12 compelling wildlife photographs from BigPicture 2025

Astronomers are drowning in data from space, and the algorithms they use to make sense of it all might not be as reliable as we think. To fix this, researchers are turning to simulated images of the sky—basically, ultra-realistic cosmic fakes—to train these algorithms better. It’s like giving them a practice test before the real exam.

Editor’s Note: With telescopes capturing more of the universe than ever, accuracy matters. If algorithms misread what’s out there, it could skew our understanding of everything from black holes to alien planets. Simulated data might sound like a workaround, but it’s a smart way to ensure AI doesn’t miss (or hallucinate) the real discoveries buried in all that cosmic noise.

Four standout students are being recognized for their exceptional work in sustainable development as they graduate, earning top departmental honors for 2025. Their academic excellence highlights the growing importance of sustainability-focused education.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a feel-good story—it’s a sign of how seriously universities and students are taking sustainability. These awards spotlight the next generation of leaders who’ll tackle environmental and social challenges, proving that green skills aren’t just niche anymore—they’re career-defining.

Lockheed Martin is pitching a bold $3 billion private plan to rescue NASA's troubled Mars Sample Return mission, promising to bring back Martian rocks at less than half the current projected cost while still hitting major scientific objectives. The aerospace giant’s proposal, detailed in a new video, suggests a leaner, faster approach to a mission that’s been bogged down by budget overruns and delays.

Editor’s Note: This could be a game-changer for one of NASA’s most ambitious—and problematic—missions. If Lockheed’s plan holds up, it might salvage years of work and billions in taxpayer money while still delivering the first-ever Mars samples to Earth. For space fans, it’s a glimmer of hope that the Red Planet’s secrets aren’t slipping out of reach.

Jackery's solar generators and portable power stations are currently on sale for Prime Day at discounts steeper than Black Friday—some over 50% off. If you've been eyeing backup power solutions, now's the time to grab one.

Editor’s Note: Reliable portable power is a big deal for outdoor enthusiasts, emergency prep, or just keeping devices charged during outages. These deals make high-capacity solar generators way more accessible, and the comparison to Black Friday suggests it’s a rare price drop. Worth a look if you’ve been holding out for a bargain.

Franklin W. Stahl, a pioneering molecular biologist who passed away at 95, co-created an elegant experiment that confirmed how DNA replicates—a breakthrough that built on Watson and Crick’s famous double-helix discovery. His work wasn’t just technically brilliant; it was described as "beautiful" for its clarity in proving a fundamental process of life.

Editor’s Note: Stahl’s experiment was like the quiet, meticulous proofreader of one of science’s most dramatic discoveries. While Watson and Crick grabbed headlines, his work ensured their theory held up in the real world. This story isn’t just an obituary—it’s a reminder that behind every flashy scientific milestone are unsung heroes who make sure the details actually work.