Researchers create most human-like robot skin yet

A new study warns that mercury levels in Arctic wildlife might keep climbing for hundreds of years—even if global emissions stabilize. Animals like seals and fish are absorbing more of this toxic metal, which could spell trouble for Indigenous communities and others who rely on them for food.

Editor’s Note: Mercury is nasty stuff—it can mess with brains and nervous systems, especially in kids. The Arctic’s acting like a sink for pollution from elsewhere, and the slow pace of environmental change means the problem won’t just vanish. For communities that hunt and fish for survival, this isn’t just an abstract concern—it’s a direct threat to their way of life.

Forget bringing back long-extinct species like dire wolves—scientists should focus on using gene-editing tech like CRISPR to help endangered animals today, argues a legal scholar with expertise in wildlife genetics. The article makes the case that biotech could be a game-changer for species on the brink, from preventing disease in amphibians to boosting genetic diversity in isolated populations.

Editor’s Note: The idea of "de-extinction" grabs headlines, but this piece shifts the spotlight to something more urgent: using cutting-edge science to save species that are still here (but barely). It’s a pragmatic take—why chase sci-fi fantasies when we have real-world tools to prevent extinction now? For anyone who cares about biodiversity, it’s a refreshing call to focus on the possible over the sensational.

A new ultra-compact smartphone promises to make you feel like a spy with its tiny, pocket-friendly design—think "pocket's pocket" small. It’s being marketed as a fun, discreet gadget packed with modern features, though the details are light beyond the cool factor.

Editor’s Note: Tiny tech has a quirky appeal—whether for nostalgia, novelty, or just the thrill of something different. While it’s unclear how practical this phone really is, the playful pitch taps into our love of gadgets that feel like something out of a movie. If nothing else, it’s a fun reminder that tech doesn’t always have to be serious.

Early Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, including the Arak heavy water facility, pose a relatively low radiation risk—for now. While the immediate radiological threat is minor, the situation could escalate if more sensitive nuclear infrastructure is targeted.

Editor’s Note: This isn't a Chernobyl-level scare (yet), but it's a reminder of how quickly tensions in the region could spiral. The low radiation risk offers some relief, but the bigger question is whether future strikes might hit more dangerous facilities—turning a geopolitical showdown into an environmental crisis.

Popular Science is highlighting a limited-time deal for AdGuard’s VPN service, offering an 88% discount on a 5-year subscription. The article frames it as a quick fix for hiding your IP address—basically, a way to boost your online privacy (or at least make it harder for snoops to track you).

Editor’s Note: VPNs are a hot topic as people get more wary of being tracked online. This isn’t just about dodging ads—it’s a legit tool for keeping your browsing habits private. The deal angle makes it feel urgent, but the real takeaway is that hiding your IP is becoming as routine as locking your front door.