Next Week in Science, July 18, 2025

Hello. I’m a bug appreciator, not an enthusiast.

I’ve been noticing some unusual bug patterns in the Northeast US. First, the lightning bugs are still around. They usually peak around the 4th of July and then begin to decline, but that hasn’t happened yet. On a positive note, it seems like there are about 50% more of them this year compared to the past six years.s.

Secondly, the cicadas are already emerging. Typically, this occurs when the soil temperature reaches 80 degrees Fahrenheit. While it has been hot, it hasn’t been excessively so this summer. Cicadas usually start to appear in early August, so they are a few weeks ahead of schedule. I’m not quite sure what to make of that….

Here’s what rising in science research.

Top News Themes of the Week

Canaries and coal mines, US insurers and climate change

This article discusses the evolving role of property insurers as modern-day “sentinel species,” alerting us to the financial impacts of climate change by withdrawing or reducing capacity in high-risk areas. As climate-related disasters like hurricanes and wildfires become more frequent and intense due to global warming, insurers are forced to remain vigilant, using sophisticated risk models to protect themselves financially. Amid political shifts, especially under the Trump administration, insurers face increasing challenges in balancing their traditional roles with the growing pressures and uncertainties associated with climate change and related regulatory environments.

Unearthed chat sheds light on cozy ties between judges, climate activists, raising ethical concerns

The Climate Judiciary Project (CJP), an environmental advocacy group, has been criticized for allegedly influencing judges by secretly organizing online forums to discuss climate litigation and science. Funded by the Environmental Law Institute, CJP claims to provide neutral education for judges about climate change, but critics, including Sen. Ted Cruz, argue that the initiative aims to promote a biased climate agenda and manipulate the justice system. This controversy underscores tensions around climate education in the judiciary, as a rising number of climate-related lawsuits challenge courts across the U.S.

Editorial note: secretly influencing judges? Ted Cruz on the wrong side of history? I felt faint…..