Certification News Today — September 25, 2026
“We found something never seen before” – A dead star is producing a shock wave that shouldn’t exist and more — today's certification signal.
Science and discovery are often thought of as fields that push the boundaries of human knowledge, but they also shed light on the complexities of our world and its history. Today, we're highlighting stories that showcase the awe-inspiring mysteries of the natural world, as well as the importance of understanding our past. Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery about a dead star producing a shock wave that defies expectations, while researchers have also uncovered the unique properties of the fluid found in pitcher plants. Meanwhile, satellite technology has allowed us to witness a volcanic eruption in unprecedented detail.
In addition to these scientific breakthroughs, today's headlines also highlight the importance of examining our collective past. New research into the events leading up to the September 11 attacks offers a nuanced understanding of the complexities and missed opportunities that preceded the tragedy. Similarly, historians have uncovered evidence of medieval "deepfakes," where church officials cited a fake imperial decree for centuries, and an analysis of district attorney elections has revealed a correlation between "tough on crime" rhetoric and increased prison admissions. As we explore these diverse stories, we're reminded that science and discovery are not just about pushing the boundaries of knowledge, but also about shedding light on the complexities of our world and its history.
Today's signal:
• “We found something never seen before” – A dead star is producing a shock wave that shouldn’t exist (sciencedaily.com)
• Elastic fantastic: The deadly fluid of pitcher plants (phys.org)
• US-India satellite captures time-lapse video of volcanic eruption (phys.org)
• New research examines CIA failures, Saudi links and missed opportunities before September 11 attacks (phys.org)
• The medieval world had its own 'deepfakes'—church officials cited a fake imperial decree for centuries (phys.org)
• Prison admissions rose 3% in district attorney election years during 'tough on crime' era (phys.org)