Giving a whole new meaning to underground power, startup Deep Fission Nuclear has secured US$30 million in funding to install a micro-reactor in a mile-deep borehole by July 4, 2026 as part of the US Department of Energy's Reactor Pilot Program.
Category: Energy, Technology
Tags: Nuclear, US Department of Energy
The extraordinary Ark Nova concert hall recently left its home in Japan for the first time. Designed by British sculptor Sir Anish Kapoor and late Pritzker Prize-winning architect Arata Isozaki, the purple structure resembles a giant donut, or a bean from some angles – or even something quite risqué, depending on how your mind works – and can accommodate up to 500 visitors.
Category: Architecture, Technology
On the remote Yamal and Gydan peninsulas of western Siberia, the landscape is marked by massive craters that look as though the Earth has blown holes in itself. While the origin story of these gas-emission craters (GECs) has remained somewhat of a mystery since the first one was discovered back in 2014, scientists now believe they know what's causing them.
Category: Environment, Science
Tags: University of Oslo, Russia, Explosion, Earth, Climate Crisis, Methane, Geology
Many aspiring photographers are led to believe that manual mode is the gold standard and the only setting that "real" photographers use. However, manual mode is just one tool a camera provides, and excluding the others can slow you down or lead to missed opportunities. Modern cameras offer advanced automatic modes and multiple semi-automatic ones like aperture and shutter priority, providing more flexible options without sacrificing complete creative control.
Mastering when to choose manual – or when to embrace other modes – is a sign of expertise, not a limitation. In this article, we will explain what the different modes are, and when you might want to rely on each, helping you embrace your and your camera’s full potential.
AutoAuto mode is usually displayed on the top dial in green, either with the word "Auto" or a green "A." In Auto mode, the camera sets all core settings automatically. That includes aperture, shutter speed, ISO and white balance, but many cameras also adjust creative factors like color mode, noise reduction and more. Canon mirrorless cameras, for example, offer a Scene Intelligent Auto setting, which aims to detect the type of scene you are photographing and optimize all settings for that situation.
Auto modes typically don't allow for any manual override of settings. You simply point and shoot, fully relying on the camera's judgment. It's ideal for casual shooters, beginners and moments where speed is essential and creative control isn't. However, it will limit creative control and may not always choose the best settings for tricky conditions.
ProgramProgram mode, marked on the top dial by a "P," is similar to Auto mode but allows for some control. In Program mode, the camera will automatically choose aperture and shutter speed for proper exposure, but you can adjust other settings like ISO, exposure compensation and white balance, which are unavailable in full Auto mode.
Additionally, most cameras give you some room to adjust the exposure settings they've selected by "shifting" the program. Doing so will keep the brightness consistent, but will change the shutter speed, aperture, and/or ISO together, which can help if you want to prioritize a deeper depth of field or faster shutter speed. Each camera brand handles this slightly differently, however, so be sure to consult your camera's manual for the full details of what it does and doesn't allow.
Program mode is good for situations where you want a little more control than full Auto, but still want the camera to set core exposure settings for you. Street photography, everyday shooting, travel and other unpredictable situations are all situations where Program mode may come in handy.
SceneScene modes are typically labeled as "SCN" on the top dial. In Scene mode, you can choose various pre-programmed scenes, each optimized for different shooting scenarios, such as portraiture, action, landscapes, macro, sunset, night scenes and more. When you select a scene, the camera optimizes all settings for that situation. It goes beyond simply covering exposure settings, also adjusting white balance, metering mode, color profiles and more.
Scene mode is helpful when you need quick, reliable results and don't have the time or experience to adjust settings for specific situations manually. It can choose the appropriate settings to blur the background when taking portraits or close-up photographs, or capture images in challenging lighting situations where manual mode may not produce the best color or exposure.
Aperture PriorityAperture Priority mode is marked as "A" or "AV" on your camera dial. In this mode, you select the desired aperture to control depth of field, and the camera will adjust shutter speed to produce a well-exposed image. It also allows full manual control of other settings like ISO and white balance, or you can individually set those to automatic.
