English naturalist and writer, originator of evolution by natural selection
A wave of apologies and AI-policy updates follows high-profile creators’ use of AI for research and production. Hank Green and Cliff Tan acknowledge reliance on AI, pause content, and refine policies as the industry faces questions about critical thinking and trust.
A total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026 has passed across Greenland, Iceland and parts of northern Spain while the UK and Ireland have seen a deep partial eclipse — the most extensive visible from Britain since 1999. Scientists have collected coronagraph and in‑flight data to study the Sun’s corona and short‑term atmospheric effects; safety warnings about direct viewing were widely issued.
Bangladesh takes a commanding lead in the Darwin Test after core contributions from Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, with Australia facing a tough path to victory as the hosts trail by a substantial margin on day three.
Indonesia has faced a spike in wildfires driven by a strong El Niño and dry conditions; fires have burned more than 107,000 hectares and pushed flames within metres of the Yiari orangutan rehabilitation centre in West Kalimantan. Authorities are using cloud-seeding aircraft, water-bombing and local teams to fight blazes as haze reaches neighbouring Malaysian Borneo.
A deep partial lunar eclipse has occurred, with about 96% of the Moon in Earth's shadow for observers across much of the Americas. The event followed a recent total solar eclipse and is part of a pair of celestial events that are visible under clear skies. The maximum viewing is around midnight EDT, with visibility shifting by location. NASA notes the Artemis II mission remains a backdrop to ongoing space activity.
Bangladesh has delivered a stunning upset in Mackay as Mitchell Starc’s record start is not enough to prevent a Bangladesh victory. Starc’s five-for and Shoriful Islam’s 6-35 helped Bangladesh defend a low score, while Australia faltered in the batting order. The day ends with Australia chasing the game after Bangladesh’s 64 all out.
The theft of a narrow-headed ant nest from Chudleigh Knighton Heath reserve in Devon has been reported. The nest holds thousands of ants and long-lived queens. Conservationists say the loss threatens the last England population and could set back years of work. Police are investigating and urge public information.