Today's Brief

Michael Sheen campaign on toxic waste sites wins Senedd backing

A campaign by actor Michael Sheen to hold polluters accountable for cleaning up toxic waste sites in Wales has gained support from the Senedd. The lawmakers are calling on Welsh and UK ministers to make sure those responsible pay for the cleanup efforts. This includes contaminated land across the country.

Caltech physicists finally measure a quantum energy ladder predicted 40 years ago

Physicists at Caltech have successfully measured a long-predicted quantum phenomenon, using laser-trapped atoms in a simulator to recreate two specific energy patterns. The experiment was 40 years in the making and verifies predictions made by theoretical physicists. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for studying complex quantum systems.

New Gobi Desert Fossil Rewrites a Chapter of Mammal Evolution

A significant fossil discovery in Mongolia's Gobi Desert has led scientists to reevaluate the evolutionary history of mammals. The well-preserved fossil reveals that zhelestids are not closely related to modern placental mammals as previously believed. This new finding sheds light on a previously misunderstood chapter of mammal evolution.

Chris Evans Puts His Limelight on a Bonded Dog Pair with Cute Video, Immediately Sees Them Adopted

Chris Evans helped find a new home for two dog siblings at an animal rescue league. The dogs, Greg and Carley, were part of a Boston-based shelter that cared about their special bond. After Evans' involvement, the pair was adopted.

Coastal Golf Course Turned into Vital Wetland Habitat for Seabirds

A former golf course in England has been converted into a wetland nature reserve that is already attracting various seabird species. The transformation aimed to provide a habitat for native wildlife and the area is now home to several types of birds including plovers, terns, avocets, and lapwings. The reserve is open to the public.

First Ever Recorded Sea Turtle Nests on America’s West Coast

For the first time, olive ridley sea turtles have been spotted building nests on the beaches of Southern California's West Coast. The female turtles laid their eggs in broad daylight with full bellies. This marks a significant discovery for marine biologists.

Good News in History September 30

George Bizet's opera "The Pearl Fishermen" premiered in Paris 163 years ago. The music drama was set in ancient Sri Lanka and explored a complex love triangle between two friends and the same woman. The opera has become one of Bizet's most famous works.

What We’re Reading: Rat Rangers to the Rescue

Residents in Washington D.C are taking steps to manage the growing rat population by educating their neighbors about prevention methods. They are sharing alternative approaches that do not involve using rodenticides. The group calls themselves the Rat Rangers.

Curiosity Blog, Sols 5016-5021: Fantastic Minerals and How To Detect Them

The NASA Mars rover Curiosity has discovered new minerals on the planet. Scientists can now learn more about the composition of the Martian surface. These findings will help researchers understand how the planet's geology evolved.

Help Overlap Zoo Reveal Cosmic Dust

NASA Adds New Science Investigations for Moon Base

NASA has chosen three new science experiments to be part of a future mission to the Moon's South Pole. These investigations are aimed at increasing our understanding of the Moon and supporting the development of a lunar outpost called the Moon Base. The experiments will join other equipment already planned for the base.

NASA Awards Contract to Develop 5G Communications for Moon

NASA has awarded a contract to Modulate Space Corporation to develop a 5G communication system for the lunar surface with Wi-Fi capabilities. This project is part of an effort to support future operations at a potential Moon Base. The system will be developed in two main areas.

NASA, International Partners Advance Work on Space Crops

Star Trails

A photo taken from the International Space Station shows star trails in the sky and lights of fishing boats and cities below. The image was captured on September 20, 2026, while the station orbited at an altitude of 258 miles above the Banda Sea. Indonesian cities are visible as yellow lights.

APOD: 2026 September 30 - Arp 78: Peculiar Galaxy in Aries

The Astronomy Picture of the Day features a peculiar spiral galaxy called Arp 78 in the constellation Aries, which is about 100 million light-years away. This galaxy has a unique appearance that sets it apart from others. It is one of many galaxies visible in the night sky.