Aperture Priority is perfect for situations where depth of field is the main creative priority, but the lighting is prone to changing. For example, if you're creating portraits outside, you may want to ensure that you have a shallow depth of field to blur out the background. On the other hand, if you're taking photographs of landscapes, you may want a consistently deep depth of field to have the entire scene in focus.
Shutter PriorityShutter Priority is marked as "S" or "TV," depending on your camera. It is similar to Aperture Priority, but instead of controlling aperture, you control shutter speed. Then, based on the shutter speed you select, your camera will automatically adjust aperture for you.
Shutter Priority is perfect for situations where you need to control how motion is rendered (either frozen or blurred) but aren't as concerned with depth of field. It's commonly used when photographing sports, wildlife and other action situations where motion is the priority and you need to be able to react quickly.
ManualManual mode puts you in full control of everything. You select aperture, shutter speed and ISO (though you can generally set ISO to automatic and still be in Manual mode). Manual mode is best for when you want full creative control and have the time to manually adjust each parameter. It's also useful in tricky lighting situations where your camera may not know what specifically you are after.
Use what's best for you and a given situationSome manufacturers have specialty modes in addition to the ones mentioned above, so be sure to check your manual for information on those. It's also important to remember that each camera mode is ideal for different situations and people; there is no single right mode. The goal of using your camera is typically, at least in part, to create nice photographs, and whichever mode helps you achieve that goal is the correct one.
The largest-ever study of dog behavior, tracking more than 47,000 pets, reveals how breed, size, sex, and age shape canine traits. It provides insights that could help identify early signs of illness and improve training and welfare.
Tags: Pet-owners, Pets, Training, Virginia Tech, University of Washington
The US Air Force's second B-21 Raider nuclear bomber has taken to the skies for the first time. The second of a planned fleet of 100, the sixth-gen aircraft took off from Northrop Grumman's Palmdale, California facility on September 11 at 8:00 am.
Category: Military, Technology
Tags: US Air Force, B-21 Raider, Aircraft, Northrop Grumman
A new clinical trial suggests magnesium supplements may boost gut bacteria that help block the development of colon cancer – but only for some people, depending on their genes and sex.
Category: Wellness and Healthy Living, Body and Mind
Tags: Colorectal cancer, Cancer, Magnesium, Gut Bacteria, Vitamins and minerals, Vanderbilt University
A groundbreaking discovery reveals how HIV integrates its genetic material into human DNA, exposing a key viral vulnerability that could lead to new therapies and bring the world closer to a functional HIV cure.
Category: Illnesses and conditions, Body and Mind
Tags: HIV, Virus, Genome, DNA, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF)
Soy has been a kitchen hero in Asia for centuries. It's packed with nutrition and health perks and contains all the essential amino acids, like those found in meat. But when it crossed over to Western plates, it hit a flavor roadblock. Despite its nutritional benefits, many Western eaters shy away from soy foods due to their "beany" taste, perceiving them as grassy, green, and a bit too earthy.
Category: Science
Retirement can boost mental health, but not for everyone. A new study shows that income, gender, and job type influence whose well-being flourishes and who struggles once the 9-to-5 workdays are ended.
Category: Wellness and Healthy Living, Body and Mind
Tags: jobs, mental health, Well-being, Income, University of Edinburgh
Folks in the US looking for a smart projector are pretty much dependent on Google running the show, or have to plug in a streaming stick. Roku has now partnered with Aurzen for a wallet-friendly entertainment hub with Roku TV baked in.
Category: Home Entertainment, Consumer Tech, Technology
Tags: Projectors, roku, HD, LED, Streaming
We typically associate Dragon Tiny Homes with very small and affordable models, but with its Webster, the firm has produced its largest tiny house to date. Featuring a spacious and airy interior, the towable dwelling is well-suited to full-time living on wheels and can sleep up to six people.
Category: Tiny Houses, Outdoors
Tags: Building and Construction, Tiny Footprint, Micro-House, House, Home
And now for a spot of good news: the protective layer of ozone continues to heal, with the hole in our stratospheric shield having shrunk to a smaller size in 2024 than in the period between 2020-2023.
