Fossilized dinosaur eggshells can preserve amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, over millions of years

Calcite, the material making up fossilized eggshells, may preserve amino acids better than bone.

Evan Thomas Saitta, Postdoctoral Scholar in Paleontology, University of Chicago • conversation
April 9, 2024 ~9 min

Growing quickly helped the earliest dinosaurs and other ancient reptiles flourish in the aftermath of mass extinction

By examining fossilized bone tissue, a new study finds rapid growth was an asset for survivors of the Great Dying 250 million years ago, Earth’s largest mass extinction event.

Kristi Curry Rogers, Professor of Biology and Geology, Macalester College • conversation
April 3, 2024 ~9 min


Ancient armored crocodile cousin is a brand new species

A newly identified aetosuar, a heavily armored ancestor of today's crocodiles, is a brand new species.

Monica Kortsha-UT Austin • futurity
March 20, 2024 ~7 min

A brief guide to birdwatching in the age of dinosaurs

If you love learning about dinosaurs don’t let crowdpleasers like the T Rex distract you from the fascinating birdlife that once roamed the Earth.

Abi Crane, Postgraduate Researcher in Palaeontology, University of Southampton • conversation
March 11, 2024 ~6 min

Titanosaurs were the biggest land animals Earth’s ever seen − these plant-powered dinos combined reptile and mammal traits

Some of these giant vegetarians were as tall as a 3-story building. Microscopic analysis of their teeth, bones and eggshells reveals how they grew, what they ate and even their body temperature.

Kristi Curry Rogers, Professor of Biology and Geology, Macalester College • conversation
March 7, 2024 ~9 min

A Nasa mission that collided with an asteroid didn’t just leave a dent – it reshaped the space rock

The mission provided details about how to deflect an asteroid should one threaten Earth in future.

Ian Whittaker, Senior Lecturer in Physics, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
Feb. 26, 2024 ~7 min

Science Celebrating 200 Years of Dinosaur Research

VOA Learning English • voa
Feb. 22, 2024 ~6 min

New tricks show how a bird-like dinosaur actually walked

New tech reveals how the dinosaur walked, how it held its clawed toe off the ground, and how it used its "killing kick" to attack prey.

Jim Shelton-Yale • futurity
Feb. 16, 2024 ~7 min


Newly identified prehistoric pterosaur will help us understand evolution of flying reptiles

The Isle of Skye has a rich palaeontological heritage, so perhaps it’s no surprise scientists made an important discovery there.

Paul Barrett, Individual Merit Researcher, Natural History Museum • conversation
Feb. 6, 2024 ~7 min

Cerebellum growth was key to how birds first took flight

Evolutionary biologists have answered an enduring question in biology: How did the brains of birds evolve to enable them to fly?

Vanessa Wasta-Johns Hopkins • futurity
Feb. 2, 2024 ~7 min

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