Articles tagged with Amber
A new genus found in 99-million-year-old Burmese amber reveals the evolutionary origin of scorpionflies' distinctive long mouthparts. The discovery sheds light on the early evolution of pollinators and challenges previous assumptions about the development of fleas.
Researchers from the University of Bonn analyzed a 15-20 million year old Anolis lizard forefoot preserved in Dominican Republic amber. Despite initial appearance, the bone showed significant chemical transformation and decomposition.
Researchers found a 110-million-year-old fossilized plant gum, which defies previous assumptions that it couldn't be preserved due to its water-soluble properties. The discovery sheds new light on the survival of plant chemicals in fossils and has significant implications for understanding ancient ecosystems.
A team of scientists has discovered the oldest known fossilized slime mold, dating back 100 million years. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of myxomycetes, revealing key adaptations that allowed them to thrive in ancient environments.
Researchers discovered 25 springtails attached to a large winged termite and ant in 16-million-year-old amber from the Dominican Republic, showing a new type of hitchhiking behavior among soil-dwelling arthropods. This discovery highlights how symphypleonan springtails successfully achieved dispersal worldwide.
A beetle preserved in mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber exhibits a suite of features suggesting its role as a pollinator, including curved body and fine hairs for holding pollen. The discovery deepens the history of insect pollination by around 50 million years, dating back at least to 99 million years ago.
A newly discovered fossilized beetle with pollen on its legs has pushed back the earliest known physical evidence of insect flower pollination to 99 million years ago. The discovery provides insight into the evolution of plants and animals during this time period.
Researchers have discovered evidence of beetle pollination in Cretaceous Burmese amber, confirming a key contributor to the Cretaceous radiation of angiosperms. The discovery extends the history of insect pollination of flowering plants by around 50 million years.
Researchers find over 100 insect larvae in amber, providing new evidence on the ecology of Eocene-era forests. The discovery supports a warm-to-temperate seasonal humid forest ecosystem interpretation, and offers insights into the evolution of dipteran larvae.
Scientists have discovered a new family of microinvertebrates from the mid-Tertiary period, dating back 30 million years. The 'mold pigs' exhibit characteristics with both tardigrades and mites but belong to neither group.
Four new species of extinct Paradoxosisyrinae were discovered in Burmese amber, revealing nectar-feeding habits and inefficient proboscis design. Researchers found the insects could not seal their proboscis for effective nectar uptake, limiting their ability to feed on deep-flowered plants.
A large survey of adults in sub-Saharan Africa found that bribery is a major obstacle to healthcare access, with those who paid bribes four times more likely to report difficulties. The study suggests that efforts to address corruption may be needed to achieve universal health coverage.
Researchers have discovered a bird foot from 99 million years ago preserved in amber that had a hyper-elongated third toe, measuring 9.8 millimeters, which is 41 percent longer than its second toe and 20 percent longer than its lower leg bone. The bird, named Elektorornis chenguangi, likely used its toes to hook food out of tree trunks.
A rare marine ammonite shell, identified as a juvenile from the Late Albian to Early Cenomanian age of the Cretaceous Period, is preserved in Burmese amber. The discovery suggests that the amber was formed on a beach with resin-producing trees close enough to the water to capture both terrestrial insects and remains of marine organisms.
Scientists have discovered a 99-million-year-old piece of amber containing diverse coastal organisms, including sea snails, slaters, and terrestrial creatures like mites and spiders. The finding sheds light on the unique preservation process that trapped these animals in the amber.
A tiny millipede measuring only 8.2 mm was discovered in 99-million-year-old amber in Myanmar, drastically deviating from its contemporary relatives. The species, Burmanopetalum inexpectatum, is the smallest amongst its order and has been classified into a new suborder, showcasing the diversity of ancient arthropods.
Researchers analyzed six Iberian prehistoric beads and found that some had a multilayered coating made of tree resins, likely used to imitate amber's translucence. The study suggests unscrupulous traders may have substituted fake amber for true amber in tomb sites.
Researchers have discovered fossilized spider eyes with a reflective tapetum, enabling the ancient spiders to hunt at night. The unique preservation of these features in Korean shale has provided valuable insights into the biology and diversity of extinct spider families.
Fossilized newborns and egg shells found together in 130-million-year-old Lebanese amber provide the first direct evidence of how tiny insects hatched in deep time. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of the hatching mechanism used by modern green lacewings.
