
First-of-its-kind fossil settles long-standing debate
The well-preserved Sinopterus atavismus fossil, found in the Jehol Biota, contained intact gut contents, settling a long-standing debate about their diet.
Researchers discovered an abundance of tiny plant cell particles, known as phytoliths, and small grinding stones, called gastroliths, within the pterosaur's stomach.
The presence of phytoliths and gastroliths, previously found in other herbivorous dinosaurs, indicates the pterosaur consumed full meals consisting only of plants.
This finding, published in the journal Science Bulletin, concludes a scientific debate, as previous theories on pterosaur diets were mainly based on anatomical features or partial remains.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Times
19 minutes ago
- Times
How to stop being a pessimist — by the happiness expert who knows
D o you wish you were a sunnier sort, but find yourself regularly fearing disaster in graphic, convincing detail? A new study from scientists at Kobe University in Japan has found that most optimists think alike, whereas pessimists are far more unique in their gloomy predictions. In scans, when optimists were asked to imagine future scenarios, the same areas of their brains lit up. Pessimists displayed a far more diverse range of brain activity, suggesting that they could more vividly imagine a wider sweep of worst-case scenarios. There's a strong case for wanting to work on one's optimism. 'People who are more optimistic tend to have better physical and mental health,' says Kate Oliver, a chartered psychologist and the co-author of Rise and Shine: How to Transform Your Life, Morning by Morning. Even though there's a degree of mutual causation (good health will likely make you more optimistic, for example), she says: 'Optimists tend to live longer than pessimists, have lower rates of depression and better cardiovascular health because their stress levels are lower.'


The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
The sea animal which could soon be used to predict tornadoes
Researchers are tagging sharks in the Atlantic Ocean to gather critical data for improving hurricane forecasting. Three sharks, including two mako sharks, are fitted with sensors to monitor water conductivity and temperature, key factors influencing hurricane strength. This innovative method utilises sharks as 'ocean sensors' to collect data more efficiently than traditional approaches like satellites or robotic gliders. The information gathered will help scientists better understand hurricane development, predict their paths, and assess their potential intensity. The project plans to tag dozens of sharks annually, integrating their data into hurricane computer models, with careful consideration for the animals' welfare.


The Independent
2 hours ago
- The Independent
Scientists make revelation about origins of life on Earth
Scientists suggest that life on Earth may have originated from outer space, implying its potential widespread presence across the universe. Researchers have discovered complex organic molecules, considered precursors to life's building blocks, within a disc surrounding a protostar. This finding addresses a crucial missing link, demonstrating that these complex molecules can survive the violent process of a protostar evolving into a young star. The survival of these molecules means they can be inherited by planet-forming discs, suggesting that life could be more abundant than previously thought. The significant findings have been reported in a new study published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.