Fossilised Pterosaur bones offer insights into new materials

Scientists at the university used advanced X-ray imaging techniques to examine fossilised bones of the prehistoric flying reptile to reveal details of its structure that have not been seen before.

Early pterosaurs typically had wingspans of about 2m, but later pterosaurs evolved with wingspans reaching upwards of 10m. The size means they had to solve multiple engineering challenges to get their wingspan airborne, such as supporting their long wing membrane predominantly from a single finger.

The team found that pterosaur bones contain a complex network of tiny canals, making them lightweight and very strong.

The researchers said these ancient adaptations could start a palaeo-biomimetics ‘revolution’, using the biological designs of prehistoric creatures to develop new materials. The findings are published today (February 11, 2025) in Scientific Reports.

In a statement, lead author Nathan Pili, a PhD student at Manchester University, said: “We are so excited to find and map these microscopic interlocking structures in pterosaur bones, we hope one day we can use them to reduce the weight of aircraft materials, thereby reducing fuel consumption and potentially making planes safer.”