化石中提取出1800万年前古蛋白

Core Insights - Scientists have successfully extracted ancient proteins from fossils dating back at least 18 million years, indicating that protein preservation lasts much longer than previously thought [1][2] - The studies highlight the potential for these ancient proteins to provide new insights into the evolutionary history of various species [1] Group 1: Research Findings - The research teams from Harvard University and the Smithsonian Institution extracted proteins from fossils found in the Turkana Basin, Kenya, which is known for its significant evolutionary history [1] - The oldest previously extracted proteins were from about 3.7 million years ago, but these new findings expand that timeline significantly [1] - The Turkana Basin is one of the warmest places on Earth, challenging the assumption that ancient molecules could not be preserved in such conditions [1] Group 2: Additional Research - A separate study by a team from the University of Copenhagen extracted partial sequences of enamel proteins from a true rhinoceros fossil dating back approximately 21 to 24 million years [2] - The cold conditions of the Canadian High Arctic are noted to be favorable for the preservation of biological molecules, aiding in the understanding of animal evolution [2] - Both studies collectively suggest that proteins can retain molecular information about ancient animals for much longer than previously believed [2]