Science news this week: An 'interstellar visitor' and the oldest ancient Egyptian genome ever sequenced

Lenovo's latest ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition is turning heads with its premium design and dazzling OLED display, making it a top pick for professionals who want both style and performance. But before you rush to buy, there's a trade-off—though the review doesn't spell it out yet, that "one catch" suggests it might not be perfect.

Editor’s Note: High-end laptops like this appeal to hybrid workers and creatives who need power and portability. If the "catch" isn't a dealbreaker, this could be a standout in a crowded market—but savvy buyers will want to know what they're compromising on.

Ever wondered if everyone sees shapes the same way? Turns out, your upbringing might shape more than just your worldview—it could literally affect how you perceive basic shapes like circles and rectangles. Neuroscientist Anil Seth dives into two conflicting studies on whether culture influences visual perception, suggesting the truth is messier (and more fascinating) than a simple "yes" or "no."

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about optical illusions—it challenges the assumption that our brains process the world "objectively." If culture tweaks how we see simple shapes, it raises bigger questions about bias, communication, and even AI training. Plus, it’s a humbling reminder that your reality isn’t the reality.

Ever feel like you're living in the moment? Think again. A new study suggests your brain is actually serving you a "best-of" reel from the past 15 seconds, smoothing out the chaos of real-time sensory input. It’s like your mind’s way of hitting the delay button to avoid overwhelming you with every flicker and change in your surroundings.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a quirky fact—it reshapes how we understand perception. If our brains are constantly playing catch-up, it could explain why sudden changes (like a car swerving) sometimes catch us off guard. It also hints at why reality feels seamless, even when it’s anything but. For anyone curious about consciousness or how we navigate the world, this is a mind-bender worth chewing on.

Scientists are on the brink of a major breakthrough—lab-grown human sperm and eggs could be just a few years away. A leading expert in the field, Prof. Katsuhiko Hayashi, says the technology is advancing fast, potentially revolutionizing reproduction by offering new options for fertility, same-sex couples, and even defying biological limits.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just sci-fi anymore. If scientists can reliably create viable sex cells in a lab, it could change everything from infertility treatments to how we think about family planning. Imagine same-sex couples having biological children together, or older adults conceiving without age-related fertility hurdles. But with big leaps come big questions—ethics, regulation, and societal impact will all be part of the conversation. For now, though, it’s a glimpse at a future where reproduction might look very different.

This week’s science roundup serves up two headliners: astronomers may have spotted another mysterious object from beyond our solar system—think 'Oumuamua 2.0—and researchers have cracked open a genetic time capsule by sequencing the oldest ancient Egyptian genome to date. Plus, there’s a handful of quirky reads to noodle over during your weekend downtime.

Editor’s Note: Whether you’re into cosmic mysteries or human history, this week’s science news has that "whoa" factor. The interstellar visitor hints at how little we know about what’s drifting between stars, while the DNA breakthrough could rewrite chapters of Egypt’s past. It’s the kind of stuff that makes you pause mid-scroll and think, "Huh, the universe is wild."