Scientists Uncover 240-Million-Year-Old Extinct Species Using Particle Accelerator

A team of scientists has unveiled a new species of coelacanth, a rare fish often referred to as a ‘living fossil.’ This groundbreaking discovery was made possible by the use of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) accelerator in Grenoble, France, allowing for unprecedented precision in fossil analysis.

An Innovative Approach to Fossil Study

Coelacanths are deep-sea fish that have been around for over 400 million years, with only two known species remaining today. These fish are often called “living fossils” because their appearance has changed very little over millions of years. The fossil specimens studied in this research were discovered in clay nodules from the Middle Triassic period near Saverne, located in the Lorraine region of France.

The fossils were carefully analyzed using the ESRF synchrotron in Grenoble, which is capable of producing extremely detailed 3D images of objects buried in rock, providing insights that would be impossible to gain through traditional fossil excavation methods.

Thanks to synchrotron technology, researchers were able to capture incredibly detailed images of the fossils preserved in clay nodules, enabling them to reconstruct the skeletons of these ancient fish with unprecedented accuracy. The synchrotron light, produced by high-energy electrons, allowed the team to reveal fine details of the fossils without physically disturbing them.

A Fossil with Remarkable Preservation

The fossils, aged around 240 million years, were in exceptional condition, with preserved skeletal structures that had never been observed before. The use of synchrotron light—high-energy radiation emitted by the particle accelerator—enabled the researchers to virtually “unwrap” the fossils from the surrounding rock. This technique, known as “virtual fossil preparation,” created 3D models of the bones, which could then be analyzed in great detail.

The team was able to identify a new species of coelacanth, which they named Graulia branchiodonta. The name “Graulia” is a reference to the Graoully, a mythical dragon from the folklore of Lorraine, while “branchiodonta” refers to the fish’s large teeth located near its gills. This species is significant not only for its age but also for the quality of preservation, which provided insights into the anatomy and behavior of these ancient creatures.

An Active and Unique Fish

The new species Graulia branchiodonta presents some fascinating characteristics. The juvenile specimens studied by the team exhibited highly developed sensory canals, which suggest that these fish were more active and possibly more agile than the two extant species of coelacanth, like Latimeria, known for its slow and sluggish movements. This characteristic could imply a different ecological niche or behavioral pattern, offering valuable clues into the lifestyle of this extinct species.

Another remarkable feature of Graulia branchiodonta is its large gas bladder, a trait that is currently being investigated by the team. This gas-filled organ might have served various functions, including buoyancy regulation, respiration, and possibly even hearing. The exact function of this feature remains unclear, but researchers hope that further studies will shed light on this unique adaptation.

A Bright Future for Paleontological Research

The use of particle accelerators like the ESRF in Grenoble opens up new possibilities for paleontologists. The level of detail provided by synchrotron imaging enables researchers to study fossils in a way that was previously impossible, revealing fine anatomical features that were once hidden.

The team at the Geneva Natural History Museum (MHNG), in collaboration with the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and researchers from the Senckenberg Research Institute in Frankfurt, Germany, continues to work on coelacanth fossils from the Triassic period. These studies aim to uncover more about the evolutionary path of coelacanths and their adaptation strategies during a time of significant environmental change.

In the words of Luigi Manuelli, a researcher at UNIGE and a co-author of the study, “These results allow us to reconstruct the skeleton of these fish with a level of detail never before achieved for this type of fossil.” Manuelli’s work, along with that of paleontologist Lionel Cavin from MHNG, marks a significant leap forward in the field of paleontological imaging.

The research, published in PlosOne, has the potential to reshape our understanding of the biodiversity of ancient oceans and could offer crucial insights into the evolutionary history of vertebrates. As new fossil discoveries continue, the use of advanced technology like synchrotron radiation will likely uncover even more secrets from Earth’s prehistoric past.