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UT San Antonio-led research team discovers compound in 500-million-year-old fossils, shedding new light on Earth’s carbon cycle

A UT San Antonio-led research team identified chitin in trilobite fossils over 500 million years old, offering new insights into fossil preservation and the long-term carbon cycle. This discovery has significant implications for understanding how organic carbon is stored in Earth's crust over geologic time.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalPalaios·DateFeb 6, 2026
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Trilobite fossils from upstate New York reveal “extra” set of legs

A new study finds that a trilobite species from upstate New York has an additional pair of head appendages, helping researchers better understand how trilobite heads are segmented. The discovery expands on previous findings and proposes a model for how appendages were attached to the head.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalPalaeontology·DateSep 12, 2024

Prehistoric Pompeii discovered: Most pristine trilobite fossils ever found shake up scientific understanding of the long extinct group

Researchers have discovered exceptionally preserved trilobite fossils, over 500 million years old, that provide detailed information about the anatomy and behavior of these ancient creatures. The findings, published in Science, reveal new insights into the evolution of life on Earth.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2024

Unveiling ancient secrets: 3D preservation of trilobite soft tissues sheds light on convergent evolution of defensive enrollment

A new study has shed light on the convergent evolution of defensive enrollment in arthropods by analyzing 3D-preserved trilobite soft tissues. The fossils, which date back to the Ordovician Period, show that trilobites used a unique mechanism to protect their vulnerable soft tissues with their hard exoskeletons.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateDec 20, 2023

Trilobites rise from the ashes to reveal ancient map

Researchers uncover 10 new trilobite species in Thai sanctuary, shedding light on Cambrian-Ordovician period and connecting Thailand to parts of Australia. The discovery helps date the age of fossils and better understand global geography.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPapers in Palaeontology·DateNov 21, 2023

The trilobites’ guide to surviving environmental change

A new study reveals how Aulacopleura, an ancient sea-dwelling trilobite, developed variable mid-section segments to tolerate dips in local oxygen levels. This adaptation allowed the species to thrive despite being preyed upon by larger predators.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 7, 2023
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

New eyes discovered in trilobites

Scientists uncover evidence of median eyes in trilobites, which were previously unknown due to fossilization process. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of arthropods and provides a new tool for classifying species.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2023

New Geology articles published online ahead of print in May

Researchers investigate protogenetic clinopyroxene inclusions for diamond dating and find implications for understanding Earth's mantle processes. They also study Andean deformation and its relation to flat slab subduction and tectonic inheritance.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateJun 2, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Clasper appendages discovered in mid-Cambrian trilobite show horseshoe crab-like mating behavior

Researchers discovered fossilized trilobite appendages exhibiting characteristics similar to those found in male horseshoe crabs. These findings suggest a unique mating strategy, where males use the appendages to grasp females during reproduction, providing insight into the reproductive behavior of ancient complex animals.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalGeology·DateMay 6, 2022

Primordial ‘hyper-eye’ discovered

A team of researchers has found a 390-million-year-old hyper-facet eye system in trilobites that is unique to the animal kingdom. The discovery suggests that this ancient eye may have been an adaptation for life in low light conditions, and could provide insights into the evolution of visual systems.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateSep 30, 2021

450-million-year-old sea creatures had a leg up on breathing

A new study has found evidence of sophisticated breathing organs in 450-million-year-old trilobites, revealing they breathed oxygen and had structures resembling gills on their thighs. This discovery helps piece together early animal evolution and situates trilobites between older arthropods and crustaceans.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 31, 2021

Collective behavior 480 million years ago

Researchers studied fossilized Moroccan Ampyx trilobites and found evidence of orderly lines during storms, suggesting ancient group behavior. This discovery implies that group behavior may have conferred an evolutionary advantage on early animals, allowing them to survive environmental stress.

