This week's science news has brought exciting revelations, including the identification of the enigmatic Dragon Man and significant advancements in understanding the universe's missing matter. In 1933, a Chinese laborer stumbled upon a remarkable human-like skull in Harbin City. This skull, characterized by its large cranium, broad nose, and prominent eyes, has intrigued scientists for nearly nine decades. Recently, experts have classified this specimen as a new species, named Homo longi, or Dragon Man, due to its distinctive morphological features. However, this classification has faced scrutiny, with numerous scientists arguing that the skull may belong to an ancient group known as Denisovans. Two new studies now claim to have resolved this long-standing debate.
In addition to the Dragon Man revelations, researchers have made strides in uncovering the whereabouts of the universe's missing matter. Ordinary matter, also referred to as baryonic matter, constitutes only about 5% of the entire universe. Surprisingly, scientists have observed only about half of what they expected. To locate this elusive matter, researchers have been investigating short, extragalactic phenomena known as fast radio bursts. These flashes illuminate the intergalactic space between them and Earth, providing crucial insights into the location of the missing matter.
In a groundbreaking study presented at the Psychedelic Science 2025 conference, researchers revealed that a single dose of psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, can significantly alleviate depression for up to five years. This research is particularly noteworthy as long-term studies on psilocybin as a treatment for depression have been limited. The study found that an impressive 67% of participants who had experienced depression five years prior remained in remission after just one session of psychedelic therapy. Furthermore, these individuals reported reduced anxiety and improved daily functioning.
In related health news, research has uncovered that iron deficiency during pregnancy can lead to male mice developing female reproductive organs. Additionally, scientists have identified potential mechanisms in the brain that act as an 'off switch' for binge drinking, and studies suggest that ketamine might alleviate depression by reorganizing neural hierarchies in the brain.
A fascinating question has emerged: Does the color purple truly exist? Although the world is filled with purple hues—from lavender flowers to amethyst gemstones—scientists have noted that purple is notably absent from the visible-light spectrum. This intriguing observation raises questions about the nature of color itself and our perception of it.
In a recent study, researchers found that advanced AI models generate up to 50 times more carbon dioxide emissions than standard large language models (LLMs) when responding to similar queries. While these sophisticated AI systems, such as Anthropic's Claude and OpenAI's o3, prioritize accuracy and computational power, the increased energy consumption raises environmental concerns. Although the findings are not absolute—emissions can vary based on hardware and energy sources—this research serves as a crucial reminder for AI users to consider the environmental implications of deploying advanced technologies.
In other scientific news, a study revealed that 14,000-year-old Ice Age 'puppies' were actually wolf siblings that dined on woolly rhino as their last meal. Furthermore, a Nobel laureate has raised questions regarding an AI-generated image of a black hole at the center of our galaxy. In agricultural innovations, researchers have found that covering manure lagoons with tarps could potentially reduce methane emissions from dairy farms by 80%. Additionally, a satellite coated in the ultra-dark paint Vantablack is set to launch into space next year to address significant environmental issues.
The Colorado River, which winds through seven U.S. states and two Mexican states, provides vital water supplies to around 40 million people, including residents of Phoenix and Las Vegas. However, as surface water supplies dwindle to record lows, there is an increasing reliance on groundwater from deep underground. Recent satellite data indicate a significant depletion of groundwater in the Colorado River basin, with projections suggesting that this crucial resource may be exhausted by the end of the century. Researchers are now exploring strategies to prevent this potential crisis.
For those interested in astronomy, a feature on how to view groundbreaking space photos from the world's largest camera is a must-read. In an opinion piece, discussions on the ethical implications of gene editing to protect endangered species take center stage. Additionally, a buying guide for the best thermal binoculars for observing nocturnal wildlife is available, along with a chance to watch David Attenborough's 'Ocean' documentary from anywhere in the world.
In a stunning display of nature, Indonesia's Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano erupted twice in just two days, unleashing an ash cloud that reached over six miles high. This spectacular eruption was marked by dramatic displays of lightning and thunder, typical of explosive volcanic activity.
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