Powerful Storms Continue to Prowl the Pacific

Powerful storms are still affecting the northeastern and central parts of the Pacific Ocean. These storms have been present in the region for a while now, indicating ongoing severe weather activity.

Meet Freckle: The Retro Phone Designed to Encourage Kids to Explore the World

A new phone called Freckle is designed for kids, resembling a handheld gaming device but without social media or web access. It comes with an orange companion to encourage outdoor exploration. The goal of the phone is to get children away from screens and outside.

Singapore launches matchmaking service for government workers

Singapore has introduced an online dating service to help its government employees meet potential partners. The initiative aims to increase social interaction among civil servants. This program is part of efforts to address the country's low birth rate.

'Special surprise' as rare moth found in nature reserve for first time

Meet '89 Backpack', the chunky bear who won Fat Bear Week

An Alaskan brown bear named '89 Backpack has been declared the winner of Fat Bear Week. The bear's chunky appearance won over supporters who described it as having a good balance of "chonk" and "badonk". The bear is set to enter hibernation.

Orionid meteor shower to streak across night sky this week

A meteor shower, caused by Earth passing through debris from Halley's Comet, will be visible in the night sky this week. The Orionid meteor shower reaches its peak in October. It is one of the most active and consistent annual meteor showers.

Young minds develop ideas to tackle climate change

How empty chairs are helping people's mental health

A UK man created a initiative where empty chairs in a pub are reserved for people struggling with their mental health, inviting them to come and talk. The project aims to provide support to those who need it by offering a safe space to open up about their feelings. Anyone can sit down in the designated chair and engage with others.

Netanyahu and Modi hail Indian flydubai pilot as hero - Reuters

Micron's AI-fueled revenue forecast blows past estimates, backlog swells - Reuters

South Korea unveils major energy investment plans in US - Reuters

Constellation, Amazon sign 20-year power deal to support Maryland nuclear plant - Reuters

Drone startup tied to Trump sons aims to bring Ukrainian tech to US - Reuters

Judge blocks New York rent-setting software ban - Reuters

Spain, France align on welcoming UK back to EU, strengthening China trade defences - Reuters

US second-quarter GDP revised higher amid robust consumer spending - Reuters

Experimental Lilly combination drug tops Zepbound in weight-loss trial - Reuters

Patients switching to Novo Nordisk's Wegovy pill from shots lose more weight in real-world study - Reuters

Ethiopian Airlines agrees to buy 10 Boeing cargo planes, has option for 8 more - Reuters

European payments groups join forces to challenge US dominance - Reuters

India approves $19 billion for renewable energy programme - Reuters

ElevenLabs' valuation doubles to $22 billion on surging AI voice-agent demand - Reuters

State Bank of India buys nearly 40% of Reliance's $1.35 billion debt sale - Reuters

HPE boosts networking growth outlook, gets $1.2 billion AI order from cloud firm Vultr - Reuters

Honeywell to help build Dangote's new Kenyan mega-refinery - Reuters

Trump set to unveil $200 billion South Korean investment in US, Bloomberg News reports - Reuters

DoorDash to create 3,000 jobs at global tech centre in India - Reuters

Watch Live: NASA’s Crew-13 could make the fastest U.S. trip to the ISS ever

NASA's SpaceX Crew-13 mission is set to launch on October 1 with four astronauts aboard. The Dragon spacecraft aims to reach the International Space Station in just over 7 and a half hours. This would be the fastest US trip to the ISS ever recorded.

A record-breaking X-ray flash may reveal the birth of a magnetar

Astronomers have discovered strong evidence that some intense X-ray flashes are caused by the collision of two neutron stars, which may create a magnetar. One particularly bright event lasted nearly 10 minutes, suggesting a new way to detect these cosmic mergers. This phenomenon has never been seen before in such detail.

Bats may have first evolved in Europe 65 million years ago

NASA’s Curiosity rover just hit 5,000 days on Mars and sent back this stunning view

NASA's Curiosity rover has reached an incredible milestone on Mars, capturing breathtaking views of the planet's vast landscape. The stunning panorama showcases the rover itself, its tracks, and the surrounding terrain, including Mount Sharp and Gale Crater. The image is a remarkable achievement, providing scientists with valuable data about the Martian environment.

