Oldest proteins yet recovered from 18-million-year-old teeth in Kenya

Scientists have discovered the oldest protein fragments ever recovered from the fossilized teeth of 18-million-year-old mammals in Kenya’s Turkana Basin. This breakthrough extends the known record age for ancient proteins fivefold.

Key Findings of the Discovery:

• Location and Samples: Researchers found a variety of fossilized remains, including teeth, in Kenya’s Rift Valley.
• Preservation: Volcanic activity played a crucial role in preserving the samples by encasing them in layers of ash, which enabled researchers to date the teeth to 18 million years ago.
• Technique Used: The team utilized a new proteomics technique called liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to analyze the ancient proteins.
• Identified Species: The teeth belonged to prehistoric ancestors of elephants (proboscideans) and rhinos (rhinocerotids).
• Implication for Future Research: The survival of protein fragments even in the challenging environment of the Rift Valley suggests that ancient fossils found in other regions globally might also contain recoverable proteins.

About Lake Turkana:

• Location: Lake Turkana, formerly known as Lake Rudolf, is situated in the Rift Valley of East Africa.
• Geography:
  • It is approximately 250 km long and 15–30 km wide, with an average depth of about 30 m.
  • It is one of the largest desert lakes in the world, lying in a closed basin in northwestern Kenya and southwestern Ethiopia.
  • The Omo River supplies more than 80% of the water to the lake.
  • The lake has no outlet and is located in an arid area.
• Significance: Lake Turkana is a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its unique biodiversity and its untapped potential for fostering sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

(Sources: Newscientist+Unesco)