This Week In Space podcast: Episode 168 — "Survivor: NASA"

An Arizona resident has died after contracting the plague, according to local health officials. While cases are rare in the U.S., this serves as a sobering reminder that the disease—often associated with medieval history—still exists today. Authorities are investigating how the person was exposed, but early signs suggest it may have been linked to fleas or infected animals.

Editor’s Note: You might think of the plague as something from history books, but this tragic case shows it hasn’t completely disappeared. Modern medicine makes outbreaks far less deadly than in the past, but the disease can still be dangerous if not caught early. For folks in areas with wildlife like rodents or prairie dogs, it’s a heads-up to stay aware and take basic precautions.

When tragedies like plane crashes or natural disasters strike, identifying victims quickly and accurately is crucial—not just for official records, but to bring closure to grieving families. DNA analysis has become the most reliable tool for this grim task. The article breaks down how scientists extract DNA from remains, match it to relatives or personal items (like toothbrushes), and handle challenges like degraded samples. It’s a blend of cutting-edge tech and painstaking detective work.

Editor’s Note: Behind the headlines of mass disasters, there’s a quiet but vital process playing out in labs. Understanding how DNA identification works humanizes the science—it’s not just about data, but restoring names to the lost and answers to families. As disasters grow more frequent (think wildfires or war zones), this tech’s role in humanitarian efforts becomes even more critical.

If you're the type who obsesses over having the latest tech specs, you might be eyeing the upcoming HDMI 2.2 standard. But before you rush to replace all your cables and ports, this article suggests taking a beat—it breaks down whether the upgrade is actually worth it for the average user or just a niche boost for hardcore enthusiasts.

Editor’s Note: Let’s be real—most of us don’t need every incremental tech upgrade, but with HDMI being the backbone of home entertainment, it’s worth knowing if this new version will actually improve your Netflix binges or gaming marathons. The article helps cut through the marketing noise so you can decide whether to open your wallet or shrug it off.

Remember that cool math series we ran? It covered everything from quirky geometry to the golden ratio. Now’s your chance to see how much stuck—take this quick quiz to test your knowledge (no pressure, just fun!).

Editor’s Note: Math isn’t just for textbooks—it’s full of fascinating, real-world patterns. This quiz is a playful way to revisit those concepts, whether you’re brushing up or just curious how much you absorbed. Plus, who doesn’t love a little brain teaser?

Daniel Kleppner, a groundbreaking physicist whose work on ultra-precise atomic clocks made modern GPS technology possible, has passed away at 92. His innovations didn’t just help your phone navigate—they also proved a bizarre quantum phenomenon Einstein once theorized.

Editor’s Note: Kleppner’s research might sound niche, but it quietly shapes daily life for billions. Without those hyper-accurate atomic clocks, GPS would drift by miles, rideshares would get lost, and even stock trades would falter. His death is a reminder of how foundational science often goes unnoticed—until you realize it’s the reason your delivery dinner arrived hot.