Florida symposium

[NJPharris@aol.com]

Luis and Mary mentioned a couple things in their posts that have got me 
thinking.

First, it was mentioned that various theropod integumentary structures were 
viewed IN MICROSCOPIC DETAIL.  Am I to take this to mean that the structure of 
the integumentary fibers in _Sinornithosaurus_, _Beipiaosaurus_, 
_Sinosauropteryx_, etc. has been clarified somewhat?

Second, I recall from last year's SVP that it was found that, at least in 
_Confuciusornis_ fossils, bone glows green and keratin glows orange under UV 
light.  Have any of the other bristly theropods been subjected to similar 
treatment yet to establish the presence of keratin in their integumentary 
structures?

Third, Luis mentioned that the tail previously supposed to belong to 
"Archaeoraptor" was lined with feathers.  What kind of feathers are we talking 
about here?  Vanes and barbs, or bristles?

Finally, it was mentioned that Xu Xing has dug up some sort of feathered 
missing link between dromaeosaurs, oviraptorosaurs, and troodonts.  Can anyone 
give any more details without stepping on any fingers?

Kicking myself (again) that I couldn't go to Ft. Lauderdale,

Nick P.

P.S. Congratulations to Jim Kirkland and Dr. Tom on their stirring performances 
in Walking with Dinosaurs (almost worth missing a fifth of every episode)! 
;-)