Fossils

Tardigrades are notoriously hardy microscopic creatures, but one thing they’re not good at is fossilizing. Now an exceptionally well-preserved, “once-in-a-generation” tardigrade fossil has been found in amber, and assigned to a new species and genus.

Paleontologists have isolated cartilage cells from an exceptionally well-preserved dinosaur fossil. They still contain traces of biomolecules, and the scientists were even able to tell which stage of the natural cycle specific cells were in at death.

Fresh analysis of 54-million-year-old fossils has revealed the oldest known example of cavities among mammals, with prehistoric primates by the name of Microsyops latidens found to suffer from them with increasing regularity.

Your chance to own one of the most iconic dinosaurs is about to come up – provided you have a spare few million and an empty ballroom on hand. The largest known specimen of Triceratops, nicknamed “Big John,” will go up for auction in October.

Scientists have tracked the entire life of a mammoth that lived 17,000 years ago, right down to the week. By studying the isotopes in different parts of its tusk, the team figured out where in Alaska it was at any given point in its 28-year life.

Paleontologists have discovered the largest known flying reptile that ever took to the Australian skies. Named Thapunngaka shawi, this “fearsome dragon” sported a 7-m (23-ft) wingspan and a jaw full of awful jagged teeth.

Two exceptionally well-preserved cave lion cubs have been found in the Siberian permafrost. Tens of thousands of years old, the cubs are among the most complete Ice Age specimens known, allowing close examination to determine how they lived and died.

Researchers have discovered one of the oldest and best-preserved brains in the fossil record. A 310-million-year-old horseshoe crab was found with its complete brain intact, thanks to a previously unknown preservation method.

Amber is amazing at preserving insects and small creatures, but now it might have some competition – fossilized feces. A hapless beetle has become the first species discovered and described after being preserved in poo for 230 million years.

Some of the most intriguing items from the Natural History Museum in London have made their way to Melbourne Museum in Australia. The Treasures of the Natural World exhibition showcases a selection of important artefacts from nature and science.

Anthropologists have discovered a new species of human, known from a single fossil skull. Named Homo longi, or “Dragon Man,” the species appears to be our closest known relative, pipping even Neanderthals.

One of nature’s most intriguing horror stories is that of the fungus that “zombifies” ants to spread its spores. Now, researchers have discovered the oldest known example of this kind of parasite at work, preserved in ancient amber.