Science & Discovery News Today — August 11, 2026

As we scan the globe, from the ancient maritime routes of the Mediterranean to the red sands of Mars, a picture emerges of a world in flux. On one hand, researchers are uncovering clues about how our ancestors navigated and understood their environments, such as the possibility that ancient Maltese seafarers used the stars to guide their journeys, and new evidence suggesting that Mars may have hosted liquid water more recently than previously thought. These discoveries not only shed light on human history and the evolution of our planet, but also offer a reminder of the enduring importance of understanding and adapting to our surroundings.

As we look around us today, it's clear that the natural world continues to face significant challenges, from drought-stricken European rivers to looming heat waves. And yet, even as we grapple with these environmental realities, our social and economic systems are also revealing their complexities, such as the surprising social dynamics of Guinea baboons, which seem to prioritize factors other than meat acquisition in their relationships. Meanwhile, in the world of finance, a new study highlights the ways in which investor attention can influence corporate behavior, with potentially far-reaching consequences. As we navigate these intersecting stories, we're reminded of the interconnectedness of our world and the many factors that shape our experiences, from the environment to social behavior and economic systems.

Today's signal:
• Ancient Maltese seafarers likely navigated by the stars (phys.org)
• Drought dries major European rivers to record lows (phys.org)
• Mars could have carried liquid water more recently than we thought (phys.org)
• When meat doesn't matter: Female Guinea baboons do not prefer males who are better at acquiring or sharing meat (phys.org)
• Europe braces for another summer heat wave (phys.org)
• Retail investor attention encourages managers to manipulate earnings, study finds (phys.org)