NASA's Perseverance Mars rover finds groundwater, lakes, and hot fluids in one place

NASA's Perseverance Mars rover has made a significant discovery in Jezero Crater, uncovering evidence of groundwater, lakes, and hot fluids. The findings show that the area experienced multiple cycles of water alteration, revealing a more complex history than previously thought. Scientists expected lake sediments but found igneous rocks instead.

Pompeii’s 2,000-year-old eruption just gave scientists a better clock for Earth’s past

Scientists have developed a more accurate method to date significant geological events thanks to information gained from Mount Vesuvius' eruption. This eruption occurred 2,000 years ago and has allowed researchers to refine their understanding of the Earth's past. The updated technique will enable more precise timelines for various historical events.

Black hole jets may decide the fate of entire galaxies

Powerful black hole jets can affect star-forming gas far beyond a galaxy's edge, potentially deciding its future. These jets keep the gas hot and prevent it from falling inward. The effect is felt over hundreds of thousands of light-years.

Wildlife tracking to fill gaps in monarch migration research

Monarch butterflies in Iowa are preparing for their annual journey to Mexico by fueling up on nectar from fall-blooming wildflowers. The routes they take and how they are affected by weather have not been well understood until now. Wildlife tracking efforts aim to fill these knowledge gaps.

Fine-tuning cobalt for cleaner chemical transformations

Researchers have found that cobalt can be fine-tuned for use in cleaner chemical transformations, potentially reducing reliance on precious metals. This could involve adjusting the properties of cobalt to make it a more suitable substitute. The process may not require finding entirely new materials.

Bacteria can make plant-based foods healthier for humans and animals

Scientists have found a way to make plant-based foods more nutritious by adding beneficial bacteria. This process changes the type of amino acids in these foods. As a result, they become even healthier for people who eat them.

Scientists develop 'floating scarecrow' to protect threatened seabirds

Scientists have created a device to prevent seabirds from getting entangled in fishing nets. A "floating scarecrow" and a repurposed bird-scaring kite are being used to protect threatened seabird species. The innovative solution is based on new research.

Community-led archaeology project uncovers a major monastery of medieval Scotland

A community-led archaeology project has discovered the remains of a medieval monastery in western Scotland. The find is significant because it sheds light on a previously unknown site mentioned in historical records and local folklore. Archaeologists have identified the site as Lios Mòr, an important ecclesiastical center.

Confronting demons: How acoustic and AI technology brought ancient Etruscan tombs back to life

Researchers used acoustic and AI technology to recreate the sounds of ancient Etruscan tombs, revealing how these structures were designed to create a sonic experience for those who visited. The study found that even early architects incorporated sound into their designs, showing a deep understanding of how it affects human perception. This discovery provides new insights into the cultural significance and design principles of these ancient tombs.

Ocean predator chemical cues could provide early warnings for toxic algal blooms

Marine scientists have created a method for early warning systems that detect the chemical signals of ocean predators affected by toxic algal blooms. This approach is an alternative to traditional methods used by oceanographers. The new system could potentially provide more accurate and timely warnings.

Catch a rare lunar occultation of Jupiter plus Saturn at opposition in early October

This October will be a great time to see Saturn at its best in the night sky, while also witnessing a rare lunar event where the moon covers Jupiter from view in North America on October 6th.

Fluorescent sensors could help researchers see diabetes in action

Researchers at the University of Bath have created fluorescent sensors that can monitor glucose levels inside living animals. This innovation allows scientists to study diabetes and other metabolic diseases in a more detailed way. The new technology could potentially aid in understanding how these conditions affect the body.

Digging deep, researchers find high-altitude glacier endured last ice age

Researchers have discovered ancient ice fragments in an ice cap in northwestern Tibet that date back over 100,000 years. The findings extend Earth's glacial record and make these ice cores the oldest ever recovered from this region. The ice cores were obtained through excavation.

