The DOUNCE (DOUshantuo Negative Carbon isotope Excursion) was marked by a significant shift in δ13Ccarb from ~+5‰ down to ~−12‰ in the upper part of the Ediacaran Doushantuo Formation of South China. As an equivalent event of the Shuram/Wonoka anomaly, the DOUNCE isthe largest negative δ13Ccarb excursion in geological history and denotes a global ocean oxygenation event (Figure 1). Consequently, it has been widely used as a chemostratigraphic tool for correlating the Ediacaran strata globally. Nonetheless, the DOUNCE exhibits variable stratigraphic expressions across sections and depositional environments, raising questions about its representation as a primary indicator of the Ediacaran seawater δ13C value. Such variability casts doubt on the reliability of the DOUNCE for global correlation, and its implications for the carbon cycle, oceanic oxygenation, and biological evolution during the Ediacaran period.To elucidate the DOUNCE event as a synchronous global occurrence and a chemostratigraphic tool, Dr. Yinggang Zhang, a postdoc in Prof. Maoyan Zhu’s group at the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, has compiled the “DOUNCEraq” database. This global-scale database currently includes 9375 valid δ13Ccarb analyses from 156 sections/boreholes documenting the DOUNCE/Shuram/Wonoka event (Figure 2).The meta-analysis of DOUNCEraq highlights the global scope of the DOUNCE event and reveals the presence of an instant rise stage post the abrupt δ13Ccarb decline as an inherent feature of the DOUNCE pattern. Moreover, it also emphasizes the impacts of palaeolatitude, palaeocontinent, water depth, and lithology on the DOUNCE’s pattern and variability: (1) lower pre-DOUNCE δ13Ccarb values and smaller shift magnitudes within 30–0°N compared to the southern hemisphere; (2) compared to the shallower sections, deep-water sections exhibit lower pre-DOUNCE and DOUNCE nadir δ13Ccarb values with smaller shift magnitudes relative to shallower sections; (3) dolostones demonstrate lower pre-DOUNCE values, higher values at the DOUNCE nadirs, and smaller shift magnitudes compared to limestones (Figure 3). Such local impacts on the DOUNCE pattern provide important constraints on the causes of the DOUNCE event and could be explained within the DOC-oxidation hypothesis via regulating oxidants supply. Overall, the present meta-analysis enhances our understanding of the DOUNCE’s global stratigraphic expressions and provides important constraints on the DOUNCE causes.This study was recently published under the title of “Meta-analysis of the DOUNCE event (Shuram/Wonoka excursion): Pattern, variation, causal mechanism, and global correlation” in the journal Earth-Science Reviews. This research was financially supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, and the Jiangsu Funding Program for Excellent Postdoctoral Talent.Article information：Zhang, Y. & Zhu, M., 2024. Meta-analysis of the DOUNCE event (Shuram/Wonoka excursion): Pattern, variation, causal mechanism, and global correlation. Earth-Science Reviews, 105000. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2024.105000Figure 1. Ediacaran fossil ranges (panel A), key evolution events (panel B), and carbonate δ13C variations during the Ediacaran (panel C).Figure 2. Palaeogeographic map ca. 570 Ma showing the approximate locations of all the DOUNCE entries. The location of each entry included in the DOUNCEraq is marked by a circle, colour-coded by water depth, and the entry numbers are collected and summarized in the rectangle of the palaeocontinent.Figure 3. The magnitudes of the δ13Ccarb negative shift during the DOUNCE event. Entries are grouped by four grouping variables, in order: (A) palaeolatitude band, (B) palaeocontinent, (C) water depth, and (D) dominated lithology in the falling stage.<!--!doctype-->
In a remarkable leap forward for paleontological research, a team of scientists from the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, have developed a novel approach to analyze the three-dimensional structure and chemical composition of Ediacaran embryo-like fossils. These ancient microfossils, dating back to 590–570 million years ago, have long puzzled scientists due to their enigmatic affinities and the challenges associated with studying their delicate structures.The study, published in the Journal of Earth Science, introduces an integrated method that harnesses the power of 3D X-ray microscopy (3D-XRM) and focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM). This cutting-edge technique allows researchers to peer into the microscopic intricacies of fossils with unprecedented clarity, offering a dual advantage: the non-destructive 3D visualization capabilities of 3D-XRM and the nanoscale chemical and structural analysis prowess of FIB-SEM.Traditional fossil analysis techniques have reached their limits, struggling to provide the detailed, in-depth information required to understand the complex structures and chemical compositions of ancient organisms. The Ediacaran embryo-like fossils, in particular, with their spherical structures reminiscent of animal embryos, demanded a more sophisticated approach.The researchers' innovative strategy involves a two-pronged attack: first, using 3D-XRM to create a non-destructive, high-resolution 3D model of the fossils, and then employing