We’re about to unlock the secrets of ancient human brains

Charleston is taking oil companies to court, arguing they should be held accountable for contributing to climate change. Meanwhile, former President Trump claims these kinds of lawsuits could harm national security. A judge is now weighing both sides before deciding whether the case moves forward.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about Charleston—it’s part of a bigger fight over who should pay for climate damages. If the lawsuit survives, it could set a precedent for other cities to go after fossil fuel companies. But if it gets tossed, it’ll be a win for the industry and those who argue courts aren’t the place to settle climate disputes. Either way, the outcome could ripple far beyond this one case.

Astronomers searching for the elusive "Planet Nine" stumbled upon something unexpected—a new dwarf planet named 2017 OF201. This icy world, about 700 kilometers wide, has a crazy-long orbit that stretches way out into the solar system's fringes, taking a whopping 25,000 years to circle the sun. It's not the giant planet they were looking for, but it's still a fascinating discovery that shows how much we still don't know about our cosmic backyard.

Editor’s Note: Every time we peek into the outer solar system, we're reminded how weird and wonderful it is out there. Finding objects like this helps piece together the puzzle of how our solar system formed—and who knows, it might even inch us closer to solving the Planet Nine mystery. Plus, it's just cool to know there are still uncharted worlds lurking in the darkness.

A new COVID variant called NB.1.8.1 is gaining traction in Australia, and a virologist breaks down what we know so far. Early signs suggest it might spread faster than previous strains and could dodge some of the immunity people have built up from past infections or vaccines.

Editor’s Note: While we’re not back to square one, this variant is a reminder that COVID hasn’t disappeared—it’s just evolved. If NB.1.8.1 is indeed more transmissible or better at slipping past defenses, it could mean a bump in cases, especially for vulnerable folks. Staying informed (without panicking) is key—knowing what’s out there helps us make smarter choices about precautions.

Doctors have created an AI tool that can pinpoint which prostate cancer patients are most likely to benefit from abiraterone, a powerful drug that cuts the risk of death by half. This could help tailor treatments more effectively, avoiding unnecessary side effects for those who won’t respond as well.

Editor’s Note: Prostate cancer is a huge global health issue, and while abiraterone is a major breakthrough, it doesn’t work equally well for everyone. This AI tool could be a gamechanger by ensuring the right patients get the right treatment faster—saving lives and reducing wasted time, money, and hope on ineffective therapies. It’s another step toward precision medicine, where tech helps doctors make smarter, more personal decisions.

Scientists taught seals to play a simple video game to study how they navigate murky waters. Turns out, tiny particles in the water—like floating plankton or sediment—act like underwater "breadcrumbs," helping seals track their movements and find their way. It’s a clever adaptation for an environment where visibility is often terrible.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a cute story about seals gaming—it’s a window into how animals solve real-world problems. Understanding their navigation tricks could inspire better underwater tech or conservation strategies, especially as human activity messes with ocean conditions. Plus, who doesn’t love a seal with a joystick?