AI scientist autonomously generates and validates new biological discoveries

A team at Chalmers University of Technology has created a computer program that can make scientific predictions, design experiments and analyze data on its own. The AI scientist uses these skills to identify new biological discoveries with minimal human input. This technology is part of the university's effort in self-driving laboratories.

Short on time? It could be good for you

A new study suggests that it's not necessarily how much time people have that affects their mental health, but rather their perception of having enough time. Researchers found a link between feeling rushed or time-strapped and poorer mental well-being. The study was conducted at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Tracking the fin whale and the sperm whale in the Mediterranean

Fin whales and sperm whales are changing their locations in the Mediterranean Sea over short periods of time. Some species, like the striped dolphin, stay in certain areas while others, like the fin whale, move to different areas. The distribution of these marine animals can shift quickly and over small distances.

Fossil long known as world's oldest reptile dethroned

Classifying groundwater systems by their ability to recover from drought

Groundwater levels do not immediately bounce back after heavy rain following a long drought. A new classification system has been developed to assess how well different aquifers can recover from droughts. This method will help identify which groundwater reserves are most at risk of being depleted.

Clay tablets reveal how Babylonian students learned about their gods

Ancient Babylonian students learned about gods through various aspects including their names and characteristics. The study used clay tablets and other texts to understand the teaching methods of that time. The findings provide insight into how ancient religious education was structured.

Greetings from Syria, where time seems to melt as a glassmaker braves scorching temps

A Syrian glassmaker works in scorching temperatures in Damascus, carefully crafting his wares. He is part of a long tradition of artisans preserving their craft despite challenging conditions. His work is a reminder to appreciate the moment.

Scientists discover new penguin species through breakthrough genetic analysis - FOX Weather

Breakthrough in optical-fiber-based minimally invasive imaging using optical frequency combs and deep learning - EurekAlert! Science News Releases

CAS launches initiatives for frontier breakthroughs - China Daily

The Science Behind Honda’s Solid-State Battery Breakthrough - Top Speed

Blinding us with science: Gabriela González and Hank Green lead fall talks at Natural History Museum - Fresh Water Cleveland

AI makes its first meaningful breakthrough in theoretical physics - Big Think

Gene therapy: The breakthrough that inspired Spider-Man | Podcast - Euronews.com

Leading medical device experts and MDO launch Medtech Innovation Board - Medical Design & Outsourcing

The era of male birth control may be nearing - The Washington Post

Made in Africa: New measles rapid diagnostic tests mark breakthrough for vaccination efforts - Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

Georgia Tech Launches ETHOS Initiative to Accelerate Human-Centered Medical Research | Newswise - Newswise

Video. Gene therapy: The breakthrough that inspired Spider-Man | Podcast - Euronews.com

A breakthrough in taste receptors could open the door to new culinary experiences - Earth.com

Growth Regulator Breakthrough Unlocks Rapid Propagation of Bangladesh’s Prized Chui Jhal Pepper Vine - Bioengineer.org

A quantum computer operated in space for the first time: what it was used for and what problem it could solve - El Cronista

Breakthrough weight-loss drug helps diabetes patients lose a quarter of their body weight - The Independent

G-SHOCK'S PINK RIBBON MODEL RETURNS: THE GMAS2100PR FUELS THE NEXT BREAST CANCER BREAKTHROUGH - PR Newswire

HudsonAlpha and campus companies generate $1.27 billion in economic output over three years - 256 Today

Almirall Advances Skin Science and Shares New Evidence Across Its Dermatology Portfolio at EADV 2026 - Business Wire

If Your Whisky Tastes Like Mango, There's A Science-Backed Explanation - Tasting Table

CAS launches program for breakthroughs at science frontiers - People's Daily Online

2026 Nobel Prize Predictions: From GLP-1 drugs and CAR-T therapy to gene editing, these breakthroughs coul - The Economic Times

Seeing Through Lead-Shielded Walls: Inside ELI-NP’s Laser-Driven Muography Breakthrough - Gadget Review

