Latest news with #dinosaur
Sustainability Times
12 hours ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Hidden for 80 Million Years': Rare Dinosaur Egg Reveals Stunning Secrets Through Groundbreaking CT Scan Analysis
IN A NUTSHELL 🦖 Paleontologists conducted CT scans on a rare dinosaur egg and a Giant Beaver skull at the New York State Museum. and a at the New York State Museum. 🔬 The scans revealed hidden internal structures, offering new scientific insights into these ancient species. into these ancient species. 🤝 The collaboration between the museum and Albany Medical Center highlights the importance of interdisciplinary efforts in paleontological research. in paleontological research. 📚 The findings promise to enhance our understanding of prehistoric life and serve as a valuable resource for educators and researchers. In an exciting collaboration between the New York State Museum and Albany Medical Center, paleontologists have embarked on a groundbreaking journey to uncover ancient secrets hidden within two rare artifacts: a dinosaur egg and a Giant Beaver skull. Utilizing advanced CT scanning technology, experts aim to delve deeper into the internal structures of these artifacts, offering a glimpse into the past that promises to revolutionize our understanding of these extinct species. This initiative not only highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration but also sets the stage for future discoveries that will enrich our knowledge and appreciation of natural history. Unraveling the Mysteries of the Duck-billed Dinosaur Egg The dinosaur egg under scrutiny is believed to belong to the Hadrosaur family, commonly known as duck-billed dinosaurs, which roamed the earth during the late Cretaceous Period. This egg, estimated to be between 70-80 million years old, provides a unique opportunity to explore the reproductive habits of these fascinating creatures. Although its exact origin is thought to be Asia, Hadrosaurs had a wide distribution, including regions in the Northeastern United States. The CT scan, while not definitive in identifying an embryo due to insufficient density variations, has revealed encouraging results. The egg's structural integrity appears intact, and the presence of a small internal cavity has opened new avenues for research. Scientists are eager to investigate this cavity further to determine its contents or significance. This discovery underscores the importance of ongoing paleontological research, which continues to shed light on the lives of extinct creatures. Remarkably, a recent discovery in Mongolia revealed a massive hadrosaurid footprint measuring approximately 35 inches across, further exemplifying the continuous advancements in our understanding of these ancient beings. As researchers delve deeper into the mysteries of the dinosaur egg, the potential for groundbreaking insights into the life and times of Hadrosaurs remains immense. '8,000 Dinosaur Bones Found': Canada's Fossil Graveyard Reveals One of the Most Terrifying Prehistoric Mass Death Sites Ever Unearthed Unlocking Secrets of the Rare Giant Beaver Skull The second artifact subjected to CT scanning is the skull of a Giant Beaver, scientifically known as Castoroides ohioensis. This extinct Pleistocene epoch rodent rivaled the size of a modern black bear, making it one of the largest beavers to have ever existed. The New York State Museum's collection includes the first described skull of this species, marking it as an invaluable specimen for scientific study. The examination of the Giant Beaver's skull through CT scans promises to yield unprecedented insights into its anatomy. Researchers anticipate discovering more about its diet, behavior, and evolutionary journey during the Ice Age. The extinction of the Giant Beaver, likely around 10,000 years ago, is attributed to a combination of climatic shifts and habitat destruction, offering a cautionary tale of environmental change. Dr. Robert Feranec, Director of Research and Collections, emphasizes the significance of these scans in enhancing our understanding of extinct creatures. The expertise of the scientists involved, combined with cutting-edge technology, allows for a closer look at these ancient relics, shedding light on their reproductive and developmental patterns. As research continues, the potential for new revelations about the Giant Beaver remains high. This Prehistoric Armored Fish From 465 Million Years Ago Could Be the Key to Understanding Why Our Teeth Still Hurt Collaborative Efforts in Scientific Exploration The success of the CT scans is a testament to the power of collaboration between different scientific disciplines. The partnership between the New York State Museum's paleontologists and radiological experts at Albany Medical Center has been pivotal in advancing this research. Such collaborations are crucial for unlocking and preserving the rich history of New York State and, by extension, our understanding of prehistoric life. The insights gained from the scans serve as momentum, propelling researchers closer to unveiling the secrets within the dinosaur egg and Giant Beaver skull. As museum researchers continue to analyze the data in the coming weeks and months, the anticipation for new findings grows. These efforts not only contribute to our scientific knowledge but also inspire future generations to appreciate and explore the wonders of natural history. Michael Mastroianni, Interim Deputy Commissioner of Cultural Education, highlights the long-term value of the information obtained from these scans. It will serve as an invaluable resource for researchers and educators, ensuring that the knowledge gained will benefit scientific inquiry and public education for years to come. 