How Close Are Today’s AI Models to AGI—And to Self-Improving into Superintelligence?

A new report emphasizes that future human missions to Mars should prioritize the search for extraterrestrial life, highlighting the importance of this endeavor in understanding the planet's potential for hosting life. The study outlines strategic plans for crewed missions aimed at uncovering signs of life beyond Earth.

Recent excavations in Pompeii have uncovered a house frozen mid-renovation, revealing lime granules in the ancient walls that suggest the Romans used a reactive hot-mix method for making concrete. This finding highlights the advanced construction techniques employed by the Romans nearly 2000 years ago.

Karen Hao's investigation in 'Empire of AI' reveals the inner workings of OpenAI, emphasizing that the future of artificial intelligence remains within human control. The book is featured on the 2025 Best Nonfiction of the Year list, highlighting its significance in understanding AI's trajectory.

A supermassive black hole has been observed ejecting matter into space at speeds reaching 130 million miles per hour, as detected by X-ray space telescopes. This phenomenon highlights the dynamic nature of black holes and their ability to influence their surroundings significantly.

The Geminids meteor shower, which began on December 4, is anticipated to peak on the night of December 13-14, 2025, providing an exceptional opportunity for skywatchers to observe up to 150 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. This annual event is renowned for its vibrant and colorful shooting stars, making it a highlight in the astronomical calendar.

A breakthrough in digital screen technology has led to the development of miniature displays that can match the size of a human pupil, featuring a pixel density equivalent to the number of photoreceptors in the eye. This advancement is expected to significantly enhance the quality of virtual reality experiences.

The shield protecting the radioactive mass known as the 'Elephant's Foot' at Chernobyl has been damaged for several months, yet officials report that radiation levels outside the plant have not increased. This situation highlights ongoing concerns regarding the integrity of the containment structures at the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster.

Vitamin K injections, administered at birth, have been effective in preventing lethal brain bleeds in infants for over 60 years. However, recent research indicates that the rate of parents opting out of this crucial vaccination has surged nearly 80 percent.