Science news this week: 'Dragon Man's' identity and the universe's 'missing matter'

This week's science news takes us on a journey through time and space, unraveling mysteries that have puzzled scientists for years. Researchers have finally identified the enigmatic "Dragon Man," a fossilized skull discovered in China. The skull, believed to be around 146,000 years old, represents a new human species called Homo longi. This discovery provides crucial insights into human evolution, suggesting that Dragon Man may be our closest ancient relative, potentially reshaping the human family tree. Meanwhile, astronomers are making strides in solving one of the universe's greatest enigmas: its "missing matter." For decades, scientists have known that the observable universe accounts for only a fraction of its total mass. This week, researchers announced that they have detected traces of baryonic matter in the form of hot gas filaments stretching between galaxies. These findings bring us closer to understanding the universe's composition, bridging the gap between theoretical models and observable phenomena. Together, these breakthroughs highlight the dynamic nature of scientific exploration. The identification of Dragon Man not only enriches our understanding of human ancestry but also raises new questions about our evolutionary past. Concurrently, the discovery of missing matter offers a glimpse into the universe's hidden structures, advancing our quest to comprehend the cosmos. As these stories unfold, they remind us of the ever-evolving nature of science, where each answer paves the way for new inquiries and discoveries.

— Authored by Next24 Live