'Lost City Rises Again': Submerged Indian Metropolis Stuns Archaeologists and Forces a Rethink of All Human Civilization Timelines The Future of Paleontological Discovery As the research unfolds, the potential discoveries from the dinosaur egg and Giant Beaver skull hold significant promise for the field of paleontology. These findings could redefine our understanding of extinct species, offering a more comprehensive view of their lives and environments. The use of advanced technology like CT scanning represents a leap forward in our ability to explore and document ancient history with unprecedented detail. The continued analysis of these artifacts will likely yield new insights, further enriching our comprehension of the natural world. As we reflect on these scientific advancements, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our past to inform our future. The collaboration between institutions and the dedication of researchers play a vital role in ensuring that these treasures from the past are not only studied but celebrated. What other hidden secrets might be waiting to be discovered within the collections of museums around the world, and how might they shape our understanding of our planet's history? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.3/5 (26)
Yahoo
a day ago
- Science
- Yahoo
A new species of dinosaur was discovered sitting in a jar since 2005
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, BGR may receive an affiliate commission. A new species of dinosaur has been discovered after its fossil sat in a jar in a museum for 20 years. The Bolg amondol, which is named after the goblin from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, was first discovered in 2005, according to New Scientist. However, its fossil sat in a jar in the back of the Natural History Museum of Utah until recently when Hank Woolley spotted it and finally popped off the top. Woolley, who is the leader author on a new study published in Royal Society Open Science, says, 'I opened this jar of bones labeled 'lizard' at the Natural History Museum of Utah, and was like, oh wow, there's a fragmentary skeleton here.' Today's Top Deals Best deals: Tech, laptops, TVs, and more sales Best Ring Video Doorbell deals Memorial Day security camera deals: Reolink's unbeatable sale has prices from $29.98 Woolley says he then went on to identify the new species of dinosaur as a raccoon-sized lizard. The study was published this month, and breaks down the discovery and what we know about B. amondol so far. The species is believed to be an ancient ancestor to modern Gila monsters and is estimated to have roamed the Earth around 76 million years ago. Finding new species is always an exciting prospect, as it unlocks new information about our planet's storied past. Sure, we're still not 100% sure how life on Earth originated, or even if the these creatures would have continued living had Earth not been struck by the asteroid that killed all the dinosaurs. But with this discovery, we unlock a little more of the story. Woolley says they went with the name of the creature from The Hobbit because he thinks of these lizards as 'goblin-like,' especially when looking at their skulls. This is another example of how huge discoveries like this can sometimes go years without being uncovered, as storage can often become bogged down with skeletons in jars and other collection materials. Still, it's exciting to see a new species of dinosaur added to the list, especially when it is something that was found somewhere like southern Utah. Back when B. amondol roamed the Earth, Utah would have likely been a sub-tropical region. That's a marked difference from the often dusty landscapes we know and love today. More Top Deals Amazon gift card deals, offers & coupons 2025: Get $2,000+ free See the
Sustainability Times
2 days ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'I Seen Predatory Horse With Razor Teeth': Scientists Unveil 86-Million-Year-Old T. Rex Ancestor That Redefines Dinosaur Evolution
