Lightning strikes kill 320 million trees yearly worldwide. This causes significant carbon emissions, almost matching wildfires. The Amazon and Congo Basin are high-risk zones. Climate change increases lightning frequency, threatening forests in Canada, Russia, and the United States. These silent deaths impact biodiversity and climate stability. The loss equals 8,000 square kilometers of forest, an area larger than Sikkim.

Germany explores bio-robotics for defence. Cyborg cockroaches are the new surveillance bots. Swarm Biotactics develops these insect-based robots. They carry cameras and sensors for real-time data. These robots can operate individually or in swarms. The aim is to gather intelligence from enemy areas. This reduces risk to human soldiers. Germany is embracing innovative military technology.

A groundbreaking study reveals the alarming presence of 27 million tons of nanoplastics in the North Atlantic Ocean, posing significant threats to marine ecosystems and human health. These microscopic particles, originating from plastic breakdown and other sources, infiltrate the food chain and can penetrate tissues. Experts emphasize the urgent need to prevent further plastic pollution to mitigate this pervasive threat.

A recent study reveals a growing trend among teenagers using AI for companionship, advice, and emotional support, raising concerns about its impact on social development and mental health. Teens are increasingly turning to platforms like ChatGPT for personal guidance, sometimes even over real-life interactions.

In March 2025, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck central Myanmar, marking the strongest seismic event in over a century. A nearby CCTV camera captured the fault's rupture in real time, revealing a 2.5-meter ground slip in just 1.3 seconds. This unprecedented footage offers scientists a unique opportunity to study earthquake mechanics and improve future predictions.

The Trump administration is exploring alternatives to SpaceX for the $175 billion Golden Dome missile defense system due to a fallout between Trump and Elon Musk. This shift aims to reduce reliance on a single company, with Amazon's Project Kuiper now a contender. Despite tensions, SpaceX remains in the running, though Musk has expressed a preference for Mars exploration.

Scientists in Switzerland are cryogenically freezing human feces in a Microbiota Vault, aiming to safeguard microbial diversity for future generations. This initiative addresses the alarming decline in gut microbes due to modern lifestyles, which is linked to increased health issues. The vault seeks to preserve these microbes for potential medical and ecological restoration applications.

A recent study, analyzing the Newall Boulder fragment, reinforces the theory that Stonehenge's builders transported massive stones from Wales using human effort and basic tools. Dismissing the glacial transport theory, geochemical evidence links the stones to quarries over 200 kilometers away. This highlights the ingenuity and endurance of Neolithic people in constructing the iconic monument.

NASA and ISRO's joint NISAR mission, costing $1.5 billion, is set to launch on July 30, 2025, from Sriharikota. This Earth observation satellite, equipped with dual-frequency radar, will provide high-resolution imagery every 12 days. NISAR aims to monitor ecosystem changes, track disasters, study ice movement, and generate precise 3D surface maps, offering invaluable data for scientists and policymakers worldwide.

On August 2, 2027, a rare total solar eclipse, lasting over six minutes, will be visible across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. While India won't experience totality, a partial eclipse will be observable in western regions during late afternoon. This celestial event offers scientists a unique opportunity to study the Sun's corona and solar phenomena.

Residents of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties in California are alerted to expect sonic booms around 11:21 a.m. PDT on July 22, 2025, following the Falcon 9 launch. These booms, a normal part of SpaceX's reusable rocket landings at Vandenberg Space Force Base, are harmless.

In the waters of Kumejima Island, Japan, scientists have identified a new marine species: the skeleton panda sea squirt (Clavelina ossipandae). This tiny, transparent creature, resembling a panda skeleton, was discovered through social media posts by divers. Its unique appearance and vital role in coral reef ecosystems highlight the importance of marine biodiversity and conservation efforts.

NASA studies vision problems in astronauts on the International Space Station. This condition is Space-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome or SANS. Fluid shifts in zero gravity cause SANS. NASA tests thigh cuffs to manage fluid shifts. Advanced imaging and VR help monitor SANS. Research explores genetic impacts and potential treatments. This work is vital for future Moon and Mars missions.

German researchers have identified freshwater fungi capable of breaking down synthetic plastics, offering a potential natural solution to plastic pollution. These fungi thrive by consuming certain plastics, particularly polyurethane, though they struggle with tougher plastics. While not a complete solution, scientists believe these fungi could complement recycling efforts, especially in controlled environments like wastewater plants.

A new study identifies Amazonis Planitia, particularly the AP-8 region, as a promising landing site on Mars. This location offers a safe landing area and crucial access to subsurface water ice, essential for in-situ resource utilization.

A new study challenges the idea that a baby's sex is pure chance. Harvard researchers studied pregnancies among US nurses. They found families with more kids had higher chances of all boys or all girls. Maternal age also links to baby's gender. Genes may influence baby's gender, but experts urge caution. Family choices and biological factors play a role.

An asteroid named 2025 ME92 is set to fly past Earth on July 31. It will maintain a safe distance of 3.19 million kilometers. NASA and ISRO are monitoring this near-Earth object. Although not hazardous, its trajectory is under observation. ISRO plans to collaborate internationally on planetary defense. This event highlights the importance of tracking asteroids and protecting our planet.