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the ruins of the ancient city of babylon, consisting of brown walls and buildings
Archaeology

Babylonian text missing for 1,000 years deciphered with AI

The ‘Hymn to Babylon’ praises the ancient city.

Facial reconstruction of the individual from Nuwayrat using 3D scan data of the skull and analysis of the bones.
Archaeology

First complete ancient Egyptian DNA genome reveals his occupation

The analysis shows an 80 percent genetic link to North Africa.

A jumping spider devours a hoverfly. The hoverfly has evolved to look like a wasp, but in this case the resemblance is not sufficient to deter a spider from attacking it.
Bees

Flies disguised as wasps can’t fool birds

Biologists turn to 3D printing to solve an evolutionary mystery.

Portrait kitten with open mouth. Domestic curious funny striped kitty
The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week

Allergic to cats? Chickens could help. 

Plus other weird things we learned this week.

This image, taken with ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT), shows the supernova remnant SNR 0509-67.5. These are the expanding remains of a star that exploded hundreds of years ago in a double-detonation – the first photographic evidence that stars can die with two blasts. The data were captured with the Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) instrument at the VLT. MUSE allows astronomers to map the distribution of different chemical elements, displayed here in different colours. Calcium is shown in blue, and it is arranged in two concentric shells. These two layers indicate that the now-dead star exploded with a double-detonation.
Solar System

Massive ‘double detonation’ spotted by astronomers for the first time

Supernova SNR 0509-67.5 likely exploded twice.

Orca whale on beach
Ocean

Wild orcas will sometimes offer food to humans

The curious behavior is primarily seen in non-domesticated animals.

Backpacks on sale for REI's 4th of July sale
Outdoor Gear

Grab rare deals on our favorite backpacks and camping packs during REI’s 4th of July sale

Save on backpacks and camping bags from Osprey, REI Co-op, Patagonia, CamelBak, Matador, Gregory, and more.

A Black Bose SoundLink Plus portable Bluetooth speaker shown against green vegetation
Speakers

The new Bose SoundLink Plus portable Bluetooth speaker lets you thump hard, travel light

If you’re looking to establish a personal party perimeter, the Bose SoundLink Plus has few minuses—beyond the premium price.

a doctor usess a tongue depressor to examine a young boy's throat
Diseases

Do we need our tonsils?

Science is slowly revealing more about the misunderstood organs.

Full GOTO-North node under the skies of La Palma.
Space Telescope

Rare cataclysmic exploding star spotted by citizen scientists

‘I literally screamed with joy when I saw that I was going to be a co-author of the research paper.’

Eryops megacephalus’ (left) skull alongside Rex from the film “Toy Story” (right).
Biology

Skull that looks like a ‘Toy Story’ character unearthed in Texas

Eryops megacephalus was a huge six-foot-long, apex predator amphibian that lived 280 million years ago.

a pot boil on induction stovetop
Pollution

Why induction stoves are better than gas

The expression 'cooking with gas' is hopelessly outdated.

Artist illustration of an asteroid in space
Space Telescope

Asteroid 2024 YR4 might smash into the moon

Astronomers estimate the chances of a collision are 4 percent.

Video screenshot of mannequin getting head blown off by mortar round during firework safety demonstration
Science

CPSC stresses firework safety with 7-minute montage of mannequin mayhem

'Do not launch fireworks off your body this July 4th, America.'

REI 4th of july sale items including a backpack, coleman tent, hoka sneakers, and Petzl headlamp
Outdoor Gear

The best deals from REI’s 4th of July sale: Save on gear for camping, running, hiking, and more

Get deals from Petzl, Cannondale, Patagonia, Hoka, Arc'teryx, Coleman, and more during this limited 4th of July sale.

The city of Dubrovnik, Croatia, seen on sunny day with ship sailing in the bay
Archaeology

18th century shipwreck discovered at ‘Game of Thrones’ filming location

An underwater maintenance worker found it while working on a pipe.

two sea turtles released into the ocean wearing transponders
Ocean

17 rehabilitated sea turtles released off Cape Cod

Tyche the turtle had a recent brush with internet fame before heading back into the big blue.

a meteor falls in the night sky near a statue of buddha
Space

July stargazing: Buck Moon, Lāhainā Noon, and meteorites (soon)

Two upcoming meteor showers and warm weather makes summer a great season for stargazing.

a movie poster for the film project hail mary
Science Fiction

Watch the first trailer for ‘Project Hail Mary’

The film starring Ryan Gosling will be released in theaters on March 20, 2026.

Charlie Chaplin looking through icy window in The Gold Rush
Technology

Long-lost Charlie Chaplin film meticulously restored after 100 years

The original 1925 version of ‘The Gold Rush’ is now available in 4K.