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-->
The Dicksoniaceae is a representative member of the fern clade and shows high diversity during the Jurassic and Cretaceous in the Mesozoic, including Coniopteris Brongniart, Acanthopteris Sze, Eboracia Thomas of the extinct taxa, as well as Dicksonia L'Hér. and Lophosoria Presl of the extant taxa. This represents one of the significant plant groups for exploring the climate and environmental changes during the Mesozoic and modern times.The Dicksoniaceae is a representative member of the fern clade and shows high diversity during the Jurassic and Cretaceous in the Mesozoic, including Coniopteris Brongniart, Acanthopteris Sze, Eboracia Thomas of the extinct taxa, as well as Dicksonia L'Hér. and Lophosoria Presl of the extant taxa. This represents one of the significant plant groups for exploring the climate and environmental changes during the Mesozoic and modern times.Acanthopteris is a fossil genus belonging to the tree fern family Dicksoniaceae. It that was established by H.C. Sze in 1931 based on leaf remains from the Lower Cretaceous of the Fuxin Basin in Liaoning Province, China. Although there are some documents on fossil Acanthopterisduring the past nine decades, our understandings on fossil record,diversity, tempo-spatial distribution and palaeoclimate natures ofthis fossil taxon are still limited.A research team led by Prof. Wang Yongdong from the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology, Chinese Academy of Science, has reported their recent studies on the reassessment of systematics and fossil record of Acanthopteris by using both morphologicaland cluster analysis approaches and further discuss itspalaeogeographic distribution pattern as well as palaeoclimaticimplications. This report was recently published in the international journal “Cretaceous Research”.Re-investigations were carried out based on newly collected fossil sterile and fertile specimens (Fig.1) and referring all published fossil recordsof Acanthopteris. Since this genus was founded, five valid fossil species have been recognized according to the emendation of generic diagnosis of Acanthopteris, including A. gothani Sze, A. acutata (Samylina) Zhang, A. alata (Fontaine) Zhang, A. onychioides (Vassilevskaja et Kara-Mursa) Zhang, and A. szei Cao (Fig.2).It is suggested that Acanthopteris shows limited geographicaldistributionin North and NE China, Siberia and the Inner Zone of Japan, mainly in Northern Floristic Province in China. Compared to other period of the Cretaceous, Acanthopteris is temporally restricted to the Aptian-Albian periodof EarlyCretaceous, representing a climate index fossil taxon for a warm and humid climate condition of tropical to subtropical zones during the Early Cretaceousin northeastern Asia region (Fig.3). This result provides crucial fossil evidence for further investigating the Cretaceous floral evolution and greenhouse climate change in East Asia.Yuan Meng, the co-trained master degree student from Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (NIGPAS) and Chengdu University of Technology is the first author, Wang Yongdong from NIGPAS is the corresponding author; Associate Professor Li Ya and Post Doc Zhang Li from NIGPAS, Associate Professor Cui Yiming from Lushan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Science, and Prof. Zhou Xu from No. 101 Exploration Team Limited Liability Company of Northeast Coalfield Geology Bureau are co-authors of this study.This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (B). Itis a contribution to IGCP 679.Article information:Yuan M, Wang YD*, Zhou X, Li Y, Cui YM, Zhang L, 2024. The Early Cretaceous treefern Acanthopteris (Dicksoniaceae): New insight into fossil records, species diversity, palaeogeography and palaeoclimate. Cretaceous Research, 162, 105934. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cretres.2024.105934Fig. 1 Acanthopteris gothani Sze, specimens collected from the Early Cretaceous of Tiefa Basin, China. A, B, the sterile tripinnate frond, main rachis and pinnule arrangement; C-F. the fertile specimens showing pinnules, and sori arrangementsFig. 2 The cluster analysis for five fossil species of Acanthopteris by UPGMA tree methodFig.3 The palaeogeography distribution of fossil Acanthopteris in China and Siberia during the Early Cretaceous. The palaeogeography base maps are from Scotese (2021).A. Type species Acanthopteris gothaniSze;B. Five valid species of Acanthopteris. Different color of X refers to the five species, including Acanthopteris gothani Sze (blue); Acanthopteris acutata(Samylina)Zhang (red);Acanthopteris alata(Fontaine) Zhang (green); Acanthopteris onychioides(Vassilevskaja et Kara-Mursa) Zhang (purple) and Acanthopteris szeiCao (orange ).