IN A NUTSHELL 🦖 Khankhuuluu mongoliensis is an 86-million-year-old dinosaur species discovered in Mongolia, providing new insights into tyrannosaur evolution. is an 86-million-year-old dinosaur species discovered in Mongolia, providing new insights into tyrannosaur evolution. 📜 The fossils fill a crucial gap in the evolutionary timeline, linking smaller ancestors to the giant Tyrannosaurus rex . . 🐎 This medium-sized predator, roughly the size of a horse, relied on speed and agility rather than bone-crunching power. 🔍 The study, led by researchers at the University of Calgary, highlights the dynamic evolution of tyrannosaurs over millions of years. In a remarkable discovery, paleontologists have unearthed a new piece in the evolutionary puzzle of the Tyrannosaurus rex. A recent study has brought to light a medium-sized predator that roamed the Earth 86 million years ago, offering fresh insights into the lineage of these iconic dinosaurs. This creature, identified from fossils found in Mongolia, fills a crucial gap in our understanding of how the mighty T. rex evolved from its smaller ancestors. The species, named Khankhuuluu mongoliensis, or 'the dragon prince,' provides a fascinating glimpse into the past, allowing us to trace the fascinating journey from small predators to the apex predators we know today. The Discovery of Khankhuuluu Mongoliensis The discovery of Khankhuuluu mongoliensis marks a significant milestone in paleontological research. Originally unearthed in the 1970s in the Bayanshiree Formation of southeastern Mongolia, these fossils were initially misclassified. It wasn't until researchers Jared Voris and Dr. Darla Zelenitsky from the University of Calgary revisited the site in 2023 that the true nature of these fossils was uncovered. The team noted the distinctive features of the remains, particularly the hollow snout bone, which pointed clearly to an early member of the tyrannosaur family. This species, roughly the size of a horse, weighed around 1,653 pounds and measured 13 feet in length. Its discovery provides a new understanding of the evolutionary sequence leading to the Tyrant Lizard King, the T. rex. The name Khankhuuluu, translating to 'the dragon prince,' is a nod to its role as a precursor to one of the most iconic predators in history. This Prehistoric Armored Fish From 465 Million Years Ago Could Be the Key to Understanding Why Our Teeth Still Hurt The Missing Evolutionary Gap For years, the evolutionary path of tyrannosaurs from small creatures to the colossal T. rex remained a mystery, with significant gaps in the fossil record. These dinosaurs began their journey around 150 million years ago during the Jurassic period as modest-sized tyrannosaurids. It was only in the late Cretaceous period that they grew into the giants we are familiar with today. The newly identified fossils of Khankhuuluu mongoliensis are crucial in filling this gap. They offer a rare glimpse into a transitional phase, illustrating how these dinosaurs evolved from smaller predators to become the dominant force in their ecosystems. The discovery of these fossils not only enhances our understanding of tyrannosaur evolution but also highlights the dynamic changes that occurred during their ascent to dominance. '8,000 Dinosaur Bones Found': Canada's Fossil Graveyard Reveals One of the Most Terrifying Prehistoric Mass Death Sites Ever Unearthed Physical Characteristics and Lifestyle Khankhuuluu mongoliensis, with its lean build and significant size, was an adept hunter. Unlike its massive descendants, this species had a long, shallow skull, indicating it lacked the ability to crunch bones like the T. rex. Instead, it relied on speed and agility, similar to modern-day mesopredators like coyotes, to hunt and capture prey. The presence of tiny, rudimentary horns on its head suggests that these features might have played a role in mating rituals or intimidation displays. Over time, these features evolved into the more prominent horns seen in later tyrannosaurs such as Albertosaurus. The creature's unique combination of features underscores the diversity and adaptability of the tyrannosaur lineage, providing a deeper understanding of the evolutionary pressures that shaped these formidable predators. 'This Thing Shouldn't Exist': Scientists Stunned as Humanity Witnesses This Deep-Sea Monster Alive for the First Time Ever Implications for Tyrannosaur Research The discovery of Khankhuuluu mongoliensis has profound implications for the study of tyrannosaurs. By bridging a critical gap in the fossil record, it allows scientists to trace the evolutionary trajectory of these dinosaurs with greater accuracy. This newfound knowledge not only enriches our understanding of tyrannosaur evolution but also offers broader insights into the ecological dynamics of prehistoric times. Researchers continue to study the fossils to uncover more about the lifestyle and environment of this fascinating creature. The ongoing analysis of its physical characteristics and the ecological context in which it lived promises to shed light on the evolutionary adaptations that enabled tyrannosaurs to thrive and diversify into some of the largest land predators in history. The discovery of Khankhuuluu mongoliensis opens new avenues for research and invites us to ponder the incredible journey of evolution. As we continue to uncover the mysteries of these ancient creatures, what other secrets might the past hold about the rise of the world's most fearsome predators? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (21)
