Close Menu
NERDBOT
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
    Subscribe
    NERDBOT
    • News
      • Reviews
    • Movies & TV
    • Comics
    • Gaming
    • Collectibles
    • Science & Tech
    • Culture
    • Nerd Voices
    • About Us
      • Join the Team at Nerdbot
    NERDBOT
    Home»Science»500 Million-Year-Old Sea Worm Named After “Dune” Sandworms
    Shai-Hulud worm from Dune | Warner Bros. Pictures
    Science

    500 Million-Year-Old Sea Worm Named After “Dune” Sandworms

    Monica WilliamsBy Monica WilliamsAugust 7, 20232 Mins Read
    Share
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit WhatsApp Email

    A 500 million-year-old fossilized sea worm was recently discovered in Utah. The ancient worm more than likely glided through the oceans in the Cambrian period, which is estimated to have been from 541 million to 485.4 million years ago. The age is marked by the surge of new life on Earth. The discoverer, Rhiannon LaVine, credited her love for the sci-fi novels as her inspiration for the genus name- the Shaihuludia Shurikeni. Obviously, in homage to the Shai Hulud sandworms of Arrakkis from Frank Herbert‘s “Dune.”

    “Dune” 1984 Universal Pictures

    The fossil was found while researchers were excavating in the Spencer Shale, a thick geological formation along the northern Utah, southern Idaho border. LaVine was working in the area as a research associate for the University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum. “I split open one of these pieces of rock and instantly knew it was something that wasn’t typical,” she said. Upon discovery of a flower-like design, researchers were uncertain if it came from a living creature.

    Shaihuludia Shurikeni Digital Reconstruction | Rhiannon LaVine

    The specimen found was roughly 7 to 8 centimeters long, much smaller compared to the fictional creature they were named after. LaVine and the other researchers diligently analyzed the fossil with a special microscope to produce a highly detailed image. The research team determined the specimen was a new species of annelid, or worm segment. Their findings were published on April 8th in the journal Historical Biology. Annelids from the Cambrian period are extremely rare to find in North America.

    While this may not be the first time a rare and ancient fossil has been found in the Spencer Shale, it is very cool. And nerdy. About 90 species of Cambrian trilobites and soft-bodied fossils have been found since the 1900s. The last notable discovery was ancient bottom-feeder shaped like a wine glass in 2017. Perhaps this ancient sea worm played a large role in the ocean, long before humans and other creatures took over land.

    Do You Want to Know More?

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Email
    Previous ArticleMonster Hunters Wanted for Loch Ness Monster Search
    Next Article SXSW Winner “Raging Grace” Gets First Look Images
    Monica Williams

    I'm a nerd who is big on anime, video games, and all things spooky.

    Related Posts

    Metal Strength Testing Methods: From Tension to Impact

    May 1, 2025

    How Often Should You Calibrate Your Tensile Testing Equipment?

    May 1, 2025

    OSPF Basics for CCNA: LSA Types, Areas, and Metrics

    April 16, 2025
    VIPER Moon rover mission

    NASA Seeks Partner for VIPER Moon Rover Mission

    February 4, 2025

    Frequencies Of the Unknown: Yuri Milner’s Ambitious Extraterrestrial Project 

    February 2, 2025
    Voyager 1

    Voyager 1 Connects to Transmitter That Hasn’t Been Used in 40+ Years

    November 4, 2024
    • Latest
    • News
    • Movies
    • TV
    • Reviews

    Why BDG Win is the Ultimate Platform for Online Gaming Enthusiasts

    May 23, 2025

    How to Maximize Your Experience and Wins on BDG Win: A Complete User Guide?

    May 23, 2025

    BDG Win: A Deep Dive Into Its Gameplay, Bonuses, and User Experience

    May 23, 2025

    The 6 Best and Most Realistic Movies About Addiction

    May 23, 2025

    The Spiritual Meaning of Birds Oracle Deck: Honest Review(2025)

    May 22, 2025
    Kermit the Frog

    Kermit The Frog to Give 1st Commencement Address in Decades

    May 21, 2025
    Jim Morrison grave

    Stolen Bust of The Doors Frontman Jim Morrison Finally Recovered

    May 21, 2025

    Department of Homeland Security Considering Citizenship Competition Show

    May 17, 2025

    Alex Garland to Direct “Elden Ring” Live-Action Film for A24

    May 22, 2025

    Jason Momoa, Roman Reigns in Talks to Star in “Street Fighter” Film

    May 21, 2025
    Elle Fanning in "The Great"

    Elle Fanning to Play Effie Trinket in “Sunrise on the Reaping”

    May 20, 2025

    “Zootopia 2” Gets First Teaser Trailer

    May 20, 2025

    Jem and the Holograms Releasing 40th Anniversary Album

    May 22, 2025

    Zach Braff Returning as J.D. in “Scrubs” Revival

    May 21, 2025

    Norm from “Cheers” Actor George Wendt has Passed Away

    May 20, 2025

    First Teaser for HBO’s “It: Welcome to Derry” Finally Hits

    May 20, 2025

    The Spiritual Meaning of Birds Oracle Deck: Honest Review(2025)

    May 22, 2025

    “Final Destination: Bloodlines” New Franchise Fun, Same Old Death [review]

    May 16, 2025

    “The Accountant 2,” “Fight or Flight,” “The Surfer” and More! [Review]

    May 10, 2025

    “Friendship” The Funniest Movie I Couldn’t Wait to End [review]

    May 3, 2025
    Check Out Our Latest
      • Product Reviews
      • Reviews
      • SDCC 2021
      • SDCC 2022
    Related Posts

    None found

    NERDBOT
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
    Nerdbot is owned and operated by Nerds! If you have an idea for a story or a cool project send us a holler on [email protected]

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.