Paleo in the News

Fossils unearthed in Ethiopia are reshaping our view of human evolution. Instead of a straight march from ape-like ancestors to modern humans, researchers now see a tangled, branching tree with multiple species coexisting. Newly discovered teeth reveal a previously unknown species of Australopithecus that lived alongside some of the earliest Homo specimens nearly 2.8 million years ago. This suggests that nature tested multiple versions of “being human” before our lineage endured.

A fossil discovered in Patagonia shows a 3.5-metre-long reptile from the late Cretaceous with large, serrated teeth capable of slicing through muscle

The books, TV, games and more that New Scientist staff have enjoyed this week

Scientists report that targeting sugars on virus surfaces stopped multiple infections, though the approach needs much refinement before human trials.

The brightest and most colourful glowing plants yet have been created by injecting phosphorescent chemicals directly into the leaves, but it is little more than a cheap gimmick

A 165-million-year-old ankylosaur from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco was covered in an array of extreme armour including body spikes fused to its skeleton, a feature never seen in any dinosaur before

Beans matter, but microbes may be the real secret to fine chocolate flavor. Scientists are building starter cultures that may improve quality.

A comparison of the thylacine’s genome to other marsupials has revealed that the creatures lost genetic diversity long before humans and dingoes arrived in Australia

The rare sailback houndshark, which has an unusually large dorsal fin, was first described by scientists in 1973. That was the last record of its existence, until now

Support and celebrate the Alf Museum, at the 33rd Annual Peccary Society Dinner on Friday, October 24! The reception starts at 5:30 pm on the Alf Museum steps, and we will move to the tent for the dinner.

This is a ticketed event, with advance reservation required. For information on sponsorship or tickets, visit the event website. If you have any questions about tickets or sponsorships, please get in touch with Kimberly Grant, Director of Development, at (909) 482-5267 or kgrant@webb.org.

Items on the program will include:

• New fossil discoveries from this summer’s Peccary trip to Wyoming
• Research highlights from Webb students, with the introduction of the 2025 Rogers Peccary Scholars
• An exciting announcement about our national accreditation
• Presentation of the Raymond M. Alf Excellence in Paleontological Research & Education Award
• And more!

Recovering these metals from mining by-products destined for waste sites could offset the need to import them from elsewhere or open new mines.

Immune cells in aging cat brains with amyloid beta destroy nerve endings, mimicking the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in humans.

A chance glance at a museum display has led to the first-ever discovery of an ichthyosaur fossil in western Japan, dating back around 220 million years. Initially mistaken for a common bivalve fossil, the specimen was revealed to contain 21 bone fragments, including ribs and vertebrae, belonging to a rare Late Triassic ichthyosaur. Experts say this find could reshape understanding of ichthyosaur evolution and their ability to cross the vast Panthalassic Ocean.

A chance glance at a museum display has led to the first-ever discovery of an ichthyosaur fossil in western Japan, dating back around 220 million years. Initially mistaken for a common bivalve fossil, the specimen was revealed to contain 21 bone fragments, including ribs and vertebrae, belonging to a rare Late Triassic ichthyosaur. Experts say this find could reshape understanding of ichthyosaur evolution and their ability to cross the vast Panthalassic Ocean.

A chance glance at a museum display has led to the first-ever discovery of an ichthyosaur fossil in western Japan, dating back around 220 million years. Initially mistaken for a common bivalve fossil, the specimen was revealed to contain 21 bone fragments, including ribs and vertebrae, belonging to a rare Late Triassic ichthyosaur. Experts say this find could reshape understanding of ichthyosaur evolution and their ability to cross the vast Panthalassic Ocean.

Microbes found buried deep in Siberian permafrost may be able to survive over extremely long timescales using protein repair genes

Scientists have long and studiously avoided claiming that other animals have language. Now, using the power of AI, they are on the verge of deciphering one

A stunning discovery in North Greenland has reclassified strange squid-like fossils, revealing that nectocaridids were not early cephalopods but ancestors of arrow worms. Preserved nervous systems and unique anatomical features provided the breakthrough, showing these creatures once ruled as stealthy predators of the Cambrian seas. With complex eyes, streamlined bodies, and evidence of prey in their stomachs, they reveal a surprising past where arrow worms were far more fearsome than their modern descendants.

A stunning discovery in North Greenland has reclassified strange squid-like fossils, revealing that nectocaridids were not early cephalopods but ancestors of arrow worms. Preserved nervous systems and unique anatomical features provided the breakthrough, showing these creatures once ruled as stealthy predators of the Cambrian seas. With complex eyes, streamlined bodies, and evidence of prey in their stomachs, they reveal a surprising past where arrow worms were far more fearsome than their modern descendants.

The genetically modified lung remained viable for nine days, but the recipient’s immune responses need more research, scientists say.