Warning over 'dirty secret' of toxic chemicals on farmers' fields

Jared Isaacman, the billionaire entrepreneur and astronaut, thinks he knows why his nomination to lead NASA was suddenly yanked by the Trump administration. In his own words, he was a "good, visible target"—suggesting his high-profile status and outspoken views made him politically inconvenient. While he didn’t dive deep into specifics, the implication is that his nomination became collateral damage in a broader political tug-of-war.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about NASA—it’s a peek into how political maneuvering can shape even supposedly apolitical roles like space agency leadership. Isaacman’s case highlights how visibility (and maybe a lack of partisan alignment) can derail a nomination, raising questions about how much politics should influence science and exploration. For space enthusiasts, it’s a reminder that rockets and budgets often orbit around Earthbound power struggles.

Archaeologists discovered the skull of a teenage girl from 6,200 years ago in what’s now Iran, and it’s got researchers talking. The skull is oddly cone-shaped—possibly due to intentional head-binding, a cultural practice—but what’s really chilling are the signs of violent trauma, likely the cause of her death. This grim find opens a window into the dangers and customs of ancient life.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a creepy historical curiosity—it’s a snapshot of how people lived (and died) millennia ago. The skull hints at cultural practices like head-shaping, while the trauma suggests violence wasn’t uncommon. For archaeologists, it’s another puzzle piece in understanding early human societies, and for the rest of us, it’s a stark reminder that life back then was often brutal.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reportedly considering rolling back regulations that limit mercury emissions from power plants, according to an internal document. If finalized, this move could weaken existing pollution controls, potentially increasing health and environmental risks tied to mercury exposure.

Editor’s Note: Mercury is a toxic metal that can harm brain development in children and contaminate waterways, affecting both wildlife and human health. Stricter limits on power plant emissions were a major environmental win under previous administrations, so loosening them could signal a shift in priorities—raising concerns among public health advocates and environmentalists. If you care about clean air and water, this is worth watching.

If you're into workouts but hate feeling cut off from your surroundings with regular earbuds, there's good news—the top-rated bone conduction headphones (which let you hear both your music and ambient noise) are now on sale at Amazon for their lowest price yet.

Editor’s Note: Bone conduction headphones are a game-changer for runners, cyclists, and gym-goers who need situational awareness for safety. A price drop makes them more accessible, which is great for anyone who’s been on the fence about trying them. Plus, who doesn’t love a solid tech deal?

Blue Origin's much-anticipated second launch of its New Glenn rocket has hit another delay, now aiming for no earlier than August 15—a setback of several months. The company hasn't specified the reason, but delays aren't uncommon in the space industry, especially for heavy-lift vehicles like this one.

Editor’s Note: New Glenn is a big deal—it's Blue Origin's answer to SpaceX's Falcon Heavy, designed to haul heavy payloads (and eventually people) to orbit. Delays mean postponed contracts, frustrated customers, and a slower timeline for the company's ambitions in the competitive space launch market. For space enthusiasts, it’s another "hurry up and wait" moment.