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)
Recently, Associate Prof. LI Tao from the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (NIGPAS), in collaboration with Prof. Chen Tianyu from Nanjing University and other scholars, utilized samples from ODP Site 1094 in the Southern Ocean to determine surface seawater silica concentrations in the Antarctic region over the past 60,000 years, based on measurements of diatom frustule Al/Si ratios and 230Th-normalized sediment 232Th flux. Recently, Associate Prof. LI Tao from the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (NIGPAS), in collaboration with Prof. Chen Tianyu from Nanjing University and other scholars, utilized samples from ODP Site 1094 in the Southern Ocean to determine surface seawater silica concentrations in the Antarctic region over the past 60,000 years, based on measurements of diatom frustule Al/Si ratios and 230Th-normalized sediment 232Th flux. The relevant research results were published in Quaternary Science Reviews,. The periodic variations in atmospheric CO2 concentration during glacial-interglacial cycles of the late Quaternary are among the most significant environmental features. Lower CO2 concentrations during glacial periods are attributed to increased carbon storage in the deep ocean, serving as a natural analog for studying oceanic absorption and storage of anthropogenic CO2. The Southern Ocean is a key region for carbon exchange between the ocean and atmosphere, where physical circulation and biogeochemical processes may influence changes in deep-sea carbon storage during glacial-interglacial periods. Wind-driven upwelling processes bring carbon-rich and nutrient-rich (such as silicon and nitrogen) deep waters to the surface of the Southern Ocean. Part of this carbon is fixed by surface biota, re-entering the deep ocean, while another portion enters the atmosphere through ocean-atmosphere exchange. Reduced upwelling intensity and increased surface nutrient utilization during glacial periods in the Southern Ocean are likely primary factors contributing to increased deep-sea carbon storage. Additionally, it has been proposed that nutrients (especially silicon) transported by Southern Ocean upwelling may enhance biological productivity and further carbon fixation in mid-low latitude regions, thereby reducing atmospheric CO2 concentrations during glacial periods, known as the "silicic acid leakage hypothesis." The key to validating the "silicic acid leakage hypothesis" lies in reconstructing the silica concentration in surface waters of the Southern Ocean during glacial periods. Previous studies have used diatom flux, biogenic barium flux, Ba/Fe ratios, and other indicators to infer changes in Southern Ocean biological productivity, but there has been no direct proxy for reconstructing surface seawater silica concentrations. In recent years, researchers have employed silicon isotopes (δ30Si) from diatoms to reflect silica utilization efficiency, indirectly indicating changes in surface seawater silica concentrations. However, diatom δ30Si values are significantly influenced by sample preservation, diagenesis, and diatom species. Moreover, silica utilization efficiency is not directly correlated with silica concentrations and they are also influenced by processes such as upwelling intensity. This research team first utilized measurement techniques such as EDS-SEM, NMR, and ICP-MS to eliminate factors like diagenesis, pore water exchange, and variations in diatom species, confirming that aluminum in diatom frustules originates directly from the surface seawater during biogenic silica synthesis. This provided a theoretical basis for reconstructing surface seawater Al/Si ratios in the Antarctic region using Al/Si ratios from diatom frustules obtained from ODP Site 1094. “Building on studies indicating a strong positive correlation between dust flux in the open ocean and dissolved Al concentrations in surface seawater, we utilized 230Th-normalized sediment 232Th flux to infer changes in dust flux in the in the Antarctic zone of the Southern Ocean, thereby constraining variations in dissolved Al concentrations in surface seawater”, says LI. Finally, by combining records of surface seawater Al/Si ratios and dissolved Al concentrations in the Antarctic zone of the Southern Ocean, the team obtained a record of surface seawater silica concentrations over the past 60,000 years. The reconstructed results indicate significantly lower surface seawater silica concentrations in the Antarctic zone of the Southern Ocean during the Last Glacial Maximum compared to the Holocene. Combined with reconstructions of silicon isotope ratios in diatom frustules (indicating silica utilization efficiency), this study suggests that the lower silica concentrations and utilization rates during the Last Glacial Maximum in the Antarctic zone of the Southern Ocean were the result of weakened upwelling and enhanced iron fertilization. “Our study does not support the "silicic acid leakage hypothesis" and advances our understanding of physical circulation and biogeochemical processes in the Southern Ocean”, says LI. This research was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China, the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and the Hundred-Talent Program. Reference: Xinyu Yang, Tao Li*, Tianyu Chen*, Jianfan Zheng, Wei Li, 2024. Incorporation of Al into diatom frustule as a proxy of seawater Al/Si ratios in the Antarctic Zone of the Southern Ocean: Implications for surface silicic acid concentrations during the last glacial period. Quaternary Science Reviews 334. