Here is the latest edition of “Five Things We Learned This Week” for April 19–25, 2025, spotlighting key global developments across science, economics, and geopolitics.

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🌐 1. Global Trade Turmoil Intensifies Amid U.S. Tariffs

The U.S. administration’s sweeping tariff policy is causing substantial disruptions in the global supply chain, with experts warning that the worst may be yet to come. Following the implementation of a 10% baseline tariff globally and a 145% tariff on Chinese imports, freight booking volumes have plummeted, with U.S. imports from China down 36%. Stockpiling efforts by businesses have temporarily shielded consumers, but inventories are depleting, and new orders are on hold awaiting a resolution. This is likely to lead to empty shelves and price hikes beginning as early as May or June, with particularly sharp impacts on low-margin consumer goods.  

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🧬 2. Discovery of a New Color and Martian ‘Skull’ Formation

Scientists have identified a previously unknown color, expanding our understanding of the visible spectrum. In another intriguing development, NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter captured images of a rock formation resembling a human skull, sparking discussions about pareidolia and geological processes on Mars.  

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📉 3. IMF Downgrades Global Economic Growth Forecast

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised its global growth projection for 2025 down to 2.3%, citing escalating trade tensions and policy uncertainties. The IMF warns that these factors could further hinder growth and elevate risks to the global economy.   

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🧪 4. Breakthrough in Plant Healing with Bacterial Band-Aid

Researchers have developed a bacteria-based “Band-Aid” that aids in plant healing. This innovation utilizes bacterial cellulose patches to speed up plant recovery, improve grafting success, and assist in preservation efforts, potentially revolutionizing agricultural practices.  

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🛰️ 5. NASA’s Lucy Spacecraft Reveals Asteroid Secrets

NASA’s Lucy spacecraft has returned images of the main belt asteroid Donaldjohanson, revealing it to be a contact binary and larger than previously estimated. This discovery provides valuable insights into the formation and evolution of asteroids in our solar system.  

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Stay tuned for next week’s edition as we continue to explore pivotal global developments.