Astronomy has a major data problem – simulating realistic images of the sky can help train algorithms

Ivar Giaever, a pioneering physicist who won the Nobel Prize for his groundbreaking work in quantum tunneling—a discovery that revolutionized electronics and superconductivity—has passed away at 96. His research laid the foundation for modern technologies like MRI machines and quantum computing. Giaever was known for his sharp wit and later controversial climate skepticism, but his scientific legacy remains towering.

Amazon’s Prime Day is here, and Popular Science’s editors have handpicked 19 of their favorite products—from gadgets to home essentials—that are now on sale at steep discounts. If you’ve been eyeing upgrades or need some new gear, this is a solid chance to snag them for less.

Editor’s Note: Prime Day is basically Black Friday in July, and these curated picks cut through the noise of endless deals. Whether you trust the editors’ taste or just want a shortcut to worthwhile discounts, this list could save you time (and money) on stuff that’s actually good.

The James Webb Space Telescope has captured a stunning cosmic spectacle—two ring galaxies smashing into each other in a rare formation nicknamed the "Cosmic Owl." Located billions of light-years away, this collision isn’t just a pretty sight; scientists say it’s a goldmine for understanding how galaxies grow and change over time.

Editor’s Note: Galaxies colliding isn’t new, but ring galaxies are unusual, and seeing two of them interact is like stumbling upon a cosmic unicorn. The JWST’s sharp eyes give astronomers a front-row seat to study how these massive structures evolve, which helps piece together the bigger story of our universe. Plus, who doesn’t love a space discovery with a whimsical nickname?

Scientists are on the verge of approving a genetically modified herpes virus as a groundbreaking treatment for advanced melanoma. In clinical trials, the virus successfully shrank tumors in about a third of patients who had run out of other options. This isn’t science fiction—it’s a real, potentially life-saving therapy that harnesses a virus we usually think of as harmful and turns it into a weapon against cancer.

Editor’s Note: Imagine repurposing a virus known for causing cold sores into a cancer-fighting tool. If approved, this treatment could offer hope to people with aggressive melanoma who’ve exhausted conventional therapies. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected solutions—like using one disease to fight another—can lead to major leaps in medicine. This isn’t just about melanoma; it could pave the way for more viral therapies targeting other cancers. Pretty wild, right?

Former President Donald Trump revealed he pulled back Jared Isaacman’s nomination for NASA chief after discovering Isaacman had donated to Democratic candidates. Trump’s decision highlights how political affiliations can still play a role in appointments, even for ostensibly nonpartisan roles like leading the space agency.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about NASA—it’s a reminder of how deeply political loyalties can influence who gets key positions in government, even in areas like science and exploration that are often framed as bipartisan. For space enthusiasts, it raises questions about whether leadership choices are being made based on qualifications or party lines.