Scientists in Mexico were the first to perform ultrasounds on giant manta rays to detect pregnancies. The researchers hoped to learn more about the life cycle of the largest ray species in the world.

Scientists hoped for years to make a machine that could emulate the movements of diving birds, such as puffins, and offer an affordable, unobtrusive way to monitor fragile marine ecosystems. A team of researchers at M.I.T. has been able to create such a waterproof winged robot, according to a study published July 9 in the journal Science.

The southern lights, also known as the aurora australis, were captured by the NASA astronaut Jessica Meir from the International Space Station on Saturday.