Latest news with #JustinStebbing
NDTV
14-06-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Dinosaur Fossil With Cancer Offers New Clues For Human Treatment, Say Scientists
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists from the UK and Romania have found evidence of cancer in a 70-million-year-old dinosaur fossil - a Telmatosaurus transsylvanicus. The cow-sized herbivore, which lived in what is now Romania, showed signs of a tumour in its jaw. What makes the find even more significant is the presence of soft tissue structures resembling red blood cells near the tumour site, identified using high-powered microscopy. The presence of preserved soft tissue, which contains proteins, may provide molecular-level insights into diseases like cancer. This rare preservation could help scientists study how such diseases developed in ancient species and inform current medical research. The authors of the new study highlight the necessity of prioritising the collection and preservation of fossilised soft tissue, rather than just dinosaur skeletons, as future advancements in molecular techniques will enable deeper insights into disease evolution. A separate study had previously identified evidence of cancer in Telmatosaurus transsylvanicus, indicating its deep evolutionary roots. Senior author Justin Stebbing, Professor of Biomedical Sciences at Anglia Ruskin University, said,"Dinosaurs, as long-lived, large-bodied organisms, present a compelling case for investigating how species managed cancer susceptibility and resistance over millions of years. "Proteins, particularly those found in calcified tissues like bone, are more stable than DNA and are less susceptible to degradation and contamination. This makes them ideal candidates for studying ancient diseases, including cancer, in palaeontological specimens. "Unlike skeletal structures alone, soft tissues contain proteins that provide molecular information that can reveal the underlying biological mechanisms of disease." "Our research, using relatively underused methods, invites further exploration that could hold the key to future discoveries that could benefit humans. However, long-term fossil conservation efforts must be coordinated to ensure that future researchers have access to specimens suitable for cutting-edge molecular investigations."
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists Found Cancer in a Dinosaur – And It Might Help Save Human Lives
At first glance, dinosaur fossils and modern cancer research may seem worlds apart. But a new study suggests that soft tissue preserved for millions of years inside ancient bones could offer valuable insights into how cancer works – and how we might treat it today. Researchers from the UK and Romania examined the fossilized remains of a Telmatosaurus transsylvanicus dinosaur, a small, cow-sized 'marsh lizard' that lived around 66–70 million years ago in what is now Romania. Using high-powered microscopy, the team discovered structures resembling red blood cells (or erythrocytes), linked to a tumor in the dinosaur's jaw, which a previous study discovered. It's a discovery that suggests small flecks of soft tissue may be preserved in fossils more often than we thought – and that means there's much more we can figure out about these ancient creatures, including any diseases they had. "Unlike skeletal structures alone, soft tissues contain proteins that provide molecular information that can reveal the underlying biological mechanisms of disease," says oncologist Justin Stebbing, from Anglia Ruskin University in the UK. "Our research, using relatively underused methods, invites further exploration that could hold the key to future discoveries that could benefit humans." For example, finding fragments of soft dinosaur tissue like those described here could prove to be crucial in understanding cancer mechanisms and how they've evolved, the researchers suggest. Large animals like whales and elephants have evolved ways of protecting themselves against cancer, and it's possible that dinosaurs could have, too. Understanding these ancient biological adaptations might one day inform new approaches to cancer prevention or treatment in humans. Careful preservation of these samples is key, however: we can assume that future scientific advances will be made in analysis equipment, but those upgrades won't be as significant without any dinosaur tissue to study. "Dinosaurs, as long-lived, large-bodied organisms, present a compelling case for investigating how species managed cancer susceptibility and resistance over millions of years," says Stebbing. "It is crucial that long-term fossil conservation efforts are coordinated to ensure that future researchers have access to specimens suitable for cutting-edge molecular investigations." The dinosaur that was the focus of this study had an ameloblastoma tumor, a tumor type still found in humans today. That the dinosaurs roamed Earth for millions of years means the potential is there to see how cancer may have changed over that time – and how the afflicted species may have adapted. And while it may seem implausible that anything organic could survive for so long, it is possible – as this new study shows – so we can see how genetics, biology, and environmental pressures helped to cause cancer in the Late Cretaceous. "Proteins, particularly those found in calcified tissues like bone, are more stable than DNA and are less susceptible to degradation and contamination," says Stebbing. "This makes them ideal candidates for studying ancient diseases, including cancer, in paleontological specimens." The research has been published in Biology. Here's Why Rational People Skip Vaccines Even When They Trust Science Softgel Capsules Draw Concerns Over Toxic Shells. Here's What to Know. Your Breathing Pattern Is as Unique as a Fingerprint, Study Finds
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Dinosaurs had cancer 70 million years ago, new study offers clues for cancer treatment