FIB-SEM to uncover the structural and chemical composition at the nanometer scale. This synergy between the two techniques overcomes the individual limitations of each, providing a comprehensive view of the fossils' structure and chemistry.Through this advanced imaging technique, the team has successfully reconstructed the intricate, multi-layered structures within the cell nuclei of the Ediacaran embryo-like fossils. They discovered a concentric ring structure composed of two distinct mineral facies: one rich in clay minerals and the other in apatite, a form of calcium phosphate. This finding sheds new light on the preservation processes of these ancient organisms and their subcellular structures.The ability to distinguish between biological structures and those formed through geological processes is a game-changer for paleobiologists. This research not only enhances our understanding of early life on Earth but also refines our ability to interpret the fossil record, offering insights into the evolutionary history of life.The combined use of 3D-XRM and FIB-SEM is expected to open new avenues in paleontological and geological research. This method has the potential to transform the study of not only Ediacaran embryo-like fossils but also a wide range of geological specimens, from understanding the formation of minerals to exploring the origins of life on our planet.Workflow diagram of the combined 3D-XRM and FIB-SEM technology methodThe 3D structure and elemental composition of the cell nuclei in the embryo-like fossils from the Ediacaran Weng'an Biota
Pyrite sulfur isotopic composition (δ34Spy) is a crucial proxy for reconstructing ancient Ediacaran marine environments. However, recent in situ isotopic analyses of sedimentary pyrite have revealed distinct δ34Spy signatures among different pyrite morphologies, indicating that secular changes in bulk δ34Spy may reflect variations in proportions of different pyrite morphologies rather than environmental signals. Up to now, intragrain isotopic patterns within individual pyrite grains have not yet been extensively investigated for Ediacaran samples. The absence of this specific data set has hindered our ability to understand current complexities of bulk δ34Spy in reconstruction paleoenvironment.In this study, Yongliang Hu, Wei Wang, and other co-authors elucidated δ34Spy patterns by conducting scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), Raman spectroscopy, and nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) to examine the crystal texture, element atomic ratios (S/Fe), mineral composition, and in situ isotopic composition of individual pyrite grains from Ediacaran drill-core samples. The results highlight significant microenvironmental heterogeneity and dynamic sulfur pool mixing on rapid short-term timescale during pyrite growth.Key findings of this study include:(1) The observed pyrite grains exhibit significant variations in in situ δ34Spy values across μm-scale regions. Targeted euhedral/subhedral pyrite crystals generally show uniform mineral texture, although some grains show varying degrees of dissolution edges and surface cavities. These pyrite grains are found in banded aggregations, positioned parallel or subparallel to bedding planes or scattered around lens-shaped pyrite, surrounded by authigenic clay and calcite. This distribution suggests they formed in sediment pores. In situ isotopic analysis reveals significant intragrain δ34S heterogeneity, with differences reaching up to 69.3‰ on a micrometer scale.(2) This heterogenous intragrain δ34S pattern of pyrite may be related to the formation model of pyrite grains. Targeted euhedral/subhedral pyrite grains formed rapidly, originating from numerous nucleation sites simultaneously. The sulfur in pyrite could originate from several sources, including diffusive sulfate ions from the upper part of the sulfate reduction zone (SRZ), sulfide diffusion from the water column or shallow sediments, which produces more 34S-depleted isotopic signals, or from deeper sediments where sulfate-driven anaerobic oxidation of methane generates 34S-enriched isotopes. Shallow sediment depth and low sedimentation rates create a stable pore-water microenvironment, resulting in consistent pyrite formation with uniform δ34S values. In contrast, deeper sediment depths and higher sedimentation rates lead to highly positive and divergent δ34S values. This variability highlights dynamic environmental conditions and complex mixing processes of sulfur pools over rapid geological timescale during pyrite growth.(3) Differences in elemental or mineral composition have minimal impact on the sulfur isotope heterogeneity of pyrite grains. The δ34Spy values show a slight positive correlation with the S/Fe ratios of the pyrite, implying that lower δ34Spy values generally coincide with lower pyrite S/Fe ratios. Raman spectroscopy indicates the possible presence of pyrrhotite minerals within the pyrite grains. However, their influence on the generation of in situ δ34S heterogeneity within the grains appears to be less pronounced due to their small isotopic fractionation during mineral conversion.Recently, this study has been published on line in Marine and Petroleum Geology. The publication issues are as follows:Yongliang Hu, Wei Wang*, Xianye Zhao, Chengguo Guan, Chuanming Zhou, Chenran Song, Hongyi Shi, Yunpeng Sun, Zhe Chen, Xunlai Yuan, 2025. Extreme sulfur isotope heterogeneity in individual Ediacaran pyrite grains revealed by NanoSIMS analysis. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 171, 1−14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2024.107201.Fig. 1 Microscopic features and mineralogy of pyrite in samples LTS01-02Fig. 2 Pitting locations, histograms and box-and-whisker diagrams of in situδ34Spy measurements on targeted pyrite grainsFig. 3 Growth patterns for the pyrite grains in the Lantian drill-core samples
