A remarkable new species of dinosaur has been identified from fossils unearthed on the Isle of Wight, boasting a striking sail-like structure along its back and tail, believed to have been used for sexual display or social signalling.

The dinosaur, named Istiorachis macarthurae, combines the Greek for “sail spine” with a tribute to Dame Ellen MacArthur, the record-breaking yachtswoman who hails from the island. The discovery was made by retired GP Jeremy Lockwood, currently a PhD student at the University of Portsmouth and affiliated with the Natural History Museum.

The fossils, dated at approximately 125 million years old, had been part of the Natural History Museum’s collection and were initially misidentified as belonging to known iguanodontian species. However, Lockwood’s detailed examination revealed unusually long neural spines—structures extending from the vertebrae—far more pronounced than those in related species.

Published in the journal Papers in Palaeontology, Lockwood’s research suggests these exaggerated spines evolved through sexual selection, similar to how modern reptiles use physical features to attract mates or deter rivals. He noted that despite the skeleton being incomplete, the distinctive spines marked the specimen as a previously unrecognised species.

Professor Susannah Maidment of the Natural History Museum praised Lockwood’s work, highlighting how his meticulous study of overlooked specimens has significantly expanded scientific understanding of iguanodontian diversity in the UK. Over the past five years, Lockwood has identified four new species from the Isle of Wight alone, reshaping the known ecosystem of the Early Cretaceous period in Britain.

This discovery underscores the importance of museum collections and the potential for new insights through re-examination of existing fossils. It also adds to the Isle of Wight’s reputation as a rich site for palaeontological finds, often referred to as the UK’s “Dinosaur Island”.

Scientists have uncovered an extraordinary species of armoured dinosaur, nicknamed the “punk rocker” due to its dramatic spiked appearance. The creature, known as Spicomellus afer, is the oldest known ankylosaur and lived around 165 million years ago during the Middle Jurassic period.

The dinosaur was discovered through fossil remains unearthed in Morocco, initially identified from a single rib bone purchased from a fossil dealer in Cambridge in 2019. Subsequent excavations revealed more of its unusual anatomy, including metre-long spikes that emerged from a bony collar around its neck. These spikes, fused directly to the ribs, are unlike anything previously seen in any other vertebrate species, living or extinct.

Ankylosaurs were herbivorous dinosaurs typically recognised for their tank-like bodies and clubbed tails. However, Spicomellus stands out even among its armoured relatives. According to Professor Richard Butler of the University of Birmingham, the creature is “utterly unlike any other found anywhere else in the world” and represents a significant leap in understanding the early evolution of ankylosaurs.

Professor Susannah Maidment, of the Natural History Museum and the University of Birmingham, co-led the research and described the fossils as “absolutely bizarre”. She noted that Spicomellus had a wide variety of defensive features, including metre-long neck spikes, large upward-projecting spikes over its hips, and blade-like armour extending across its body.

Initially, there were doubts about whether Spicomellus was truly an ankylosaur. However, the new findings confirm its classification and suggest that Africa’s only known ankylosaur was far stranger than previously believed. The researchers suggest that while the spikes and armour likely evolved for defence, they may have later served a role in attracting mates or intimidating rivals.

The discovery, published in the journal Nature, reshapes scientific understanding of dinosaur armour evolution and highlights the diversity of prehistoric life in Africa. The punk-like appearance of Spicomellus has captured public imagination, with its spiky silhouette drawing comparisons to the hairstyles of punk rock fans.

This remarkable find adds to a growing list of recent dinosaur discoveries, including the identification of Maleriraptor kuttyi, a dog-sized carnivorous dinosaur from India, further expanding our knowledge of prehistoric biodiversity.

A mysterious skull embedded in a Greek cave wall has puzzled scientists for over six decades, but new research may finally have solved the enigma. Known as the “Petralona Man”, the fossilised skull was discovered in 1960 in the Petralona Cave, located approximately 22 miles southeast of Thessaloniki.

The skull, which is missing a jaw and appeared to have a horn-like protrusion on the forehead, has long defied classification. Experts were uncertain of its age and which species of early human it belonged to. Estimates of its antiquity ranged widely from 170,000 to 700,000 years.

