Los Alamos National Laboratory’s Post

The fossil was discovered in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, a region known for its rich fossil beds and significant paleontological finds. The specific site where the fossil was found is a sedimentary basin that dates back to the Cretaceous period, approximately 70 to 80 million years ago. This area has been the focus of ongoing paleontological research due to its potential for yielding important fossil evidence. https://lnkd.in/d5upFNE6

🦖 "Miracle Fossil: 520-Million-Year-Old Larva Found with Brain and Guts Intact, Rewriting Evolutionary History!" 🔬 A remarkable fossilized larva has been discovered by scientists with its brain and guts still intact. The fossilized creature is one of the earliest ancestors of a group known as arthropods, which includes insects, crabs, and lobsters. A unique window into the past, the ancient critter has allowed experts a chance to better understand evolutionary links between the arthropods of the past and those of the present day. We know what fossils look like. For example, typical dinosaur fossils are bones turned to stone and preserved from the passage of time located, if we’re particularly lucky, in large collections that can be reassembled to represent the beast they used to prop up in their entirety. Fossil Discovery 🦴 520-million-year-old larva fossil found in Naracoorte Caves, South Australia Exceptional preservation with brain, guts, and other soft tissues still intact Evolutionary Significance 🌿 - Provides unprecedented insights into arthropod evolution - Reveals complex structures and developmental links - Challenges previous understanding of early arthropod complexity Preservation Miracle 🔮 - Fossilized in exceptional condition, allowing scientists to study internal structures in 3D - Used synchrotron X-ray tomography to generate detailed images Key Findings 🔍 -Brain Structure: Preserved brain region known as the protocerebrum 🧠 -Digestive System: Primitive circulatory system and digestive glands 🥗 -Nervous System: Traces of nerves supplying simple legs and eyes 🔌 -Evolutionary Connections: Shared developmental biology and evolutionary history between ancient and modern arthropods 🔗 Implications 🌟 -Rewriting Evolutionary History: Challenges previous understanding of arthropod evolution 📚 -Understanding Arthropod Diversity: Sheds light on the origins of arthropod diversity 🌈 -Advancements in Paleontology: Demonstrates potential for new technologies to reveal hidden secrets in the fossil record 🔍 #FossilDiscovery #EvolutionaryMystery #MiracleFossil #ArthropodEvolution #ScientificBreakthrough #Paleontology #AncientLife #FossilRecord #EvolutionaryHistory

Today in the Science Times section of the New York Times print edition, Kenneth Chang has a nice story about a new study on the fascinating question of whether the ginormous theropod Spinosaurus was able to hunt while submerged. I helped out as an editor on the paper, which was authored by Nathan Myhrvold, U. Chicago paleontologist Paul Sereno, and several other paleobiologists. If you like math and dinosaurs, this is the paper for you! You can find it at https://lnkd.in/g299MxsY #dinosaurs #paleontology #paleobiology #Spinosaurus

289 Million Years Old: The Oldest Fossilized Skin Revealed | Aakash Khurana Imagine a creature older than dinosaurs, with skin you can actually see! This mind-blowing fossil rewrites history. #paleontology #fossils #dinosaurs #evolution #science #discovery #nature #history #earth #biology #archaeology #richardsspur #reptileskin #lizard #scales #evolutionofskin #softtissuefossil #paleobiology #paleoart #scientificdiscovery #dinotwitter #fossilsarelit #getoutside #earthscience #naturelover #museumlife The oldest fossilized skin ever found belongs to a small, lizard-like creature that lived about 288 million years ago, predating even the dinosaurs! This remarkable discovery was made in 2024 by paleontologists in Oklahoma, and it sheds new light on the evolution of skin and other soft tissues. The fossilized skin was found in a cave system in Richards Spur, Oklahoma, and it belonged to an animal called Captorhinus aguti. This creature was about the size of a house cat and had a long, slender body with short legs. Its skin was covered in small, overlapping scales, similar to the skin of modern crocodiles. The fact that this skin is so old is truly remarkable. Soft tissues like skin are much more delicate than bones and teeth, and they are typically destroyed by scavengers or decomposed by bacteria. But in this case, the skin was preserved in a unique way. It was buried in a layer of sediment that was quickly covered by another layer of rock. This sealed the skin off from the elements and prevented it from decomposing. The discovery of this fossilized skin is helping scientists to learn more about the evolution of skin and other soft tissues. It also provides new insights into the lives of early land vertebrates. for more info: https://lnkd.in/g-4hWPEq.

