Sticky goo in 2,500-year-old bronze jars finally identified, settling 70-year debate

Imagine landing a job that lets you travel the globe, hunting for rare and wild plants—sounds like a dream, right? That’s exactly what Matthew Jeffery snagged as the new expedition botanist for Cambridge University Botanic Garden. Inspired by Darwin’s legacy, he’ll document plant species worldwide, calling it equal parts thrilling and intimidating. The role went viral for being dubbed "the best job in the natural world," and it’s easy to see why.

Editor’s Note: In an era where climate change and habitat loss threaten countless species, documenting plant biodiversity isn’t just romantic—it’s urgent. Jeffery’s work could uncover species we’ve never seen before, helping conservation efforts and maybe even revealing new medical or ecological breakthroughs. Plus, it’s a refreshing reminder that awe-inspiring, adventurous careers still exist.

SpaceX is gearing up to launch NASA’s Crew-11 mission, sending another team of astronauts to the International Space Station. This marks another milestone in NASA’s partnership with private companies to keep space exploration moving forward.

Editor’s Note: This launch isn’t just routine—it’s a reminder that NASA and SpaceX are keeping the U.S. at the forefront of human spaceflight. With private companies now handling crewed missions, space travel is becoming more sustainable, opening doors for more research and future deep-space missions. Plus, it’s always cool to watch astronauts head to orbit.

SpaceX is gearing up to launch its Crew-11 mission today (July 31), sending four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) on behalf of NASA. If you’re into spaceflight, you can catch the whole thing live—rocket launches never get old, right?

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another rocket launch—it’s a key step in NASA’s ongoing partnership with SpaceX to keep the ISS crewed and operational. With private companies now handling routine missions, it frees up NASA to focus on deeper space goals (like Mars). Plus, live launches are a great way to remind people how cool space travel really is.

For the first time ever, scientists—led by a Chinese team—have snapped photos of bizarre, resilient life forms thriving nearly 9 kilometers deep in the Pacific Ocean. These "communities" of extreme organisms are surviving in crushing pressures and perpetual darkness, offering a rare glimpse into one of Earth’s most mysterious frontiers.

Editor’s Note: The deep ocean is like an alien world right here on Earth, and every new discovery rewrites what we know about life’s limits. Finding these ecosystems doesn’t just satisfy curiosity—it could hint at how life might survive in other extreme environments, even beyond our planet. Plus, it’s a reminder of how much we still don’t know about our own oceans.

Researchers have uncovered fascinating details about ancient tattooing practices by studying the intricate arm tattoos of a 2,300-year-old mummified woman from Siberia. Using advanced near-infrared photography, they pieced together how the Pazyryk culture—an Early Iron Age nomadic group—likely created these permanent body art designs. The findings suggest sophisticated techniques and tools, offering a rare glimpse into the cultural and artistic traditions of these ancient people.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about cool old tattoos—it’s a window into how ancient societies expressed identity, spirituality, or status through body art. Understanding these techniques helps us appreciate the skill and cultural significance behind tattooing long before modern needles existed. Plus, it’s a reminder that some human traditions (like wanting meaningful ink) are way older than we might think.