Fossil wood is one of the crucial proxies for understanding terrestrial vegetation composition and development in the Earth’s history. Before the advent and radiation of angiosperms, Mesozoic forests were dominated by flourishing gymnosperms, including bennettitaleans, cycads, ginkgos, and conifers. The well-defined fossil wood genus Xenoxylon is a significant member of the Mesozoic gymnosperm flora. This genus was established by the German scientist Gothan in 1905, nearly 120 years ago. However, its exact classification within the gymnosperms has been a puzzle for the paleobotanical community for a long time. Hence, clarifying its systematic classification position is very important and has always been a focus of paleobotanists.Recently, the international journalJournal of Systematics and Evolution(JSE ) published a new result completed by a collaborative team of paleobotanists from China, Germany, and the Czech Republic, providing new scientific evidence to solve the century-long mystery of the systematic classification of Xenoxylon fossils. This study innovatively integrated datasets of gene, wood anatomy, and biomolecular characteristics for the first time to perform a phylogenetic analysis of Xenoxylon, which proposes that this genus has a close phylogenetic relationship with the extant conifer family Podocarpaceae.Xenoxylon fossils are characterized by the strongly compressed radial tracheid pits and window-like cross-field pits in the secondary xylem (Figure 1). They are widely distributed across the Laurasia, with 22 verified species of Xenoxylon described. To understand its systematic classification position, the research team conducted interdisciplinary innovative studies. Three integrated datasets on genetic characteristics, wood anatomical structure, and biomolecular composition characteristics (such as biomarkers), from Xenoxylon and five extant conifers families were generated. These families include Araucariaceae, Cupressaceae, Pinaceae, Podocarpaceae, and Sciadopityaceae. Due to the lack of DNA in Xenoxylon fossils, the genetic sequences of Xenoxylon were coded as missing data in this analysis as commonly used for extinct taxa. Using maximum parsimony in Tree Analysis using New Technology (TNT), Xenoxylon appeared basal to Araucariaceae in the data set combining genes and xylological characters, whereas Xenoxylon is placed next to Podocarpaceae in the data set combining genes and biomolecular characters. To find a reliable systematic placement of Xenoxylon, a combined data set of genes, xylological and biomolecular characters is analyzed. The results and interpretations indicate that Xenoxylon is closely related to Podocarpaceae (Figure 2). This represents the first phylogenetic analysis of Xenoxylon, and fills the knowledge gap of the systematic relationship of this taxon, and contributes to a better understanding of the evolution of extant conifer Podocarpaceae.Prof. Dr. Yongdong Wang from the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Dr. Aowei Xie at the Senckenberg Forschungsinstitut und Naturmuseum Frankfurt, are the co-corresponding authors for this study. Dr. Shook Ling Low (Institute of Botany, Czech Academy of Sciences), Prof. Dr. Ning Tian (College of Palaeontology, Shenyang Normal University), and Prof. Dr. Dieter Uhl (Senckenberg Forschungsinstitut und Naturmuseum Frankfurt) jointly completed the research. This work was co-sponsored by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Strategic Priority Research Program (B) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the State Key Laboratory of Palaeobiology and Stratigraphy. Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL.Reference: Xie A.*, Low S.L., Wang Y.*, Tian N., Uhl D., 2024. Novel phylogenetic analysis of the Mesozoic common gymnosperm Xenoxylon Gothan reveals close affinity with extant Podocarpaceae (Coniferales). Journal of Systematics and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1111/jse.13132Figure 1. The xylological characters of radial tracheid pits and cross-field pits in species of Xenoxylon. A–C, Xenoxylon kazuoense Xie, Wang, Tian et D.Uhl in the Lower Cretaceous Jiufotang Formation of western Liaoning, China (Xie et al., 2024). D–F, Xenoxylon utahense Xie et Gee in the Upper Jurassic Morrison Formation of northeastern Utah, USA (Xie et al., 2021). G–I, Xenoxylon guangyuanense Tian, Wang et Philippe in the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation of northern Sichuan, China (Tian et al., 2016). Red arrows show the window-like cross-field pitting. Scale bar =100μm.Figure 2. Majority‐rule consensus tree for phylogenetic analysis of Xenoxyloninferred from combined xylological, biomolecular, and genetic characters analysis.