Dinosaurs, the colossal rulers of prehistoric Earth, were not immune to the ailments that still plague modern animals, including cancer. In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have confirmed that a duck-billed dinosaur that lived 70 million years ago suffered from a benign tumour. The fossilised remains of Telmatosaurus Transsylvanicus, found in present-day Romania, contained evidence of a jaw tumour known as ameloblastoma. The condition, still seen in humans today, offers a rare and remarkable link between ancient and modern biology. This finding opens new doors for studying the evolution of diseases and their relevance to human health. Fossil evidence of cancer in dinosaurs Researchers studying the fossil of Telmatosaurus transsylvanicus used high-resolution imaging to identify the presence of ameloblastoma, a benign tumour typically affecting the jaw. While fossilised evidence of disease has been found before, this discovery provides the clearest and most scientifically verified case of cancer in dinosaurs to date. A link between dinosaurs and humans by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The fact that the tumour resembles those found in humans is especially significant. Scientists believe this connection between species separated by millions of years could reveal crucial insights about how cancer has evolved. It suggests that certain diseases have long biological histories, rooted deep in evolutionary time. New methods unlock ancient secrets Teams from Imperial College London and Anglia Ruskin University used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine the fossil. They discovered structures resembling red blood cells and preserved proteins, which is remarkable for a 70-million-year-old specimen. Unlike DNA, which degrades over time, proteins can survive and offer new paths for studying ancient life. What dinosaurs can teach us about cancer Understanding how large-bodied, long-lived animals like dinosaurs managed diseases could help researchers develop new cancer treatments. Scientists believe that ancient species may have evolved unique cancer-suppression mechanisms, which could inspire future approaches in human medicine. Preserving fossils for future discoveries The study also highlights the importance of fossil conservation. As molecular science continues to evolve, ancient remains could hold answers to medical questions of the future. "We need to ensure these specimens are preserved for ongoing research," said study co-author Justin Stebbing. A new frontier in medicine and palaeontology This discovery bridges the gap between palaeontology and modern medical science, showing that studying ancient life isn't just about the past. It may help shape the future of disease understanding and treatment. As more fossils are studied with advanced techniques, scientists hope to uncover even more about the hidden health histories of Earth's oldest inhabitants.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Dinosaurs Had Cancer, Too, According to a Staggering New Study
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Here's what you'll learn when you read this story: Over the years, scientists have found examples of cancerous tumors within the fossilized bones of ancient dinosaurs. A new study analyzes the fossil of the duck-billed hadrosaurid Telmatosaurus transsylvanicus and found proteins that help pinpoint molecular marks of disease in ancient species. This animal's particular cancer—a benign tumor of the jaw called ameloblastoma—also impacts humans, so scientists are exploring whether understanding the disease in its ancient context could lead to novel therapies in our current epoch. Whether depicted in textbooks or Hollywood films, dinosaurs are often portrayed as powerful beings with sharp jaws, thick hides, and indomitable strength. But just like us, it turns out, dinosaurs were susceptible to a variety of illnesses, diseases, and cancers. Over the years, scientists have actually discovered cancerous tumors clinging to fossilized bone, giving us insight into the ancient life of this deadly malady. In 2016, a team of U.S. and Romanian scientists announced the discovery of a tumorous fossil belonging to a 70-million-year-old duck-billed hadrosaurid (Telmatosaurus transsylvanicus) that once roamed the Hateg Basin in present-day Romania. Finding tumors along with dinosaur fossils is relatively rare, and cancer specialists at Imperial College London and Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in the U.K. had different interests in this particular specimen. 'We wanted to see if this tumor in the dinosaur could give us any information about any parallel with human cancers,' Biancastella Cereser, a co-author of the study from Imperial College London, told The Independent, 'because the tumor that this dinosaur had was an ameloblastoma, a benign tumor in the jaw, which humans have as well.' The results of their inquiry, published in the journal Biology, found that using advanced techniques like scanning electron microscopy (SEM) could recover structures resembling red blood cells, proving that soft tissues and cellular components are more common in fossils than previously believed. And before any Jurassic Park fans ask, that does not include DNA. 'Jurassic Park isn't right, because what they said is dinosaur DNA could be recovered and cloned to resurrect dinosaurs, but we can't get DNA out of this because it's broken down by weathering and time,' Justin Stebbing from ARU told The Independent. Luckily, proteins found in calcified tissues are much more stable, and provide the perfect opportunity for studying the ancient history of cancers that inflict us today. By analyzing how cancers impacted extinct species, the authors hypothesize that they might be able to uncover new methods of cancer suppression. 'Dinosaurs, as long-lived, large-bodied organisms, present a compelling case for investigating how species managed cancer susceptibility and resistance over millions of years,' the authors wrote. 'The identification of tumors, such as the ameloblastoma in Telmatosaurus transsylvanicus, suggests that cancer was not an anomaly but a recurring biological challenge in prehistoric ecosystems.' The researchers are also stressing the importance of preserving specimens for molecular investigations like this. They hope that the information hidden in the fossils of these long-dead animals can now help protect the lifeforms that inherited the planet these dinos once called home. 'Our research, using relatively underused methods, invites further exploration that could hold the key to future discoveries that could benefit humans,' Stebbing said in a press statement. 'It is crucial that long-term fossil conservation efforts are co-ordinated to ensure that future researchers have access to specimens suitable for cutting-edge molecular investigations.' You Might Also Like The Do's and Don'ts of Using Painter's Tape The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?
