Sectional view of the SPHEREx with cosmic structures in the background. [NASA]
1. NASA’s SPHEREx: A hunt for the origins of life in the universe
The space agency is set to launch SPHEREx, a space telescope designed to scan the entire sky for signals of the early universe and the seeds of life in our own galaxy. Liftoff will come via a SpaceX Falcon 9.
The mission will travel with a second NASA payload to study the Sun and is expected to map hundreds of millions of galaxies, shedding light on cosmic history and the building blocks of life.
Why it matters: Researchers hope SPHEREx data will clarify how galaxies form and whether organic molecules and water ice—key life-building blocks—are commonplace. It will also investigate the rapid expansion of the universe immediately following the Big Bang
The mission’s success will hinge on SPHEREx detecting faint signals amid cosmic noise; if its sensors fall short, its promised discoveries might prove elusive.
Source: NASA Sets Launch Coverage
2. Stem cell ‘patch’ shows early promise for severe macular degeneration
The vitreous cavity was filled with perfluoro decalin to reattach the retina. Credit: Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China, Yong Liu
A Chinese research team reports successful implantation of lab-grown retinal cells in ten patients with advanced “wet” age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Surgeons removed diseased tissue under the retina, replacing it with a custom retinal cell patch grown in the lab. One year later, patients whose abnormal vessels were fully removed showed improved or stabilized vision.
Why it matters: With AMD a leading cause of blindness, this pilot trial points to a potential long-term therapy—though more studies must confirm safety and effectiveness in larger cohorts. Researchers, however, still need more data on potential side effects and whether these improvements will hold up over time. According to a pilot study published in Stem Cell Reports, the transplanted cells successfully integrated, offering a promising approach for previously untreatable AMD cases.
Source: Stem Cell Transplant Clears Clinical Safety Hurdle
3. Genetic ‘shield’ thwarts COPA syndrome—possibility of future gene therapy
UCSF scientists have identified why some carriers of a disease-causing mutation never develop COPA syndrome, a rare and severe immune disorder.
Where/How: The protective variant (HAQ-STING) was found in certain family members who stayed healthy despite carrying the harmful COPA mutation. Lab tests show that editing diseased cells to include this protective gene relieves symptoms.
Why it matters: This discovery hints that gene therapy targeting HAQ-STING could offer a real fix for patients—not just symptom management. Published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, the research highlights a “genetic superpower” that prevents disease manifestation, underscoring a powerful new avenue for precision medicine.
Source: 1 Gene Variant Poised to Cure a Devastating Inherited Disease
4. Breathing with your eyes? Pupils sync with the inhale-exhale cycle
The pupil, much like a camera’s aperture, regulates the amount of light entering the eye, making it vital to our vision and perception. For more than a century, three main factors were known to influence pupil size: the level of light, the distance at which we focus, and cognitive influences such as emotion or mental effort. Recently, scientists identified a fourth factor — breathing. Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet researchers confirm that pupil size changes in step with breathing — smaller upon inhalation, larger on exhalation.
Where/How: Using sensitive eye-tracking, they found this effect persisted even in controlled light and emotional conditions, addressing a mystery first hinted at nearly a century ago.
Why it matters: If the visual system toggles between detail-enhancement on inhale and far-range acuity on exhale, it may shape future diagnostics for neurological or eye conditions. Much remains unknown about practical applications—does this reflex help in daily life or reflect deeper brain processes?
Additional Detail: Recently published in the Journal of Physiology, this subtle effect is now considered a fourth driver of pupil size, alongside light, focus, and emotion.
Source:Breathing and Vision May Be Linked
5. Ancient island mariners: Southeast Asia’s 40,000-year-old seafaring feats
Chart showing the steps for acquiring and processing plant fibers in ancient Island Southeast Asia,
Ateo de Manila University
Archaeologists suggest that humans in Island Southeast Asia built sophisticated boats 40,000 years ago, earlier than once assumed.
Where/How: Excavations turned up stone tools with plant-fiber residues (potential rope materials) and evidence of deep-sea fishing. Researchers say this indicates intentional navigation, not accidental drift.
Why It Matters: This challenges the view that advanced seafaring came mainly from early Europe or Africa, underscoring the maritime innovations of Austronesian peoples. Physical remains of boats are rare, so conclusions rely on indirect evidence like fishing gear and tool markings—interpretation remains open to debate.
Additional Detail: Led by Ateneo de Manila University, the excavations uncovered traces of deep-sea fish like tuna and possible plant-fiber ropes, suggesting purposeful, long-distance voyaging well before previously documented timelines.
Source: Humans in Southeast Asia 40,000 Years Ago May Have Been Skilled Seafarers
6. “Galloping” bubbles in shaken liquids puzzle physicists
Galloping bubbles. Credit: Nature Communications (2025).
A team at UNC–Chapel Hill discovered that tiny air bubbles in vertically shaken fluids can hop sideways in unison, defying simple explanations. Despite the container’s up-and-down motion, the bubbles form coordinated patterns and move laterally, a motion the researchers call “galloping.”
Why it matters: Understanding this strange phenomenon might help optimize mixing, cooling systems, and fluid-handling in microgravity. It’s unclear whether these bubble dynamics scale up in industrial or spaceflight contexts—further experiments must confirm real-world benefits.
Additional Detail: Published in Nature, this counterintuitive motion could reveal new ways to enhance heat transfer or improve fluid handling in microchips and space environments.
Source: Bubbles That Break Rules
7. Global Glaciers in rapid retreat — 5% of ice gone since 2000
A comprehensive study across 35 research teams finds that glaciers worldwide (excluding Greenland and Antarctica) have lost 5% of their volume in about two decades. Satellite and field measurements show an accelerating melt rate, with ~6.5 trillion tons of ice lost since 2000, boosting sea levels and threatening freshwater supplies.
Why it matters: Glacial runoff feeds major rivers relied on by nearly a billion people. A continued melt surge could strain agriculture, hydropower, and local ecosystems. Future projections depend heavily on climate policy and mitigation efforts; without emission cuts, the study warns half of global glacier mass could disappear by 2100. Published in Nature, the study notes a 36% acceleration in melt rate over the last decade, underscoring the urgency of global climate action.
