Sotheby’s Big T. Rex Auction Raises Concerns Hype and Wealth Are Upending Science

Private buyers are increasingly outbidding museums for fossils, making it difficult—potentially impossible—for researchers to access specimens needed to advance historical understanding. The article highlights a growing headwind for scientific progress as key fossil collections shift toward private hands.

Analysis

Private buyers are increasingly outbidding museums for fossils, making it difficult—potentially impossible—for researchers to access specimens needed to advance historical understanding. The article highlights a growing headwind for scientific progress as key fossil collections shift toward private hands.