Recent research has shed new light on the long-standing theory that some dinosaurs possessed two brains. Contrary to previous beliefs, a study published in the Journal of Vertebrate Palaeontology (actually spelt paleontology in the United States) has challenged this notion by presenting evidence that suggests otherwise. By analysing the structure and function of dinosaur skulls, scientists have found no clear indication of a secondary brain in these ancient creatures. Previous studies suggested that creatures like the Stegosaurus had a secondary brain located in their hips to facilitate coordination of their massive bodies. However, detailed analyses of fossilised skeletal remains have discredited this notion, revealing no evidence of a separate brain structure within these dinosaur species. Moreover, modern understanding of neurology and comparative anatomy has also played a crucial role in debunking the concept of dual-brained dinosaurs. Scientists now believe that complex neural networks within the primary brain would have been sufficient to control bodily functions and movement for these prehistoric creatures. Overall, while the idea of two brains in certain dinosaurs once sparked fascination and curiosity, it has since been disproved through rigorous scientific inquiry and advances in our knowledge of ancient organisms. #DinosaurMyths #PaleontologyFacts #ScienceDebunked #AncientCreatures #NeurologyInNature

A 180-million-year-old ichthyosaur fossil, long overlooked in the palaeontological collections of Musée national d'histoire naturelle Luxembourg, has yielded surprising insights into these ancient marine reptiles. The specimen, discovered in Dudelange, caught the eye of our paleontologist Ben Thuy during preparations for the "Lost Ocean" exhibition in 2021. An international team led by researchers from Lund University in Sweden studied this young ichthyosaur, finding remarkably preserved skin with pigment cells suggesting dark coloration. Analysis of its bones revealed the animal was only about 3 years old when it died. The study, published in the journal Diversity, provides new information on ichthyosaur growth, skin structure, and the environmental conditions that allowed for such exceptional preservation. Researchers used advanced imaging and chemical analysis techniques to examine microscopic details of the creature's anatomy. This discovery highlights the value of museum collections and international collaboration in palaeontology. What began as an exhibition preparation led to a Master's thesis by Ida Bonnevier Wallstedt and a significant scientific publication, offering a glimpse into life in Earth's oceans 180 million years ago and expanding our knowledge of prehistoric marine ecosystems in the Luxembourg region. The project exemplifies how re-examining museum specimens can lead to unexpected scientific breakthroughs, bridging the gap between public education and cutting-edge research in paleontology. Read the whole article here: https://lnkd.in/egcU2rmz See the museum's specimen also on https://lnkd.in/ewqsnDX4

Check out this week's newest Imagine Parent Blog on Paleontology for Kids: A Journey Through Time🦕 https://lnkd.in/gpAjD9iV #Imagine #DreamBig #ImagineParentBlog

Recent research has shed new light on the long-standing theory that some dinosaurs possessed two brains. Contrary to previous beliefs, a study published in the Journal of Vertebrate Palaeontology (actually spelt paleontology in the United States) has challenged this notion by presenting evidence that suggests otherwise. By analysing the structure and function of dinosaur skulls, scientists have found no clear indication of a secondary brain in these ancient creatures. Previous studies suggested that creatures like the Stegosaurus had a secondary brain located in their hips to facilitate coordination of their massive bodies. However, detailed analyses of fossilised skeletal remains have discredited this notion, revealing no evidence of a separate brain structure within these dinosaur species. Moreover, modern understanding of neurology and comparative anatomy has also played a crucial role in debunking the concept of dual-brained dinosaurs. Scientists now believe that complex neural networks within the primary brain would have been sufficient to control bodily functions and movement for these prehistoric creatures. Overall, while the idea of two brains in certain dinosaurs once sparked fascination and curiosity, it has since been disproved through rigorous scientific inquiry and advances in our knowledge of ancient organisms. #DinosaurMyths #PaleontologyFacts #ScienceDebunked #AncientCreatures #NeurologyInNature

