New Fossil Species Debuts as Ingredient Before Specimen — Hometown Tax Returns Beat Academic Papers
The pot boiled before the fossil was classified. A new species' bones discovered in a depopulated town became the logo for 'Ancient Umami Hot Pot' before any academic announcement, and fossil-shaped croquettes piled up in the shopping district. When the research team requested specimens, the town office apologized: 'Sorry, they sold out as first-come-first-served gifts for hometown tax donations.' The paper's figures are now expected to feature photos from an online shopping site.