Context:

A remarkable discovery of a 99-million-year-old amber encapsulating a zombie fungus-infected fly provides insights into ancient ecosystems where fungal parasites preyed on insects. This find, along with an infected ant specimen, suggests that such parasitic interactions have existed since the time of the dinosaurs. Other scientific developments include the launch of Axiom Space Mission 4 to the International Space Station after resolving a persistent air leak issue and the Solar Orbiter capturing unprecedented footage of the sun's south pole. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory has released its first cosmic images, unveiling thousands of asteroids and distant galaxies. Additionally, drone footage reveals orcas in the Salish Sea using kelp as grooming tools, a behavior not previously observed in marine mammals.

Dive Deeper:

• The discovery of a fly infected by a zombie fungus trapped in 99-million-year-old amber offers an ancient example of parasitic fungi preying on insects, potentially dating back to the era of dinosaurs. This preserved specimen, along with an infected ant in a pupal stage, highlights the complexity of past ecosystems, where such interactions were common.

• Axiom Space Mission 4 successfully launched to the International Space Station after addressing a long-standing air leak issue in the station's Zvezda module. The mission marked a significant step for private astronaut missions, despite the previous delays caused by the leak identified in 2019.

• In a joint mission by the European Space Agency and NASA, the Solar Orbiter spacecraft captured never-before-seen footage of the sun's south pole. This footage is expected to enhance scientific understanding of space weather and its effects on Earth.

• The Vera C. Rubin Observatory's debut cosmic imagery includes over 2,000 newly detected asteroids and millions of distant galaxies and stars. This initial 10-hour test observation foreshadows a decade of advanced astronomical discoveries and a comprehensive view of the dynamic universe.

• Orcas in the Salish Sea have been observed using bull kelp for mutual grooming, a behavior termed 'allokelping.' This novel use of tools by marine mammals involves detaching kelp strands to exfoliate skin and strengthen social bonds within the pod, showcasing sophisticated social behaviors previously undocumented in orcas.