Researchers have uncovered thousands of preserved metabolic molecules inside fossilized bones millions of years old, offering a surprising new window into prehistoric life. The findings, published January 3, 2026, in a New York University report, reveal details about animals' diets, diseases, and surrounding climates, including evidence of warmer, wetter environments. One fossil even showed signs of a parasite still known today.
The research team, led by Timothy Bromage and Bin Hu of NYU Dentistry, successfully examined metabolism-related molecules preserved inside fossilized bones from animals that lived between 1.3 and 3 million years ago. This new approach could transform how scientists reconstruct ancient ecosystems.
The team analyzed fossilized elephant dentine, identifying intact collagen and other preserved metabolic molecules. These molecules, previously thought to degrade completely over such long periods, provide a wealth of information about the animals' lives. By analyzing the chemical composition of the bones, researchers can determine what the animals ate, what diseases they suffered from, and the environmental conditions they experienced.
"The preservation of these molecules is remarkable," said Bromage. "It opens up entirely new avenues for understanding the past."
The discovery relies on advanced analytical techniques, including mass spectrometry and AI-powered data analysis. The AI algorithms help to identify and classify the vast number of metabolic molecules present in the fossilized bones, distinguishing them from contaminants and background noise. This process, known as "metabolomics," allows scientists to create a detailed metabolic profile of the ancient animals.
The implications of this research extend beyond paleontology. Understanding how ancient animals adapted to different environments could provide valuable insights into how modern species might respond to climate change. The identification of ancient diseases could also help researchers develop new strategies for combating modern illnesses.
"This is a game-changer for our understanding of prehistoric life," said Hu. "We can now reconstruct ancient ecosystems in much greater detail than ever before."
The research team plans to expand their analysis to other fossilized bones from different time periods and locations. They are also developing new AI algorithms to improve the accuracy and efficiency of their analysis. The ultimate goal is to create a comprehensive database of ancient metabolic profiles that can be used to study the evolution of life on Earth.
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