Scan CT for ancient fossil analysis

Scientists in California (USA) have used CT scanning technology to record an impressive detailed image of an Ice Age bee, preserved inside a nest made of ancient leaves.

Bee larvae nestled in a nest with leaves - (Photo: Natural History Museum in Los Angeles)

Fossils of bees Megiachile gentiles , which still exist today, have been excavated in Los Angeles (USA) in the 1970s, but the specimens are too fragile to be tested by hand.

Now, thanks to new infrared technology, scientists can analyze fossils with high accuracy.

And for the first time since finding this specimen, paleontologists have been able to see through the leaves to see bee larvae.

This specimen dates from 23,000 to 40,000 years old.

Researchers at the Museum of Natural History in Los Angeles provided details of the new discovery on PLOS One.