Recently, Dr. NAN Jingbo from the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dr. LUO Shunqin from Japan’s National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), and Dr. Quoc Phuong Tran from the University of New South Wales, Australia, along with researchers from other institutions, published a new study in Nature Communications. Their research highlights the potential role of iron sulfides in catalyzing the reduction of gaseous carbon dioxide (CO₂) into prebiotic organic molecules through non-enzymatic pathways in early Earth’s terrestrial hot springs. This work offers new insights into Earth’s early carbon cycles and prebiotic chemical reactions, underscoring the significance of iron sulfides in supporting the terrestrial hot spring origin of life hypothesis.Recently, Dr. NAN Jingbo from the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dr. LUO Shunqin from Japan’s National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), and Dr. Quoc Phuong Tran from the University of New South Wales, Australia, along with researchers from other institutions, published a new study in Nature Communications. Their research highlights the potential role of iron sulfides in catalyzing the reduction of gaseous carbon dioxide (CO₂) into prebiotic organic molecules through non-enzymatic pathways in early Earth’s terrestrial hot springs. This work offers new insights into Earth’s early carbon cycles and prebiotic chemical reactions, underscoring the significance of iron sulfides in supporting the terrestrial hot spring origin of life hypothesis.Iron sulfides, abundant in early Earth’s hydrothermal systems, may have functioned similarly to cofactors in modern metabolic systems, potentially facilitating essential prebiotic chemical reactions. Previous studies on iron sulfides and the origin of life have focused primarily on deep-sea alkaline hydrothermal vents, where favorable conditions like high temperature, pressure, pH gradients, and hydrogen (H₂) from serpentinization were thought to support prebiotic carbon fixation. However, some scientists have proposed terrestrial hot springs as another plausible setting for life’s origins, as they contain rich mineral content, diverse chemicals, and abundant sunlight (Figure 1). To explore iron sulfides' role in terrestrial prebiotic carbon fixation, the research team synthesized a series of nanoscale iron sulfides (mackinawite) (Figure 2), including pure iron sulfide and iron sulfides doped with common hot spring elements including manganese, nickel, titanium, and cobalt. Experiments demonstrated that these iron sulfides could catalyze the H₂-driven reduction of CO₂ at specific temperatures (80–120°C) and atmospheric pressure, with gas chromatography quantifying the methanol produced (Figure 3).The study found that manganese-doped iron sulfides exhibited notably high catalytic activity at 120°C. This activity was further enhanced under UV-visible (300–720 nm) and UV-enhanced (200–600 nm) light, suggesting that sunlight might play a role in driving this reaction by facilitating chemical processes. Additionally, the introduction of water vapor boosted catalytic activity, implying that vapor-laden terrestrial hot spring environments may have served as key sites for non-enzymatic organic synthesis on early Earth.To further investigate the mechanism behind the H₂-driven CO₂ reduction, the team conducted in-situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) analyses. Results indicated that the reaction likely proceeds via the reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) pathway, wherein CO₂ is first reduced to carbon monoxide (CO), which is then further hydrogenated to form methanol. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations provided additional insights, revealing that manganese doping not only lowered the reaction’s activation energy but also introduced highly efficient electron transfer sites, thereby enhancing reaction efficiency (Figure 4). The redox characteristics of iron sulfides make them functionally analogous to modern metabolic enzymes, providing a chemical foundation for prebiotic carbon fixation.This research underscores the potential of iron sulfides in catalyzing prebiotic carbon fixation in early Earth’s terrestrial hot springs, opening new directions for exploring life’s origins and supporting future efforts in the search for extraterrestrial life.Cite this article：Nan, J., Luo, S., Tran, Q.P. et al. Iron sulfide-catalyzed gaseous CO2 reduction and prebiotic carbon fixation in terrestrial hot springs. Nat Commun 15, 10280 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-54062-yFigure 1: Conceptual illustration of terrestrial hot springs on early Earth (Alex Bosoy Design)Figure 2: Scanning transmission electron microscopy reveals the characteristics of the iron sulfide (mackinawite) catalyst.Figure 3: Simulated reaction of metal-doped iron sulfides catalyzing the H₂-driven reduction of CO₂ under various terrestrial hot spring conditionsFigure 4: Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations of CO₂ hydrogenation on the surfaces of pure iron sulfide and manganese-doped iron sulfide.<!--!doctype-->
