 |
| Hypothesized reconstruction of the Trichomonas-like infection of the oropharynx and mandible of MOR 980, commonly known as ‘Peck's Rex’. Illustration by Chris Glen, The University of Queensland |
Common avian disease plagued the tyrant dinosaurs
Tyrannosaurus rex and its close relatives suffered from a potentially life-threatening infectious disease similar to one that occurs in living birds. The disease, known as trichomonosis, is caused by a parasitic protozoan. Tell-tale symptoms of trichomonosis include erosive lesions in the back of the lower jaw. Some of the world’s most famous T. rex specimens, such as 'Sue' at the Field Museum in Chicago, and the holotype specimen at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh appear to have suffered from the disease and most likely died as a result of it.
The research has been published in the scientific journal PLoS ONE.
Little croc looms large over outback town
A new exhibit featuring more fossils of the world's first modern crocodilian, opened this week in Isisford, central-western Queensland. The exhibit is an extension of the existing display that was first unveiled in 2006, at the Outer Barcoo Interpretation Centre. In addition to more fossils, the new display featured information about the palaeontological discoveries that have been taking place in Isisford, and the many steps involved in piecing together what this part of central-western Queensland looked like during the latter part of the Age of Dinosaurs. The centrepiece of the new display is the complete skull of Isisfordia duncani.
Megaraptor in Australia and South America
A fossil discovered in Australia almost 20 years ago has been identified as belonging to a type of dinosaur otherwise only known from South America.
Dr Steve Salisbury and a team of palaeontologists from the US and Argentina have shown that an upper arm bone from Dinosaur Cove, southern Victoria, shares a suite of unique features with a medium-sized predatory dinosaur from Argentina called Megaraptor. It is the first time that a dinosaur with unquestionable affinities to animals from other Southern Hemisphere continents has been recognised in Australia.
Antarctic Conference of Gondwana Palaeontology
It is with great regret that we have had to cancel the travel component of the Antarctic Conference for Gondwana Palaeontology. Originally we were planning to hold the conference on board a small ship sailing the Antarctic Peninsula and visiting several sites of palaeontological and geological interest. However, several factors have combined to radically change the cost structure of this proposed venture and so we have had to cancel it.
We have nevertheless received a lot of interest in the conference, and so have decided to continue with a conference themed on Antarctic and Gondwanan Palaeontology to be held in Australia in mid 2010. More information and details will be made available shortly.
 |
| The Argentine theropod Megaraptor namunhuaiquii attacks a small titanosaur. Fossils of Megaraptor are now known from Australia. Image: Luis Rey. |
Australian Dinosaur Symposium
Friday 16 May, 1.00pm - 4.30pm
Dinosaurs roamed the Earth millions of years ago and have been a source of fascination and wonder ever since. Join palaeontologists Paul Willis, Steve Salisbury and Robert Jones as they delve into the world of Australian dinosaurs - their likes, dislikes, habitats and histories. Hear about the latest scientific theories and some of the practical problems facing palaeontologists in Australia today.
Talks include:
- Dr Paul Willis, Journalist, ABC TV: What do we know about Australian Dinosaurs?
- Dr Steve Salisbury, University of Queensland: Dinosaurs of the Southern Hemisphere - an Australasian perspective
- Dr Robert Jones, Australian Museum: Collecting dinosaurs in Australia and Canada - an Australian Museum perspective
Dinosaurs of Gondwana
Southern continents, including Australia, are taking new pride in the fossil records of their unique dinosaurian faunas. Sydney Morning Herald Science Writer Deborah Smith talks with Dr Steve Salisbury about some the exciting advances currently taking place in Gondwanan dinosaur research, and the new dinosaur exhibition at the Australian Museum.
 |
| Carnegie Museum of Natural History Assistant Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology, Dr Matt Lamanna, gets into a bit of 'barring' during the UQ-CMNH 2007 Winton Expedition. Photo: Steve Salisbury. |
Outback Queensland gets international dinosaur attention
Palaeontologists Dr Steve Salisbury, from UQ, and Dr Matt Lamanna, from Carnegie Museum of Natural History, have begun excavations of rich fossil beds near the central-western Queensland town of Winton that they believe may shed new light on the evolution of Southern Hemisphere dinosaurs. The project's first major expedition took place in June/July 2007, and featured on the ABC's Science Program Catalyst. Images
Outer Barcoo Interpretation Centre opens in Isisford
The Outer Barcoo Interpretation Centre in Isisford was opened to the public on 14 July 2006, featuring a prominent display on Isisfordia.
World's first modern crocodilian discovered in outback Queensland
» Meet Isisfordia duncani, the world's first modern crocodilian
» 'Slouching out of Gondwana' - Research Highlights in Nature
Dinosaurs discovered on Chatham Islands in the SW Pacific
University of Queensland palaeontologists have helped unearth a rare cache of dinosaur bones and other fossils on a remote South Pacific island 500 miles (860 kilometers) off the New Zealand coast.
Second giant dinosaur found at Queensland site
'Mary' is the second giant sauropod to be found at the 'Elliot' site near Winton, central-western Queensland
Selected News Stories
Image gallery
 |
| Photo: Chris Stacey, The University of Queensland. |