SUMMARY: NASA’s Mars rover Perseverance discovered rocks in a dry river channel on Mars that may show potential signs of ancient microbial life. The rover, operational since 2021, drilled into clay-rich mudstones in Neretva Vallis, part of Jezero Crater, gathering samples containing organic carbon and iron minerals, which on Earth are linked to biological activity. Scientists caution that non-biological processes could explain these features and emphasize the need for detailed analysis, ideally in Earth labs. Sample return missions are delayed to the 2040s due to high costs. The discovery is the most compelling clue yet in the search for past Martian life but remains inconclusive.

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SUMMARY: The NCAA is investigating potential sports betting violations involving 13 former men’s basketball players from six schools, including Eastern Michigan, Temple, Arizona State, New Orleans, North Carolina A&T, and Mississippi Valley. The schools are not under investigation. The probe was triggered by unusual betting activities and messages revealing players betting on their own games, sharing info for betting, manipulating outcomes, or refusing cooperation. Previously, three players from Fresno State and San Jose State were found guilty, with eligibility revoked. NCAA President Charlie Baker emphasized ongoing integrity monitoring and urged regulators to reduce risks by limiting prop bets and involving leagues in policy-making.

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SUMMARY: Poland pledged to advance military modernization after Russian drones struck its territory, raising NATO concerns about Kremlin ambitions amid ongoing war in Ukraine. The incursion, viewed by European leaders as a deliberate provocation, prompted NATO to assess airspace defenses. Finnish President Stubb warned of blurred war-peace lines in Europe. Poland plans to receive U.S. F-35 jets by 2026 and closed its Belarus border amid joint military exercises. The U.N. Security Council will meet on the incident. Meanwhile, China urged Poland to keep a Belarus rail link open. Ukraine and the UK agreed to produce interceptor drones as drone warfare intensifies in the conflict.

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