Recently, Dr. XU Chunpeng, Profs WANG Bo, ZHANG Haichun and Edmund Jarzembowski, carried out a detailed and global investigation of all representatives of giant cicadas. This research provides novel insight on the adaptive aerodynamic evolution of Palaeontinidae and supports the hypothesis of an aerial evolutionary arms race (Air Race) between Palaeontinidae and birds. This research was published in Science Advances on October 25th, 2024.Recently, Dr. XU Chunpeng, Profs WANG Bo, ZHANG Haichun and Edmund Jarzembowski, carried out a detailed and global investigation of all representatives of giant cicadas. This research provides novel insight on the adaptive aerodynamic evolution of Palaeontinidae and supports the hypothesis of an aerial evolutionary arms race (Air Race) between Palaeontinidae and birds. This research was published in Science Advances on October 26th, 2024.Powered flight is one of the most important behavioural innovations in animal locomotion and provides fliers several ecological advantages. It has evolved independently in four faunal lineages: insects, pterosaurs, birds, and bats. Insecta represents the earliest and most speciose flying group, displaying diverse wing morphologies and corresponding ecological flight behaviours and adaptations. However, reconstructing the flight performance and behaviour of extinct insects has been proven to be highly challenging.Palaeontinidae (Hemiptera: Cicadomorpha) is an extinct group of large arboreal insects ranging from the Middle Triassic to Late Cretaceous, with longest wingspan nearly 15 cm. As close relatives of modern cicadas, giant cicadas exhibit similar morphologies and flight mechanisms. Additionally, they represent an outstanding epitome of Mesozoic flying insects, exquisitely preserved with a vast array of morphological information on bodies and wings. Therefore, they are an ideal model for investigating the relationship between wing morphology and flight behaviour in evolution.Profs WANG Bo, ZHANG Haichun found a distinct faunal turnover of Palaeontinidae in the latest Jurassic when studying giant cicadas from the Late Jurassic Solnhofen Konservat-Lagerstätte of Germany in 2010. Late Palaeontinidae may have evolved with enhanced flight ability, which was probably induced by the pressure from newly originated flying predators. They proposed the hypothesis of an “Air Race” which was widely acknowledged later, but quantitative verification was needed.The research team re-examined all representative Palaeontinidae and their closest relatives (Dunstaniidae) based on fossils from over a period of approximately 160 million years. They compiled a database of detailed morphometric information on their bodies and wings. Using this, the evolutionary history of Palaeontinidae was reconstructed based on an integrated approach including Bayesian tip-dating, phylogenetic morphospace, morphological disparity, and geometric morphometric analyses.Phylogenetic analyses support the monophyly of Palaeontinidae, which originated near the beginning of the Middle Triassic. The results further recognize a distinct faunal turnover from early to late Palaeontinidae during the latest Jurassic–earliest Cretaceous. After their appearance in the Late Jurassic, late Palaeontinidae diversified rapidly and dominated the palaeontinid fauna in the Early Cretaceous.There is an abrupt morphological transition from early Palaeontinidae to late Palaeontinidae, during the latest Jurassic to earliest Cretaceous. Morphospace and morphological disparity analyses now revealed a distinctive morphospace partition occurring between early Palaeontinidae and late Palaeontinidae, and late Palaeontinidae occupied a smaller morphospace in terms of forewing gross morphology. There was also a distinct forewing shape transition from the oval condition in early Palaeontinidae to the triangularization of late Palaeontinidae.Additionally, an aerodynamic modeling approach was developed to estimate the flight performance of Palaeontinidae based on their wing and body characteristics which was used to analyze the evolution of their flight ability. Three indicative parameters of flight ability among insects were calculated based on morphometry: wing loading, relative flight power muscle mass, and wing aspect ratio. The combination of high wing loading, high relative flight muscle mass and high aspect ratio of wings in late Palaeontinidae suggest that they had evolved a significantly more advanced flight capability, including higher flight speed and greater maneuverability.The faunal turnover from early to late Palaeontinidae coincided with the origination and diversification of early birds, supporting the hypothesis of an aerial evolutionary predator-prey arms race between birds (predators) and Palaeontinidae (prey). Large flying insects such as Palaeontinidae, an almost untapped source of animal protein, may have been a stimulus for the evolution of early birds' arboreal and aerial habits, as well as their intricate flight systems. Conversely, early birds with progressive flight abilities could have exerted selective pressure on the evolution of Palaeontinidae.The rise of birds in the late Mesozoic has probably influenced the evolution of two pre-existing fliers―pterosaurs and insects, arousing a remarkable evolutionary “Air Race” event during the latest Jurassic–earliest Cretaceous. This proposed event is coeval with the well-known pterosaur faunal turnover from basal to pterodactyloid pterosaurs, accompanied by an increase of body size, migration to water-related habitats, as well as dietary habits shifting from insectivorous dominated to multifarious. The competition between birds and pterosaurs is probably the main reason for pterosaur faunal turnover. In addition, the rise of birds inevitably imposed greater predation pressure on insects. The “Air Race” event also overlapped with a turnover in the Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) fauna from being dominated by Anisozygoptera to being dominated by Anisoptera and Zygoptera. In conclusion, the “Air Race” event may well have influenced the evolution of pterosaurs and insects, thus reshaping the aerial ecosystem.This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Natural Scientific Foundation of Shandong Province, and Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung.References: Xu Chunpeng, Chen Jun, Muijres F. T., Yu Yilun, Jarzembowski E. A., Zhang Haichun, Wang Bo (2024). Enhanced flight performance and adaptive evolution of Mesozoic giant cicadas. Science Advances. