Why you should join a watch party for the first Vera C. Rubin images

Scientists have just released a groundbreaking global atlas mapping fungal biodiversity, and it’s full of surprises. Turns out, some of the richest fungal hotspots aren’t where we expected—like arid regions and tundras, not just tropical rainforests. This could reshape how we understand ecosystems and even where to look for new medicinal or agricultural breakthroughs.

Pittsburgh is taking a unique approach to street lighting by installing adjustable lights as part of a new Dark Sky ordinance. The goal? To cut down on light pollution, save energy, and maybe even give stargazers a clearer view of the night sky.

Turns out, even cutting-edge A.I. needs a history lesson. Researchers are training artificial intelligence to decipher ancient Roman scrolls—some so charred and fragile they’d crumble if touched. By analyzing ink patterns and letter shapes, A.I. could unlock texts that have been unreadable for centuries, giving us fresh insights into philosophy, politics, and daily life in antiquity.

The UN's top court has ruled that countries can legally take each other to court over climate change impacts. This is a big win for vulnerable nations—especially smaller, developing ones—who often bear the brunt of environmental damage caused by wealthier countries. They now have a clearer path to demand accountability.

President Trump is pushing to scrap AI regulations and boost financial support for AI exports, arguing that a lighter regulatory touch will help the U.S. outpace global competitors in the artificial intelligence race. The White House frames this as a strategic move to maintain dominance in a critical tech sector.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just about tech—it's a high-stakes policy shift that could shape who leads the AI revolution. Less regulation might speed up innovation, but critics worry it could also mean cutting corners on ethics and safety. Either way, it signals how fiercely governments are competing to control the future of AI.