Now, researchers from the Institut de Paléontologie Humaine in France have conducted a fresh analysis, focusing on the mineral deposits surrounding the skull. Their findings suggest the fossil is approximately 300,000 years old. The calcite mineral encrusting the skull is believed to be at least 277,000 years old, though scientists note the skull could have resided in the cave longer before the mineral began to form.

Crucially, the team has also determined that the remains do not belong to a Neanderthal, as some had previously speculated. Instead, the skull is now classified as belonging to Homo heidelbergensis, a lesser-known species of archaic human that lived in Europe during the Middle Pleistocene, approximately 774,000 to 129,000 years ago.

The findings, published in the Journal of Human Evolution, shed new light on the diversity of early human species in Europe and offer a clearer understanding of human ancestry. The horn-like feature, once thought to be part of the skull, is now known to be a natural calcite formation, adding to the fossil’s eerie appearance but not part of the original anatomy.

The Petralona Man continues to be a subject of fascination both for its age and the mystery that long surrounded it. This new research marks a significant step forward in understanding one of Europe’s most enigmatic prehistoric discoveries.

A striking astronomical event is set to grace the UK skies next week as a total lunar eclipse—commonly referred to as a Blood Moon—turns the Moon a deep crimson. This rare celestial occurrence happens when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align perfectly, casting the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, the umbra, over the Moon. As a result, the Moon takes on a reddish hue due to sunlight refracting through Earth’s atmosphere.

The upcoming eclipse will be visible across the UK on 7 September 2025. However, it may be challenging to view due to the Moon’s low position on the horizon and potential cloud cover. The Royal Observatory Greenwich advises stargazers to seek out a high vantage point with a clear view to the East for the best chance of witnessing the event. The eclipse will reach its maximum at 7.11pm BST—though the Moon will still be below the horizon at that time. It will rise into view shortly after, with the most visible phase occurring around 7.33pm. The eclipse will conclude by 9.55pm.

This will be the first total lunar eclipse visible from the UK since May 2022. The next partial eclipse will occur on 28 August 2026, while the following total eclipses are expected on 21 December 2028 and 14 June 2031.

There are various types of lunar eclipses, but the total eclipse is the most dramatic. Unlike the faint penumbral eclipse or the partial eclipse—where only part of the Moon darkens—a total eclipse bathes the entire Moon in a reddish glow. This eerie effect is caused by sunlight bending through Earth’s atmosphere and filtering out blue light, leaving only red tones to illuminate the Moon.

Astronomers encourage the public to mark their calendars and prepare for a potentially awe-inspiring night of skywatching, weather permitting.

A newly uncovered medieval manuscript has cast serious doubt on the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin, a religious relic long believed by many to have wrapped the body of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion. The linen cloth, which bears the faint image of a crucified man, has been a subject of intense debate and veneration for centuries, drawing thousands of Christian pilgrims to Turin, Italy.

The latest challenge to its legitimacy comes from a document written by 14th-century Norman theologian Nicole Oresme, who later became a bishop. In his writings, Oresme bluntly denounces the Shroud as a “clear” and “patent” forgery. He accuses clergymen of fabricating such relics in the mid-12th century to attract offerings and increase church revenues. His words, recently examined by researchers, suggest that even in the Middle Ages, there was scepticism around the cloth’s authenticity.

This historical revelation aligns with modern scientific analyses. Earlier this month, Brazilian 3D digital designer Cicero Moraes used advanced modelling software to examine the Shroud’s imprints. His findings concluded that the image could only have been made by a sculpture, not by a real human body. Furthermore, radiocarbon dating has previously placed the linen’s origin between the 13th and 14th centuries, well after the time of Christ.

Dr Nicolas Sarzeaud, who led the recent study, emphasised the significance of Oresme’s dismissal, quoting the theologian’s warning against trusting miracle claims made by clergy for financial gain. Professor Andrea Nicolotti, an expert on the Shroud, supported the findings, stating that the new document corroborates existing historical evidence doubting the relic’s authenticity.

Despite mounting evidence, the Shroud continues to inspire devotion among many Christians. Theories surrounding its origin range from natural chemical processes and early photographic techniques to divine intervention during the Resurrection. Nevertheless, this newly discovered medieval manuscript adds weight to the argument that the Shroud of Turin may be one of history’s most enduring religious deceptions.