Scientists discover strong, unexpected link between Earth's magnetic field and oxygen levels

A fresh series in the Health and Science section is breaking down tricky math concepts using playful, everyday objects like Etch a Sketches and apples. The goal? To demystify the subject and—dare we say—make it fun enough that readers might actually start enjoying it.

Editor’s Note: Let’s face it—math can feel intimidating, and that’s a problem when it underpins so much of modern life. By making it approachable (and even charming), this series could help bridge the gap between confusion and curiosity. If it works, it might just change how people think about learning.

A breathtaking 2015 satellite image shows massive, swirling cloud patterns—known as "von Kármán vortices"—dancing off the coasts of Madeira and the Canary Islands. These mesmerizing formations, created by wind interacting with the islands’ terrain, are some of the most striking examples of this natural phenomenon ever recorded.

Editor’s Note: Beyond just being a stunning visual, this snapshot helps scientists and weather enthusiasts better understand how air currents interact with landforms. It’s a reminder of how dynamic and artistic Earth’s atmosphere can be—even from space. Plus, who doesn’t love a cosmic-scale swirl?

NASA is teaming up with Netflix to bring its ad-free streaming service, NASA+, to the platform this summer. Subscribers will get front-row seats to live rocket launches, real-time footage from the International Space Station, and even astronaut spacewalks—all from their couches. The move aims to make space exploration more engaging and accessible to a global audience, turning Netflix into a window to the cosmos.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another streaming deal—it’s a clever way to democratize space. Most people will never become astronauts, but now they can experience the thrill of space missions in real time, no telescope or science degree required. For NASA, it’s a smart PR move; for Netflix, it’s fresh, awe-inspiring content. And for the rest of us? A chance to feel like we’re floating in zero gravity while binge-watching. Win-win.

Iran's UN ambassador recently stated that the country won't halt its nuclear enrichment program, insisting it's solely for peaceful energy needs. This comes amid rising tensions after Israel's strike on Iranian nuclear facilities in June. To unpack why enrichment is such a hot-button issue, the podcast features an expert explaining the technical and political hurdles of developing nuclear weapons—shedding light on why this process keeps global leaders on edge.

Editor’s Note: Nuclear capabilities are one of the most contentious topics in geopolitics, and Iran's program has been a flashpoint for decades. Understanding the science behind enrichment helps explain why countries like the U.S. and Israel react so strongly—it's not just about energy, but the thin line between civilian and military use. This story matters because it’s a reminder of how easily nuclear progress can tip into a security crisis.

Scientists have found that in East Africa’s Afar Depression, molten lava bubbling up from deep within the Earth’s mantle is actively tearing the continent apart. These underground surges carry unique chemical fingerprints, triggering volcanic eruptions and earthquakes that are steadily weakening the crust. Over time, this could split Africa in two—eventually forming a brand-new ocean where the Horn of Africa once connected to the mainland.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just some slow-motion continental drift—it’s a dramatic, real-time reshaping of the planet. While the process will take millions of years, it’s a rare chance to study how oceans are born. For locals, though, it’s a mixed bag: jaw-dropping science, but also more volcanic and seismic risks in the near future.