Research Suggests Climate Change Added Excess Deaths in European Heat Wave

Scientists might have cracked one of the universe’s biggest head-scratchers—the "Hubble tension," a nagging mismatch in how fast the cosmos is expanding. The wild new idea? Earth and our galaxy could be floating in a vast cosmic void, a sparse bubble about 2 billion light-years wide. If true, it’d mean our corner of space is unusually empty, skewing our measurements of the universe’s expansion. The theory hinges on echoes from the Big Bang, suggesting we’re not just off the cosmic beaten path—we might be in a downright deserted neighborhood.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just some abstract astronomy debate—it’s about whether we’ve been misreading the universe’s speedometer because of where we’re parked. If confirmed, it’d rewrite textbooks on cosmic expansion and humble our place in the cosmos (again). Plus, it’s a reminder that even the biggest scientific puzzles might have answers hiding in plain sight—or in this case, in the eerie quiet around us.

Before humans ever left Earth's atmosphere, animals were the pioneers of space travel. Scientists launched everything from fruit flies to dogs (like the famous Soviet pup Laika) to test how living creatures would handle weightlessness and other space conditions. Some, like Belka and Strelka, made it back safely—others weren’t so lucky. These early missions paved the way for human spaceflight by answering critical questions about survival beyond our planet.

Editor’s Note: It’s easy to forget that space exploration wasn’t just about brave astronauts—it started with brave (and often unwilling) animal test subjects. Their sacrifices and successes helped scientists understand the risks of space travel, making human missions possible. This story is a reminder of the weird, sometimes dark, but always fascinating steps science takes to push boundaries.

A refurbished 2017 MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar is currently available at a record-low price, but the deal ends on July 15 at 11:59 p.m. PT. If you've been eyeing a MacBook Pro but balked at the cost, this might be your chance to grab one without breaking the bank.

Editor’s Note: For anyone in the market for a reliable, high-performance laptop—especially Apple fans on a budget—this sale is a rare opportunity. Refurbished MacBooks often come with warranties and perform like new, so the discount makes it a steal. Just don’t wait too long—deals like this don’t stick around.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is making headlines for his groundbreaking work aboard the International Space Station (ISS), where he’s growing methi (fenugreek) and moong (mung bean) seeds in microgravity. Calling it "exciting and joyful work," Shukla is documenting the germination process and collaborating with Indian research institutions to study how space conditions affect plant genetics. He’s also experimenting with microalgae, which could pave the way for sustainable food and biofuel production in space.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a cool science experiment—it’s a big step toward figuring out how humans might grow food during long-term space missions or even future colonies on the Moon or Mars. If we can crack space farming, it could reduce reliance on Earth for supplies, making deep-space exploration more feasible. Plus, Shukla’s enthusiasm adds a relatable human touch to high-stakes science.

If you've been eyeing a new telescope, Amazon Prime Day 2025 might be your moment—this roundup highlights the best discounts on high-quality models from trusted sellers, making stargazing more affordable.

Editor’s Note: Telescopes can be pricey, and Prime Day often brings rare discounts on big-ticket items like these. For amateur astronomers or curious beginners, snagging a deal on solid equipment could mean the difference between window-shopping and actually exploring the cosmos.