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quascirev.2024.108724. The location of ODP 1094 sediment core 27Al NMR spectra of diatom frustule samples of different ages compared to an aluminosilicate standard Reconstructed relative changes in surface silicic acid concentration compared to other ocean records
Contact: LIU Yun, Propagandist Email: yunliu@nigpas.ac.cn Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
Recently, Dr. LUAN Xiaocong and Prof. ZHAN Renbin from Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (NIGPAS), in collaboration with colleagues from University of Saskatchewan and Western University, Canada, have examined these iron ooids through extensive field surveys and in-depth sedimentological and geochemical analyses on various iron-bearing successions and iron ooids across different regions on the Upper Yangtze region, South China. Related results have been published in Journal of Stratigraphy (in Chinese with English abstract) and Sedimentology, respectively.In comparison to carbonate ooids, iron ooids refer to spherical or ellipsoidal grains with mainly concentric lamellar cortex composed of iron oxides or other iron minerals. There are still debates on the origins of iron ooids that require further investigations since their economic values and significances in paleoclimate, paleoceanography and tectonic activity. Recently, Dr. LUAN Xiaocong and Prof. ZHAN Renbin from Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (NIGPAS), in collaboration with colleagues from University of Saskatchewan and Western University, Canada, have examined these iron ooids through extensive field surveys and in-depth sedimentological and geochemical analyses on various iron-bearing successions and iron ooids across different regions on the Upper Yangtze region, South China. Related results have been published in Journal of Stratigraphy (in Chinese with English abstract) and Sedimentology, respectively. Iron ooids are the most characteristic components of ferruginous deposits such as ooidal ironstone and iron formation (iron content > 15wt%), and also develope in carbonate and siliciclastic rocks. During the late Middle Ordovician, iron ooids widely developed in northeastern Yunnan, southern Sichuan, northern Guizhou, southern Shaanxi and northern Sichuan of South China, occurring in the forms of lenticular or layered sandstone, siltstone, and limestone, forming the “Ningnan”-type iron ore in the most enriched Ningnan area. The well exposure and diversified lithology of these iron ooids provide a unique insight into their origins. The studies reveal that iron ooids are mainly of the middle-late Darriwilian (Middle Ordovician), and the Middle-Upper Ordovician Huadan and Shihtzupu formations are major iron ooids-bearing units in the Upper Yangtze region. The depositional environment was mosaic shallow water setting, consisting of restricted/semi-restricted lagoon and open-marine subtidal and shoreface zones. There is paleogeography-related mineral differentiation in these iron ooids. The iron ooids distributed in western area are characterized by hematite, while in the eastern distribution area, chamosite becomes the dominant mineral. Both types of iron ooids are resulted from transgression and the mineral differentiation are driven by different depositional processes. Hematitic ooids formed in the transgressive shoal setting when the depositional environments changed from restricted lagoon to bioclast–quartz shoal and open marine subtidal. Episodic stasis and erosional intervals during transgression controlled the formation of hematite-rich and mixed hematite-chamosite laminae within the cortices of hematitic ooids. In contrast, chamositic ooids formed in a semi-restricted lagoonal environment, under long-termed transgressive condensation. Alternating episodes of relatively oxic conditions with thriving organisms and eutrophication-driven anoxia resulted in the alternation of porous and dense laminae consisting mainly of chamosite in chamositic ooids. Microbial activity of such as microaerophilic iron microbes might promote iron concentration, facilitating the iron ooids formation. This study was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences. Reference: LUAN, Xiaocong, WU Rongchang, WANG Guangxu, WEI, Xin and ZHAN, Renbin. 2022. A brief discussion on the Middle Ordovician ferruginous ooidal deposits in the Upper Yangtze region, South China. Journal of Stratigraphy 46(1): 23-39 (in Chinese with English abstract). https://doi.org/10.19839/j.cnki.dcxzz.2021.0043. LUAN, Xiaocong, SPROAT, Colin D., JIN, Jisuo, ZHAN, Renbin. 2024. Depositional environments, hematite–chamosite differentiation and origins of Middle Ordovician iron ooids in the Upper Yangtze region, South China. Sedimentology. https://doi.org/10.1111/sed.13213. Structure, mineral composition and lithology of Middle Ordovician iron ooids in Upper Yangtze region, South China Ultrastructure and composition of hematitic ooids Ultrastructure and composition of chamositic ooids Schematic model of environment-controlled hematitic–chamositic ooid differentiation
