'The Alters' is a genre-blending sci-fi survival ordeal about the horrors of being a project manager

Astronomers have spotted something wild in the distant YSES-1 system—thick, high-altitude clouds packed with minerals (possibly even iron) swirling around a young exoplanet called YSES-1b. These clouds are so dense they might be causing literal iron rain to fall on the planet. The whole system is just a baby in cosmic terms, only a million years old, and it’s already serving up fascinating clues about how planets form. Plus, there’s a mysterious dust disk hanging around, adding another layer to the puzzle.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a sci-fi fantasy—it’s real science showing us how bizarre and extreme alien worlds can be. Studying young systems like YSES-1 helps astronomers piece together how planets, including our own, came to be. And iron rain? That’s the kind of weird, dramatic detail that reminds us the universe is way stranger than we imagine.

NASA is firing up rockets from a tiny Pacific island to study weird, patchy clouds in the upper atmosphere that keep messing with radio signals. These "Sporadic-E layers" appear randomly in the ionosphere and can scramble GPS, radio comms, and even air traffic control systems. The SEED mission will chase down why these disruptive clouds form near the equator, hoping to crack the code on their erratic behavior.

Editor’s Note: Ever lost GPS signal or had your radio cut out unexpectedly? Blame these invisible atmospheric troublemakers. NASA’s not just launching rockets for fun—they’re trying to fix a real-world headache for pilots, sailors, and your phone’s navigation. If they figure out how these clouds work, we might get fewer dropped calls and more reliable tech where it counts.

Stunning photos reveal the environmental cost of nickel mining in a biodiverse marine hotspot, raising alarms about the scramble for metals used in electric vehicle batteries. The images suggest that rapid mining expansion is harming fragile ecosystems, even as the industry touts its role in the green energy transition.

Editor’s Note: The push for cleaner energy shouldn’t come at the expense of irreplaceable marine life. This story highlights a tough trade-off: EVs are crucial for cutting emissions, but if mining for their materials destroys ecosystems, are we just swapping one problem for another? It’s a wake-up call for more sustainable sourcing.

Texas is making a bold move by approving $50 million to study ibogaine, a psychedelic substance derived from a West African shrub. The research will focus on its potential to treat PTSD and traumatic brain injuries, especially in veterans. While ibogaine is illegal in the U.S., this funding signals growing openness to alternative therapies—though skeptics warn about safety risks.

The UN’s 2025 World Oceans Day Photo Competition has unveiled 15 stunning images that capture the beauty, fragility, and interconnectedness of our oceans. From vibrant marine life to haunting shots of human impact, these photos remind us why the ocean is vital to all life on Earth.