🌍 Unveiling the Giant of the Paleozoic Era: The Colossal Arthropleura🌍 For the first time, scientists have uncovered the complete face of Arthropleura, a colossal millipede-like creature and the largest arthropod to ever live. 🦋🔍 🔬 The Discovery: Two well-preserved fossils found in France have solved a centuries-old mystery about this ancient giant, which lived between 346 million and 290 million years ago. This incredible creature could grow up to 8.5 feet (2.6 meters) long and weigh over 100 pounds (45 kilograms). The discovery offers new insights into the evolution and lifestyle of Arthropleura, which thrived in the oxygen-rich forests of the Paleozoic era. 🧬 Unique Features: Using CT scans, researchers revealed that Arthropleura possessed unique stalked eyes, curved antennae, and mandibles resembling those of centipedes. This combination of features puzzled paleontologists for decades, who debated whether it was more closely related to millipedes or centipedes. The complete fossil has now placed Arthropleura in the millipede family, although the discovery of eyestalks—a trait often seen in aquatic animals—suggests juveniles may have lived in water before transitioning to land. 🔍 Evolutionary Insights: As lead researcher Mickaël Lheritier stated, “The stalked eyes remain a big mystery,” leaving plenty of questions about the creature’s evolution. This finding not only solves a key piece of Arthropleura’s story but also opens new doors to understanding the complex adaptations of ancient arthropods. 🌟 A Glimpse into the Past: This discovery is a significant step forward in paleontology, providing a clearer picture of the diverse and fascinating life forms that once roamed our planet. It reminds us of the incredible biodiversity of the past and the ongoing quest to uncover the secrets of ancient life. Let's celebrate this remarkable find and the dedicated scientists who continue to unravel the mysteries of our planet's history! 🎉 #Paleontology #Arthropleura #FossilDiscovery #AncientLife #Evolution #ScienceBreakthrough #PrehistoricCreatures #EarthHistory #MedicalLaboratoryTechnology #Microbiology #Phlebotomy #LaboratoryTesting #DiagnosticTesting #HealthcareProfessional #MedicalTesting #ClinicalLaboratory #BiomedicalScience #HealthcareIndustry #MedicalScience #LaboratoryMedicine #ClinicalMicrobiology #InfectionControl #PhlebotomyTechnician #MedicalLabTechnician #MicrobiologyLab #ClinicalLab #HealthcareCareer #MedicalCareer #ScienceCareer #COVID19Testing #Virology #Bacteriology #Parasitology #MolecularDiagnosis #GeneticTesting #Cytology #Histopathology #Immunology #Serology

Iron-Clad Teeth of Komodo Dragons: A Fascinating Discovery Scientists have recently discovered an iron layer on the teeth of Komodo dragons, the largest living lizards, which can grow up to four meters in length and hunt large prey, including Asian water buffaloes. Their teeth are incredibly sharp, serrated, and backward-curved, inflicting deep, jagged wounds on their victims through powerful neck and body movements. These formidable teeth resemble those of predatory dinosaurs, making Komodo dragons a valuable subject of study for insights into these ancient reptiles. While examining museum specimens, researchers noticed that the tips and serrated edges of Komodo dragon teeth exhibit an orange hue, a feature observed even in very young dragons whose teeth are still developing and hidden in their gums. Chemical and physical tests revealed that this coloration is due to iron compounds, which concentrate in the functional areas of the teeth. This iron enrichment adds strength and resistance to wear, potentially providing an additional benefit of acid resistance. Komodo dragons frequently regurgitate indigestible materials like hair and horns, exposing their teeth to stomach acid in the process. Interestingly, Komodo dragons are not the only creatures with iron-reinforced teeth. Similar iron-rich coatings have been found on the teeth of other monitor lizards, some crocodilians, beavers, shrews, and even certain fish. However, the iron concentration in Komodo dragons’ teeth is notably higher. Researchers are now investigating whether this characteristic was present in dinosaurs, as clues for future studies have already emerged, though iron in the teeth of ancient reptiles has yet to be confirmed. #Science #KomodoDragon #IronTeeth #Paleontology #Herpetology