Contact: LIU Yun, Propagandist Email: yunliu@nigpas.ac.cn Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
Recently, the Early Land Plant Evolution working group of Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (NIGPAS), led by Prof. XU Honghe, compiled an up-to-date dataset on occurrences of specific Devonian groups spanning from the Early Devonian to the early Mississippian. The research result was published in Palaeontology.Wind-blown dandelions and fluttering willow catkins are both belong to plant dispersal. Plants are dispersed and colonized in different habitats through spores and seeds, shaping biogeographical zonations, and plant dispersal is common in extant plants. However, previous studies have primarily focused on recent timescales and the dispersal of seed propagules. Little is known about their dispersal dynamics or the biogeographical zonation of plants throughout geological history. The fossil records provide new insights into plant dispersal in deep-time. Recently, the Early Land Plant Evolution working group of Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (NIGPAS), led by Prof. XU Honghe, compiled an up-to-date dataset on occurrences of specific Devonian groups spanning from the Early Devonian to the early Mississippian. The research result was published in Palaeontology. Meanwhile, the research group analyzed the spatio-temporal distribution, network and species diversity, and recognized the plant dispersal and biogeography of Devonian plants. In this study, the research group constructed a new dataset and contained a total of 367 occurrences and 135 fossil localities, representing 92 species belonging to 16 genera. The results show that species diversity of herbaceous lycopsids and progymnosperms peaks during the Givetian Age, and then declines. The latitudinal and longitudinal gradients of herbaceous lycopsids were mainly concentrated at southern hemisphere during the Early Devonian and gradually expanded northward and eastward from the Early to Middle Devonian and expanded westward in the Late Devonian, and the progymnosperms show the similar distribution to herbaceous lycopsids. The phytogeographical zones, South China and Euramerica–Siberia realms, were formed along the plant dispersal globally. Furthermore, the plant dispersal routes of Devonian plants are recognizable when analyzing their spatio-temporal dynamics from Early to Late Devonian. The first route is clockwise, including the North America, Baltica, Kazakhstan, Junggar and Siberia plates. The second route is anticlockwise, and it goes from North America or South America, across northern Gondwana to the Antarctica, Australia and South China palaeoterrains. These two routes clearly linked to Devonian sea-land topography. Additionally, the research team also proposed two plant dispersal models based on the dispersal in the Devonian. Inter-land dispersal refers to plants spreading between relatively isolated lands that act as land bridges, for example, palaeogeographically the Junggar volcanic arcs acted as land bridges in the dispersal of Devonian plants. The inland dispersal refers to the dispersal within a continent, such as the plant dispersal along the northern Gondwana. “Fossils provide direct evidence for our understanding propagule evolution and diversity in deep time. Our study indicated that propagules and dispersal vectors and are increasing and complex, and changes in dispersal vectors promote plant colonization and increase in diversity”, says XU. This study was supported by National Key R&D Program of China and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This study is one of series contributions to the Deep-time Digital Earth Big Science Program. Reference: Liu, B. C., Wang, K., Bai, J., Wang, Y., Huang, B., & Xu, H. H. (2024). Plant dispersal in the Devonian world (c. 419–359 Ma). Palaeontology, 67(3), e12699. https://doi.org/10.1111/pala.12699.
Spatio-temporal distributions and dispersal routes of Devonian plants. Patterns of the plant dispersal in deep time, based on fossil occurrence data.
Evolution of plant propagules and dispersal vectors in deep time according to the fossil evidence.
Contact: LIU Yun, Propagandist Email: yunliu@nigpas.ac.cn Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
