Scientists have long believed that fossilization destroys all organic molecules, but a groundbreaking study has found traces of collagen—a key structural protein—in a 66-million-year-old dinosaur bone. Researchers at the University of Liverpool analyzed a well-preserved hip bone from an Edmontosaurus, a duck-billed dinosaur from the Cretaceous period.
Using advanced mass spectrometry and protein sequencing techniques, the team detected remnants of collagen in the bone, contradicting the long-held assumption that any organic material found in fossils must be modern contamination. The discovery suggests that certain conditions may allow organic molecules to survive far longer than previously believed.
Collagen is a critical protein for bone integrity, providing structure, flexibility, and strength. In modern animals, it plays a vital role in maintaining bone health. The presence of collagen in an ancient dinosaur fossil provides significant insights into the biology and physiology of these creatures.
The research team used high-precision techniques to confirm the presence of ancient collagen, including protein sequencing, tandem mass spectrometry, and imaging techniques. Advanced mass spectrometry validated the findings, suggesting that intact patches of bone collagen may be present in other fossils.
This discovery opens up new avenues for research into fossil collections, potentially uncovering a hidden record of dinosaur physiology and evolutionary history. The study’s lead author, Professor Steve Taylor, stated that this finding contradicts previous assumptions about organic material in fossils, providing new evidence for the survival of ancient proteins.
The team’s findings have significant implications for our understanding of dinosaur biology and evolution. By reanalyzing historical fossil collections using modern techniques, researchers may uncover previously unknown information about these prehistoric creatures.
Source: https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/03/discovery-of-organic-molecules-in-66-million-year-old-dinosaur-bones-shakes-up-paleontology