A barbarian tribe's mythic origin story is true, ancient DNA reveals

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• Teacher finds 50 rare orchids thought nearly extinct near Coffs Harbour

  The unexpected detection of *Danhatchia copelandii* in a New South Wales rainforest provides critical genetic diversity and safeguards the species against localized disasters. Found roughly five kilometers from the only previously recorded colony, this fragile population relies entirely on native subterranean fungi to survive. Incorporating the newly mapped habitat into the proposed Great Koala National Park will offer vital protection for the plant's delicate underground ecosystem.

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• ‘Alien-cortical’ mice: Can human brain cells grow inside animals?

  Stanford University scientists have demonstrated that human stem cell-derived organoids can functionally develop inside genetically modified rodents, expanding to constitute half of their brain volume. This cross-species integration offers a novel platform for studying complex neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders that are difficult to replicate in conventional lab dishes. However, the unexpected cognitive enhancements observed in the animals are intensifying global debates over ethical guidelines for neuro…

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• Seeds and preserved hair in tomb point to oldest signs of cannabis high 2,800 years ago, study suggests

  Excavations in southern Siberia's Uyuk Valley have revealed preserved plant remains and human tissue linked to ancient nomadic Scythians. The discoveries push back the timeline of psychoactive cannabis consumption by at least 300 years beyond earlier records from China. However, forensic toxicologists caution that environmental contamination in the burial could account for the chemical traces found on the human remains.

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