Jena, March 02, 2026. In the natural science collection of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, researchers from the Universität Jena have made a spectacular find: A 40-million-year-old ant was discovered in a piece of amber. A current science podcast now highlights the elaborate investigations of the fossil.
- Research object: 40-million-year-old ant in Goethe’s amber collection.
- Involved institutions: Universität Jena, Phyletisches Museum Jena, DESY Hamburg.
- Special feature: High-resolution 3D scans enable the fossil to be printed on a home 3D printer.
- Links to the find: View 3D models | Press release from the Uni Jena | Goethe Podcast
Tiny Fossil, Big Discovery
The ant is so small that it is barely visible to the naked eye. Researchers therefore assume that Goethe himself was unaware of the tiny inclusion in his amber. A team from the Universität Jena and the Phyletisches Museum examined the finds using state-of-the-art technology. As reported in the current RiffReporter format “Goethe Podcast,” the discovery already made scientific headlines worldwide in February.
High Technology Makes History Tangible
To examine the fossil precisely, the taxidermist of the Phyletisches Museum, Bernd Bock, traveled to the Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) in Hamburg. There, the amber was scanned with high-intensity synchrotron radiation. The result is a high-resolution 3D model of the prehistoric ant, which not only serves research purposes but can also be freely downloaded by the public and even recreated on a 3D printer.
Jena Researchers Seek Further Experts
In addition to the ant, the detailed images of the amber revealed further insect inclusions, including black flies and fungus gnats. Since the Jena scientists have determined that Goethe’s amber collection is larger overall than long historically assumed, much work remains to be done. For the exact identification of the other insect species, the research team is currently looking for specialized entomologists who can support the project with their technical expertise.
Background: Goethe’s Legacy and the Phyletisches Museum
The university city of Jena is closely linked to the natural science studies of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. In addition to his literary works, Goethe conducted intensive research in the city on the Saale, including anatomy, geology, and botany. Today’s Phyletisches Museum Jena, where the amber in question is kept, was founded decades later by the evolutionary biologist Ernst Haeckel. It houses today internationally significant collections on phylogeny. Just in time for the publication of the ant discovery, the thematically related special exhibition “Electro Mundi – Amber Worlds” ended there on February 28, 2026.
Source:
Goethe Podcast: Goethe’s Hidden Treasure in Amber
Transparency Note: This article was automatically created, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.