The study reveals over 450 millipede fossils, including those from 13 main orders, with the oldest known fossils found within the studied amber. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of millipedes and their diversification over time.
A new species of insect, Propiestus archaicus, found in Burmese amber is a relative of modern flat rove beetles that lived under tree bark. The beetle's flattened body and short legs suggest it was adapted to life in the Late Cretaceous era, helping scientists understand how continents shifted millions of years ago.
Researchers found that Sicilian amber traveled to Western Europe as early as the 4th Millennium BC, at least 2,000 years before Baltic amber arrived in Iberia. This challenges previous suggestions of direct trade between Scandinavia and Iberia.
New archaeological evidence reveals extensive Mediterranean exchange networks for amber resources in Late Prehistory, with Sicilian amber arriving earlier than previously thought. The trade routes suggest Iberians engaged in significant exchange with the North and South, challenging previous hypotheses on amber origin.
Researchers found fossil Myrmeleontiformia fauna from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber, shedding light on the ecological niche and lifestyle of extinct species. Statistical analysis showed a correlation between morphological traits and hunting strategies, including camouflaging and fossoriality.
Scientists discovered four ancient frog fossils in Myanmar amber, dating back to the Cretaceous period, providing direct evidence of frogs living in wet, tropical forests. The fossils include a well-preserved juvenile frog species named Electrorana limoae, which challenges current understanding of frog evolution and diversification.
A 100-million-year-old tick discovered in Burmese amber provides insight into the intricate relationship between ticks and spiders. The ancient arachnid is bound in spider silk, offering a unique snapshot of this interaction.
Scientists have discovered a 99-million-year-old featherwing beetle preserved in amber, named 'Jason'. The beetle has been found to have unique features not seen in modern featherwings, but also shares many similarities with its living relatives.
A new study reveals that European rivers have a much higher density of barriers than previously thought, with up to one barrier per kilometer. A newly developed smartphone app, Barrier Tracker, is now available to help document and update this information.
A new species of arachnid resembling a spider with a tail has been discovered in 100-million-year-old amber from Myanmar. The finding provides insight into arachnid evolution and suggests that tailed descendants may still be alive today.
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 species of damselfly, Mesosticta davidattenboroughi, has been discovered in mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber and named after Sir David Attenborough. The fossil is extremely well-preserved, showing a complete set of wings, and provides new insights into the past appearance of a rare group of damselflies.
Researchers have discovered three new species of fungus gnats in Indian amber, closely resembling their European fossil relatives. This discovery disproves the concept of a strongly isolated Indian subcontinent, suggesting regular faunal exchange between India and Europe.
A newly published study documents an orchid fossil trapped in Baltic amber, shedding light on the family's evolutionary history. The discovery, published in Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, pushes the record for oldest orchid fossil to over 45 million years.
Fossils of ancient termite-loving rove beetles, named Cretotrichopsenius burmiticus, reveal that ancient termite societies were quickly invaded by beetles about 99 million years ago. The discovery pushes back the fossil record of termitophiles by 80 million years.
Researchers at AMBER Centre have fabricated the first printed transistors consisting entirely of 2-dimensional nanomaterials, opening the path for industry to cheaply print electronic devices. The breakthrough could unlock applications such as smart food packaging and labels, and even window panes displaying weather forecasts.
Scientists discovered fossilized red blood cells from a mammal, along with the only known fossils of a parasite that still exists today, Babesia microti. The preserved blood cells provide insight into the evolution of diseases we struggle with today.
A team of scientists has discovered intact mushroom and mycophagous rove beetles in 99-million-year-old Burmese amber, shedding light on the early evolution of fungi. The findings suggest a long-term evolutionary stasis of body form for at least 99 million years.
Scientists discovered a highly specialized beetle from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber, revealing morphological traits for capturing springtails. This finding pushes back the age of such predation by at least 54 million years, providing new insights into Cretaceous terrestrial ecosystems.
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a new order of insect, Aethiocarenodea, featuring a 100-million-year-old specimen with a triangular head and alien-like features. The species has been named Aethiocarenus burmanicus and is believed to be an omnivore with special adaptations to survive in ancient forests.
Scientists have discovered fossils of biting midges encased in amber from the Indian subcontinent, showing a strong similarity with examples from Europe and China. The findings indicate that the Indian subcontinent was not isolated during its migration towards Eurasia and Asia around 54 million years ago.
