Latest news with #LateCretaceous
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Science
- Indian Express
Dinosaur fossil unearthed beneath Colorado museum's parking lot
In a surprising event, scientists at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, in Colorado, US, have unearthed a rare dinosaur fossil. And not from a faraway dig site, but from right beneath the museum's own parking lot! The discovery, revealed by the museum on July 9, came during a routine drilling operation in January aimed at evaluating the feasibility of switching to geothermal energy. As the team extracted a cylindrical rock core from 760 feet below the surface, they encountered a fossilised vertebra measuring about 2.5 inches in diameter. It turned out to be the oldest and deepest dinosaur fossil ever found within Denver's city limits, according to the museum's release, cited by CNN. The partial vertebra is believed to belong to an herbivorous, bipedal dinosaur from the ornithopod group, a category of plant-eating dinosaurs that includes duck-billed hadrosaurs. Though scientists were unable to identify the exact species, the fossil dates back more than 67 million years, placing it in the Late Cretaceous period. 'We knew those dinosaurs were nearby in other parts of Colorado or Wyoming, but we didn't know that they were in Denver, too,' said Dr James Hagadorn, the museum's curator of geology, as per CNN reports. 'Now, we have another plant eater that's been cruising around Denver munching on, who knows, gingers and palm leaves and other ferns and plants 67 million years ago.' The museum, which houses about 115,000 fossils in its collection, has now placed the ornithopod vertebra on public display. Hagadorn noted that there are only two other known instances worldwide of a dinosaur bone being found through a core sampling project, making this fossil likely the first of its kind ever showcased in a museum. Despite the fossil's importance, the rest of the dinosaur's remains will remain underground. 'Unfortunately, we can't excavate our entire parking lot. Parking is really important at the museum and in all cultural centres,' Hagadorn joked according to CNN. 'But the bonus here is that people can now park right on top of a dinosaur.' The drilling project initially aimed to explore alternative energy sources, not fossils. 'It's like the lucky strike,' Hagadorn told CNN. The museum team has since used satellite and elevation data to date the new fossil and others in the Denver region more precisely. Their findings, published in Rocky Mountain Geology in June, offer a clearer picture of Denver's ancient inhabitants, which include not just ornithopods but also Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, and Torosaurus. 'No one ever dated these things before,' said Hagadorn. 'Today, we were able to use some specialised maps, geologic maps, GIS and really precise elevations that you can now get from satellites to place all these things in space and then in time.' (With inputs from CNN)
Al-Ahram Weekly
7 days ago
- Science
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Mangroves against climate change - Features - Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt has been pioneering the propagation of mangrove forests to fight climate change and develop its blue and green economy. Climate change is a major concern worldwide, and different countries are making efforts to adapt to its effects and mitigate its impacts. Egypt is highly vulnerable to climate change, as has been shown in rising temperatures, heat waves, the rise in the sea level, and dust storms, and it has been pioneering regional efforts to adapt as a result. It is working on several projects to propagate mangrove forests along its coastlines as part of the fight against climate change and of the presidential initiative to grow 100 million trees. Various organisations have launched projects to expand mangrove forests along the Red Sea coasts in particular. Mangrove plantations not only help to improve environmental conditions, due to their ability to absorb and store carbon dioxide, but they can also enhance the social and economic well-being of local communities. Mangrove trees grow in saltwater or in areas of low salinity. They thrive along tropical and subtropical shorelines, particularly in tidal zones. The oldest known fossils of mangroves date back to 75 million years ago, when the mangrove first appeared during the Late Cretaceous to Paleocene eras. It then spread due to the movement of the Earth's tectonic plates. One project focused on mangrove cultivation in Egypt was initiated by the Environment Without Borders Foundation headed by Adel Abdallah Suleiman. He said that the project is concerned with conserving and propagating mangrove trees in Wadi Al-Gemal (Valley of the Camels) in the Red Sea region. 