Science & Discovery News Today — October 24, 2026

As scientists continue to explore the complexities of our planet and beyond, today's headlines showcase a range of discoveries that highlight the intricate relationships between human activity, natural phenomena, and the universe. Researchers are working to better understand the human side of flood risk, mapping the ways in which communities are affected by and adapt to rising waters, while also questioning the concept of resilience in the face of increasing flood risk. Meanwhile, in the lab, scientists are developing new tools to track the development of stem cells, a crucial step in understanding how these cells contribute to human health and disease.

Beyond Earth, astronomers are making new discoveries about the behavior of black holes, suggesting that those spinning at near-maximum rates could potentially split in two. NASA's Psyche spacecraft is now headed toward the asteroid belt, offering a chance to learn more about the formation and evolution of our solar system. And as the seasons change on Earth, researchers are exploring the ways in which autumn's arrival affects the behavior of animals, including humans. From the intricate dance of stem cell development to the majestic spin of black holes, today's headlines offer a glimpse into the many fascinating stories of science and discovery that are unfolding around us.

Today's signal:
• Study maps the human side of flood risk (phys.org)
• New marker panel and free web tool help track stem cells as they develop (phys.org)
• Black holes spinning near maximum rate could split in two, calculations suggest (phys.org)
• As flood risk rises, some communities question the idea of resilience (phys.org)
• How autumn changes animal sexual behavior—including that of humans (phys.org)
• Pedal to the metal: NASA's Psyche heads toward asteroid belt (phys.org)