What the Air You Breathe May Be Doing to Your Brain

A new variant of mpox, previously known as monkeypox, has been detected in some communities in the US and Europe. While public health officials state that the risk to the general public remains low, the emergence of community transmission in new areas poses challenges for detecting and controlling the virus's spread. This situation highlights the importance of vigilance in public health efforts to prevent outbreaks.

Reflect Orbital, a California-based startup, has sparked controversy with its ambitious plan to deploy 4,000 giant mirrors in low Earth orbit to sell sunlight at night. While the idea may sound innovative, astronomers are raising alarms about the potential consequences, including interference with telescopes, disruption for stargazers, and environmental impacts. This project could fundamentally alter our night sky and the way we observe the universe, making it a significant concern for both scientists and the public.

A new study reveals that current carbon calculators significantly underestimate the warming impact of flight emissions. This is crucial because it highlights the need for more accurate tools to assess our environmental footprint, especially as air travel continues to rise. Understanding the true impact of our flights can lead to better decision-making for both individuals and policymakers, ultimately helping to combat climate change.

If you're looking to enhance your experience on Google Discover, there's good news! A recent article from Popular Science provides practical tips on optimizing your Discover page, making it easier to find content that truly interests you. This matters because a well-curated Discover feed can significantly improve how you interact with news and updates, ensuring you stay informed and engaged with topics you love.

A new photography book titled 'What do you see?' showcases 12 extreme close-ups that reveal the hidden science in everyday life. This innovative approach encourages readers to appreciate the intricate details of the world around them, making science accessible and engaging. It's a reminder that there's always more to discover, sparking curiosity and a deeper understanding of our environment.

Despite the government shutdown, NASA's astronauts aboard the International Space Station continue their vital work. This is significant as it highlights the resilience of scientific endeavors even in challenging political climates, ensuring that important research and experiments in space are not interrupted.

A groundbreaking discovery has been made on the coast of South Africa with the identification of the first-ever hyrax fossil tracks, believed to have been left by a fuzzy elephant relative 126,000 years ago. This finding is significant as it not only sheds light on the behavior and movement of these ancient creatures but also enhances our understanding of the evolutionary history of mammals. Such discoveries are crucial for paleontology, offering insights into past ecosystems and the species that inhabited them.

The International Space Station (ISS) has been a remarkable platform for scientific research and international collaboration for 25 years. As space agencies prepare for future missions to Mars, insights from archaeology can provide valuable lessons on living and working in space. Understanding the challenges faced by astronauts aboard the ISS can help improve mission planning and ensure the success of long-duration space travel. This connection between archaeology and space exploration highlights the importance of learning from past experiences to pave the way for future discoveries.

The International Space Station (ISS) has reached a significant milestone, but its future is set as it is scheduled to crash into the Pacific Ocean at Point Nemo in late 2030. This location is known as the oceanic pole of inaccessibility, making it a remote spot for such an event. Understanding the ISS's end-of-life plan is crucial for space agencies and the public, as it highlights the challenges of managing space debris and the importance of safe decommissioning practices.