Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

A spacecraft launched to rescue NASA's Swift Observatory, which is at risk of crashing due to solar storms; Katalyst Space Technologies, funded by NASA, aims to boost its orbit to extend its mission.

A last-minute launch problem delayed a NASA satellite rescue mission, preventing the release of the Pegasus rocket carrying a robotic spacecraft to save the Swift Observatory. The mission, led by Katalyst Space Technologies, aims to prevent the telescope from crashing by October, with no new launch date set.

The CDC reports an early and severe West Nile virus season with 48 confirmed cases by June 30, 38 of which are severe, marking the worst start in over two decades. Arizona has been hardest hit, with 32 cases and four deaths, prompting officials to urge mosquito bite prevention measures like DEET use and eliminating standing water.

A large asteroid, 1997 NC1, will pass Earth this weekend at a safe distance of 1.6 million miles, posing no threat. It is approximately the size of two to four Empire State Buildings and will not return until 2133. NASA, ESA, and other agencies track asteroids to ensure Earth's safety.

Scientists tickled 13 captive apes and compared their laughter to that of four children, finding similar rhythmic patterns suggesting a shared evolutionary origin. The study, led by Chiara De Gregorio, indicates human and great ape laughter has followed similar rhythms for 15 million years, with human laughter evolving to become faster and more context-dependent.

A study found humans and great apes share similar laughter patterns, suggesting a common ancestor. Researchers compared tickling-induced giggles from captive apes and young children, revealing rhythmic similarities. The findings, published in Communications Biology, highlight evolutionary links in social communication.

The article highlights the childhood obesity crisis, noting one in five children in the U.S. have obesity, with seven states exceeding the national average. Doctors are exploring GLP-1s as a potential solution. Additionally, it mentions efforts to raise awareness for rare genetic disorders and a rise in sober social spaces.

Childhood obesity affects one in five children in the U.S., with seven states exceeding the national average. Doctors are exploring GLP-1s as a potential solution. The article also highlights a rare genetic disorder, Mowat-Wilson Syndrome, and a Kansas City initiative promoting alcohol-free social spaces.

A survey of 10,000 U.S. adults found 46% struggled to afford healthcare in 2025, with disparities among uninsured individuals, adults with disabilities, and racial minorities. The Urban Institute report highlights rising costs, unmet healthcare needs, and regional challenges, particularly in the South and rural areas.

A 2025 survey by the Urban Institute found 46% of U.S. adults struggled to afford healthcare, with 60% of uninsured adults facing affordability challenges. Disparities were noted across insurance types, disabilities, race, and regions like the South and rural areas.

A 2025 survey of 10,000 U.S. adults found 46% struggled to afford healthcare, with uninsured individuals (60%) and those with disabilities (69%) facing the highest challenges. Disparities were noted across race, health conditions like cancer and COPD, and regions like the South and rural areas. The Urban Institute report highlights rising costs, including deductible increases in Marketplace insurance plans.

A 2025 survey of 10,000 U.S. adults found 46% struggled to afford healthcare, with disparities among uninsured individuals (60%), adults with disabilities (69%), and racial minorities. The Urban Institute report highlights affordability challenges linked to medical debt, unmet healthcare needs, and regional disparities, particularly in the South and rural areas.

A 2025 survey of 10,000 U.S. adults found 46% struggled to afford healthcare, with uninsured adults (60%) and those with disabilities (69%) facing the highest challenges. Disparities were noted across race, region, and health conditions, with the South and rural areas reporting higher affordability issues.

A 2025 survey of 10,000 U.S. adults found 46% struggled to afford healthcare, with disparities based on insurance type, disability status, race, and health conditions. Uninsured adults (60%) and those with disabilities (69%) faced the highest affordability challenges, while regions like the South and rural areas reported higher issues compared to urban areas.

A survey of 10,000 U.S. adults found 46% struggled to afford healthcare in 2025, with 60% of uninsured adults reporting affordability challenges. Disparities were noted among people with disabilities, Black and Hispanic adults, and those with chronic health conditions, while regions with limited Medicaid expansion, like the South, saw higher rates of affordability issues.

A 2025 survey of 10,000 U.S. adults found 46% struggled to afford healthcare, with uninsured adults (60%) and those with disabilities (69%) facing the highest challenges. Disparities were noted among racial groups, with Black and Hispanic adults more likely to report affordability issues than white and Asian adults. Health conditions like stroke and COPD correlated with higher rates of unmet healthcare needs due to costs.

A 2025 survey of 10,000 U.S. adults found 46% struggled to afford healthcare, with 60% of uninsured adults facing affordability issues. Disparities existed across insurance types, disabilities, race, and health conditions, with over 70% of those with strokes or COPD reporting challenges. High deductibles and premium increases in Marketplace plans were also highlighted.

NASA temporarily ordered astronauts to take shelter in a SpaceX capsule while cosmonauts repaired a leak on the Russian side of the International Space Station. The decision was made out of caution, and the crew resumed normal operations after repairs paused. The affected area has had recurring cracks and leaks.

The SETI Institute conducted radio scans of the interstellar comet 3I/Atlas and found no evidence of alien technology. The comet, the third known interstellar object to enter the solar system, was observed by NASA spacecraft but showed no technosignatures. Over 74 million radio signals were detected, but nearly all traced back to Earth or Earth-orbiting satellites.

A rare blue micromoon will occur on May 28, 2026, marking the second full moon in May and the most distant full moon of the year. The micromoon will appear 6% smaller and 10% dimmer than average, with Antares aligning for observers in the Southern Hemisphere.