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Astronomers have identified a faint giant exoplanet orbiting the young star Beta Pictoris after it remained undetected for more than a decade, marking the dimmest planet ever directly imaged from Earth. The discovery was made independently by two research teams within days of each other late last year using different telescopes, according to findings published Wednesday in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. One team, led by scientists from Scotland and Germany, detected the planet using the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope in Chile. Researchers later examined archival observations and confirmed that the planet had been hidden in earlier data, obscured by the brightness of its host star and two previously known companion planets. “It was very much playing hide-and-seek for 11 years,” said Markus Bonse of the European Southern Observatory, who co-led the research. A separate team led by researchers from the University of California, San Diego, made the same discovery using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. Scientists said only two observations with the space telescope were needed to identify the elusive world. Both teams had been studying one of Beta Pictoris’ already known planets when they independently spotted the much fainter object, estimated to be around 100 times dimmer and located farther from the star. Researchers intentionally kept their work separate to avoid influencing each other's findings. The newly discovered planet is slightly larger than Jupiter and takes about 91 years to complete one orbit around its star, comparable to Uranus’ orbital period around the Sun. Scientists believe the planet resembles a much younger version of Jupiter because it formed in a planetary system that is only about 20 million years old, compared with the Sun’s age of roughly 4.5 billion years. According to researcher Aidan Gibbs, the system offers a rare opportunity to study the early stages of planetary evolution, when giant planets have already formed but smaller rocky planets may still be developing. Beta Pictoris is located about 63 light-years from Earth in the southern constellation Pictor. NASA says fewer than 100 of the more than 6,000 confirmed exoplanets have been detected through direct imaging, with most discovered using indirect methods such as observing the slight dimming of a star when a planet passes in front of it. Researchers hope the newly identified planet will provide fresh insights into how young planetary systems evolve over time.

A 67-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus rex fossil has been sold for £37.4 million (about $50.1 million) at a Sotheby's auction in New York, setting a new record as the most expensive dinosaur fossil ever sold. The fossil, affectionately named Gus, stands more than 12 feet (4 metres) tall. Sotheby's said more than 60% of its bones were recovered, making it one of the most complete T. rex specimens ever discovered. The identity of the winning bidder at Tuesday's auction has not been revealed. Gus was discovered in 2021 on a remote ranch in the US state of South Dakota. "This result has been years in the making," said Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby's worldwide head of science and natural history. "Gus is not only an exceptional discovery but also a specimen that has been carefully excavated, documented, prepared and preserved," she said. The sale broke the previous record set by the stegosaurus fossil Apex, which was sold in 2024. Gus is also the first dinosaur fossil to sell for more than $50 million. Some scientists told the BBC that the record-breaking sale could signal a new era of fossil collecting by ultra-wealthy buyers. Hatton said the high price reflects the years of work and resources needed to recover and prepare the fossil. The excavation took place over three summers between 2021 and 2023, when the frozen ground had thawed enough for digging. It then took another three years in the laboratory to clean, study and assemble the skeleton. Researchers found bite marks on the skull and signs that several broken ribs had healed while the dinosaur was still alive, suggesting it may have been injured while scavenging or fighting with other dinosaurs. Although the buyer has not yet been identified, Gus may still be displayed for the public in the future. The previous record-holder, Apex, was loaned to the American Museum of Natural History for four years by its billionaire owner, Kenneth Griffin. As a result, despite its record-breaking sale, Gus could eventually be exhibited in a museum.

