Earth’s fiery ‘Door to Hell’ is starting to close

RFK Jr., the U.S. health secretary, has decided to replace all members of a key CDC vaccine advisory panel—the group that helps determine immunization guidelines, including which vaccines kids should get. The move, made in April, effectively "retires" the entire committee at once, raising questions about the future of vaccine policy.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just bureaucratic shuffling—it’s a big deal. Vaccine advisory panels play a crucial role in shaping public health recommendations, and wiping the slate clean could signal a major shift in how decisions about immunizations are made. Given RFK Jr.’s history of vaccine skepticism, critics worry this could undermine trust in long-standing vaccine programs. For parents, doctors, and policymakers, it’s a move worth watching closely.

A team of researchers has uncovered stunning details on gold coins recovered from the legendary San José shipwreck—often called the "world's richest shipwreck." Using robotic diving vehicles, they examined intricate designs on the 300-year-old coins, including castles, lions, and Jerusalem crosses, offering a glimpse into the artistry and symbolism of the era.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about treasure—it’s a window into history. The San José’s coins tell stories of colonial power, trade, and craftsmanship from the early 18th century. For historians and treasure hunters alike, each discovery peels back another layer of this sunken time capsule, showing why shipwrecks like this still captivate us today.

The Trump administration's proposed budget includes a plan to cap federal loans for graduate students, which could make it harder for aspiring doctors to afford medical school. Experts warn this might deepen the existing shortage of physicians, especially in rural and underserved areas where healthcare access is already strained.

A Chinese scientist was arrested at Detroit airport for allegedly smuggling biological material—described as worm-related—into the US months ago, marking the second such case in days. The FBI claims the material was sent to a University of Michigan lab, raising eyebrows about the intent behind these shipments.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about one arrest—it’s part of a worrying pattern. Back-to-back cases of alleged biological material smuggling suggest either lax oversight or a broader, shadowy trend. Given rising US-China tensions, especially around tech and research, this story hints at how scientific collaboration is getting tangled in geopolitics—and why ordinary folks should care about what’s crossing borders unchecked.

During recent protests in LA, several Waymo self-driving cars were set on fire, and their lithium-ion batteries didn’t just burn—they exploded into ultra-hot infernos. The batteries hit temperatures over 1,000°C, essentially vaporizing parts of the cars and releasing toxic hydrogen fluoride gas. It’s a worst-case scenario for electric vehicle fires, showing how violently these batteries can fail under extreme conditions.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about vandalism—it’s a stark reminder of the risks tied to lithium-ion batteries in EVs, especially in high-stress situations like protests. For companies like Waymo, it raises tough questions about safety, public perception, and whether their vehicles are prepared for real-world chaos. For cities, it’s another wrinkle in the already messy rollout of robotaxis.