Japan Dinosaur Museum Identifies Fossil As New Pterosaur Species
Nipponopterus mifunensis is the first pterosaur to be formally named as a distinct species based on the fossil. Because it is the first known member of a new genus group of closely related species, the fossil is expected to offer important clues for studying the evolutionary process of pterosaurs.
The research was the result of work between institutions including the Mifune Dinosaur Museum, Kumamoto University and Hokkaido University. The fossil, a cervical vertebra, was found in 1996 in a layer of rock dating to the Late Cretaceous Period, approximately 66 million to 100.5 million years ago.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
6 hours ago
- Barnama
MARDI Calls On Drone Operators To Obtain RCOC-AL Certificate
ALOR SETAR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) recommends that all agricultural drone operators follow the new certification module, the Remote Certificate of Competency-Agriculture Light (RCOC-AL), to ensure that the technology is used correctly and contributes to optimal yield increases. MARDI chairman Dr Azman Ismail said the module, which has been recognised by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), also allows drone operators to be recognised, thus increasing the industry's trust and confidence in local expertise. "Drones used in the right way, with the right formula and optimal use, will increase yields, but when drones are used without taking other factors into account, they will have a negative impact.
Barnama
11 hours ago
- Barnama
STAR Reviews AI Investment, Ensure More Efficient Government
PUTRAJAYA, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- The Special Task Force on Agency Reform (STAR) is conducting a comprehensive review of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure that investments in the technology genuinely enhance the efficiency of government administration and service delivery. In a statement today, STAR said an analysis of the 'AI Productivity Paradox' presented at its latest meeting revealed that while AI can save time, it has not yet translated into higher national productivity. STAR Meeting No. 7 of 2025, held yesterday and chaired by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, discussed the progress of STAR projects, reviewed issues related to administrative efficiency, and considered several strategic initiatives. Among the matters addressed were the management of government quarters, border security, disruption of the immigration system, and technological challenges in public administration. The meeting also emphasised the importance of strengthening the integrity of the public service, especially at the country's entry points, in line with the government's efforts to ensure transparent and accountable governance STAR will continue to examine factors affecting service delivery effectiveness and improve operational procedures and support systems to align with international best practices. During the meeting, three ministries received Bureaucratic Reform (RKB) certificates of appreciation. They are the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM), for digitalising social work courses, achieving annual compliance cost savings of RM150,000 and the Ministry of Education (MOE) for reducing the appeal process for admission to Matriculation Colleges from 12 working days to just five, resulting in annual savings of RM7.5 million. The other is the Ministry of Plantations and Commodities for improving the Malaysian Rubber Board's licensing and permit services, which led to a 68 per cent reduction in compliance costs and annual savings of RM11.4 million.
Barnama
a day ago
- Barnama
Negative Perception Of Nuclear Energy Must Be Addressed
KOTA KINABALU, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Public misconceptions about nuclear technology, often linked to safety concerns as well as potential risks to health and the environment, must be addressed to ensure the sustainable growth of the industry in Malaysia. Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal said that fostering greater public confidence requires the collective effort of all stakeholders, including the government, industry players, academia and professional bodies. He emphasised that perceptions can be reshaped through communication strategies that are inclusive, transparent and firmly grounded in scientific evidence. 'Public perception of nuclear technology remains one of the main challenges in advancing this field in Malaysia. While the benefits of nuclear technology are well-documented, widespread concerns over safety and radiation risks continue to persist among the public,' he said. He said this in his speech when officiating the 28th Radiation Protection Conference and Workshop 2025 here today. He said the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), through the Malaysian Nuclear Agency and the Department of Atomic Energy Department (Atom Malaysia), is actively carrying out awareness and education initiatives, as well as fostering strategic collaborations and participation in both national and international academic forums. 'With a holistic approach and effective communication, I am confident that the public will come to accept nuclear technology as a strategic national asset, provided it is managed ethically and with the highest safety standards,' he said. Mohammad Yusof added that in today's era of advanced technology, the use of radiation sources is inevitable, with applications spanning the medical, agricultural, industrial, research and national security sectors. 'Radiation protection is the key priority in ensuring that every application of nuclear technology is safely regulated and does not pose risks to human health or the environment. As the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has stressed, protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation is a shared responsibility,' he said. On the conference, he noted that Malaysia is strengthening its role in advancing the regional radiation technology safety agenda through the organisation of the event, themed 'Global Energy Security Through Radiation Safety: Balancing Growth and Protection' - emphasising that radiation safety serves as the foundation for ensuring global energy sustainability and resilience.