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adr2201.Fig.1. Representatives of early Palaeontinidae (A-D) and late Palaeontinidae (E-H). (Image by NIGPAS)Fig.2. The evolutionary history of Palaeontinidae. (Image by NIGPAS)Fig.3. Morphological disparity of forewings of Palaeontinidae and Dunstaniidae. (Image by NIGPAS)Fig.4. Geometric morphometric analysis of forewing shapes and flight performance traits of Palaeontinidae. (Image by NIGPAS)Fig.5. Ecological restoration of predator–prey interaction (chasing flights) between early birds (Longipteryx chaoyangensis) and late Palaeontinidae (Baeocossus fortunatus) in the Early Cretaceous. Artistic reconstruction by Dinghua Yang. (Image by NIGPAS)
Recently, a research team published their latest research findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). The study reports the discovery of abiotic organic compounds in the oceanic crust of the Southwest Indian Ridge and proposes a molecular mechanism for organic condensation.Recently, a Chinese research team reported the discovery of abiotic organic compounds in the oceanic crust of the Southwest Indian Ridge and proposed a molecular mechanism for organic condensation.This breakthrough followed the team’s discovery of nanoscale abiotic organic matter in mantle rocks from the Yap Trench in 2021. It represents a significant advance in research on deep-sea carbon cycling and the origin of life, shedding light on key pathways for abiotic organic synthesis in nature.The scientists published their findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Dr. NAN Jingbo from the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (NIGPAS) is the first author of the paper. Dr. PENG Xiaotong from the Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences is the corresponding author.The origin of life is one of science’s most challenging questions. Deep-sea hydrothermal systems are considered potential sites for the emergence of life and a key focus in the search for extraterrestrial life. These systems provided ideal material and energy conditions for prebiotic chemical reactions on early Earth, driving the formation of small organic molecules under non-enzymatic catalysis.Building on this, mineral-catalyzed organic polymerization reactions laid the foundation for the production of more complex organic compounds, facilitating the evolution from simple organic compounds to intricate functional structures and eventually leading to the emergence of life forms.Through analysis of basalt samples obtained by the human-occupied vehicle (HOV) Shen Hai Yong Shi (TS-10 expedition), NAN and his colleagues have reported, for the first time, the presence of abiotic carbonaceous matter at the micron scale in the upper oceanic crust of the Southwest Indian Ridge.They also discovered a close spatial correlation between this organic matter and the products of water-rock interactions, such as goethite.By using multimodal in situ microanalysis techniques, including electron microscopy, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, and photo-induced force microscopy coupled with nano-infrared spectroscopy, the researchers comprehensively confirmed the absence of characteristic biomolecular functional groups in the carbonaceous matter, thereby revealing its abiotic origin.Based on this, the research team employed density functional theory (DFT) calculations to propose the crucial role of goethite in the molecular-scale catalytic synthesis of abiotic carbonaceous matter.In this process, hydrogen from hydrothermal fluids participates in a catalytic cycle on the surface of goethite, playing a key role in the initial activation of carbon dioxide and carbon chain (C-C) growth during organic condensation.This pioneering study integrates multimodal in situ microanalysis with DFT calculations to explore natural abiotic organic synthesis, providing a deep understanding of the formation mechanisms of abiotic carbonaceous matter in mid-ocean ridges, which serve as critical natural laboratories.This research not only establishes a foundation for understanding mineral-mediated natural organic catalytic reactions but also provides an important reference for identifying abiotic organic matter in hydrothermal systems on other rocky planets.Fig.1 The human-occupied vehicle (HOV) Shenhaiyongshi (Image by NIGPAS)Fig.2 Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of micron-scale abiotic organic matter and surrounding goethite in the oceanic crust of the Southwest Indian Ridge. (Image by NIGPAS) Fig.3 Multimodal in situ microanalysis techniques reveal the absence of characteristic biomolecular functional groups in the condensed carbonaceous matter (CCM). (Image by NIGPAS)Fig.4 Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal the reaction pathways of CO₂ hydrogenation and C-C chain growth on the (001) surface of goethite. (Image by NIGPAS)