Category: Environment, Science
Tags: Ozone, Greenhouse, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Ultraviolet
New research shows lymph nodes aren’t just cancer bystanders, they’re the command centers fueling immune attacks. Surgically removing them along with tumors may weaken treatment, while preserving them could supercharge it.
Category: Cancer, Illnesses and conditions, Body and Mind
Tags: Cancer, Lymphatic system, Immunotherapy, T-cells, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
For the first time, scientists have discovered that smell and taste are inseparable much earlier in the brain than we thought. New research shows that odors can actually be coded as tastes in the brain’s primary taste cortex, overturning decades of assumptions about how flavor is built.
Category: Science
Tags: Karolinska Institutet, Neuroscience, Taste, Smell, Odor, Sensor
Stick vacs are taking over the world, riding high on the back of the humble lithium battery. By 2023, according to Market Reports World, more than 62% of vacuum buyers were going cordless – and it's easy to see why. They're just so handy to have about – no need to drag some hose-sprouting clunker out of the closet and root around trying to find a power outlet.
Category: Around The Home, Lifestyle
Tags: Vacuum cleaner, Cleaning, Self-cleaning, Reviews
A chance discovery in a Vermont cheese cave has given scientists a rare glimpse of evolution unfolding in real time – and the unexpected findings have broad implications for protecting human health, enhancing food security and even delivering new flavors to turophiles.
Tags: Tufts University, Evolution, Food security, Food technology, Fungus, nature
Back in May we covered the China-only release of a lifestyle projector merged with a mood lamp. Now that idea has morphed into the brightest member of Epson's new Lifestudio mini projector family for US release, which also includes a 4K Pop model.
Category: Home Entertainment, Consumer Tech, Technology
Tags: Epson, Projectors, Google TV, LED, Bose
The National Audubon Society has announced the winners of its 2025 Audubon Photography Awards competition.
This year, the organization is doing its "annual celebration of outstanding bird visuals" a little differently: there's one set of awards in its various categories (which include Birds in Landscapes, Conservation, and Plants for Birds) for the US and Canada, and another set for Chile and Colombia. The Audubon Society says it did this to expand the talent – and species of birds – that the contest showcases.
You can see the complete list of winners, as well as the honorable mentions, on the Audubon Society's website.
Chile and Colombia "Grand Prize" Winner: Felipe Esteban Toledo AlarcónFrom the photographer: While looking to photograph frogs’ mating rituals at a lagoon in Parque Saval, my friend and I noticed a pair of Ringed Kingfishers hunting fish, completely submerging themselves in the water. No one can ignore such a scene. While the female was far away, the male dove unsuccessfully time and time again—and with each try, he moved closer to us. Even though the sun was not in the perfect position, I set up my camera in burst mode with a high shutter speed, moderate ISO, and “zone” focus. I was ready. After the bird made six dives, I got the image that I’d been chasing: a kingfisher explosively rising out of the water, displaying its beauty, elegance, and power.
Species: Ringed Kingfisher
Camera: Sony a7 IV, Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS
US and Canada "Grand Prize" Winner: Liron GertsmanFrom the photographer: Frigatebirds are a common sight in many coastal towns in Mexico. As a kleptoparasitic species, they may look to steal a meal from other seabirds—or from local fishermen. I photographed these birds as they passed a stunning halo in the sky. These rings of light form when millions of tiny ice crystals in the atmosphere refract sunlight, often when there are high-altitude cirrus or cirrostratus clouds. I utilized a small aperture to ensure both the birds and sky would be sharp and to get a “starburst” effect on the sun in the middle of the frame.
Species: Magnificent Frigatebird
Camera: Canon EOS R5, Sigma 14mm F1.8 DG HSM Art EF
US and Canada "Birds in Landscapes" Winner: Joe SubolefskyFrom the photographer: I wanted to photograph Northern Gannets against the Milky Way, so I studied the moon phases and planned a trip. Forecasters predicted rain and fog for all three nights I was in Newfoundland, so my chances were limited. I hiked to the colony and waited for clear skies. I used only the rotating light from the nearby lighthouse, which washed over the colony every 30 seconds. Then, for a mere 20 minutes, most of the clouds parted, bringing the stars and Milky Way to life.