Newsweek
02-06-2025
- Science
- Newsweek
How Dinosaurs Could Help Us Fight Cancer
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Dinosaurs might be more than just fascinating relics of the past—they could help pave the way towards new and better treatments for cancer. This is the conclusion of a new study by researchers from the Anglia Ruskin University and Imperial College London, both in England, that reveals that dinosaur fossils still carry biological clues—specifically, preserved proteins—that can teach us how ancient species dealt with diseases like cancer. Their research, published in the journal Biology, could pave the way for future medical breakthroughs. "Dinosaurs, as long-lived, large-bodied organisms, present a compelling case for investigating how species managed cancer susceptibility and resistance over millions of years," explained paper author and Anglia Ruskin oncologist professor Justin Stebbing. Representative SEM images of fossilized erythrocyte-like structures, highlighting surface topography and density-dependent contrast. Representative SEM images of fossilized erythrocyte-like structures, highlighting surface topography and density-dependent contrast. Angela Ruskin University/Angela Ruskin University A Closer Look at Ancient Tissues The team closely examined the fossilized remains of Telmatosaurus transsylvanicus—a plant-eating "marsh lizard" that lived some 70 million years ago in what is now Romania. Using a high-powered microscope, they found red blood cell-like shapes hidden in the fossil. These, the team say, are preserved well enough to still reveal information about the dinosaur's biology. This discovery opens up exciting new opportunities to study ancient diseases—including cancer—at the molecular level and highlights the importance of preserving fossilized soft tissues, not just skeletal remains. The study of ancient diseases through fossilized soft tissues offers a unique opportunity to trace the evolutionary history of cancer and how it relates to species' life-history strategies. Dinosaurs such as T. transsylvanicus can provide useful insights, with evidence like the identification of a tumor (ameloblastoma) suggesting that cancer was a recurring biological challenge in prehistoric ecosystems. As so-called "paleoproteomic" techniques improve, these tissues may help detect ancient proteins and tumor-suppressor pathways. Why Proteins Matter Normally, DNA breaks down over time, especially over millions of years. But proteins—especially those found in hard tissues like bones—can survive much longer. That's why they're so valuable. "Proteins, particularly those found in calcified tissues like bone, are more stable than DNA and are less susceptible to degradation and contamination," said Stebbing. "This makes them ideal candidates for studying ancient diseases, including cancer, in paleontological specimens." Looking to the Future Interestingly, a previous study had already found evidence of cancer in Telmatosaurus, suggesting that the disease has deep evolutionary roots. By studying it in extinct animals, researchers hope to gain new insights into how cancer behaves, adapts, and might be better treated in humans. "Unlike skeletal structures alone, soft tissues contain proteins that provide molecular information that can reveal the underlying biological mechanisms of disease," said Stebbing. "Our research, using relatively underused methods, invites further exploration that could hold the key to future discoveries that could benefit humans." The scientists emphasize that fossil conservation is more important than ever—not just the bones, but the delicate soft tissues that might still hold secrets waiting to be uncovered. However, Stebbing added, "it is crucial that long-term fossil conservation efforts are coordinated to ensure that future researchers have access to specimens suitable for cutting-edge molecular investigations." Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about dinosaurs? Let us know via science@ Reference Chandrasinghe, P. C., Cereser, B., Bertazzo, S., Csiki-Sava, Z., & Stebbing, J. (2025). Preserving Fossilized Soft Tissues: Advancing Proteomics and Unveiling the Evolutionary History of Cancer in Dinosaurs. Biology, 14(4).
