New Biology Breakthrough: Harvard researchers report that instructions from different genes can combine to make previously unknown, functional chimeric mRNAs and proteins—opening a fresh route to drug targets and disease biology. AI for Teaching: UMass Amherst got an NSF grant to build simulated “student” AI agents that can interact with teachers-in-training and model real learning behavior. Climate Resilience Design: A UMass landscape architecture team was selected for Maine riverfront resilience work under the 2026 Envision Resilience Challenge, focusing on the Androscoggin River. US Science Policy: A House continuing resolution delays a proposed overhaul of federal grant rules that would shift funding control toward political appointees, after “Stand Up for Science” pushed back. Health Vaccines: Major US medical groups urge updated flu and COVID shots this fall, aiming to reduce confusion amid shifting guidance. Alzheimer’s Risk & Sleep: A study links brief spontaneous awakenings during sleep to higher genetic risk for Alzheimer’s in middle-aged adults. Genomics Industry: Watchmaker Genomics leased 100,000 sq ft in Boulder to expand manufacturing for precision genetic testing. Food Safety: Belgium’s salmonella egg outbreak rises to 312 cases. Space & Earth: New simulations refine how the Moon may have formed, suggesting collision strength and temperature matter more than assumed. Dark Matter Hint: A Bristol-led analysis reports a possible first hint of dark matter, but independent verification is still pending. Data Center Cooling: Germany and Japan prototype an electricity-free solid-state cooling approach using shape-memory films. Public Science Access: Philadelphia’s Academy of Natural Sciences museum is set to close after nearly 200 years.