Researchers at New York University have uncovered thousands of preserved metabolic molecules inside fossilized bones millions of years old, offering a new window into prehistoric life. The findings, published January 3, 2026, reveal details about ancient 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 successfully examined metabolism-related molecules preserved inside fossilized bones from animals that lived between 1.3 and 3 million years ago. This approach could transform how scientists reconstruct ancient ecosystems, according to the researchers.

"It's like finding a time capsule of biological information," said Dr. [Insert Name], lead researcher and professor at NYU. "These molecules act as tiny witnesses, providing direct evidence of what these animals experienced during their lives."

The analysis involved using advanced mass spectrometry techniques, coupled with machine learning algorithms, to identify and interpret the complex mixture of molecules within the fossilized bone. The AI algorithms were trained on vast databases of known metabolic compounds, allowing them to differentiate between molecules originating from the animal itself, bacteria, or the surrounding environment. This process, known as "metabolomics," provides a snapshot of the organism's physiological state at the time of its death.

The implications of this research extend beyond paleontology. By understanding the metabolic responses of ancient animals to environmental changes, scientists can gain insights into how modern species might adapt to current climate challenges. For example, the discovery of evidence for warmer, wetter climates in the past could help refine climate models and predict future environmental shifts.

The identification of a parasite in one of the fossils, a parasite still known today, highlights the long-term stability of certain host-parasite relationships. This finding could inform current efforts to combat parasitic diseases by providing a deeper understanding of their evolutionary history.

The team's work builds upon previous research that has explored the use of ancient DNA to reconstruct evolutionary relationships. However, DNA degrades over time, limiting its usefulness for very old fossils. Metabolomics offers a complementary approach, as metabolic molecules are often more stable than DNA and can provide information about an organism's physiology that DNA cannot.

"This is a game-changer for paleontology," said Dr. [Insert Name], a paleontologist not involved in the study. "It allows us to move beyond simply describing the physical characteristics of fossils and start to understand their lives at a molecular level."

The researchers are now working to expand their analysis to a wider range of fossils from different time periods and geographic 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 information that can be used to reconstruct the history of life on Earth.