Fast Company
4 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
New York City's plan to turn subway platforms into art galleries
The New York City subway is not a glamorous scene to behold. Between the grime, the crime, and the occasional scurrying rat, it is best experienced in small doses and only when the need arises. Unless, that is, you're traveling through Grand Army Plaza. As of May this year, anyone passing through the Brooklyn transit hub will be stopped in their tracks by a 7-foot tall, papier-mâché T-Rex looming over what may well be New York City's most outlandish bodega. Titled Rex's Dino Store, the bodega is located inside one of the city's defunct newsstand kiosks. It features newspapers with titles like The Maul Street Journal, Jurassic Park Slope, and various pun-laden products like a 'Steg-Yun' poster and 'Snarlboro' cigarettes, all purchasable with a 'Master-claw' card. Alas, none of the items on display at the bodega are actually for sale, since it is an art installation more akin to a diorama. 'We are also glad to bring some whimsy to MTA riders' commute,' says artist Sarah Cassidy, who created the project with artist Akiva Leffert. 'Even if you're having a bad day, it's difficult to resist a good dinosaur pun.' Subscribe to the Design latest innovations in design brought to you every weekday SIGN UP Privacy Policy | Fast Company Newsletters But according to Mira Atherton, a senior manager in the MTA's real estate department and the curator of the initiative, Rex's Dino Store marks a turning point for the initiative, which has primarily grown through word-of-mouth. 'It's in a very visible part of the station, and it's such a fun and creative and loud activation,' she says. 'In the past month, I've gotten so many inquiries from artists.' The vacancy struggle The MTA has long struggled to fill its retail spaces. Of the roughly 195 retail units scattered throughout the subway system, only 52 are open for business, reflecting a staggering 75% vacancy rate that has worsened since the pandemic stalled foot traffic. Previous attempts to reinvigorate them have included leasing to coffee kiosks, and ATMs. Some have floated more radical ideas. Assembly member and NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has proposed transforming these unused spaces into crisis and drop-in centers to assist unhoused New Yorkers. His $10 million initiative would fund outreach workers stationed inside empty units, offering immediate care and connecting individuals to longer-term services. Meanwhile, the goal of the Vacant Unit Activation Program is to enchant the transit experience by bringing moments of unexpected delight into the city's drab underground corridors. Might these art installations eventually attract paying tenants? Atherton says that hasn't happened yet—but it's not off the table. And if a commercial partner does express interest in a location, the art installations don't necessarily have to go the way of the T-Rex. 'The hope is it will inspire retailers—but that could work for an entire corridor rather than a single unit,' she says, noting that some subway stations have more than one vacant unit. A problem with a solution Atherton was entrusted with the project in January 2023. At the time, she says, the vacancies were 'a problem with no solution.' First, she considered launching a design challenge for architecture and design students, or bringing on a master tenant to program the spaces, but ultimately, she landed on an open call for artists and cultural organizations. It launched in November 2023 with a purposefully non-prescriptive brief. 'We don't want to say 'this is what you should do,'' says Atherton. 'The point is that the MTA doesn't know. I would have never thought of putting a dinosaur in a bodega.' (The program is entirely separate from the better-known MTA Arts & Design initiative, which has its own budget and commissions permanent mosaics, murals, and digital works across various subway stations.) The first installation opened in May 2024 and was created by artist Natalie Collette Wood, in partnership with the nonprofit ChaShaMa. Titled Urban Oasis: Nature in Transit, it was located at Fifth Avenue and 53rd Street, where Collette Wood transformed an empty store into a lush, plant-filled terrarium, granting New Yorkers an unexpected pocket of calm in Midtown Manhattan. At the time of writing, a total of eight stations feature active art installations, each with their own focus and flair. At 50th Street, in Manhattan, an installation titled Safe Space by artist Traci Johnson imagines a pink, plush interior designed to provide the comfort of a mother's womb. At 81st Street, near the Museum of Natural History, an interactive