Synthetic Biology Breakthrough: University of Minnesota researchers unveiled “SpudCell,” a synthetic cell built from non-living components that can feed, copy DNA, and divide—an early step toward artificial life. Alzheimer’s Research: USC scientists identified enzyme targets tied to brain inflammation in people with the APOE4 gene, supported by a $3M Pattiz Foundation gift to speed drug discovery and early detection. Climate & Oceans: EU monitoring says June sea surface temperatures hit a record 20.98°C, with El Niño raising the odds of more heat extremes. Marine Heat in the Med: Murcia’s Mediterranean waters reached about 27°C, with scientists warning spring-to-summer warming is intensifying. Space Weather Defense Idea: Researchers propose launching six “airbag” satellites to cushion Earth from solar superstorms. AI Governance at the UN: A UN AI panel urges governments to build a shared science-based oversight framework before capabilities outpace regulation. Health & Sleep: A study links even one extra hour of teen sleep to steadier blood sugar and lower metabolic risk. Tech Policy & Rights: A Supreme Court ruling could reshape U.S. TPS protections, with major economic fallout. Science Funding Crunch (Philippines): DOST-SEI scholarship slots were capped at 8,500 due to reduced funding, despite far higher applicants. Privacy & Scams (WhatsApp): Meta’s new WhatsApp usernames may reduce phone-number sharing but raise impersonation concerns.