New research shows the secret of the survival of ancient fish scales

International studies led by Curtin University have resolved mysteries that the foam of fish was able to protect the skin for 52 million years, and increased our understanding of how even the most delicate of biological materials can survive for a long time.

Researchers reviewed a remarkable sample of full diplombits dents in the United States with fossilized skin and scales found in the region’s “fossil basin” region. His essay, “Annocyk was published in the oxidative micronuses of the fish,” the fossilization of fish tissue, ” Environmental Microbiology.

Despite being in oxygen -affiliated micro -environment, which usually causes tissues to fall, the team also created an environment where phosphate minerals can form and change organic content rapidly.

As soon as the skin was broken, it released fatty acids and hydrogen ions, which changed the surrounding chemistry in such a way that the normal carbonate reserves were effectively blocked and in favor of the protection of phosphate, which otherwise eliminates tissues.

These results have long challenged assumptions about the role of oxygen in fossilization.

“We usually think about low oxygen, or ‘anoxic’, that there are the necessary conditions to preserve soft tissues because oxygen promotes harassment,” said Dr. Elson.

“But this issue shows that even in oxygen -rich settings, unique chemical conditions can protect fragile tissues for tens of millions of years.

“Our job provides new insights about why some fossils protect incredible detail while others don’t.”

Senior author, WA Organic and Founder Director of the Osotop Geo Chemistry Center and Professor of Arch Yard Professor Clety Grace said that the study has far more widespread implications than pursuing peltological science.

“This discovery expands our understanding of gossip and chemical conditions, which allows to maintain biological content,” said Professor Grace.

“Beyond the reorganization of the evolutionary history of the Earth, understanding these processes can encourage new ways to protect biological materials in medicine, guide the search for energy and mineral resources and to help tackle climate change.

“This shows how to look back from the depths of the past of the Earth’s past, how can help address the challenges we face today and in the future.”