Paleo in the News

Scientists reclassified a long-misunderstood fossil from Brazil as a new genus, Franscinella riograndensis. Using advanced microscopy, they discovered spores preserved in situ—a rare find that links fossil plants to microfossil records. The breakthrough reshapes knowledge of Permian ecosystems and highlights the power of revisiting classic fossils with new tools.

Scientists reclassified a long-misunderstood fossil from Brazil as a new genus, Franscinella riograndensis. Using advanced microscopy, they discovered spores preserved in situ—a rare find that links fossil plants to microfossil records. The breakthrough reshapes knowledge of Permian ecosystems and highlights the power of revisiting classic fossils with new tools.

Tests show pasteurized dairy with H5N1 remnants did not cause illness in mice, supporting safety of milk during outbreaks.

An experimental gene therapy slowed Huntington’s by up to 75 percent in a small clinical trial. While not a cure, it may give patients longer lives.

The map, spanning 4,000 light-years from the sun in all directions, combines a chart of space dust with the effects of a rare type of young, hot star.

Despite millions of years of evolutionary separation and a geographical divide, a blue jay and green jay mated in Texas. This bird is the result.

The effectiveness of camouflage or warning colors for insect defense depends on conditions such as light levels and how many predators are around.

Digital reconstruction of a partially crushed skull suggests new insight into Homo sapiens’ evolutionary relationship to Denisovans and Neandertals.

Emotional events help solidify memories. The findings may one day help students study or trauma survivors recover.

The constant temperature and low humidity of a cave network in Saudi Arabia turned cheetahs, some of which died thousands of years ago, into mummies

Scientists have filmed nanoscale ice crystals adapting to trapped air bubbles without losing structural integrity.

The Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology, located on the campus of The Webb Schools in Claremont, California, has once again earned national reaccreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM)—the highest recognition afforded to museums in the United States. 

Accreditation signifies excellence across all areas of museum operations and a deep commitment to public trust, educational value, and stewardship of collections. Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, only about 1,100 are currently accredited. The Alf Museum remains the only nationally accredited paleontology museum in the U.S. located on a high school campus, serving both public visitors and as a hands-on learning laboratory for Webb students. 

“We are incredibly proud to receive reaccreditation from AAM,” said Dr. Andrew Farke, Director of the Alf Museum. “This recognition affirms the quality of our programs, the care and significance of our fossil collections, and our commitment to education and scientific discovery. It is also a testament to the dedication of our staff and our vibrant community of student scientists.” 

The Alf Museum, named for legendary educator and paleontologist Raymond M. Alf, houses more than 190,000 fossil specimens and leads student-involved field research across the western United States. Through its collections, exhibitions, and research, the museum inspires curiosity and a deeper understanding of Earth’s history. 

“Reaccreditation reflects our continued pursuit of excellence,” said Theresa Smith, Head of The Webb Schools. “The Alf Museum is a remarkable asset to both Webb and the broader scientific and educational communities.” 

The reaccreditation process is a rigorous, multiyear review that evaluates a museum’s governance, collections stewardship, education, public service, financial sustainability, and overall alignment with professional standards. AAM accreditation is widely recognized as a mark of distinction in the museum field. 

The methane gas may constitute a rarefied atmosphere, or it may come from erupting plumes on Makemake’s surface.

Surreal images from a new book, Microcosms, show how confocal microscopy that uses laser scanning creates a super-sharp new journey around mind-altering plants and fungi

Seismic and land deformation data show that Santorini and Kolumbo draw from the same magma source, complicating eruption forecasts.

Calcium, a mineral involved in wound healing, can strengthen the attachment between microbe and skin and make infections hard to shake.

The FDA plans to add a warning to Tylenol’s label and OK use of a drug for autism. Researchers say there’s little data to support either move.

Event Horizon Telescope data reveal the magnetic field around M87* shifted, weakened and then flipped, defying theoretical expectations.

A fossil from about 66 million years ago reveals a species of dinosaur that is new to science, with claws that would have ripped through its prey's flesh

A first-of-its-kind test shows that reusing energy within a computer chip can work, thanks to two techy tricks.