Researchers: First ever fossilized brain tissue from a dinosaur found

One thing that seems to be true all across the world is that people are fascinated by dinosaurs. Perhaps this is because of their massive, almost unfathomable size. Perhaps this is because of the fact that none of us were alive to see what it was like to co-exist with these beasts. Perhaps a number of factors contribute to what makes all of us so interested in dinosaurs. No matter what, there is a reason why we collectively jump with excitement whenever new discoveries regarding the former kings of the planet are made.

So, with that in mind, the first ever fossilized brain tissue from a dinosaur being discovered is huge, exciting news. Believed to belong to a species closely related to the Iguanodon, the brain tissue was actually found by collector Jamie Hiscocks back in 2004. Hiscocks noticed that the fossil was unusual in size and shape, and decided to investigate. That’s when researchers discovered the brain tissue.

Nell Greenfieldboyce of National Public Radio (NPR) reports, “This kind of fossil gets made when sediment fills up a dinosaur’s skull cavity and hardens. Later, if the skull breaks off and disappears, what’s left behind is a solid object that reveals the shape of the skull’s inner cavity. … A team of researchers examined the sample in detail and found what they believe are tough collagen fibers and tiny blood vessels that are part of the protective outer covering of the brain.”

With each passing day, we are discovering new details about our planet and its inhabitants that were never known before. In that regard, science is truly incredible and should be celebrated. Whether it be dinosaurs, humans or nature as a whole, the more we know about our planet and how we got to where we are today, the better off all of us will be. So, while it may seem redundant to get excited every time a new discovery regarding dinosaurs is made, it is extremely important to learn more about our entire planet.

There is an entire world out there that we do not know nearly enough about. The people of the world need to band together in hopes of learning more about the Earth’s past. Knowledge is power, and we could all use a little more power in times like these. During an era when ignorance is celebrated by many, those of us that wish society to progress further need to embrace science and intelligence. So, when new discoveries are made in the science realm – listen!

Sources:

NPR.org

NDTV.com