New Scientist is known for its unique take on science and technology news, and one recent headline caught the attention of many readers. The headline in question read, “Grimes DJing immortality influencer’s shroom trip with special guest Mr. Beast”, which left many scratching their heads in confusion.
For those unfamiliar with the key players in this story, Grimes is a musician known for her sci-fi themed albums, while Bryan Johnson is a tech millionaire on a quest for immortality. Johnson has been experimenting with various methods to extend his lifespan, including taking hallucinogenic mushrooms and livestreaming the experience. Grimes was brought in to provide music for this event, which also attracted other notable figures like Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and tech journalist Ashlee Vance.
The whole event was captured in a video that runs over five and a half hours long, showcasing the bizarre nature of Johnson’s quest for eternal life. While some may find this experiment intriguing, others may question the wisdom of taking such risks with one’s health and sanity.
In another unexpected turn of events, a study published in Scientific Reports claiming to assist in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder was swiftly retracted due to questionable data and bizarre graphics. The infographic included in the study featured strange elements like a woman with concrete legs, speech bubbles with nonsensical phrases, and a bicycle with spikes. This AI-generated graphic left many scratching their heads and ultimately led to the retraction of the paper.
While retractions in the scientific community are not uncommon, the speed at which this particular study was retracted is noteworthy. In contrast, other retractions, such as those involving psychologist Hans Eysenck’s work, can take years to be addressed, highlighting the importance of maintaining scientific integrity.
Overall, these unusual stories serve as a reminder of the quirky and often unpredictable nature of the world of science and technology. If you have a story that you think would interest Feedback, you can send it to them via email at feedback@newscientist.com. Stay tuned for more fascinating and bizarre tales from the world of science and technology.
