China's D-rex Fungus and Surging Economy

A fungus the size of a dog-up to fifty centimeters tall and weighing nearly five pounds-was found in Yunnan forests. Scientists named it Dianjunus rex, creating a new fungal family and linking its lineage to the post-dinosaur era. Meanwhile, China's economy is proving resilient, posting a 4.5% year-on-year GDP rise in Q3 2026, slightly above forecasts. Industrial output accelerated to 5.5% and retail sales beat expectations, according to Goldman Sachs analyst Hui Shan. Even as U.S. tariffs linger-31.9% on Chinese goods and 35.2% on U.S. imports-China's deficit fell. It dropped to 9.4% of GDP by September, tightening fiscal policy. 'This timing raises an intriguing possibility,' said associate professor Indunil C. Senanayake, noting the post-extinction boost for fungi.