'The project, which began in 2024 and runs until 2028 under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Environment, is in line with national efforts to address environmental challenges and promote sustainability as well as the principles of the blue economy,' Suleiman said. 'Leveraging the vital role of mangrove trees in carbon storage and climate change mitigation, the project will continue to generate revenues from carbon storage for 20 years, serving as a model for nature-based solutions. It also revives long-suspended conservation and propagation programmes, which had been halted due to limited resources at the Wadi Al-Gemal reserve.' 'The project adopts a modern scientific approach, utilising tissue culture techniques that promise high success rates and address the challenges that hindered previous propagation efforts,' Suleiman said. 'It is aligned with the goals of the National Climate Change Strategy 2050, which prioritises mitigating climate change impacts through sustainable, nature-based solutions. It also supports the objectives of the National Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2030 and the Biodiversity Finance Initiative. Expanding mangrove areas and leveraging green finance opportunities enhance ecosystem resilience and the absorption of the greenhouse gases that promote climate change.' The Wadi Al-Gemal reserve is benefiting on multiple fronts from the project, with 2,000 people from the local community expected to participate in project activities. 'Mangroves are an important habitat for bees, which produce some of the world's finest honey, prized for its nutritional value, from mangrove forests. Apiaries have been established in the Wadi Al-Gemal forests, helping to create new job opportunities for local residents.' As part of the project's efforts to rehabilitate and restore the area's mangrove ecosystems, '5,000 seedlings have been propagated in the reserve's greenhouse, in addition to 4,000 in collaboration with researchers from the Desert Research Centre. Some 8,000 seedlings have been planted at two sites in the vicinity of the reserve,' Suleiman said. A 200-square-metre greenhouse has been rehabilitated to provide optimal conditions for seed germination, and agreements have been signed with three local groups, each consisting of 30 members, that are engaged in seed collection and planting under the supervision of specialists. Suleiman said that a seed-collection programme was launched in collaboration with the reserve team, which involved diving into deep mangrove channels. Thus far, 7,000 seeds fit for planting have been collected. In addition, seeds were propagated in the greenhouse at Wadi Al-Gemal, with a survival rate of over 88 per cent. 'Planting efforts have been concentrated at four sites —Safaga, Hamata, Shalateen in the Red Sea governorate, and the Nabq Nature Reserve in the South Sinai governorate. These locations were selected to maximise the project's economic, environmental, and tourism benefits,' Suleiman said. 'Some 2,000 seedlings were planted at two of the four targeted sites, and an additional 6,000 were planted in the other two areas. The project targets planting 300,000 seedlings over the four years of its duration, covering a total area of 500 feddans,' he added. BENEFITS OF MANGROVES: 'Mangroves are vital trees in many coastal environments. They serve as a natural barrier between marine and terrestrial ecosystems, protecting shorelines from wind, floods, and waves. They also play a key role in improving water quality by filtering pollutants, trapping sediments, and reducing coastal erosion,' said Sayed Khalifa, an expert in mangrove cultivation, head of the Agricultural Syndicate, and secretary-general of the Union of African Agricultural Engineers. 'Environmentally, mangroves provide critical habitats for a wide variety of species. Many coastal and marine fish and shellfish depend on mangrove ecosystems as key spawning and breeding grounds, benefiting from the trees' high salinity tolerance and the protection they offer,' Khalifa said. 'Mangrove forests are important to the economic and urban development projects taking place along the Red Sea and in the Gulf of Aqaba. They generate high economic returns, with ecotourism in mangrove reserves contributing an estimated $500 million annually,' he noted. 'But these trees are endangered the world over,' he added, stressing that it is important to monitor mangrove trees throughout their growth until they mature into forests. These are 'productive and vital ecosystems whose impact extends beyond the areas they occupy. In Egypt, mangroves grow in limited zones along the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba, all of which have been designated as protected natural reserves,' Khalifa said. 