Recently, Prof. CAI Chenyang from the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (NIGPAS), and his PhD student, LI Yanda, co-supervised by the University of Bristol, reported adult and larval specimens of Loricera preserved in Cretaceous Burmese amber. These fossils show remarkable similarities to existing species, indicating that their specialized springtail predation behavior has persisted for at least 100 million years. The related findings were published in The Innovation and Palaeoentomology.The K/Pg mass extinction triggered one of the most profound biodiversity reorganizations in geological history, shaping the structure of modern biodiversity. While many iconic groups, including non-avian dinosaurs, became extinct, new evidence suggests that certain previously overlooked groups not only survived the extinction but also exhibited little change in their morphology and habits.Recently, Prof. CAI Chenyang from the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (NIGPAS), and his PhD student, LI Yanda, co-supervised by the University of Bristol, reported adult and larval specimens of Loricera preserved in Cretaceous Burmese amber. These fossils show remarkable similarities to existing species, indicating that their specialized springtail predation behavior has persisted for at least 100 million years. The related findings were published in The Innovation and Palaeoentomology.Beetles of the Carabidae family are diverse and exhibit a variety of feeding habits. Among them is an interesting genus, Loricera of the subfamily Loricerinae, whose adults and larvae have evolved specialized predatory structures for feeding on springtails (Collembola) in leaf litter. Modern adult Loricera have long, sturdy setae on the basal segments of their antennae. The rapid closure of their antennae traps springtails in a cage formed by the setae, preventing them from leaping away, while long setae on the ventral surface of the head prevent escape.The newly discovered fossil adult from amber, dating back to approximately 99 million years ago, exhibits an arrangement of setae on its antennae almost identical to that of modern species, suggesting that this fossil species employed the same predation mechanism as modern Loricera, specialized for springtail hunting. Additionally, modern Loricera larvae have long setae on the stipes of their mandibles, which function similarly to the setae on the adult antennae.These larvae also possess an additional mechanism to improve prey capture efficiency. In most beetles, the galea is short, but in modern Loricera larvae, it is elongated and sticky, enabling them to capture prey and direct it into their mouths. The newly discovered fossil larvae also have long setae on the stipes and elongated galeae, indicating that they likely used a hunting method similar to that of modern larvae.This new discovery pushes the origin of the Loricera specialized springtail predation mechanism back to 100 million years ago, demonstrating that this complex predatory strategy has remained largely unchanged since its emergence.The study suggests that both springtails and their predators have exhibited significant evolutionary stasis, both in terms of individual species morphology and community structure. This finding aligns with the hypothesis that low-trophic-level species are less prone to extinction but contrasts with predictions that specialized predatory strategies would be more vulnerable to environmental change.This research was jointly supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition.Reference: Li, Yanda, Tihelka, E., Engel, M. S., Huang, D., Cai, Chenyang (2024). Specialized springtail predation by Loricera beetles: An example of evolutionary stasis across the K-Pg extinction. The Innovation 5(3), 100601. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xinn.2024.100601.Li, Yanda, Tihelka, E., Engel, M.S., Xia, F., Huang, D., Zippel, A., Tun, K.L., Haug, G.T., Müller, P., Cai, Chenyang (2024). Description of adult and larval Loricera from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber (Coleoptera: Carabidae). Palaeoentomology 7(2), 265–276. https://doi.org/ 10.11646/palaeoentomology.7.2.10.Fig.1 Specialized springtail predation by Loricera beetles from the Cretaceous. (Image by NIGPAS)Fig.2 Adult Loriceracarsteni beetle from the Cretaceous Burmese amber . (Image by NIGPAS)Fig.3 Larval Loricera beetle from the Cretaceous Burmese amber. (Image by NIGPAS)
Recently, Prof. CAI Chenyang, a researcher from the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (NIGPAS), reanalyzed publicly available genomic data of ants, addressing long-standing controversies in ant phylogeny. By employing advanced model comparison methods, the team explored the reasons behind conflicts between datasets and proposed new insights into ant evolution. Their findings were published in Communications Biology.Ants (Formicidae), known for their highly specialized sociality, are among the most widespread and ecologically dominant arthropods on Earth. Constructing a reliable ant evolutionary tree is crucial for understanding the evolution of their traits, species diversification, and biogeography. Over the past two decades, molecular phylogenetic studies and well-preserved Cretaceous ant fossils have greatly advanced the understanding of ant evolutionary history. However, discrepancies between different molecular datasets have caused inconsistencies in reconstructing ant phylogenies, leaving the foundational evolutionary relationships of ants unresolved.Recently, Prof. CAI Chenyang, a researcher from the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (NIGPAS), reanalyzed publicly available genomic data of ants, addressing long-standing controversies in ant phylogeny. By employing advanced model comparison methods, the team explored the reasons behind conflicts between datasets and proposed new insights into ant evolution. Their findings were published in Communications Biology.Extant ants are divided into three major groups: leptanilloids, formicoids, and poneroids. Formicoids include most ant species, and their internal relationships have been clarified through molecular phylogenetic studies. However, the relationships within poneroids remain debated, with the most contentious issue being the phylogenetic position of the leptanilloids, which include two extant subfamilies: