Summary:
- Researchers at MIT have uncovered the molecular mechanisms that allow collagen from dinosaur fossils to be preserved for millions of years.
- The study found that the collagen in dinosaur fossils is protected by a network of cross-linked proteins that form a molecular "armor" around the collagen fibers.
- This discovery provides insights into the long-term preservation of organic molecules in the fossil record and could have implications for the study of ancient life and the development of new biomaterials.