For only the third time in history, astronomers have detected a new interstellar visitor — an object from another star — blitzing into our solar system.

Two studies fill in gaps about the cosmos’s ordinary matter. One maps it all, even the “missing matter.” The other details one of its hiding spots.

A key advisory group vows to base decisions on evidence, boost confidence in vaccines and protect health. Experts fear the opposite is happening.

Celina Zhao is a Summer 2025 science writing intern at Science News. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in science writing from MIT. Previously, she interned at Science and NOVA.

The vanilla species grown for its flavoring is finicky. Genes from its wild relatives could help make it hardier — but not if those cousins go extinct.