Species: Northern Gannet
Camera: Canon EOS R5, Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM
Colombia "Birds in Landscapes" Winner: Shamir ShahFrom the photographer: On this day, I was documenting trees above a bike path along a busy road and climbed a pedestrian bridge to get a different angle. That’s when I saw these Blue-headed Parrots peeking out from a hollow. This image tells an interesting story: Down below, people in cars and buses are going about their daily business; above, the parrots observe the humans, who, in their rush to progress, miss out on all kinds of expressions of life.
Species: Blue-headed Parrot
Camera: Nikon D750, Nikkor AF-S 24-120mm F4G ED VR
Chile "Birds in Landscapes" Winner: Caro Aravena CostaFrom the photographer: Despite very few daytime hours, the sunlight in Patagonia is exquisite in winter. After arriving in Puerto Natales, my group walked along the waterfront as the sun began to set and spotted these backlit flamingos. I got my camera, and we walked carefully to the snow- and ice-covered shore. In subfreezing chill, I lay down on the cold ground to take photos. The warm sunlight, which enveloped everything, created a magical atmosphere.
Species: Chilean Flamingo
Camera: Sony a7 IV, Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS
Chile and Colombia "Birds Without Borders" Winner: Jacobo Giraldo TrejosFrom the photographer: Capturing this image required patience, attention to detail, and, above all, enduring the sun’s intense heat. The adult Royal Tern flew tirelessly, looking for fish to feed its young, which patiently waited on a railing. Many people think that dedication and affection for our young is exclusive to humans, but nature, as usual, proves us wrong. I feel a deep respect for these birds’ efforts: Photographing this moment was a privilege worth every second—and every drop of sweat.
Species: Royal Tern
Camera: Canon EOS R50, Sigma 150-600mm F5.6-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary
US and Canada "Birds Without Borders" Winner: Yoshiki NakamuraFrom the photographer: Every winter, tens of thousands of Snow Geese migrate from Siberia to Washington’s Skagit Valley, where they stay from October to April. Massive flocks—some numbering more than 10,000 birds—take off together in breathtaking, synchronized motion. When danger nears, the first few birds flap their wings, sending a cascading signal that triggers a collective launch. Although they move as one, each bird follows its own rhythm and direction, creating a mesmerizing mixture of order and chaos. To express this ephemeral choreography, I used a slow shutter speed. The result is what I call a “melting flight”: a blend of motion, form, and instinct. What I find most beautiful is how this chaos has coherence. There are no collisions, no commands—just a shared sense of movement.
Species: Snow Goose
Camera: Nikon D850, Nikon AF-S 600mm F4E FL ED VR w/ Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-17E-II
Chile and Colombia "Conservation" Winner: Luis Alberto PeñaFrom the photographer: I was photographing birds in a rural area when I came across this fire, which started as a controlled burn to clear rice crop residues but got out of hand. For many people who grow rice in this area, fires are a necessary practice for subsistence. However, these burns can also harm air quality and habitat, especially if they aren’t controlled. As I watched the flames, I noticed a Savanna Hawk. Attentive and patient, this bird never strayed from the dense smoke and heat; in fact, it returned again and again hoping to hunt disoriented animals fleeing the flames. I, on the other hand, eventually had to retreat. Before I left, I captured this visual testimony to one of the many ways that wildlife survives and adapts in the face of extreme environmental conditions.
Species: Savanna Hawk
Camera: Nikon Coolpix P900
US and Canada "Conservation" Winner: Jean HallFrom the photographer: As a volunteer with the Audubon of the Western Everglades’ Owl Watch program, I’ve spent hours and hours photographing Burrowing Owls. Initially, I was only interested in beauty and behavior shots. Over time, I realized I needed to take a journalistic approach to demonstrate the vulnerability of this imperiled species. I took this image near a construction site. This defiant guy decided to use a huge lumber pile as his roost for days. I returned several times because I never knew if or where he might pop out. Burrowing Owl habitat is almost gone, especially on Marco Island, but the birds’ toughness is hard to defeat.
