NASA advances Artemis lunar program despite timeline concerns, while SpaceX approaches historic IPO valuation; underground fungal networks mapped at unprecedented scale

NASA provided an optimistic update on Artemis III, its test flight for returning humans to the moon, though experts caution the timeline remains ambitious and faces technical hurdles.

SpaceX is preparing for a record $1.78 trillion IPO that could make Elon Musk the world's first trillionaire, though analysts warn of a 'major disconnect' on valuation and potential overpricing concerns.

NASA administrator Jared Isaacman responded to criticism over an all-male Artemis III crew composition, stating women play prominent roles throughout the space agency's current missions.

Scientists have completed the first-ever global mapping of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi networks, revealing subterranean fungal systems spanning more than 100 quadrillion kilometers that sustain plant life worldwide.

An unsolved cryptography puzzle from the Kryptos sculpture on CIA grounds was purchased for nearly $1 million by a San Francisco company, with the solution soon to become an online challenge.

Britain's world-leading scientific facilities, including Diamond Light Source and ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, face potential cuts of up to 20% due to a £162 million funding crisis.

Medieval historical records suggest a flying monk may have observed Halley's comet twice, though verification of such ancient astronomical claims remains complicated and uncertain.

Neil Shubin, an eminent fossil hunter, took the reins at the National Academy of Sciences during a turbulent period for American researchers and scientific institutions.

A 26-year mystery was resolved when DNA identification using forensic genealogy confirmed the identity of remains found in a tent at Olympic National Park in 2000 as Joseph Louis Serrao Jr.