Plaintext Today

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Wednesday, July 8, 2026

  1. Scientists have combined machine learning with quantum physics to discover two new superconductors, YRu3B2 and LuRu3B2, using a method that could screen billions of candidate materials and bring researchers closer to the long-sought goal of a room-temperature superconductor.[1]

  2. Astronomers have observed the birth of a magnetar for the first time, detecting a strange "chirping" signal from supernova SN 2024afav that confirms these extremely magnetic neutron stars can power some of the universe's brightest stellar explosions.[2]

  3. NASA's COFFIES Science Center has made progress on a long-standing solar mystery, unraveling questions about the extreme thinness of the Sun's tachocline layer, a region critical for generating space weather that can impact astronaut safety and satellite communications.[3]

  4. SpaceX launched 81 satellites to orbit aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, successfully landing the booster on a ship at sea in the company's 79th Falcon 9 launch of 2026.[4]

  5. China's National Natural Science Foundation announced it will fund an extra 12,000 projects this year through its Young Scientists Fund, equivalent to a budget boost of approximately 3.6 billion yuan ($531 million) to support early-career researchers.[5]

  6. Belgium defeated co-host United States 4-1 in the World Cup Round of 16 in Seattle, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice as all three tournament hosts were eliminated in the knockout stage.[6]

  7. Defending champions Argentina staged a dramatic comeback against Egypt in the World Cup Round of 16, scoring three goals in the final 11 minutes—including Lionel Messi's tournament-leading eighth goal—to win 3-2 and reach the quarterfinals.[7]

  8. South Korea has gained access to NATO's joint defense procurement market during the alliance's summit in Ankara, while also pledging $100 million for Ukraine as the country seeks to expand its defense industry presence in Western markets.[8]

  9. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps fired missiles at commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, damaging at least two vessels including a Qatari LNG tanker, as peace negotiations between the United States and Iran continue following the February conflict.[9]

End of digest for July 8, 2026.

Sources

  1. 1. AI just supercharged the race to find room temperature superconductors (opens in new tab)
  2. 2. Astronomers witness the birth of a magnetar for the first time (opens in new tab)
  3. 3. NASA's COFFIES Center Makes Breakthrough on Solar Enigma (opens in new tab)
  4. 4. SpaceX launches 81 satellites to orbit from California, lands rocket on ship at sea (opens in new tab)
  5. 5. China boosts prestigious grants for young scientists — will it ease competition? (opens in new tab)
  6. 6. The U.S. men's run at the World Cup ends with a 4-1 Round of 16 loss to Belgium (opens in new tab)
  7. 7. Argentina 3-2 Egypt: Lionel Messi scores in stunning comeback to break Pharoahs' hearts (opens in new tab)
  8. 8. Seoul opens door to NATO-wide joint defense procurement market (opens in new tab)
  9. 9. Ships attacked in the Strait of Hormuz: What that means for ongoing talks (opens in new tab)