Ancient DNA from Papua New Guinea reveals centuries of genetic isolation

If you've ever gazed up at the Big Dipper, you might have noticed one of its handle stars, Mizar, has a faint companion—Alcor. Ancient stargazers nicknamed this duo the "Horse and Rider," and this summer, you can spot them with just your eyes or binoculars. It’s a cool little celestial test of vision and a fun nod to astronomy’s long history.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a stargazing tip—it’s a chance to connect with centuries of human curiosity. Spotting the Horse and Rider is like joining an unbroken chain of skywatchers, from ancient cultures to modern backyard astronomers. Plus, it’s a low-key way to feel like a cosmic detective without needing fancy gear.

Valmik Thapar, a fierce and dedicated advocate for tiger conservation in India, has passed away. Known for his relentless efforts to protect these majestic creatures, Thapar was a towering figure in wildlife preservation, combining activism, research, and storytelling to rally support for India's endangered tigers. His death marks the end of an era for conservationists who admired his passion and unyielding commitment.

Editor’s Note: Thapar wasn’t just a conservationist—he was a force of nature who helped shape how India protects its tigers. His passing leaves big shoes to fill at a time when tigers still face habitat loss and poaching threats. For anyone who cares about wildlife, this is a reminder of how much one determined person can achieve—and how much work remains.

Peru’s government has backed off from a controversial plan to shrink the protected zone around the famous Nazca Lines, those mysterious ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert. The decision comes after pushback from critics who warned that reducing protections could leave the fragile site exposed to damage from illegal mining operations. The culture ministry confirmed the reversal over the weekend, effectively reinstating the original boundaries.

Editor’s Note: This is a win for preservationists—and for anyone who cares about safeguarding irreplaceable history. The Nazca Lines are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and their survival is already threatened by climate change and human activity. The government’s U-turn suggests public pressure can still protect vulnerable landmarks from short-sighted decisions. It also highlights the ongoing tension between economic interests (like mining) and cultural conservation in Peru.

Bungie, the studio behind Destiny and the original Marathon series, is reviving Marathon—but not as a direct sequel. Instead, it’s an extraction shooter, a genre known for high-stakes, loot-and-survive gameplay (think Escape from Tarkov). The article rounds up all the details so far: release window, trailers, and how this pivot might surprise longtime fans.

Editor’s Note: Bungie’s move shakes up expectations—die-hard Marathon fans might be wary, but extraction shooters are having a moment. Whether this reinvention lands will depend on execution, and it’s a big bet for a studio usually tied to sprawling, story-driven universes. For gamers, it’s either fresh excitement or a wait-and-see moment.

Turkmenistan’s infamous "Door to Hell," a massive gas crater that’s been ablaze for over 50 years, might finally be fizzling out. The Darvaza crater, accidentally created by Soviet engineers in 1971, has long been a surreal tourist attraction and a stark symbol of fossil fuel waste. Now, shifting gas pressures suggest its flames could be dying down—though no one’s quite sure when (or if) it’ll fully snuff out.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about a creepy-cool natural wonder fading away. The crater’s slow decline hints at bigger conversations about methane emissions, energy mismanagement, and how humans leave marks on the planet—sometimes literally on fire. Plus, it’s a weirdly poetic reminder that even hellish mistakes don’t last forever.