The new Covid variant NB.1.8.1 is driving infections in Australia. A virologist explains what you need to know | Lara Herrero for the Conversation

This week’s science roundup is packed with cosmic mysteries and earthly oddities. Researchers are scratching their heads over bizarre signals from deep space—could they be natural phenomena, or something more intriguing? Meanwhile, scientists discovered Earth is "leaking" gold into space, a quirky revelation that’s sparking debates about planetary formation. Plus, there’s a mix of other curious reads to keep you hooked over the weekend.

Editor’s Note: Space never stops surprising us, and these findings remind us how much we still don’t know. The strange signals could reshape our understanding of the universe, while the gold leak hints at hidden processes in Earth’s evolution. It’s the kind of science that fuels both wonder and wild theories—perfect for sparking dinner-table debates.

The Trump administration's proposed 2026 budget includes a massive 24% cut to NASA's funding—a $6 billion reduction that would shrink the agency's workforce by nearly a third. Key missions, like the ambitious Mars sample-return project, could be axed entirely.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just about numbers—it's a potential gut punch to NASA's most exciting projects. Mars sample-return has been years in the making, promising groundbreaking insights into the Red Planet. Deep cuts like this could stall U.S. leadership in space exploration and send ripple effects through the scientific community, not to mention the thousands of jobs on the line. If this budget goes through, don’t expect those "next giant leap" headlines anytime soon.

The Trump administration has quietly shut down a key federal program that was instrumental in funding and coordinating research for an HIV vaccine. This move comes despite ongoing global efforts to combat the virus, which still infects millions each year. Scientists and advocates warn that losing this program could slow progress toward ending the epidemic.

Editor’s Note: Finding an HIV vaccine has been a decades-long challenge, and this program was a cornerstone of that work. Cutting it doesn’t just stall research—it sends a worrying signal about priorities. With HIV still a major health crisis, especially in vulnerable communities, this decision could have real consequences for millions of people waiting for a breakthrough.

George E. Smith, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist who co-invented the technology behind digital cameras, has passed away at 95. His groundbreaking work on the CCD sensor paved the way for modern imaging—think everything from smartphone cameras to space telescopes. Smith shared the 2009 Nobel in Physics for this world-changing innovation.

Editor’s Note: It’s a sad day for science, but Smith’s legacy is everywhere—literally. Every time you snap a photo or marvel at images from the James Webb telescope, you’re seeing the ripple effects of his work. His death marks the loss of a quiet giant whose curiosity reshaped how we see the world (and beyond).

Scientists and meteorologists are pushing back against the Trump administration's budget cuts to climate and weather research by organizing a marathon 100-hour livestream. The event is both a protest and an effort to educate the public on why this research matters—basically, they're using science to defend science.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just about funding—it's about the growing tension between scientific communities and political leaders who dismiss or defund critical research. If weather forecasting and climate science lose support, it could ripple out to everything from disaster preparedness to long-term environmental policy. The livestream is a creative way to fight back, but it also highlights how deep the divide has become.