Human Embryo Editing: Researchers report more precise gene editing in human embryos, aiming to reduce the unintended DNA damage seen in earlier CRISPR approaches. Defense & Security: OSINT-linked reporting says Russia’s Research Institute of Marine Thermal Engineering in St. Petersburg—tied to underwater weapons—may have been targeted, amid claims of drone activity. US Science Policy: A proposed OMB rule would require political appointees to pre-review federal research grant proposals, raising fears that peer review could be used to rubber-stamp priorities. Academic Labor: Over 700 Penn research associates and postdocs petition for longer appointment protections and more transparency for international researchers. Diabetes Research Meeting Disruption: ADA conference attendees were escorted out for distributing an editorial criticizing US health policy, highlighting tensions between science and politics. AI for Animal Communication: Studies use AI to decode animal vocal signatures, from mice to primates and dolphins, with ethics concerns about disturbing behavior. Space & Earth Observation: A compact lunar X-ray spectrometer is set to map Moon surface chemistry from orbit, improving on Apollo-era limits. Health & Fertility: Israeli research links chronic oral inflammation to impaired female fertility, pointing to new pathways for “unexplained” infertility. Agriculture & Climate: A meta-analysis suggests AI can predict whether biochar will boost or block soil phosphorus, tackling a major sustainability problem.