, which helped flowering plants spread and benefited the beetles. The beetles' adaptability allowed them to form a mutually beneficial symbiosis with the emerging angiosperms.