Key Hurricane-Monitoring Data Will Stay Online, Officials Say

This week's science news roundup covers two major topics: a powerful magnitude 8.8 earthquake and the ongoing debate about whether humanity should—or even can—halt the advancement of AI. The article also promises additional fascinating reads for weekend enjoyment.

Editor’s Note: The story matters because it highlights critical issues at the intersection of natural disasters and technological ethics. A megaquake of this scale could have devastating real-world impacts, while the AI debate reflects growing societal concerns about uncontrolled technological growth. Both topics are urgent, thought-provoking, and relevant to our future.

After a weather-related delay on Thursday, SpaceX and NASA successfully launched four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday. The Falcon 9 rocket carried the Crew-11 mission, which is set to dock with the ISS on Saturday.

Editor’s Note: This successful launch marks another milestone in public-private space collaboration, ensuring continued crew rotations for the ISS. It also highlights SpaceX's growing reliability in manned missions, keeping space exploration and research on track. For everyday folks, it’s a reminder that human spaceflight is becoming more routine—even if it’s still pretty awe-inspiring.

SpaceX's Crew-11 mission is set to dock at the International Space Station (ISS) early on August 2, and the event will be streamed live for viewers to watch. The four astronauts aboard will join the ISS crew after their scheduled arrival at 3 a.m. EDT.

Editor’s Note: This is another milestone for SpaceX and NASA's partnership, showcasing the growing accessibility of space travel. Live coverage lets the public share in the excitement of human spaceflight, reinforcing how far we've come in making space missions a collaborative, watchable experience.

Amazon is offering a rare discount on the popular Peloton Altos Cycling Shoes, with prices slashed by up to 52%—the lowest they've ever been. If you're into indoor cycling or looking to upgrade your spin class gear, now's a great time to grab a pair.

Editor’s Note: For fitness enthusiasts or anyone investing in home workouts, this deal is a big win. High-quality cycling shoes can be pricey, so a steep discount makes them more accessible while helping riders improve performance and comfort during intense sessions. It’s also a sign of how competitive fitness gear pricing has become post-pandemic.

Scientists are using drones to drop hundreds of small, combustible "Dragon Eggs" into forests to create controlled burns. These intentional fires help manage vegetation and prevent larger, uncontrolled wildfires by reducing excess fuel.