Scientists advance quantum teleportation with new method - geekspin

Morocco’s first female head of government: «An important breakthrough, but not the end of the process» - Yabiladi.com

Emulation Cluster No. 1 of the Ministry of Public Security: Breakthrough in digital transformation, using data as the foundation for building peace. - Vietnam.vn

This Star Trek Episode Is Secretly The Ultimate Prequel To Deep Space Nine - Giant Freakin Robot

Indian and Canadian Scientists Use CHIME Telescope To Make 1st Standalone Detection of Hydrogen Glow From - LatestLY

Indian researchers part of CHIME breakthrough detecting hydrogen from five-billion-year-old universe - Business Upturn

Meadowlark Hospice Announces Kansas Home Care & Hospice Hero - KCLY Radio

Letter to the Editor: Hunger does not take a summer vacation - Bemidji Pioneer

‘We are incredibly proud’: Town’s firefighters honoured with Community Hero award - Suffolk News

Princess of Wales visits West Sussex on volunteer-led community transport organisation’s 50th anniversary - in pictures - SussexWorld

First Choice Homes Oldham announces September Hidden Hero - Not Really Here Group

JC Smith’s Fabian Duncan: ‘I love being the underdog’ - thecharlottepost.com

Rutgers Is a HUGE Underdog… But Indiana Better Watch THIS - 12News

Which Big Underdog to Back in NFL Week 4? Stream of National Football League - CBS Sports

NFL Week 4 Predictions: Underdog Picks Against the Spread - Covers.com

Top of their game: Steppenwolf’s Davis, Smallwood deliver in provocative ‘Topdog/Underdog’ - Daily Herald

Underdog Promo Code ROTOWIRE: $1K Bonus for Yankees vs Red Sox - RotoWire

CFB Experts Create Their Week 5 Underdog Moneyline Parlay ( - Yahoo Sports

Wilson Staff Model Ball Lab: The Underdog Ball That Keeps Shining In The Data - MyGolfSpy

Video: Glenn Davis and Namir Smallwood in TOPDOG/UNDERDOG at Steppenwolf - BroadwayWorld

Underdog Promo Code ROTOWIRE: $1,000 Deposit Match for September 2026 - RotoWire

Underdog NFL Picks for TNF, Week 4: Player Projections & Fantasy Picks, 10/1 - Fantasy Alarm

Brazilian director Allan Deberton talks “underdog” Oscar entry ‘Gugu’s World’ - Screen Daily

East Asia’s Video Game Market Growing Against All Odds - Niko Partners

Against All Odds, Starved Doberman Recovers and Finds Forever Home - The Animal Rescue Site Click To Give

Against All Odds: NCAA/NFL Picks - NGSC Sports

Four thoughts from Week 4 in the American Conference - Underdog Dynasty

UCF unveils Mission X Space Game uniforms - Underdog Dynasty

Theatre review - Underdog: The Other Other Brontë: It's not easy being an overlooked genius - WarwickshireWorld

Paul Elliott Embraces The Underdog Role Against Unbeaten Shamil Erdogan - Sidekick Boxing

Emirates Park Zoo Expands School Education Programmes in UAE - News and Statistics - IndexBox

UAE Business: Emirates Park Zoo & Resort strengthens school education programmes - GDNOnline

VCU Rice Rivers Center aids in Atlantic sturgeon population recovery - commonwealthtimes.org

California revives Wildlife Coexistence Program amid record wolf pup boom - Los Angeles Times

China drives record global nuclear output as generation elsewhere falls - Anadolu Ajansı

Researchers Found a Greener Way to Bend Wood Into Almost Any Shape

Soldiers Searching for Old Landmines Found Korea’s Oldest Known Gunpowder Weapon

Sauropods May Have Had Remarkable Beak-Like Mouths

Furry Airline Pilots Are Just Minding Their Own Business

Some airline pilots identify as furries outside of their profession, but they emphasize separating their personal and work lives. A group of airline pilots has spoken out about their hobby. They are not being investigated or accused of any wrongdoing.