Leptanillinae and Martialinae. One species, Martialis heureka, has been at the center of this debate.Martialis heurekawas first discovered in the Amazon rainforest and was placed in a separate subfamily, Martialinae, due to its unique combination of primitive and distinctive traits. Since its discovery, its precise evolutionary placement has been contested. Earlier studies suggested that Martialis heureka might be the sister group to all other ant subfamilies. However, subsequent genomic studies argued that it is closely related to the Leptanillinae.By reanalyzing several existing datasets and applying the latest site-heterogeneous models (CAT-GTR), which account for functional constraints on amino acid mutations, Prof. Cai arrived at a conclusion that differs from the prevailing view. His research revealed that Martialis heureka is the sister group to all ants except the Leptanillinae, finally resolving this long-standing debate.The newly constructed backbone phylogeny of ants provides a solid foundation for understanding the evolution of ant traits, biogeography, and the ecology of early ants. The study also suggested that the morphological similarities between modern Martian ants and leptanillines may result from convergent evolution due to their adaptation to subterranean environments.This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program.Reference: Cai Chenyang (2024) Ant backbone phylogeny resolved by modellingcompositional heterogeneity among sites ingenomic data. Communications Biology 7: 106. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-024-05793-7.Fig.1 The evolutionary relationships among the extant ant subfamilies, with the phylogenetic position of Martialis heurekaunresolved. (Image by NIGPAS)Fig.2 Phylogenomics resolves the evolutionary position of Martialis heureka and clarifies the backbone phylogeny of ants. (Image by NIGPAS)
Recently, Prof. CAI Chenyang and colleagues from the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (NIGPAS), alongside researchers from the University of Cambridge, University of Bristol, Charles Sturt University, the American Museum of Natural History, and Palacký University, described the second known firefly fossil from the Mesozoic, found in Burmese amber. This discovery is significant for understanding the evolution of firefly bioluminescence and key traits.Bioluminescence, the ability of living organisms to emit light, is a fascinating phenomenon observed in various life forms, including deep-sea fish, glowing mushrooms, and fireflies. Fireflies have long captivated people with their enchanting light displays, sparking scientific curiosity.Recently, Prof. CAI Chenyang and colleagues from the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (NIGPAS), alongside researchers from the University of Cambridge, University of Bristol, Charles Sturt University, the American Museum of Natural History, and Palacký University, described the second known firefly fossil from the Mesozoic, found in Burmese amber. This discovery is significant for understanding the evolution of firefly bioluminescence and key traits.This research was published on Proceedings of the Royal Society B.In today’s terrestrial ecosystems, most bioluminescent organisms belong to the order Coleoptera (beetles), particularly the superfamily Elateroidea (click beetles, fireflies, and their relatives). Among Elateroidea, a majority of bioluminescent species are part of the “lampyroid” clade, which includes the families Lampyridae (fireflies), Phengodidae, Rhagophthalmidae, and Sinopyrophoridae. While most species within these families have soft bodies, and some females exhibit neoteny, this makes them difficult to fossilize.Firefly fossils from the Mesozoic era are extremely rare, with only one example previously reported. In 2021, Prof. CAI’s research team discovered a new family of Elateroidea in mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber, named Cretophengodidae, representing a transitional stage in the early evolution of lampyroids. However,The researchers identified a well-preserved female firefly from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber, approximately 100 million years old, representing a new genus and species, Flammarionellahehaikuni Cai, Ballantyne, &Kundrata, 2024. Based on morphological analysis, the fossil was classified within the basal lineage of the subfamily Luciolinae (Lampyridae).This species’ antennae feature distinctive oval-shaped sensory receptors on segments 3 to 11, likely specialized olfactory organs. The light-emitting organ near the tip of the abdomen closely resembles those of modern Luciolinae fireflies, demonstrating evolutionary stability in this trait.Together with previously discovered bioluminescent beetles from Cretaceous amber, this study highlights the morphological diversity of light-emitting organs in the Mesozoic era, greatly enhancing our understanding of the evolutionary history of bioluminescence in Elateroidea. Future fossil discoveries are expected to further illuminate the evolution and mechanisms behind insect bioluminescence in the Mesozoic.This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.Reference: Cai, Chenyang, Tihelka, E., Ballantyne, L., Li, Yan-Da, Huang, Diying, Engel, M.S., Kundrata, R. (2024). A light in the dark: a mid-Cretaceous bioluminescent firefly with specialized antennal sensory organs. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 291: 20241671. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2024.1671.Fig.1 Habitus of Flammarionellahehaikuni Cai, Ballantyne &Kundrata, 2024, from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber. (Image by NIGPAS)Fig.2 Morphological details of Flammarionellahehaikuni. (Image by NIGPAS)