'Expanding mangrove cultivation is key to adapting to climate change, safeguarding coastal zones from climate-related risks, and fostering social and economic stability. Egypt's mangrove forest projects align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Africa's Agenda 2063, and the objectives of the Global Environment Facility.' Because of their capacity to store greenhouse gases and protect coastlines, offering four times the protection of tropical forests, Khalifa suggested launching a national campaign to plant more mangrove trees. President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi has also instructed further planting to develop Egypt's green economy and protect its biodiversity, he added. 'Egypt is experiencing a success story in mangrove propagation and cultivation, thanks to rigorous scientific research. The country now boasts a new generation of young researchers, agricultural engineers, and technicians specialising in this field, many of whom are now being sought after by neighbouring countries for assistance in launching similar projects,' Khalifa stated. The Arab-African Youth Forum for the Coastal Environment, held 12 times in Hurghada on the Red Sea, invites young people to participate in its activities, which include planting mangrove seedlings along the beaches of Safaga in the Red Sea governorate, said Mamdouh Rashwan, secretary-general of the Arab Union for Youth and the Environment. 'This and other activities are meant to promote ecotourism, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and encourage the expansion of sustainable tourism projects in the area,' he stated. The forum is organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment, the Arab League, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and coordinated by the Arab Union for Youth and the Environment. Rashwan warned that rising temperatures associated with climate change have adversely affected mangrove growth and led to the degradation of several sites along the Red Sea coast. This, he said, necessitates coordinated efforts to rehabilitate and expand the mangrove forests. In August, Egyptian, Arab, and African university students will resume planting mangrove seedlings during the 13th Arab-African Youth Forum for the Coastal Environment in Hurghada, he said, noting that Egypt is now positioned as a hub for training, propagation, and the regulation of mangrove-related economic activities across Africa and the Middle East. * A version of this article appears in print in the 17 July, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
66-million-year-old fossil egg found in Antarctica may change what we know about sea reptiles
A strange-looking fossil egg that had been sitting unnoticed in a museum for years is finally getting the attention it deserves– and it's offering a glimpse into Antarctica's ancient marine life. The egg, which was found decades ago on Seymour Island in Antarctica, had puzzled researchers for a long time. It was large, soft-shelled, and oddly deflated, which earned it the nickname 'The Thing' at Chile's National Museum of Natural History, where it was kept. For years, no one knew exactly what it came from. But now, scientists believe it likely belonged to a massive marine reptile– possibly a type of sea lizard or ancient snake– that lived more than 66 million years ago, during the age of dinosaurs. Fossil from the Age of Dinosaurs The fossil egg– estimated to be between 66 and 68 million years old– was found by a Chilean team in the same rocky area where dinosaur bones had previously been uncovered. It's a big one too. At around 29 by 20 centimeters (roughly 11 by 8 inches), it's now considered the second-largest egg ever discovered. Only the egg of Madagascar's extinct elephant bird– a massive, flightless species– has it beat in size. 'A deflated football' with historical significance According to Lucas Legendre, a palaeontologist at the University of Texas, 'This new egg is the very first fossil egg from Antarctica, and the largest soft-shelled egg ever discovered.' He added, 'It is elongated, collapsed, with many creases and folds on its surface. One side is flattened, suggesting this is where it came in contact with the sea floor. Its eggshell is very thin and poorly mineralised, like in the eggs of lizards and snakes. ' His team's findings were published in the journal Nature, offering new evidence that challenges long-standing beliefs about marine reptile reproduction. Stored in Chile, studied across continents Since it was first uncovered, the fossil has been kept at Chile's National Museum of Natural History. For years, its origin remained a mystery. But after a closer look and detailed analysis, researchers were finally able to trace it back to massive marine reptiles– likely mosasaurs or plesiosaurs– that swam the oceans during the Late Cretaceous period. Shifting scientific understanding Until now, scientists had assumed that such marine reptiles were entirely viviparous, meaning they gave birth to live young. However, the discovery of this fossil egg suggests otherwise, indicating that some of these ancient creatures may have laid eggs. Note: Images in this article were generated using Canva AI and are for illustrative purposes only.
