January 2013 PMID 23085295

Molecular analyses of dinosaur osteocytes support the presence of endogenous molecules.

Mary Higby Schweitzer, Wenxia Zheng, Timothy P Cleland, Marshall Bern

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Mentions

Peak: 3 in May 2022

across 6 sources since Sep 2015

Extended reach

15,789

potential audience

Total likes

462

Video views

9,824

Mentions per month

Sep 2015 – Nov 2025

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AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions demonstrate a strong interest, with users referencing studies like Schweitzer's 2007 work on tissue preservation, and debating evidence for endogenous molecules, which indicates both curiosity and critical evaluation. The tone varies from supportive to skeptical, emphasizing the relevance of molecular preservation for ancient DNA research, highlighting both scientific excitement and controversy.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions support the idea that ancient molecules might be preserved in fossils, aligning with the original publication.

InterestHigh interest

Participants show high interest, referencing multiple studies, debates over DNA preservation, and emotional responses like fascination.

EngagementModerate engagement

Some posts critically analyze the findings and reference historical research, indicating active engagement with the topic.

ImpactModerate impact

The discussions reflect recognition of the potential significance for understanding dinosaur biology and molecular preservation, though some remain skeptical.

Abstract in brief

The study investigates dinosaur bone microstructures called osteocytes and uses advanced techniques like immunology and mass spectrometry to find evidence that these structures still contain original proteins such as actin, tubulin, PHEX, and histone H4, as well as DNA, suggesting these molecules have been preserved over millions of years.
The researchers used antibodies and DNA stains that reacted with the dinosaur cells in ways similar to modern osteocytes, providing strong evidence that these microstructures are indeed remnants of original biological material rather than contaminants or artifacts.
The findings imply that some cellular components of dinosaurs, including proteins and DNA, can be preserved long after the animal's death, offering new insights into dinosaur biology and molecular preservation through time.

Read the full abstract

All mentions

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Keldasi

@KingGossard · X

@scaleyback246 @HenriqueAbran14 @NotEvolution1 https://t.co/vwf2gHCHmG Heres the pubmed

Nov 18, 2025 · 1 like · 90 followers View post →

Notes To Elon

@OkNotThisTime · X

Oct 29, 2025 · 398 followers View post →

Robb

@robbswallace · X

Aug 19, 2024 · 614 followers View post →

That one guy, V

@that1guyv83 · X

@panncakemouse @DevAndyZ @billmaher I just linked an article stating otherwise. But here’s another! https://t.co/EuQGqIpbv3

Aug 9, 2023 · 308 followers View post →

I wish to remain anomalous

@rlglinski3 · X

@RegTheDude @lizard_ledgend @mike54191 @ArkEncounter https://t.co/ysjtyW2XzX

Nov 28, 2022 · 55 followers View post →

Trent Cheney

@TazCheney · X

@RegTheDude @Christi01580349 @AbnormalWrench @Enobesra88 @hairybadgerIDFK @TakeThatDarwin @mrfunnysmart @chuerta1 @BloodRedEye1 @jojoemello @Melanie33720945 @BillyPhysics @PBDerbysAtheist @Barney02073101 @DavidWRSB @WarrenSm2 @maserchief123 @AiG Actually it seems they do have dinosaur DNA. Schweitzer, M.H. et al. Molecular analyses of dinosaur osteocytes support the presence of endogenous molecules, Bone, 17 Oct 2012 | doi:10.1016/j.bone.2012.10.010.

Nov 9, 2022 · 293 followers View post →

frank nabywaniec

@fnaby6 · X

Matt Powell Takes Four Atheists at Once! https://t.co/8E4fjPw3GR via @YouTube

May 19, 2022 · 1,676 followers View post →

MyassesDragon

@MyassesDragon · X

Matt Powell Takes Four Atheists at Once! https://t.co/xxLK2IpnUC via @YouTube

May 11, 2022 · 708 followers View post →

reptile_f

@reptile_f · X

Feb 29, 2020 · 1,824 followers View post →