Two private companies, ispace and Firefly Aerospace, successfully launched their spacecraft to the Moon today, aboard the same rocket. This marks a significant milestone in the growing space industry’s efforts to explore the lunar surface.
However, private missions to the Moon are notoriously challenging due to the need for detailed research equipment installation. The probes will not be operational until weeks or months have passed.
Both ispace and Firefly aim to demonstrate technologies necessary for landing on the Moon, but their spacecraft also carry a range of scientific instruments to study the lunar environment.
Meanwhile, researchers have published a revised definition of obesity that takes into account both preclinical and clinical forms. This new approach aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of the condition and could lead to improved treatment options.
A recent survey found that even honest mistakes in research can cause significant stress due to the negative perception of retraction within the scientific community.
The social media platform Bluesky has gained popularity among researchers following changes at X, with many using it as an alternative. Nature invites readers to take a survey on whether Bluesky has replaced X for scientists.
In other news, Nature addressed US President-elect Donald Trump in an editorial urging him to prioritize climate and energy security. Cyberbullying expert Marilyn Campbell argues that banning social media is not the solution but rather educating parents and regulating screen time.
Lastly, bioethicist Cynda Hylton Rushton emphasizes the importance of acknowledging moral suffering when making tough decisions, and suggests focusing on building moral resilience as a key to overcoming regret.
Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-00147-7