USA Today
11-07-2025
- Science
- USA Today
Denver museum discovers nearly 70-million-year-old fossil under parking lot
A museum in Denver has found a fossil that is almost 70 million years old under its parking lot while running an unrelated drilling project. "This may be the most unusual dinosaur discovery I have ever been a part of," said Patrick O'Connor, director of Earth & Space Sciences at the Museum, in a statement. In January, the museum conducted a geothermal test drilling project to see if it was possible to switch from natural gas to geothermal energy, according to a press release published on the museum's website. "At that time, the team took the opportunity to carry out a scientific coring research initiative to help researchers better understand the geology of the Denver Basin," the press release stated. "The coring investigation led to the unexpected discovery of a nearly [70 million-year-old] dinosaur fossil." The discovery, a partial-bone fossil that was identified as a vertebra of a herbivorous dinosaur, is on display in the 'Discovering Teen Rex' exhibition on the museum floor. 'In my 35 years at the Museum, we've never had an opportunity quite like this — to study the deep geologic layers beneath our feet with such precision," Bob Raynolds, a longtime Earth Sciences Research Associate, said in a statement. "That this fossil turned up here, in City Park, is nothing short of magical.' More news: Pterosaur fossil discovered in Arizona's Petrified Forest National Park fills gap in record Where was the fossil located? The fossil was found 763 feet below the surface of the museum's parking lot near the city's largest park, City Park, which also contains the Denver Zoo. It "has been identified as the deepest and oldest dinosaur fossil ever found within the city limits," according to the museum. What did the fossil belong to? The museum only states that the fossil likely belonged to a plant-eating dinosaur that walked on two legs. But, it looks very similar to one belonging to a Thescelosaurus from the latest Cretaceous Period. Remains of the dinosaur have been found in Canada and the U.S., according to the Natural History Museum in London. The dinosaur, which name means "wonderful lizard," would have been nearly as tall as the average man and been around 10-12 feet long, or 3.5 meters. How old was the fossil? The bones were found in rock from the Late Cretaceous period, and are dated to be around 67.5 million years ago. 'This fossil comes from an era just before the mass extinction that wiped out the dinosaurs, and it offers a rare window into the ecosystem that once existed right beneath modern-day Denver," James Hagadorn, curator of geology at the Museum, said in a statement. It was a small ornithopod, which means a bipedal dinosaur with only three functional toes, according to Mirriam-Webster. Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@
The Hill
11-07-2025
- Science
- The Hill
Denver dinosaur museum makes ‘historically thrilling' discovery under its own parking lot
DENVER (KDVR) — The Denver Museum of Nature and Science (DMNS) announced on Wednesday that it had discovered a nearly 70-million-year-old dinosaur fossil underneath its parking lot. The partial-bone fossil was found 763 feet below the lot during a geothermal test drilling project in January, according to the museum. 'This is a scientifically and historically thrilling find for both the Museum and the larger Denver community,' said James Hagadorn, the curator of geology at the DMNS, in a statement. The museum said the fossil is the deepest and oldest dinosaur fossil ever found within Denver city limits. BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Amazon Prime Day Deals 'This fossil comes from an era just before the mass extinction that wiped out the dinosaurs, and it offers a rare window into the ecosystem that once existed right beneath modern-day Denver,' Hagadorn said. The fossil bone has been identified as a vertebrae of an herbivorous dinosaur, according to the museum, which said the bone occurs in Late Cretaceous rocks that are dated to approximately 67.5 million years ago. Patrick O'Connor, director of Earth & Space Science at the DMNS, was part of the team that identified the bone and said it may be 'the most unusual dinosaur discovery' he had ever been a part of. 'Not only is it exceptionally rare to find any fossil as part of a drilling project, but the discovery provided an outstanding collaborative opportunity for the Museum earth sciences team to produce an article,' O'Connor said. That article, 'Denver's deepest dinosaur,' was published in the scientific journal Rocky Mountain Geology in June. The research was led by DMNS postdoctoral scholar Dr. Holger Petermann. 'This fossil underscores the highly fossiliferous nature of the entire D1 Sequence (Denver Formation) and increases the diversity of dinosaurs known from the Denver metropolitan area,' reads an excerpt from the article's abstract. The fossil bone is now currently on display at the DMNS in its 'Discovering Teen Rex' exhibition.