SourceCNRS·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 17, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

New 'king' of fossils discovered in Australia

A new species of trilobite, Redlichia rex, has been found in Australia, providing insights into the Cambrian 'explosion' and the evolution of defence mechanisms. The discovery reveals a giant size and formidable legs, suggesting an 'arms race' with predators.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Systematic Palaeontology·DateJun 13, 2019

Reconstruction of trilobite ancestral range in the southern hemisphere

Brazilian researchers used biogeographic analysis to study trilobites, arthropods that became extinct over 252 million years ago. They found paleobiogeographic patterns among trilobites and inferred their ancestral range in the southern hemisphere.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 9, 2019

Compound eyes a continuous feature of evolution

Researchers discovered the structure and functioning of a half-billion-year-old fossil trilobite's compound eye, showing similarities with modern compound eyes. The ancient eye consists of 100 subunits with eight sensory cells each, but lacks a lens, suggesting its development may have predated modern forms.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 6, 2017
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Early trilobites had stomachs, new fossil study finds

Exceptionally preserved trilobite fossils reveal that at least two species evolved a stomach structure 20 million years earlier than thought. This discovery contradicts previous assumptions about trilobite digestive systems and evolution, suggesting a more complex evolutionary history.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 21, 2017

Trilobite eggs in New York

Researchers have discovered the first occurrence of in situ preserved trilobite eggs from the Lorraine Group in upstate New York. The eggs are spherical to elliptical in shape and nearly 200 micrometers in size, providing valuable insights into the reproductive biology of ancient arthropods.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateFeb 23, 2017

Fossils found reveal unseen 'footprint' maker

Researchers discovered fossils of a previously unknown trilobite species that left distinctive fossil footprints around the ancient supercontinent Gondwana. The discovery reveals unique leg structures and digestive systems, providing insights into trilobite behavior and biology.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 16, 2017
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

New geology research explores intriguing questions

Researchers use radar to predict sinkholes and analyze ancient ambers for clues about paleobotany. Serpentinization in seafloor environments reveals hydrogen generation and its impact on the deep biosphere. Vast landmasses form above sea level, while trilobites venture into upper intertidal zones.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateDec 18, 2013

Fossils record ancient migrations and trilobite orgies

Mass trilobite burials record communal behaviors similar to those in modern crustaceans, including molting, mating, and migratory queues. These 'geologic snapshots' preserve life position and molted exoskeletons, providing evidence of rapid burial and minimal disturbance.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateMar 16, 2011

Earth's first great predator wasn't

New 3D modeling of Anomalocaris' mouth parts reveals they were flexible, not hard like teeth. This challenges the long-held idea that it preyed on trilobites with hard shells. The investigation also found no signs of wear on the mouth parts, which further supports a soft-food diet.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateNov 1, 2010
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Rare armor-plated creature discovered in Canada's capital

Scientists have unearthed a rare, 450-million-year-old fossil of an armor-plated creature, known as Plumulitid machaeridian, in downtown Ottawa. The discovery provides important evidence of how annelid worms evolved and sheds light on their unique body armor.

SourceWiley·JournalPalaeontology·DateMar 16, 2010

August Geology and GSA Today media highlights

Scientists investigate how volcanic ash affects ecosystems, find evidence of ancient desert landscapes and discover fossilized bone marrow in 10 million-year-old amphibians. Researchers also analyze the erosion rates of the Alps and explore the origins of zircon crystals.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateJul 21, 2006

Built-in eyeshade offers clue to prehistoric past

Researchers have discovered a complete specimen of phacopoid trilobite Erbenochile, featuring giant eyes with unique lobes that resemble lens shades or baseball hat brims. This finding provides new insights into the evolution and behavior of these ancient creatures.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScience·DateSep 18, 2003
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Geologist helps to revive 'layer cake' model of stratigraphy

A geologist is helping to revive the 'layer cake' model of stratigraphy by tracing major events from Ontario and New York into Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky using advanced techniques. These methods allow for high-resolution recognition of events and tracking of small-scale events over large areas.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateNov 5, 2001