Time may be a psychological projection, philosopher argues

New research indicates that as humans reduce emissions and global temperatures decline, Antarctica's Southern Ocean may initiate a thermal 'burp' that could last for a century. This phenomenon suggests a potential resurgence of warming in the region, counteracting current climate mitigation efforts.

Plastic pollution continues to pose a significant threat to the environment, prompting experts to explore alternatives such as biodegradable plastics. However, recent research indicates that these alternatives may still carry inherent risks, challenging the perception that they are a panacea for plastic waste issues.

This week in science news, significant discoveries include an enigmatic human relative, advancements in dark matter research, and the observation of mysterious lights in the sky during nuclear weapons tests. These findings contribute to the ongoing exploration of human ancestry and the universe's fundamental components.

Research indicates that dreams can vary significantly between different age groups, highlighting the contrast between a young child's dreams and those of an elderly hospice patient. This suggests that the content and nature of dreams may evolve as individuals age, reflecting changes in life experiences and psychological states.

New genetic research indicates that modern humans arrived in Australia around 60,000 years ago, potentially interbreeding with archaic humans, including the so-called 'hobbits.' This aligns with archaeological findings supporting a long chronology of human presence in the region.

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a pressing issue that is affecting individuals and their lifestyles directly. A recent article from Live Science emphasizes the importance of personalizing the climate change narrative to motivate action among the public.

Recent insights from an anthropologist confirm that humans are still evolving, although these changes occur over generations and often involve unseen factors like dietary adaptations. This ongoing evolution highlights the dynamic nature of human biology in response to environmental and social changes.

Astronomer Jocelyn Bell Burnell discovered a peculiar signal from outer space in 1967, which was later identified as a radio pulsar. This signal was initially thought to be from extraterrestrial life, humorously referred to as coming from 'little green men.' Despite her significant contribution, it was her adviser who received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1974 for this discovery.