02-06-2025
How Dinosaurs Could Help Us Fight Cancer
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Dinosaurs might be more than just fascinating relics of the past—they could help pave the way towards new and better treatments for cancer.
This is the conclusion of a new study by researchers from the Anglia Ruskin University and Imperial College London, both in England, that reveals that dinosaur fossils still carry biological clues—specifically, preserved proteins—that can teach us how ancient species dealt with diseases like cancer.
Their research, published in the journal Biology, could pave the way for future medical breakthroughs.
"Dinosaurs, as long-lived, large-bodied organisms, present a compelling case for investigating how species managed cancer susceptibility and resistance over millions of years," explained paper author and Anglia Ruskin oncologist professor Justin Stebbing.
Representative SEM images of fossilized erythrocyte-like structures, highlighting surface topography and density-dependent contrast.
Representative SEM images of fossilized erythrocyte-like structures, highlighting surface topography and density-dependent contrast.
Angela Ruskin University/Angela Ruskin University
A Closer Look at Ancient Tissues
The team closely examined the fossilized remains of Telmatosaurus transsylvanicus—a plant-eating "marsh lizard" that lived some 70 million years ago in what is now Romania.
Using a high-powered microscope, they found red blood cell-like shapes hidden in the fossil. These, the team say, are preserved well enough to still reveal information about the dinosaur's biology.
This discovery opens up exciting new opportunities to study ancient diseases—including cancer—at the molecular level and highlights the importance of preserving fossilized soft tissues, not just skeletal remains.
The study of ancient diseases through fossilized soft tissues offers a unique opportunity to trace the evolutionary history of cancer and how it relates to species' life-history strategies.
Dinosaurs such as T. transsylvanicus can provide useful insights, with evidence like the identification of a tumor (ameloblastoma) suggesting that cancer was a recurring biological challenge in prehistoric ecosystems.
As so-called "paleoproteomic" techniques improve, these tissues may help detect ancient proteins and tumor-suppressor pathways.
Why Proteins Matter
Normally, DNA breaks down over time, especially over millions of years. But proteins—especially those found in hard tissues like bones—can survive much longer. That's why they're so valuable.
"Proteins, particularly those found in calcified tissues like bone, are more stable than DNA and are less susceptible to degradation and contamination," said Stebbing. "This makes them ideal candidates for studying ancient diseases, including cancer, in paleontological specimens."
Looking to the Future
Interestingly, a previous study had already found evidence of cancer in Telmatosaurus, suggesting that the disease has deep evolutionary roots.
By studying it in extinct animals, researchers hope to gain new insights into how cancer behaves, adapts, and might be better treated in humans.
"Unlike skeletal structures alone, soft tissues contain proteins that provide molecular information that can reveal the underlying biological mechanisms of disease," said Stebbing. "Our research, using relatively underused methods, invites further exploration that could hold the key to future discoveries that could benefit humans."
The scientists emphasize that fossil conservation is more important than ever—not just the bones, but the delicate soft tissues that might still hold secrets waiting to be uncovered.
However, Stebbing added, "it is crucial that long-term fossil conservation efforts are coordinated to ensure that future researchers have access to specimens suitable for cutting-edge molecular investigations."
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Reference
Chandrasinghe, P. C., Cereser, B., Bertazzo, S., Csiki-Sava, Z., & Stebbing, J. (2025). Preserving Fossilized Soft Tissues: Advancing Proteomics and Unveiling the Evolutionary History of Cancer in Dinosaurs. Biology, 14(4).
