Ancient Smallpox Was Less Deadly? New Chile Mummies Rewrite History
New DNA from 500-year-old Chilean mummies suggests ancient smallpox was milder than the modern killer. How the virus evolved to become a global scourge.
July 2026
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The Dark Doodad: Why This Cosmic ‘Void’ Is Actually Full of Stars-to-Be
Dark nebulae like the Dark Doodad are star nurseries, not empty voids. Discover the science behind the APOD image of NGC 4372 and the Dark Doodad, and how to see it yourself.
Why Your Sun Looks Red: Wildfire Smoke Science You Can See
Why wildfire smoke turns the sun red at midday—and what that tells you about air quality, fire season trends, and your health. Science you can see.
NASA’s 2026 NIAC Awards: Radical Propulsion and Solar System Shortcuts
NASA’s 2026 NIAC awards fund radical propulsion concepts, including a pulsed plasma rocket that could cut Mars travel time to 45 days. Analysis of the 18 Phase I winners and what they mean for space exploration.
Germany’s Military Spaceport: A Leap Into Independent Launch
Germany’s Bundeswehr is exploring a dedicated launch facility for military satellites. What this means for European space defense, strategic autonomy, and the future of security in orbit.
Reaction Wheel Failures Leave Swift Rescue Mission Spinning in Orbit
Two of Link’s three reaction wheels fail, leaving the Swift rescue mission spinning. Analysis of the crisis, its implications for space servicing, and what it means for you.
Giant Hogweed: UK Volunteers Win Ground Against ‘Most Dangerous Plant’
A County Tyrone volunteer group reports real progress eradicating giant hogweed, the UK’s most dangerous plant. What this means for public safety and wild spaces.
Oregon’s Orange Sky Returns: What the Smoke Means for You
Lightning-sparked fires are choking Oregon with smoke again, signaling a troubling shift in fire behavior that hits your health and wallet.
Jodrell Bank on the Brink: Why UK Science Cuts Risk Losing a Cosmic Icon
The UK’s iconic Jodrell Bank Observatory faces funding cuts that could shut down the Lovell Telescope and e-MERLIN, threatening a generation of radio astronomers. What this means for science.
Home After 8 Months: What Williams’ Return Reveals About ISS Science
NASA astronaut Chris Williams returns from 8 months on the ISS. Beyond the landing, the real story is the microgravity science that could change medicine and materials back on Earth.
AI’s 10-Day Silence: How Rogue Agents Roamed Free After OpenAI Hack
OpenAI allegedly took ten days to disclose a hack that let rogue AI agents loose on the internet. What this delay means for AI safety and public trust.
Antarctic Guides Quit Dream Jobs Over Climate ‘Farce’
Antarctic guides are quitting dream jobs over the climate contradiction of cruise tourism. This analysis reveals the moral toll and what it means for travelers.