Next Week in Science, September 12, 2025
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Here’s what’s rising in the literature.
And a couple of things across the news
The 7 best filtered shower heads for healthier skin and hair
A series of tests on 11 popular filtered shower heads revealed that the Hydroviv Filtered Showerhead excels at filtering, with a 93% chlorine removal rate backed by third-party lab tests and an easy installation process, making it the top overall pick. For those on a budget, the Brondell VivaSpring offers similar chlorine reduction at a lower price, while the Aquasana AQ-4105 provides outstanding chlorine removal for those with sensitive skin or color-treated hair. These products are significant because they can significantly improve skin and hair health by reducing exposure to chlorine, heavy metals, and other impurities in water, providing an enhanced showering experience without the need for a full-scale water-softening system.
NASA’s Sean Duffy surprising leadership
This week’s Space Minds episode discusses Sean Duffy’s unexpected appointment as NASA’s Acting Administrator, highlighting his dual role also as Secretary of Transportation and the significant influence he’s wielding over NASA’s Artemis program, lunar nuclear power plans, and an embattled budget. His appointment is unusual given his lack of prior focus on space issues, leaving the space community and Congress navigating an uncertain future as they assess his impact and await a permanent NASA Administrator.
Will Cellular Agriculture Deliver on Its Sustainability Promise?
The article explores the current state of cellular agriculture, particularly focusing on cultured meat as a sustainable alternative to traditional meat production. Despite potential environmental benefits, like reduced greenhouse gas emissions and land use, cellular agriculture faces significant scientific, economic, and regulatory challenges, including the need for cost reductions and technological advancements to achieve commercial viability. While promising, cellular agriculture is not yet a complete substitute for conventional agriculture and must complement improved traditional farming and dietary shifts toward plant-based foods for holistic sustainability.
Should Teens Take Supplements? Here’s What Parents Should Know.
A significant number of adolescents are using dietary supplements like protein powders and creatine, often due to perceived benefits in muscle building and sports performance, despite minimal support from experts for such practices among youth. Research highlights that most children under 18 do not need these supplements, as meeting nutritional needs through a balanced diet is more beneficial and safer, given the potential risks associated with unregulated supplement ingredients, which can include harmful or banned substances. This issue is compounded by a lack of regulation and public awareness, often leading to decisions influenced by misinformation and societal pressures, highlighting the need for better guidance and awareness among parents, coaches, and youths.
Anthropic, Replit, And Higgsfield AI Raise Over $13 Billion, XR’s Virtue, Mojo Vision, Raise $175 Million
Anthropic has raised a massive $13 billion in a Series F funding round, tripling its valuation to $183 billion as it aims to meet rising enterprise demand, expand globally, and enhance its AI safety initiatives. This significant investment underscores the growing importance and financial potential of AI-focused companies. Meanwhile, Replit also saw substantial growth, raising $250 million to further its platform that facilitates app development with natural language, highlighting the accelerating pace of innovation in AI and software development tools.
