SCIENCE SUNDAY
The most interesting scientific discoveries and breakthroughs this week
Click here to watch the groundbreaking launch of SpaceX’s Starship rocket. Image Source: Sergio Flores/AFP via Getty Images
1. SpaceX’s Starship is finally out of the workshop: Tenth time’s the charm. After nine previous attempts, SpaceX’s Starship has successfully deployed its first batch of mock satellites. The 403-foot rocket also tested new heat shield tiles during reentry, tackling one of the biggest engineering challenges for reusable spacecraft. The successful test brings NASA’s 2027 moon landing plans and Elon Musk’s Mars ambitions one giant step closer to reality. Catch the historic launch here.
2. The world’s “first true flying car” finally begins operations in the US: Aeronautics startup Alef’s flying cars are reportedly set to kick off operations at the Half Moon Bay and Hollister airports in California. The $300K vehicle can drive 200 miles on roads and fly 110 miles in the air with vertical takeoff capabilities. After 10 years of development, the company is planning to start commercial production by early 2026. You can watch the vehicle zip through the skies here.
3. Scientists unearth a prehistoric carnivore that could’ve hunted dinosaurs: Researchers believe that the newly discovered apex predator, dubbed ‘Kostensuchus’, likely roamed Patagonia millions of years ago, packing jaws powerful enough to take down medium-sized dinosaurs. The discovery reveals that dinosaurs weren’t the only predators dominating ancient ecosystems, and that prehistoric food webs were far more complex and competitive than we had imagined.
4. Scientists transplant a pig’s lung into a human for the first time: The experimental procedure had researchers transplant a genetically modified pig lung into a patient, with the organ staying alive for over nine days despite repeated immune system attacks. Researchers say the milestone proves cross-species lung transplants are feasible with further genetic modifications and immune suppression improvements — a major step toward potentially addressing the global organ shortage.