Original Collagen Detected in 66‑Million‑Year‑Old Dinosaur Bones

Scientists have uncovered compelling evidence that original collagen proteins can persist within dinosaur fossils for tens of millions of years, challenging the long‑held belief that such organic molecules degrade entirely during fossilization. The study, based on analyses of 66‑million‑year‑old dinosaur bones, demonstrates that the collagen’s molecular structure remains intact enough to be identified after an age that far exceeds previous expectations. This breakthrough suggests that other ancient proteins may also survive in fossilized remains, opening new avenues for research into dinosaur biology, evolutionary pathways, and the mechanisms that allow proteins to endure over geological timescales.