A dominant Late Cretaceous predator and a landmark in paleontology.
Sotheby’s has sold a 67‑million‑year‑old Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton nicknamed “Gus” for $50.1 million, the highest price ever paid for a dinosaur at auction. The specimen, about 61–63% complete, was excavated in South Dakota from 2021–23; scientists are warning that private ownership will restrict research access.
A new study explores defending Earth from large near-Earth asteroids. It analyzes a crater-based nuclear detonation approach, noting timing is critical and early warning is essential. Researchers say this method could be the most effective for very large rocks with short warning times, though it requires complex missions.
Fossils and fossils trade are under renewed scrutiny as calls grow for legal protection of fossil finds and tighter controls on collecting, after reports of high-profile sales and ongoing debates about national-treasure status. Museums and collectors are pushing for changes while UK rules lag behind market realities.
A fossil from 324 million years ago suggests insects had more legs than today and may reshape understanding of early arthropods during the hexapod gap.
Scientists have used tooth enamel chemistry to estimate Tyrannosaurus rex’s body temperature at about 36°C, placing it among warm‑blooded animals. The research, based on clumped isotope thermometry, is published in Science Advances and relies on enamel from three teeth from Hell Creek Formation fossils.