Researchers have discovered a dinosaur tail complete with its feathers trapped in a piece of amber. The tail, from a juvenile theropod, is surrounded by feathers that preserve 3D and microscopic detail.
Researchers have created extremely sensitive sensors using graphene-infused silly putty, which can measure breathing, pulse, and blood pressure with unprecedented sensitivity. The material shows promise for applications in medical devices and diagnostics, offering a potentially inexpensive alternative to traditional sensors.
Researchers used a combination of measurements to gather detailed information on problematic carbon-based deposits in catalysts, known as coke. They found that uneven distribution of aluminum in zeolite catalysts caused coke buildup, which blocks chemical reactions vital to fuel production and other processes.
Trinity researchers have been awarded €4.4 million in European funding to develop a new class of magnetic materials enabling ultra-fast data transfer at unprecedented speeds. The TRANSPIRE project aims to lay the foundations for high-speed data networks of the future.
Researchers have identified a unique insect with characteristics from various insects but no known relatives. The 100-million-year-old wingless wasp, named Aptenoperissus burmanicus, belongs to the newly created family Aptenoperissidae within the order Hymenoptera.
Scientists have discovered a 54 million-year-old fossilized biting midge in amber, revealing an unusual vesicular structure at the front edge of its wings. This structure was likely used by the female midge to collect and spray pheromones for attraction, unlike modern biting midges that use simpler methods.
A new study reveals that certain beetles, such as hidden-snout and toe-winged beetles, were pollinating orchids 20 million years ago. This discovery suggests that these beetles may have played a more significant role in orchid reproduction than previously thought.
A rare 50-million-year-old Baltic amber discovery shows an ancient insect, similar to a walking stick, escaping its skin and fleeing into freedom as tree sap flows over the remaining exoskeleton.
Fossil record reveals ancient insect behavior of debris-carrying and camouflage, providing insight into early evolution. Convergent evolution led to diverse adaptations in morphological characteristics.
Researchers analyzed amber fossils of Cretaceous insects, finding complex camouflage strategies dating back over 100 million years. Insects employed plant residue, grains of sand, and even prey remains to blend in with their surroundings.
A new study from Harvard Medical School reveals that pure green light significantly reduces photophobia and headache severity in patients with migraines. The narrow band of green light is least likely to exacerbate migraine, providing a potential therapeutic option for sufferers.
A newly discovered Microwhip scorpion fossil from the Mesozoic period has been found in Burmese amber. The fossil, named Electrokoenenia yaksha, is a tiny, yellowish creature that lived alongside dinosaurs 100 million years ago.
Researchers uncover fossil flowers from the genus Strychnos, a family of plants that produced poisonous strychnine and curare. These ancient plants are found to have evolved toxic alkaloids for defense against herbivores.
Lena Struwe, a Rutgers University botanist, has identified two flowers encased in ancient amber as belonging to a newly discovered species within the Strychnos genus. The discovery highlights the existence of many undiscovered plant species hidden away in natural history collections worldwide.
Researchers discovered well-preserved ancient ant species in Burmese amber, revealing evidence of social behavior dating back to the Cretaceous period. The findings suggest that ants were highly competitive and territorial, with some species exhibiting unusual characteristics such as mammoth jaws.
Scientists discovered advanced social behavior in 100-million-year-old amber, revealing that ants and termites had sophisticated caste systems tens of millions of years earlier than thought. The fossils preserved the presence of different castes, including queen ants and workers, as well as eusocial behaviors such as combat and foraging.
A tiny beetle fossil, over 99 million years old, has been discovered in Myanmar's Burmese amber, providing tangible evidence for the evolution of the Histeridae family. The fossil, named Cretonthophilus tuberculatus, offers a unique window into the past, revealing details about its anatomy and behavior.
Researchers believe ancient bacteria found in 20 million-year-old fossil may be related to Yersinia pestis, the bubonic plague. The discovery suggests plague may have been around for millions of years before humans existed.
Entomologist Dr. George Poinar Jr. discovers a previously unknown flea genus and species in fossilized Dominican amber, characterized by unique features such as five-segmented maxillary palps. The discovery also reveals the presence of pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria similar to plague-causing pathogens and trypanosomes.
A new species of salamander, Palaeoplethodon hispaniolae, has been found preserved in Dominican amber, dating back over 20 million years. The fossil provides clues to the ecological and geological history of the Caribbean islands, highlighting the region's complex past.