Goethe never knew this 40-million-year-old ant was hidden in his collection
Researchers have discovered 40-million-year-old fossilized insects, including an ancient ant, hidden within amber pieces from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's collection. Using synchrotron micro-computed tomography, scientists were able to create detailed 3D images of the specimens.
Why it matters
Advanced imaging technology allows scientists to extract new evolutionary data from historical collections that were previously inaccessible to the naked eye.
Scientists have uncovered hidden fossil insects inside pieces of amber that once belonged to the famed German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Using advanced imaging technology, researchers were able to reveal creatures that had remained trapped inside the fossilized tree resin for tens of millions of years.
The article is a purely scientific report on a discovery with no political or social bias.
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