Can you see circles or rectangles? And does the answer depend on where you grew up? | Anil Seth

This lighthearted roundup highlights five clever animal escape acts from 2025—featuring a zebra, otters, bears, and other crafty critters who outsmarted their enclosures. Think "Prison Break" but with more fur and inventive problem-solving.

Editor’s Note: Beyond the entertainment factor, these stories subtly remind us of animals' intelligence and adaptability—and maybe prompt a chuckle about how even the best-laid human plans can be foiled by a determined otter. It’s a refreshing break from heavier news while still celebrating nature’s unpredictability.

Apple TV+ just dropped the release date and a gripping teaser for Invasion Season 3, and it looks like humanity’s last stand is going to be intense. The brief clip hints at escalating chaos as the alien threat reaches a breaking point—complete with the ominous tagline, "Humanity’s time is over!" Fans of the sci-fi series can expect more high-stakes drama when the new season arrives.

Editor’s Note: If you’re into sci-fi that leans into existential dread and global-scale survival battles, this is one to watch. Invasion hasn’t been without its critics, but the teaser suggests Season 3 might double down on the tension and spectacle. Plus, with Apple TV+ pushing more big-budget genre shows, this could be a sign they’re betting big on keeping sci-fi fans hooked.

Antarctica’s critical research programs are on shaky ground as U.S. funding for polar science takes a hit. Scientists warn that cuts could stall climate studies, disrupt long-term data collection, and even weaken America’s influence in the region. With other nations ramping up their Antarctic investments, the budget squeeze puts the U.S. at risk of falling behind in both science and diplomacy.

Editor’s Note: Antarctica isn’t just a frozen wasteland—it’s a vital hub for understanding climate change, ocean currents, and even space weather. If U.S. funding dries up, we could lose decades of progress on research that helps predict global warming’s impacts. Plus, with geopolitical tensions simmering over territorial claims, stepping back now might mean ceding ground (literally and figuratively) to rivals like China and Russia. This isn’t just about science budgets—it’s about staying relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Marvel fans, get ready to dive deep into the lore before The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters this July. Titan Books is releasing The Coming of Galactus, a novel adaptation of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s legendary Galactus Trilogy—the iconic storyline where the planet-eating cosmic entity first menaced the Fantastic Four. Think of it as a tasty appetizer before the main cinematic course.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another tie-in book—it’s a love letter to Marvel’s classic era, giving fans a fresh way to revisit one of the most pivotal arcs in comic history. With Galactus rumored to play a role in the upcoming movie, the novel could offer clues (or just nostalgic thrills) for die-hard fans. Plus, it’s a clever way to stoke excitement for the MCU’s long-awaited Fantastic Four reboot.

For a century, planetariums have let us gaze at the cosmos without leaving Earth—this piece traces how we turned celestial wonder into an immersive indoor experience, from ancient stargazing to modern domed theaters.

Editor’s Note: It’s easy to forget how revolutionary planetariums were (and still are). They didn’t just democratize astronomy; they reshaped how we connect with the universe, blending education, art, and sheer awe. In an age of screens, this is a reminder of the magic in collective, tangible wonder.