Topic: Research News

Scientists found tiny pieces of original dinosaur molecules in 66-million-year-old bones. This challenges what we thought about fossil preservation.

For a long time, scientists believed that dinosaur fossils were just mineralized rock with no remaining biological material. But now, researchers have discovered strong evidence that some organic molecules, including collagen, still exist inside dinosaur bones from around 66 million years ago.

The study focused on an exceptionally well-preserved Edmontosaurus fossil found in South Dakota's Hell Creek Formation. This large plant-eating dinosaur lived alongside the Tyrannosaurus rex at the end of the Cretaceous Period.

Using advanced laboratory methods, scientists detected remnants of collagen embedded within the fossilized bone. Collagen is a key structural protein found in bone tissue and is difficult to explain away as contamination when found in this context.

Professor Steve Taylor from the University of Liverpool said: 'This research shows beyond doubt that organic biomolecules, such as proteins like collagen, appear to be present in some fossils.' This finding has significant implications, as it refutes the idea that any organics found in fossils must result from contamination.

Implications

Scientists found tiny pieces of original dinosaur molecules in 66-million-year-old bones. This challenges what we thought about fossil preservation.