sample

The team sampled soils from six Kansas locations, spanning the wetter eastern region to the higher, drier High Plains in the west, which receive less rain because of the Rocky Mountains' rain shadow.

Expansion microscopy, which marks its 10th anniversary this year, physically enlarges biological samples.

Nutritional physiology researcher Dr Freyja Haigh said they had not seen a detriment to Mr James' overall health from the fortnightly blood samples he sent to them.

The research team took great care to preserve these irreplaceable fossils, following strict South African regulations and minimizing the amount of material sampled.

Followers saw their idols tuck into delicacies such as foot-long fries, chat with locals and sample some of the hair-raising rides.