New research centre to explore how AI can help humans ‘speak’ with pets

Imagine the chaotic, loot-filled world of Borderlands—but instead of bandits, you're fighting a grotesque, all-consuming fungus in deep space. That’s Mycopunk, a new co-op shooter where robots battle a nightmarish fungal invasion. The developers spilled the details on how they designed this squishy, spore-riddled threat, blending sci-fi action with body-horror vibes.

Editor’s Note: Games that mash up wild concepts—like fungal apocalypses and robot shootouts—keep the industry fresh and weird. If Mycopunk delivers, it could be a standout in the crowded co-op shooter scene, especially for players craving something gross and inventive. Plus, fungal horror is having a moment (thanks, The Last of Us), so the timing’s perfect.

This week’s episode of This Week In Space dives into the latest space news, with hosts Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik covering the big stories—including the appointment of Sean Duffy as NASA’s interim Administrator. It’s a quick, engaging rundown of what’s happening beyond Earth.

Editor’s Note: Leadership changes at NASA might not sound thrilling, but they’re a big deal for the agency’s direction—especially with ambitious missions like Artemis on the horizon. This podcast episode gives you the lowdown without the jargon, making it easy to stay in the loop.

A lesser-known DC Comics hero named Metamorpho—a shape-shifting oddball with a cult following—is getting his big-screen moment in James Gunn’s upcoming Superman reboot. Think of him as the underdog of superheroes: not quite a household name, but with a quirky power (transforming his body into any element) that could steal the show. Gunn’s knack for spotlighting offbeat characters (Guardians of the Galaxy, anyone?) suggests this could be a breakout role for the B-lister.

Editor’s Note: Superhero movies often recycle the same A-list heroes, so Gunn’s choice to dig deeper into DC’s roster is a win for fans craving fresh faces. Metamorpho’s inclusion hints at a more playful, unconventional take on the Superman universe—and if anyone can make a guy who turns into mercury or granite compelling, it’s the guy who turned a talking raccoon into a star.

New Brunswick is making a bold move to create the world’s densest dark-sky corridor along the stunning Bay of Fundy, linking six prime stargazing spots over 100 miles. This initiative aims to turn the region into a hotspot for astrotourism, drawing skywatchers from around the globe to experience some of the clearest, most light-pollution-free views of the cosmos.

Editor’s Note: Light pollution has made truly dark skies a rarity, so preserving and promoting these natural wonders isn’t just about stargazing—it’s about protecting a vanishing resource. For New Brunswick, this isn’t just an environmental win; it’s a savvy tourism play that could put the Bay of Fundy on the map for night-sky enthusiasts while boosting local economies. Who knew looking up could mean so much?

At a hush-hush gathering in California, an AI system went head-to-head with 30 elite mathematicians—and outperformed them. The researchers were reportedly shocked by how effortlessly the AI tackled complex problems that usually require deep human expertise.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about math—it’s another sign that AI is creeping into domains we once assumed were uniquely human. If even top-tier mathematicians are getting outplayed, it raises big questions about how AI might reshape expertise, research, and even creativity in fields we thought were safe from automation.