Incredible New Species Unveiled Across the Globe in the Past Year

The remarkable findings and advancements in science in 2023 demonstrate the profound impact of human curiosity and awe.

Evidence from archaeological discoveries has provided researchers with fascinating insights into the lives of our enigmatic ancestors and the creatures that inhabited the earth before humans. Meanwhile, advancements in technology have empowered scientists to make significant strides in our understanding of the universe and our place within it.

Each week unveils new wonders and understandings, accompanied by countless unforgettable moments and breathtaking glimpses of the once hidden universe. In this era of incredible scientific breakthroughs, it is my wish that, like the renowned Sylvia Earle, we never cease to appreciate the capacity to unravel mysteries and acquire fresh knowledge, in order to comprehend how to safeguard this remarkable world.

Wild kingdom

The lesser thorn-tailed gecko from Western Australia can shoot goo out of its tail.

Anders Zimmy/Natural History Museum

In 2023, close to 1,000 new species were discovered worldwide, greatly expanding the tree of life and showcasing the vast amount of biodiversity yet to be uncovered on our planet. Scientists from the California Academy of Sciences and the Natural History Museum in London made groundbreaking findings, uncovering numerous creatures and plants from the depths of the ocean to a remote peak in Angola.

A majority of the newly discovered species consist of insects, including metallic-hued wasps named after characters from "Doctor Who," which aid in the extermination of agricultural pests. Additionally, scientists have come across unique creatures such as a rare silent frog and a gecko that releases goo from its tail. In light of the ongoing climate crisis, scientists are working diligently to identify these species in order to protect them from potential extinction.

Back to the future

An emerging scientific trend in 2023 was resurrection biology, or the attempt to revive once extinct molecule strands and complex organisms.

The field of study may sound like something out of "Jurassic Park," but scientists are using it to bring attention to the re-emergence of long-dormant viruses as the climate crisis causes permafrost to thaw for the first time in centuries. Resurrection biology is also being utilized in the search for pharmaceutical solutions by examining the genetic proteins of our ancient ancestors.

Using this technique, scientists have been able to replicate the scent of Egyptian mummification balms. Visitors can experience this ancient aroma at Denmark's Moesgaard Museum.

And yes, efforts to bring extinct animals such as the dodo, woolly mammoth and Tasmanian tiger back to life are underway.

Defying gravity

SpaceX's Starship rocket launches for a second time on November 18.

Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images

Truth is stranger than fiction, especially when recalling some of the celestial moments from this year that rivaled sci-fi.

Several countries have initiated a moon race, resulting in both successful and unsuccessful robotic missions. At the same time, a spacecraft successfully delivered a sample collected from an asteroid to Earth for the first time, surprising researchers with the rocks and dust.

And the most powerful rockets ever constructed launched and exploded twice, reminding once again that the path to spaceflight is tricky.

Curiosities

X-rays used by conservators to scan Rembrandt's masterpiece "The Night Watch" revealed a hidden layer of lead that had been concealed for almost 400 years. Completed in 1642, the large painting was originally displayed in Amsterdams Kloveniersdoelen, a musketeers shooting range, where it would have been exposed to humidity and moisture.

Rembrandt is believed to have used lead instead of the usual stiff layer of glue to protect the canvas of the dramatic piece, showcasing his masterful use of light and shadow.

The octopuses used in the study were collected from the seabed around Antarctica.

University of Western Australia's Nerida Wilson and her team utilized an unconventional source to unravel a historical mystery regarding the rapid melting of the West Antarctic ice sheet caused by global warming.

Studying the DNA of Turquets octopus found along the Antarctic seafloor has revealed that the ice sheet collapsed over 100,000 years ago. This research could offer valuable insights into potential future sea level rise. "The DNA of present-day animals holds valuable information about their ancestors, essentially serving as a time capsule," explained Dr. Sally Lau, a postdoctoral research fellow at James Cook University in Australia.

The wonder

Catch up on these mind-blowing stories:

Apes have been found to have the ability to recognize old friends even after decades of not seeing them, as shown by new research. This marks the longest social memory ever documented outside of humans. Meanwhile, the Hubble Space Telescope has captured a new image that highlights ghostly shadows known as "spokes" moving along Saturn's rings.

The remnants of a historical power surge in Earth's magnetic field from millennia ago are preserved in ancient Mesopotamian mud bricks.

Before the end of the year, submit your name to be included on one of Jupiter's moons alongside a poem by US Poet Laureate Ada Limón that will be sent on NASA's Europa Clipper mission.

Happy New Year from the Wonder Theory team! We look forward to seeing you in 2024. Interested in more content like this? Sign up here to receive the next edition of Wonder Theory, curated by CNN Space and Science writers Ashley Strickland and Katie Hunt, directly to your inbox. Explore the wonders of planets beyond our solar system and discoveries from the ancient world.