Raman spectroscopic documentation of Oligocene bladder stone.
*Fossils; Animals; Raman; Spectrum Analysis; Urinary Bladder Calculi/*chemistry; X-Ray Diffraction
Discovery of a fossil (30-35 million-year-old) urolith from Early Oligocene deposits in northeastern Colorado provides the earliest evidence for the antiquity of bladder stones. These are spherical objects with a layered phosphatic structure and a hollow center. Each layer is composed of parallel crystals oriented perpendicular to the surface. Macroscopic and microscopic examination and X-ray diffraction analysis, along with comparison with 1,000 contemporary uroliths, were used as evidence in the confirmation of this diagnosis. Raman microspectroscopy verified the presence of organic material between layers, confirming its biologic origin.
Rothschild Bruce M; Martin Larry D; Anderson Brendan; Marshall Alison Olcott; Marshall Craig P
Die Naturwissenschaften
2013
2013-08
Article information provided for research and reference use only. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-013-1078-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1007/s00114-013-1078-6</a>
Epidemiologic study of tumors in dinosaurs.
*Dinosaurs; Animals; Bone and Bones/diagnostic imaging; Fossils; Neoplasms/classification/diagnostic imaging/*epidemiology/*veterinary; Tomography; X-Ray Computed
Occasional reports in isolated fragments of dinosaur bones have suggested that tumors might represent a population phenomenon. Previous study of humans has demonstrated that vertebral radiology is a powerful diagnostic tool for population screening. The epidemiology of tumors in dinosaurs was here investigated by fluoroscopically screening dinosaur vertebrae for evidence of tumors. Computerized tomography (CT) and cross-sections were obtained where appropriate. Among more than 10,000 specimens x-rayed, tumors were only found in Cretaceous hadrosaurs (duck-billed dinosaurs). These included hemangiomas and metastatic cancer (previously identified in dinosaurs), desmoplastic fibroma, and osteoblastoma. The epidemiology of tumors in dinosaurs seems to reflect a familial pattern. A genetic propensity or environmental mutagens are suspected.
Rothschild B M; Tanke D H; Helbling M 2nd; Martin L D
Die Naturwissenschaften
2003
2003-11
Article information provided for research and reference use only. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-003-0473-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1007/s00114-003-0473-9</a>