Blood vessels found in T. rex bones are rewriting dinosaur science

Synchrotron X-rays reveal iron-rich blood vessels in a healed T. rex rib, offering unprecedented insights into dinosaur physiology and fossilization. | Contesto: cronaca

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• Blood vessels found in T. rex bones are rewriting dinosaur science

Contesto

In a breakthrough that is reshaping the understanding of dinosaur biology, scientists have discovered preserved blood vessels inside the fossilized rib of a massive Tyrannosaurus rex nicknamed Scotty, a specimen that roamed the Earth approximately 66 million years ago. The finding, made possible by powerful synchrotron X-rays from particle accelerators, reveals intricate, iron-rich structures left behind by the healing process of a fractured bone. This discovery, reported by researchers examining the dense fossil without causing damage, marks a significant step in uncovering the soft tissue remnants of long-extinct creatures. The T. rex known as Scotty, one of the largest and most complete specimens ever found, provided the key evidence. A rib bone that had once fractured and begun to heal contained a network of preserved vessels, likely blood vessels that formed during the animal’s lifetime. Using synchrotron radiation, which generates X-rays far more powerful than conventional sources, scientists were able to peer inside the fossilized bone and identify these structures, which are rich in iron. The iron appears to have played a crucial role in preserving the vessels by acting as a natural fixative, preventing complete decay over millions of years. This discovery challenges long-held assumptions about fossilization, which traditionally held that soft tissues like blood vessels decay rapidly and are replaced by minerals. The presence of these iron-rich structures suggests that under the right conditions, organic remains can survive deep time, locked within the mineral matrix of bone. Researchers emphasize that while dinosaur DNA remains elusive, these vascular remnants offer a new window into the physiology of these ancient animals, potentially revealing details about their growth, healing processes, and even their blood chemistry. The implications of this finding extend beyond Scotty. If blood vessels can be preserved in a T. rex, similar structures may exist in other dinosaur fossils, opening up new avenues for study. Scientists are now exploring whether these remnants can provide clues about dinosaur metabolism, whether they were warm-blooded or...

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Categoria: cronaca