piece called SoundBooth invites passersby to plug in their instruments for a spontaneous busking session. And at Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue, the Queens-based nonprofit Los Herederos has turned a former retail unit into a vibrant, community-inspired space that doubles as a home base for their web radio station, LH Radio. A play on the subway? Urban Oasis at 53rd Street, offering a fresh perspective on the same stretch of corridor. And later this year, if all goes to plan, Atherton hopes to unveil her most ambitious idea inside a long-abandoned unit at the Port Authority Bus Terminal. The idea? An as-of-yet-undefined collaboration with a theater group called Jewel Box, which already hosts plays in a speakeasy-style room. 'There's a ton of vacant space that's difficult to program because the electrical systems are outdated and the power supply is very limited,' she says, but she's determined to get creative. At Grand Army Plaza, the MTA had to undertake some construction to make the kiosk usable. Cassidy and Leffert faced several challenges and bureaucratic hurdles, from securing artist insurance to fireproofing the materials—including Rex himself—but they say the delays only gave them more time to sculpt a better dinosaur. (The entire installation cost about $5,000 out of pocket.) Initially, the pair had proposed an immersive sound installation, but the MTA rejected the idea on safety grounds. Sound equipment, for example, would require live supervision, and there was no budget for that. So, they went back to the drawing board. The kiosk already had a newsstand with a countertop and shelving in place, so the cogs started turning. 'A bodega… on the moon? A bodega… for cats? It was an old bodega. So how old was it? A bodega for dinosaurs?' From there, Cassidy says, 'the puns started to write themselves.' The final deadline for Fast Company's Next Big Things in Tech Awards is Friday, June 20, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply today.
CNN
12-06-2025
- Science
- CNN
‘Dragon prince' dinosaur discovery is changing how scientists understand T. rex
Sign up for CNN's Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. CNN — Scientists have identified a previously unknown 86 million-year-old dinosaur species that fills an early gap in the fossil record of tyrannosaurs, revealing how they evolved to become massive apex predators. Researchers analyzing the species' remains have named it Khankhuuluu mongoliensis, which translates to 'dragon prince of Mongolia,' because it was small compared with its much larger relatives such as Tyrannosaurus rex, whose name means 'the tyrant lizard king.' The newly identified dinosaur was the closest known ancestor of tyrannosaurs and likely served as a transitional species from earlier tyrannosauroid species, according to the findings published Wednesday in the journal Nature. Based on a reexamination of two partial skeletons uncovered in Mongolia's Gobi Desert in 1972 and 1973, the new study suggests that three big migrations between Asia and North America led tyrannosauroids to diversify and eventually reach a gargantuan size in the late Cretaceous Period before going extinct 66 million years ago. 'This discovery of Khankhuuluu forced us to look at the tyrannosaur family tree in a very different light,' said study coauthor Darla Zelenitsky, associate professor within the department of Earth, energy, and environment at the University of Calgary, in an email. 'Before this, there was a lot of confusion about who was related to who when it came to tyrannosaur species. What started as the discovery of a new species ended up with us rewriting the family history of tyrannosaurs.' Multiple migrations over millions of years Tyrannosaurs, known scientifically as Eutyrannosaurians, bring to mind hulking dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus rex and Tarbosaurus, which weighed multiple metric tons and could take down equally large prey. With short arms and massive heads, they walked on two legs and boasted sharp teeth, Zelenitsky said. But tyrannosaurs didn't start out that way. They evolved from smaller dinosaurs before dominating the landscapes of North America and Asia between 85 million and 66 million years ago, the researchers said. While Tarbosaurus, an ancestor of T. rex, clocked in at between 3,000 and 6,000 kilograms (6,613 pounds and 13,227 pounds), the fleet-footed Khankhuuluu mongoliensis likely weighed only around 750 kilograms (1,653 pounds), spanned just 2 meters (6.5 feet) at the hips and 4 meters (13 feet) in length, according to the study authors. Comparing the two dinosaurs would be like putting a horse next to an elephant —Khankhuuluu would have reached T. rex's thigh in height, Zelenitsky said. 'Khankhuuluu was almost a tyrannosaur, but not quite,' Zelenitsky said. 