Black Twitter Is Thriving - on Threads

The platform Threads is becoming an important hub for Black Twitter, hosting discussions on various topics including recent news and pop culture. It appears that many users are using Threads to share their thoughts and engage with others on current events. This shift highlights the evolving nature of social media platforms.

Best Mattresses for Kids (2026): Saatva, Birch, Helix, and More

Six popular mattresses have been tested and compared for their suitability for children. Saatva, Birch, and Helix are among the top-rated models. A 2-year-old has provided feedback on these mattresses.

Fanatics Promo Code: 10% Off

Verified Fanatics promo codes offer discounts on sports merchandise including jerseys and hats. Fans can also get free shipping and exclusive deals with certain student or military IDs. The discounts are available for the upcoming season.

A local network of implants uses your body as the wiring

Researchers at Georgia Tech have created a networking system that allows implants like pacemakers to communicate with each other without using radio waves. Instead, signals are sent through body tissue. This innovation could improve the coordination of medical devices within the body.

Google figures out how to watermark AI-designed proteins

Researchers have made a breakthrough in developing a way to watermark proteins designed using artificial intelligence. This technology is expected to help prevent misuse of AI-designed proteins, which can have both beneficial and malicious applications. A watermarking system would allow for the tracing of ownership and origin of these proteins.

What butterfly wings have in common with barbershop poles

A familiar visual illusion is being linked to the evasive flight of certain butterfly species. The combination of their wing patterns and flight paths makes it difficult for birds to accurately track them. This phenomenon may be due to how humans perceive motion, suggesting a common underlying mechanism.

Why noise is an underestimated health hazard and what to do about it

Repeated exposure to loud noises can cause harm to our bodies, but this damage is often preventable. Many common sources of noise, such as traffic and construction, can become normalized if we are frequently exposed to them. This normalization can be a major issue.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library doubles its London reach even after her death

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has been sending free books to children under five for over three decades and has now reached a milestone of 330 million books distributed. The program remains simple, requiring no application or means test, and sends one book per month to each registered child. It continues to grow even after its founder passed away.

Some of the Top-Performing Songs From the Past 50 Years, by Decade

Disco was a major force in the music scene 50 years ago, with punk and hip-hop also emerging around that time. The next few decades saw the rise of new genres and styles, but people's love for music has endured despite changing times. Various artists released popular albums and songs during this period.

How AI is creating a UK super-museum and revealing our planet's history

A large collection of over 70 million specimens from 100 museums in the UK is being made available digitally, allowing people to explore and learn about the history of our planet. The online database will make it easier for researchers and the public to access and study this vast treasure trove of natural history. The project aims to create a comprehensive digital repository of UK museum collections.

China services growth hits three-month high, private PMI shows - Reuters

DeepSeek partners with Huawei to develop chip programming tools, reducing reliance on Nvidia - Reuters

Insects are essential to vertebrate life - as food, shelter and medicine

Insects play a crucial role in supporting the lives of many vertebrate animals. They are not just a source of food but also provide vital services such as shelter and medical aid. Various species rely on insects for different purposes.

Dinosaur snacked on seaweed washed up on North American coasts, fossil teeth suggest

Fossil teeth of dinosaurs suggest they ate seaweed that had been washed up on North American coastlines. This is an example of marine subsidization, where marine material is brought to land and serves as a food source for animals. The discovery implies that dinosaurs may have benefited from this process during times when their usual food sources were scarce.

Crystal spacing predicts magnetic states in complex alloys better than electron count

Researchers have found a new way to predict the magnetic properties of complex alloys, using crystal spacing instead of electron count. This method is more accurate for certain types of materials than previously used methods. The findings could help scientists design new materials with specific magnetic properties.

AI driving up innovation investment, says UN - The Straits Times

Hughes & Coleman Hometown Hero: Mandy Gaddie and Rooted 2 Serve - wbko.com

Where Does Eli Gillman Belong Among Big Sky, FCS Greats? - Underdog Dynasty