This week, Governor Josh Stein and Eric Lund, paleontologist at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, held a press conference for young correspondents and aspiring scientists from local schools. The event focused on the discovery of a new tyrannosaur species named Nanotyrannus.
North Carolina researchers have overturned decades of debate with this discovery. The new tyrannosaur species is confirmed to have coexisted alongside T. rex, revealing it was a fast and agile predator. This announcement marks one of the most significant dinosaur findings of the decade.
"This exciting news is the perfect catalyst to keep kids interested in science," said Governor Stein. "Student engagement with science begins to decline in eighth grade, so opportunities like these give us a chance to nurture their passion."
"North Carolina has long been a top state for research and discovery. I am committed to strengthening STEM education in our public schools and supporting our teachers so that we can equip the next generation to be tomorrow’s discoverers and innovators."
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences’ SECU DinoLab, the world’s only paleontology preparation lab open regularly to the public, has been studying the "Dueling Dinosaurs" since acquiring them in 2020. These two exquisitely preserved specimens are about 67 million years old.
The discovery was jointly announced by the museum and North Carolina State University last Thursday, highlighting the importance of this find.
This discovery of the Nanotyrannus species rekindles scientific curiosity and places North Carolina at the forefront of cutting-edge research, while inspiring young students through direct engagement with science.
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