Weekly Science Update
Weekly science updates: Unveiling the enigma of 'Dragon Man' and the elusive 'lost matter' in the cosmos
This week, science has both unveiled the identity of the enigmatic "Dragon Man" and offered clues to the whereabouts of the universe's elusive "missing matter."
The "Dragon Man" mystery finally seems to have been laid to rest, as recent studies have claimed that the elusive skull discovered in China in 1933 belongs to none other than an ancient Denisovan[1]. Functioning as a bridge between Neanderthals and modern humans, the Denisovans are now believed to have had a wider geographical distribution across Asia than previously thought, with this skull's origin dating back approximately 146,000 years[2].
On the cosmic front, scientists have edged closer to finding the universe's "missing matter," which makes up roughly 95% of the universe yet remains invisible to us, only inferred by its gravitational effects. By scrutinizing fast radio bursts – brief, intense pulses of radio waves – researchers have hinted at the possible detection of this missing matter[3].
Psilocybin and Depression
A single dose of psilocybin, the primary psychoactive ingredient in magic mushrooms, could alleviate depression for up to five years, according to new research[4]. Information from the study suggests that 67% of participants who had experienced depression half a decade earlier remained in remission after a single therapy session, and reported reduced anxiety and improved functioning on a daily basis.
Unraveling the Purple Puzzle
The existence of the color purple has sparked debate, as its spectrum frequency is not present in the visible light portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. However, the persistence of the color across various entities such as lavender flowers and amethyst gemstones means it can still be considered valid[5].
More Science News
- Iron Deficiency in Pregnancy Takes a Toll on Baby's Sex Organs: Exposure to iron deficiency in pregnant mice may result in the development of female organs in the male offspring[6].
- Unlocking the 'Off Switch' for Binge Drinking: Researchers may have uncovered a method for counteracting the urge to binge drink by targeting the signaling pathway involved in alcohol craving[7].
- Potential Treatment for Depression: Ketamine and Brain Hierarchy Flattening: Ketamine, a widely-known club drug, may help treat depression by changing the brain's hierarchy system[8].
Life's Little Mysteries
- Does the Color Purple Really Exist? While the physical frequency of purple is absent in the visible light spectrum, our perception of the color makes it a very real part of the visual world.
Latest Research
- AI Models' CO2 Emissions: Artificial Intelligence reasoning models produce significantly more carbon emissions when answering questions, especially in topics like algebra or philosophy, due to increased time and computing power[9].
Also in Science News
- 14,000-Year-Old Ice Age "Puppies": Wolves discovered in a Siberian cave, previously believed to be puppies, were actually sister wolves that dined on a meal of woolly rhino before their untimely death[10].
- Nobel Laureate Raises Concerns Over AI-Generated Black Hole Image: A black hole image created using AI has been questioned by a Nobel laureate, calling into question the validity of such imagery[11].
- African Slaves Led a Decade-Long Rebellion 1,200 Years Ago: New evidence suggests that enslaved Africans led a rebellion in Iraq lasting a full decade, beginning in the 8th century[12].
- Methane Emissions from Dairy Farms Could Be Reduced by 80% with Simple Covering Solutions: In an effort to combat methane emissions from dairy farming, it has been proposed that covering lagoons with tarps could reduce methane emissions by as much as 80%[13].
- Satellite Coated in Ultra-Dark "Vantablack" Paint to Set Sail into Space: A satellite coated in the ultra-dark Vantablack paint is set to launch into space in 2023, with the aim of combating space debris[14].
Beyond the Headlines
- Groundwater in the Colorado River Basin: Past, Present, and Future: Recent research sheds light on the history and implications of groundwater depletion in the Colorado River Basin, which supports approximately 40 million people across seven U.S. and two Mexican states[15].
Something for the Weekend
- Observing Groundbreaking Space Photos from the World's Largest Camera
- Why Scientists Should Use Gene Editing to Protect Endangered Species Instead of De-extincting Dire Wolves
- Facts About Crows
- Best Thermal Binoculars for Nocturnal Wildlife Observation
- Amazing Deals on David Attenborough's "Ocean" and NordVPN
Science in Pictures
- Indonesia's Lewotobi Laki-laki Volcano Erupts: Two consecutive eruptions occurred at Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano, sending massive ash plumes soaring into the sky.
- Workplace wellness programs can help manage chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and respiratory conditions, improving the overall health and wellness of employees.
- Proper digestive health can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, with eye-health, hearing, and skin-care also being crucial aspects of health and wellness.
- Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, are increasingly being recognized and addressed through various therapies and treatments, including cbd for stress management.
- Men's health encompasses not only physical ailments like cardiovascular diseases, but also reproductive health and aging-related concerns.
- Women's health focuses on specific medical conditions that primarily affect women, such as hormonal imbalances, menstrual disorders, and gynecological cancers.
- Young parents frequently face challenges related to weight management and sleep, making these essential topics in the realm of parenting.
- Nutrition plays a vital role in supporting skin-care and overall health, as well as in the prevention and management of skin-conditions.
- Autoimmune disorders like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis require ongoing medical attention, with potential treatments involving medications and lifestyle changes.
- Neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and epilepsy can greatly impact a person's daily life, and research is ongoing to better understand these conditions and develop effective treatments.
- Environmental science plays a crucial role in understanding climate change and its effects on human health, as well as in identifying solutions to reduce our carbon footprint.
- Aging is accompanied by changes in various bodily functions, and efforts to extend healthy lifespans and combat age-related diseases are gaining traction in the scientific community.
- Sexual health is an integral part of overall health, with mental health and environmental factors influencing sexual wellbeing.
- Fitness and exercise can have far-reaching benefits on both physical and mental health, improving heart health, boosting energy levels, reducing stress, and promoting better sleep.
- Methane emissions from dairy farming not only contribute to climate change but also pose risks to digestive health, highlighting the need for sustainable farming practices and nutrition.
- Medicaid and Medicare play essential roles in providing healthcare access and financing for millions of Americans, particularly for those dealing with chronic diseases, aging-related issues, and mental health concerns.