Species: Burrowing Owl
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Canon EF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM
Chile and Colombia "Plants for Birds" Winner: Cristian ValenciaFrom the photographer: I was blessed to work as a bird guide at the Hotel Termales del Ruiz, near Los Nevados National Natural Park. The area is home to a sub-páramo ecosystem, a cool forest rich in biodiversity. I wanted to photograph the Purple-backed Thornbill, so I approached flowers they pollinate. One day, I suddenly saw this specimen up close; I just had to wait patiently to capture its colorful beauty as it fed. I like to share such photos to raise awareness: When we cut down a forest, we also risk losing species like this one.
Species: Purple-backed Thornbill
Camera: Sony a7 II, Sigma 100-400 F5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary
US and Canada "Plants for Birds" Winner: Barbara SwansonFrom the photographer: I visited La Jolla’s cliffs three times in January, when cormorants were building nests, and with each visit my photos improved. The birds fly in low over the ocean, then swiftly gain altitude, making it hard to predict where each bird will settle. From the moment I spotted this bird flying in from some distance on my third visit, I had only six seconds to focus and snap this image as it prepared to land. I was in the right place, and my camera’s “bird focus” setting helped me keep the cormorant sharp in the frame. The bird carried not only the usual seagrass but also a strand of red grape algae, which glowed like translucent jewels.
Species: Brandt’s Cormorant
Camera: Nikon Z8, Nikkor Z 600mm F6.3 VR S
Chile and Colombia "Youth" Winner: Camilo Sanabria GrajalesFrom the photographer: On our way to this year’s Colombia Birdfair, my dad and I pulled over for lunch at the Neblinas restaurant. A little warbler crept up as I walked along the nature trail in the high-altitude cold. Suddenly, the bird caught a moth and shook it vigorously. Astonished as I was, I captured the precise instant of this predator-and-prey interaction in detail as the moth’s scales floated midair, released by each flick of the bird’s beak. To me, this photo reveals the vital relationship between migratory birds and ecosystems that support them.
Species: Blackburnian Warbler
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T7, Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary
US and Canada "Youth" Winner: Parham PourahmadFrom the photographer: When I heard of a rare Long-eared Owl sighting at Coyote Hills Regional Park, I went to check it out. When I arrived before sunrise, I saw the owl looking for rodents in the park’s grasslands and marshes. It hunted on and off for the next hour, giving me ample time to take photos. The sun rose, shining beautiful colors all over the marsh. When the owl flew by, I framed it with its habitat to demonstrate the connection between the owl and its home. I appreciated the warm lighting and how the owl stood out despite appearing small in the frame.
Species: Long-eared Owl
Camera: Nikon D3500, Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary
Chile "Coastal Birds" Winner: Francisco Castro EscobarFrom the photographer: I enjoy birding every weekend in the coastal area of my city. Urban sprawl has affected shorebird habitat, but even so, in summer it is common to see some species strolling among rocky outcrops or the shore. On this occasion, an American Oystercatcher chick and its mother came toward me. I hid, patiently waiting for them to get closer, until I was able to capture this beautiful moment of the mother feeding a mollusk to her chick. The tenderness of an image like this helps raise awareness about the importance of protecting these “coastal warriors,” as I call these birds, who struggle to survive day by day.
Species: American Oystercatcher
Camera: Sony a7 IV, Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS
"Female Bird Prize" Winner: Sean PursleyFrom the photographer: I decided to head to cooler temperatures in the mountains, about an hour’s drive from Boise. I arrived as the early morning light started to hit the side of the mountain. I made my way on the trail as the filtered light shone through the canopy. It was absolutely magical: I could hear bird sounds all around, feel the cool air, and smell the pines. I then saw two Chipping Sparrows flitting around the bushes. One, carrying nesting material, flew onto a perfectly lit branch. She posed for about 15 seconds. The gifts the universe gives us are so special.
Species: Chipping Sparrow
Camera: Sony a1, Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS w/ Sony FE 1.4x teleconverter
Your body's blood-making stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), are like factory managers who work best when calm and rested. But when stress hits, like infection or injury, they spring into action, churning out immune cells to defend you. Over time, too much stress wears them down, making them age faster and lose their spark.
Tags: interstellar space, Astronauts, Stem Cells
