SpaceX launch from California sends 26 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit

Scientists in Japan have cracked the code on a game-changing plastic that vanishes in seawater within hours—no more centuries-long pollution. Made from a mix of sodium hexametaphosphate and guanidinium ions, this stuff is tough enough for everyday use but dissolves like sugar in saltwater. Even better? The leftovers can be recycled. Imagine packaging that doesn’t outlive your great-grandkids.

Editor’s Note: Plastic waste is choking our oceans, and microplastics are sneaking into everything from fish guts to human blood. This discovery isn’t just a lab curiosity—it’s a real shot at slashing pollution without forcing us to ditch plastic entirely. If it scales up, beaches might stay clean longer, and marine life could catch a break. Plus, industries won’t have to reinvent the wheel—just swap materials. Fingers crossed it doesn’t dissolve too fast in your shopping bag.

A fascinating new book reveals that the Northern Dene people of Alaska and Canada have long held deep astronomical knowledge—knowledge that was overlooked or dismissed by earlier scientists. The book highlights how their understanding of the stars, passed down through generations, challenges historical biases and enriches our collective appreciation of Indigenous science.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about stars—it’s about whose knowledge gets taken seriously. The story matters because it corrects a long-standing oversight, showing how Indigenous wisdom has always been ahead of its time. It’s a reminder that science isn’t just lab coats and telescopes; sometimes, it’s stories told under the open sky.

Scientists on an Antarctic expedition just hit the jackpot—they filmed a mysterious deep-sea squid in its natural habitat for the very first time. Before this, the only evidence of the elusive creature came from dead specimens snagged in nets or found inside seabirds.

Editor’s Note: Discovering a live, wild squid like this is a big deal because it helps researchers understand how these animals behave and survive in one of Earth’s most extreme environments. It’s a reminder of how much we still don’t know about the deep ocean—and why protecting these hidden ecosystems matters.

England's Environment Agency is sounding the alarm—water demand is outstripping supply, and the country needs to get serious about conservation. The watchdog is calling for more hosepipe bans (those temporary restrictions on watering gardens or washing cars) and wider use of smart water meters to track usage. Basically, they're saying we can't just rely on goodwill; structural changes are needed to avoid future shortages.

Editor’s Note: Water might seem endless when it pours from our taps, but droughts and population growth are straining resources. This isn't just about soggy lawns—it's a wake-up call that England's water habits aren't sustainable. If we ignore it, stricter measures (or worse, actual shortages) could follow.

South Africa had developed a world-class medical research infrastructure, particularly in HIV/AIDS and TB, thanks to decades of investment and global partnerships. But recent funding cuts by the Trump administration—slashing nearly $50 million from critical programs—have gutted key projects, shuttered labs, and left scientists scrambling. The damage could set back public health progress not just in South Africa but across the continent.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about budgets—it’s about real-world consequences. South Africa’s research was a lifeline for tackling diseases that affect millions. The cuts undermine years of progress and could leave vulnerable populations without treatments or prevention tools. It’s a stark reminder of how political decisions in one country can ripple across global health systems.