Apollo News Snippets – July 2026

For our July edition of all things technology related, we have one of the largest lists we have ever featured, enjoy!
From waste plastic to a fuel source.
Making jet fuel in a pot from waste sugarcane.
Coffee alters your brain and gut.
Using sunlight to convert plastic waste to usable outputs.
A water-based solution to recycle lithium-ion batteries.
An old coal mine powers a Canadian community.
More evidence that plants are amazing!
Ultra stainless steel developed.
This algae species can remove microplastics from water.
These tiny metal lumps can exist at two places at once.
Next-generation computer chips developed.
This liquid battery can store renewable energy and release it as heat.
Organic molecule identified in a dinosaur fossil.
A NASA satellite set to map the cosmos in infrared is launching early.
Asteroid strikes may have helped sparked life on Earth.
Silk fibers could be recycled into telecom cables.

In May of 2026, the Arctic recorded its second lowest sea ice extent in May, directly linked to the warmer than average May. South America experienced a warmer than average May, while North American reported its 10th warmest May on record. Europe had the ninth warmest May on record and an early season heat wave brought record high temps to France, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Asia saw its fifth warmest May on record, including a dangerous and prolonged heat wave in many locations. Numerous heat-related fatalities were reported. Japan also endured its second warmest May on record, while Australia and Oceania also saw warmer than average May temperatures. (Image Credit: NOAA Global Climate Report)

The Global Climate Change Report for May 2026 has been released by NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information and reveals further proof that global climate change remains a concern. The May 2026 global surface temperature was the second highest in the 177-year record, at 1.07°C (1.93°F) above the 20th Century average. The month trailed only May 2024, which holds the record at 1.15°C (2.07°F). All 10 of the warmest Mays on record (1850–2026) have occurred since 2016. Notably, this month marked the 50th consecutive May with a global temperature departure above the 20th Century average. The last below-average May occurred half a century ago in 1976 (-0.17°C / -0.31°F). May 2026 was characterized by widespread warmth, driven largely by much-above-average global ocean temperatures. May marked the fourth consecutive month that global ocean surface temperatures ranked as the second highest on record. Averaging 0.95°C (1.71°F) above average, the May ocean temperature was only 0.01°C (0.02°F) away from tying the 2024 record, extending a 50-year streak of above average Mays. Over land, the global surface temperature was 1.34°C (2.41°F) above average, ranking as the fifth-warmest May on record.
When the heat of summer arrives, people love to cool off with a sweet treat like an ice cream cone or a banana split. The third Sunday in July happens to be National Ice Cream Day, and July also serves as National Ice Cream Month, a tradition signed into law by U.S. President Ronald Reagan in 1984. This year, National Ice Cream Day falls on July 19. July also claims National Peach Ice Cream Day on July 17 and National Vanilla Ice Cream Day on July 23. Anyone wanting to learn more about ice cream can visit the Museum of Ice Cream. There are five locations for the Museum of Ice Cream – Boston, Chicago, Miami, New York City and Singapore. The museum is described as an “experium” where people can learn about ice cream’s history and explore ice cream-themed installations. GIS can help map out ice cream parlors near you so you can celebrate ice cream all-day every-day in July. Check out MapComplete’s ice cream map to find a sweet treat near you, or use ArcGIS to map out ice cream options in your area.