Science News Explores

NASA's Perseverance rover has reportedly set a new record on Mars, according to a New York Times science report being shared widely. The nature of the record is not detailed in the available material, but the story is circulating among space and science enthusiasts, who are discussing the rover's continued achievements in its exploration of the Martian surface.

NASA and the US Department of Energy announced they are advancing a new era of nuclear-powered space exploration, in a joint news release highlighting collaboration on nuclear technologies for missions beyond Earth. The announcement signals continued US investment in nuclear propulsion and power systems aimed at enabling deeper, longer-duration travel to the Moon, Mars and beyond.

News coverage is spotlighting the world of whale calls, exploring how whales communicate across vast ocean distances through sound. The segment, aired by WKRN News 2, delves into the variety and purpose of whale vocalizations, from songs to clicks, and their role in whale behavior. Interest in whale communication continues among readers curious about marine life and ocean science.

The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded for the discovery of optogenetics, a technique that uses light to control neurons. The method has become a cornerstone of neuroscience research and is being explored for treating conditions such as vision loss and neurological disorders. Medical outlets are reporting the award and highlighting optogenetics' impact on brain science.

Scientists have identified a new shark species, the big-nosed lanternshark, in the Indian Ocean. The deep-sea shark joins the lanternshark family, known for species that live in dark ocean waters. The discovery is drawing attention from marine biology enthusiasts and highlights how much of the ocean's deep-sea life remains undocumented by science.

Paramount+ has released a special Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Short Trek titled 'Science Fiction.' In the story, the Enterprise crew explores an uncharted planet and discovers the ruins of an alien city. A strange disease afflicts the away team, and Spock attempts to decipher alien texts to find a cure. Fans of the series are sharing news of the surprise release.

BubbleFest is back at the Science Spectrum in Lubbock, Texas, bringing bubble-themed science activities and demonstrations to visitors once again. The local science center is welcoming families for the recurring event, which uses bubbles as a hands-on way to explore physics, surface tension and light. Details on dates and admission are being shared through the museum and local news.

World Space Week, the annual international celebration of space science and technology, is underway. Held every year from October 4 to 10, the observance marks the launches of Sputnik 1 and the signing of the Outer Space Treaty. Outlets are outlining its history and events, and the timing of coverage suggests renewed public interest in space exploration.

Chemical & Engineering News has published a new installment of its 'Chemistry in Pictures' series, this one exploring how arts and crafts intersect with science. The feature showcases visually striking images that highlight chemistry's creative side, continuing the outlet's regular photo-driven series aimed at making chemistry engaging and accessible to a broad audience.

The Planetary Science Institute announced that a team it leads has been selected under NASA's PRISM (Payloads and Research Investigations on the Surface of the Moon) program to study a potential lunar cave. The effort is part of NASA's broader push to explore lunar pits and caves, which could offer shelter and scientific value for future crewed missions to the Moon.

A program called KidsSTREAM is offering children in Charles County, Maryland hands-on learning that combines science, technology and creativity. The initiative focuses on interactive, practical activities rather than traditional classroom instruction, giving local kids a way to explore STEM subjects through creative projects. The program is being highlighted in local news coverage of education efforts in the county.

Sheikh Hamdan, Crown Prince of Dubai, attended the unveiling of an asteroid probe, per Gulf News. The spacecraft is part of the UAE's expanding space programme, which includes the Emirates Mars Mission and a planned mission to explore the asteroid belt. The showcase highlights the country's ambitions in deep space exploration and its investment in science and technology.

Researchers have identified 57 previously unknown marine species in the deep waters off Argentina, adding significantly to knowledge of life in the South Atlantic's little-explored depths. The discovery is being highlighted by diving and ocean science outlets, which point to it as a sign of how much remains undocumented in deep-sea ecosystems and a reminder of the need to protect these habitats.