'The snout bone was hollow rather than solid, and the bones around the eye didn't have all the horns and bumps seen in T. rex or other tyrannosaurs.' Khankhuuluu mongoliensis, or a closely related ancestor species, likely migrated from Asia to North America across a land bridge between Alaska and Siberia that connected the continents 85 million years ago, Zelenitsky said. Because of this migrant species, we now know that tyrannosaurs actually evolved first on the North American continent and remained there exclusively over the next several million years, she said. 'As the many tyrannosaur species evolved on the continent, they became larger and larger.' Due to the poor fossil record, it's unclear what transpired in Asia between 80 million to 85 million years ago, she added. While some Khankhuuluu may have remained in Asia, they were likely replaced later on by larger tyrannosaurs 79 million years ago. Meanwhile, another tyrannosaur species crossed the land bridge back to Asia 78 million years ago, resulting in the evolution of two related but very different subgroups of tyrannosaurs, Zelenitsky said. One was a gigantic, deep-snouted species, while the other known as Alioramins was slender and small. These smaller dinosaurs have been dubbed 'Pinocchio rexes' for their long, shallow snouts. Both types of tyrannosaurs were able to live in Asia and not compete with each other because the larger dinosaurs were top predators, while Alioramins were mid-level predators going after smaller prey — think cheetahs or jackals in African ecosystems today, Zelenitsky said. 'Because of their small size, Alioramins were long thought to be primitive tyrannosaurs, but we novelly show Alioramins uniquely evolved smallness as they had 'miniaturized' their bodies within a part of the tyrannosaur family tree that were all otherwise giants,' Zelenitsky said. One more migration happened as tyrannosaurs continued to evolve, and a gigantic tyrannosaur species crossed back into North America 68 million years ago, resulting in Tyrannosaurus rex, Zelenitsky said. 'The success and diversity of tyrannosaurs is thanks to a few migrations between the two continents, starting with Khankhuuluu,' she said. 'Tyrannosaurs were in the right place at the right time. They were able to take advantage of moving between continents, likely encountering open niche spaces, and quickly evolving to become large, efficient killing machines.' Revisiting a decades-old find The new findings support previous research suggesting that Tyrannosaurus rex's direct ancestor originated in Asia and migrated to North America via a land bridge and underscore the importance of Asia in the evolutionary success of the tyrannosaur family, said Cassius Morrison, a doctoral student of paleontology at University College London. Morrison was not involved in the new research. 'The new species provides essential data and information in part of the family tree with few species, helping us to understand the evolutionary transition of tyrannosaurs from small/ medium predators to large apex predators,' Morrison wrote in an email. The study also shows that the Alioramini group, once considered distant relatives, were very close cousins of T. rex. What makes the fossils of the new species so crucial is their age — 20 million years older than T. rex, said Steve Brusatte, professor and personal chair of Palaeontology and Evolution at the University of Edinburgh. Brusatte was not involved in the new study. 'There are so few fossils from this time, and that is why these scientists describe it as 'murky,'' Brusatte said. 'It has been a frustrating gap in the record, like if you suspected something really important happened in your family history at a certain time, like a marriage that started a new branch of the family or immigration to a new country, but you had no records to document it. The tyrannosaur family tree was shaped by migration, just like so many of our human families.' With only fragments of fossils available, it's been difficult to understand the variation of tyrannosaurs as they evolved, said Thomas Carr, associate professor of biology at Carthage College in Wisconsin and director of the Carthage Institute of Paleontology. Carr was not involved in the new research. But the new study sheds light on the dinosaurs' diversity and clarifies which ones existed when — and how they overlapped with one another, he said. More samples from the fossil record will provide additional clarity, but the new work illustrates the importance of reexamining fossils collected earlier. 'We know so much more about tyrannosaurs now,' Carr said. 'A lot of these historical specimens are definitely worth their weight in gold for a second look.' When the fossils were collected half a century ago, they were only briefly described at the time, Brusatte said. 'So many of us in the paleontology community knew that these Mongolian fossils were lurking in museum drawers, waiting to be studied properly, and apt to tell their own important part of the tyrannosaur story,' he said. 'It's almost like there was a non-disclosure agreement surrounding these fossils, and it's now expired, and they can come out and tell their story.'
