‘Best job in the natural world’: seed collector enlisted as modern-day Darwin to document the world’s plants

Scientists are puzzled by the recent powerful earthquake that unexpectedly produced only a weak tsunami, defying typical seismic patterns. Researchers are analyzing factors like the quake's depth, fault movement, and ocean floor shape to explain the anomaly.

Editor’s Note: Understanding why some big earthquakes don’t trigger massive tsunamis could improve early warning systems and disaster preparedness, potentially saving lives in future events. It’s a reminder that nature doesn’t always follow the rules we expect.

Mary K. Gaillard, a pioneering physicist who overcame gender discrimination to make groundbreaking contributions to subatomic particle research, has passed away at 86. Her work provided crucial guidance for experimental physicists in discovering new particles, leaving a lasting legacy in the field.

Editor’s Note: Gaillard's story highlights both the barriers women faced in STEM and the profound impact of perseverance in science. Her achievements remind us how diversity in research leads to breakthroughs that shape our understanding of the universe.

Scientists have developed a groundbreaking implant designed to alleviate the chronic pain and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Unlike traditional treatments that rely on frequent injections or oral meds, this tiny device works by delivering targeted therapy directly to affected joints, potentially reducing side effects and improving quality of life for millions. Early trials show promise, though larger studies are needed before it becomes widely available.

Former President Trump is pushing pharmaceutical companies to lower certain drug prices in the U.S. by September, though his administration hasn't clarified how it would legally enforce such a demand.

Editor’s Note: This story highlights the ongoing tension between government efforts to make medications more affordable and the pharmaceutical industry's pricing power. While Trump’s demand signals pressure on drugmakers, the lack of a clear legal pathway raises questions about how—or if—this will actually happen. For consumers, it’s a reminder of how complex the fight over drug pricing really is.

Scientists have tweaked the classic double-slit experiment and found that Einstein's ideas about quantum physics weren't entirely correct. The new experiment confirms that light can't be measured as both a wave and a particle simultaneously due to quantum uncertainty—a fundamental quirk of the subatomic world.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just a nerdy physics debate—it reshapes how we understand reality at its smallest scales. While Einstein famously questioned quantum mechanics' "spooky" randomness, this experiment adds more evidence that the universe plays by quantum rules, not classical ones. For tech like quantum computing or ultra-precise sensors, these insights could be a big deal down the line.