66 Million Year Old Fossils Reveal Blood Proteins
66 million year old dinosaur bones- a groundbreaking discovery has confirmed that blood molecules can survive for tens of millions of years, reshaping what scientists know about fossilisation. In a recent study, researchers detected haemoglobin, the iron-rich protein responsible for carrying oxygen in blood, inside 66 million year old dinosaur bones. The specimens studied belonged to the famous Tyrannosaurus rex and Brachylophosaurus canadensis.
The results show that even after millions of years, traces of organic molecules remain preserved in fossilised remains. Scientists identified heme, the central iron-binding component of haemoglobin, proving that these were not modern contaminants but genuine molecular residues from dinosaurs. The finding provides strong evidence that soft tissues, under rare conditions, can persist far beyond what was once thought possible.
66 Million Year Old Discovery Backed by Advanced Techniques
To confirm the discovery, the team used Resonance Raman spectroscopy, a precise technique that identifies molecular vibrations when exposed to laser light. The method revealed patterns in the fossil samples that matched modern haemoglobin, including comparative tests against ostrich bones and human blood.
The research also revealed that many of the preserved molecules were bound to goethite, a type of iron oxide mineral. Scientists believe this mineral played a protective role, stabilising protein fragments and preventing further decay. This binding process created microenvironments inside the fossils that allowed molecules to survive the harsh conditions of fossilisation.
By comparing the molecular patterns with control samples, researchers eliminated the possibility of bacterial contamination or environmental interference. The preserved haemoglobin was conclusively linked to its dinosaur origin, making this one of the most compelling confirmations of ancient soft tissue survival.
66 Million Year Old Proteins and Their Preservation Path
The team also mapped how haemoglobin degrades over time. Their analysis suggested that while proteins begin breaking down shortly after an animal’s death, certain conditions such as binding to stabilising minerals like goethite can slow or halt this process. Once stabilised, fragments of haemoglobin can survive for extraordinary lengths of time, in this case over 66 million years.
Mary Schweitzer, a co-author of the study, noted that the findings prove haemoglobin in dinosaur fossils is authentic and not the result of contamination. This mechanism demonstrates how ancient proteins can withstand extreme geological timescales, changing how scientists think about fossil preservation.
A New Understanding of Fossilisation
Traditionally, fossilisation was thought to destroy all traces of biological molecules, leaving only mineralised bones. This research challenges that idea by showing how microenvironments within fossils can act as protective chambers for delicate proteins. Also Read: On September 23: Historic Night at 71st National Film Awards 2025
The discovery not only enhances the understanding of fossilisation but also opens new avenues for studying ancient biology. Preserved molecules such as haemoglobin could one day help scientists reconstruct dinosaur metabolism, physiology, and evolutionary adaptations. Resonance Raman spectroscopy has now proven to be a reliable tool for identifying these molecular fingerprints, marking a turning point in palaeontology.
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Conclusion
The confirmation of haemoglobin in 66 million year old fossils stands as one of the most important discoveries in modern palaeontology. It demonstrates that under the right conditions, blood proteins can survive deep time, preserving valuable biological information. This breakthrough strengthens the belief that fossils hold far more secrets than previously imagined, offering a direct connection to the biology of long-extinct dinosaurs.
