Researchers have identified preserved blood vessel structures within the rib of a massive Tyrannosaurus rex specimen nicknamed “Scotty,” unearthed in Canada and known as the largest and longest-lived T-rex on record
The discovery was sparked when an undergraduate physics student, Jerit Mitchell, noticed unusual formations in a scan of Scotty’s rib. Researchers then used synchrotron X-ray imaging to build a non-invasive 3D model of these soft tissues preserved in the bone.
Why the Blood Vessel Discovery Matters
- Insight into Healing Biology
The preserved vessels were located in a rib that was mid-healing when Scotty died—higher blood flow to the fracture may have helped preserve the tissue. - Cross-Disciplinary Technique
Findings coincide with other breakthroughs, including the identification of protein preservation mechanisms like Fenton chemistry and glycation in dinosaur fossils. - Evolutionary and Physiological Clues
This discovery opens doors to comparing healing and soft tissue structure between dinosaurs and their modern descendants like birds and reptiles.
Broader Context of Soft Tissue Preservation
This find builds on earlier studies such as Dr. Mary Schweitzer’s 2005 discovery of flexible, vessel-like tissues and cell structures in a T-rex leg bone. Though controversial, these groundbreaking findings suggested that some organic tissues might survive far longer than previously believed
While some scientists proposed alternative explanations like bacterial biofilm formations, researchers continue to find molecular and structural evidence supporting genuine preservation of dinosaur soft tissue
What’s Next?
Scientists aim to apply these advanced imaging and chemical characterization techniques to other dinosaur fossils. The goal is to deepen our understanding of fossilization, physiology, and ancient biology.
