X-ray scan of ancient alien found as a fossil in 1931 reveals a secret

SCIENTISTS are baffled by an ancient fossil discovered in the Italian Alps.

The fossil of an ancient lizard known as Tridentinosaurus antiquus was discovered in 1931.

The fossil dates from 280 million years ago and was exceptionally well preserved, with a clear soft tissue impression.

However, new research has shown that the 'soft tissue' was not actually organic material, but black paint.

The discovery was made by a team led by paleobiologist Valentina Rossi from University College Cork.

The team discovered this after painstakingly analyzing the microscopic samples.

“At first glance I have to say I thought the fossil looked a bit strange,” Rossi said ScienceAlert.

“Other colleagues of mine told me they had the same reaction. But fossils are always a bit weird,” she added.

The findings ultimately showed no signs of charred tissue, a hallmark of preserved soft tissue in fossils.

The team used a combination of methods to analyze the fossil, including scanning electron microscopy.

They then coupled this with energy dispersive spectroscopy, micro-X-ray diffraction and other techniques.

After comparing their results with some materials, the sample was found to be consistent with the manufactured bone black pigment.

The new revelation is surprising and highlights the complexity of interpreting fossils.

However, it is important to note that soft tissue is rarely preserved in fossils.

“I think I can honestly say we were all a little bit shocked and sad,” Rossi said.

“But we realized that this is a look into the history of paleontology,” she added.

“Today we can count on powerful techniques that allow us to look at fossils at the molecular level, and this was not possible even ten years ago.”

That said, scientists are still trying to determine who painted the fossil and why.

“We think that because some of the bones are visible, as well as small bony scales, someone thought they were trying to excavate in places where they thought there might be other bones,” Rossi said.

“The paint may have been applied to enhance the specimen.”