Posted on 02/13/2025 12:05:10 PM PST by Red Badger
Close up of the hip bone of an Edmontosaurus. Credit: University of Liverpool
Liverpool researchers’ discovery of collagen in fossilized bones could provide new insights into dinosaurs.
For years, scientists widely believed that the fossilization process destroyed all original organic molecules, leaving fossils devoid of their original biological material.
However, a groundbreaking study led by the University of Liverpool has provided strong evidence that Mesozoic fossils, including dinosaur bones and teeth, still contain preserved organic materials.
Using advanced mass spectrometry and other analytical techniques, researchers detected remnants of collagen in the hip bone of an Edmontosaurus, a duck-billed dinosaur. This discovery helps settle a long-standing debate that has persisted for over 30 years.
The study, published in the journal Analytical Chemistry, used several techniques, including protein sequencing, to detect and characterize bone collagen in the 22-kilogram fossil. The fossil is an exceptionally well-preserved Edmontosaurus sacrum excavated from Upper Cretaceous strata of the South Dakota Hell Creek Formation. It is part of the University of Liverpool’s collections and offers a unique opportunity for cutting-edge analyses.
The fossil is an exceptionally well preserved Edmontosaurus sacrum. Credit: University of Liverpool Key Findings and implications
Professor Steve Taylor, chair of the Mass Spectrometry Research Group at the University of Liverpool’s Department of Electrical Engineering & Electronics, said:
“This research shows beyond doubt that organic biomolecules, such as proteins like collagen, appear to be present in some fossils.
“Our results have far-reaching implications. Firstly, it refutes the hypothesis that any organics found in fossils must result from contamination.
“Secondly, it suggests that cross-polarized light microscopy images of fossil bones, collected for a century, should be revisited. These images may reveal intact patches of bone collagen, potentially offering a ready-made trove of fossil candidates for further protein analysis. This could unlock new insights into dinosaurs– for example revealing connections between dinosaur species that remain unknown.
“Lastly, the findings inform the intriguing mystery of how these proteins have managed to persist in fossils for so long.”
Hip bone of an Edmontosaurus. Credit: University of Liverpool
The research not only appears to resolve a long-standing scientific debate but also opens further avenues for studying ancient life, offering a glimpse into the biochemical preservation of fossils of extinct creatures.
Collaboration across disciplines
The study brought together experts from multiple disciplines:
Researchers from UCLA contributed to the study, using tandem mass spectrometry to detect and quantify—for the first time—the amino acid hydroxyproline, which is specific to collagen when found in bone, thus confirming the presence of decayed collagen.
Researchers from the University of Liverpool’s Mass Spectrometry Research Group conducted protein sequencing and mass spectrometry tests.
Specialists from the University’s Materials Innovation Factory carried out additional analyses to confirm the results.
The Centre for Proteome Research at the University of Liverpool identified fragments of collagen alpha-1, the main form of collagen in bone tissue.
Reference:
“Evidence for Endogenous Collagen in Edmontosaurus Fossil Bone”
by Lucien Tuinstra, Brian Thomas, Steven Robinson, Krzysztof Pawlak, Gazmend Elezi, Kym Francis Faull and Stephen Taylor, 17 January 2025, Analytical Chemistry.
DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c03115
PinGGG!.......................
The question isn’t “ can we clone a dinosaur “ it’s “should we “
Edmontosaurus
They’re not 66 million years old.
Maybe 66 hundred.
The science is settled though, right?
The question isn’t “ can we clone a dinosaur “ it’s “should we “
You’re kidding, right? :)
66 hundred is 6,600 years ago, no?
Maybe you misunderstood something :)
Old ex-hippie, his white hair in a bun, spilling a little arugula-okra salad on his tie dyed shirt and threadbare jeans (In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida heard on a CD player):
“See, Brenda, we knew organic was the way to go.”
We all know what's next...
I believe in young earth creationism.
This
ISWYDT!.....................
In before the McConnell and Pelosi jokes…
Dr. Ian Malcolm
Soft tissue in dinosaur bones have been reported for several years now
https://creation.com/dinosaur-soft-tissue
because we should always follow the scientific consensus?
You can’t sense the con all the time,
but the consensus must be followed all the time!
/sarcasm
Who knew dinosaurs had lips?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.