Early Dementia Costs: A Finland study of nearly 800 patients links early-onset dementia to falling work productivity up to 15 years before diagnosis, with average income losses topping €74,000. EU Pesticide Reform: Researchers warn an EU “simplification” plan could weaken safeguards by reducing reassessments of pesticide ingredients, raising risks for health and biodiversity. El Niño Watch: Forecasts shift toward a strong El Niño later in 2026, with scientists and agencies preparing for impacts that could ripple far beyond the Pacific. Ocean Pollution Trap: New work on Spain’s Mar Menor suggests 70%–90% of key nutrients come from underground flows through seabed sediments, potentially recycling decades of pollution. Volcano Mystery: A new model proposes Mount Etna formed via a rare process, challenging standard volcano formation categories. Public Health: UK researchers warn sexually transmitted shigella is spreading faster and includes more drug-resistant strains. STEM Education: DTU launches new data science and applied statistics programmes, while St. Norbert College adds majors in applied AI and data science. Science Funding Politics: A proposed US rule would give political appointees more control over federal research grants, sparking backlash from scientific groups. Space & Earth Science: China’s Tianwen-2 returns a close photo of Earth’s tiny quasi-moon Kamo’oalewa, and scientists captured a major underwater seafloor spreading event in the Indian Ocean.