Neanderthal groups had their own local food culture

Scientists have developed a bionic knee that’s a game-changer for amputees—it connects directly to the thigh bone and uses implanted electrodes to create a more natural, intuitive feel. Unlike traditional prosthetics, this one blurs the line between artificial and biological, making movement smoother and more integrated with the user’s body.

Editor’s Note: For amputees, prosthetics often feel clunky or detached, like wearing a tool rather than regaining a limb. This breakthrough could dramatically improve mobility and quality of life by making artificial limbs feel like a true extension of the body. It’s not just about function—it’s about reclaiming a sense of wholeness.

NASA is gearing up for its next big lunar mission, Artemis IV, by prepping a crucial component—the payload adapter—at the Space Flight Center in Huntsville. This piece is essential for connecting the rocket’s upper stage to the spacecraft that’ll head to the moon. The agency even shared a striking photo of the hardware as part of its "Space Photo of the Day" series, giving us a behind-the-scenes peek at the mission’s progress.

Editor’s Note: This might seem like a small step in the grand scheme of things, but it’s a key milestone in NASA’s plan to return humans to the moon. The Artemis missions aren’t just about planting flags—they’re laying the groundwork for future deep-space exploration, including eventual trips to Mars. Seeing tangible progress, like this adapter being prepped, makes the ambitious timeline feel a little more real. Plus, that photo? A nice reminder that space tech can be as visually cool as it is scientifically important.

A panel of experts advising the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is taking another look at the safety warnings tied to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause. This comes years after earlier concerns linked HRT to higher risks of breast cancer and heart disease, which led many women to abandon the treatment. Now, with newer studies suggesting the risks may have been overstated—or at least more nuanced—the panel will weigh whether current warnings still make sense or need updating.

Editor’s Note: Hormone therapy was once a go-to solution for menopausal symptoms—until major studies in the early 2000s raised alarms. The backlash was swift, leaving many women and doctors wary. But science evolves, and if the FDA adjusts its stance based on fresher data, it could reshape how menopause is treated. For millions of women, this isn’t just bureaucratic fine-tuning—it’s about balancing real relief against real risks.

Tonight’s sky offers a celestial treat—a third-quarter moon cozying up near Saturn in the eastern horizon. Picture the moon’s left side glowing under sunlight while the right slips into shadow, creating a striking contrast. It’s a prime chance to spot the ringed planet without a telescope, as Saturn’s brightness will make it stand out against the lunar backdrop.

Editor’s Note: Stargazing moments like this are low-effort, high-reward—no fancy gear needed, just a clear sky and a few minutes of your time. It’s a reminder of how accessible (and cool) the universe can be, even on a random weeknight. Plus, spotting Saturn never gets old.

For the first time ever, astronomers have caught a young star in the act of forming planets. Using powerful telescopes like James Webb and ALMA, they spotted dust swirling around the star HOPS-315 starting to clump together—the very beginning of how planets are born. It’s like catching the first few puzzle pieces coming together in what will eventually become a whole solar system.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a cool space snapshot—it’s a major clue in solving the mystery of how planets (including ours) came to be. Watching this process in real time helps scientists refine theories about planet formation, which could tell us more about Earth’s origins and even where to look for other habitable worlds. Plus, it shows just how much our tech (hello, James Webb) is revolutionizing what we can see out there.