Shenzhou-23 spaceflight mission's three-person crew have successfully tested an upgraded in-orbit mass measurement device at the country's space station as they near their 50th day in orbit while continuing an expanding range of scientific  experiments. According to a video released by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) , astronauts Zhu Yangzhu, Zhang Zhiyuan and Li Jiaying also carried out several experiments over the past week focusing on space life sciences and human research. China achieves rocket fuel breakthrough with LNG-derived methane As part of a musculoskeletal loading study, the crew conducted plantar pressure measurements, lower-limb biomechanical tests, and muscle-tendon assessments while running and performing resistance exercises under different load conditions. The experiments collected data on plantar pressure, joint movement, motion images and muscle parameters to help researchers understand changes in muscle-tendon interactions in space. The astronauts also used near-infrared brain functional imaging equipment to carry out neuroergonomic experiments involving multiple tasks. Scientists on the ground will analyze the data to examine how the space environment affects astronauts' cognitive control. The crew continued its routine daily exercise programme to reduce the physiological effects of prolonged exposure to weightlessness. China launched the Shenzhou-23 crewed spacecraft on May 24. The mission includes a one-year in-orbit stay experiment designed to provide key data for future long-duration human space exploration.

China has achieved a milestone in its commercial space programme by using high-purity methane fuel derived from liquefied natural gas (LNG) for the first time in the Long March-10B rocket, marking a major step toward diversifying rocket propellant sources. The breakthrough came during the rocket's successful maiden flight and sea-based recovery test on Friday. The two-stage reusable Long March-10B was developed for China's commercial space market and features a 5-metre-diameter core stage with all critical components produced domestically. Rescue mission launched to save NASA telescope from falling back to Earth According to fuel developer Sinopec, the rocket used liquid oxygen-methane propellant with methane purity reaching 98.7 percent, while the entire fuel supply chain was sourced within China. Cao Lizhao, manager of Sinopec's South China sales centre, said the high-purity methane fuel was refined from more than 1,000 tonnes of LNG and can be produced using civilian LNG supplies. He said the fuel cuts storage and transportation costs by about 40 percent compared with conventional liquid hydrogen, making it a more economical option for frequent commercial launches. As China's commercial space sector expands, traditional fuels such as liquid oxygen-kerosene and liquid oxygen-liquid hydrogen are becoming less suitable for low-cost, high-frequency missions. Sinopec official Ding Dapeng said the successful use of LNG-derived methane fuel establishes a more diversified and secure propellant supply system, while providing a cost-effective, low-carbon solution that will strengthen the competitiveness and self-reliance of China's commercial space industry. China launched the Long March-10B from the Hainan Commercial Spacecraft Launch Site in Hainan Province on Friday, successfully placing its payload into the planned orbit.

Scientists have discovered how the human eye develops sharp central vision before birth, a finding that could pave the way for new treatments to restore sight in people with serious eye diseases. The study, led by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, found that a vitamin A-derived molecule works together with thyroid hormones to shape the retina during fetal development. The findings challenge a long-held theory about how the eye's light-sensing cells develop. The research was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Researchers used retinal organoids—tiny pieces of retinal tissue grown in the laboratory from fetal cells—to observe how the human retina develops over several months. These organoids closely resemble the structure and function of the retina. The team focused on the foveola, a tiny area at the centre of the retina that is responsible for the sharpest vision. Although it covers only a small part of the retina, it accounts for nearly half of a person's visual perception. "This is a key step toward understanding the centre of the retina, which is often the first part of the eye to be damaged in people with macular degeneration," said Robert J. Johnston Jr., associate professor of biology at Johns Hopkins University and the study's lead researcher. He said the findings could eventually help scientists grow and transplant healthy retinal tissue to restore vision. The researchers examined cone photoreceptors, the specialised cells that allow people to see colours and objects clearly in daylight. These cells develop into blue, green or red cones, each detecting different wavelengths of light. Unlike the rest of the retina, which contains all three types of cone cells, the foveola contains only red and green cones. Until now, scientists were unsure how this unique pattern forms. The study found that during the 10th to 12th weeks of fetal development, a small number of blue cone cells first appear in the developing foveola. By around the 14th week, however, those cells change into red and green cones. According to the researchers, this process happens in two stages. First, levels of retinoic acid—a molecule produced from vitamin A—drop, reducing the formation of new blue cone cells. Then thyroid hormones trigger the remaining blue cones to transform into red and green cones. Johnston said the sequence is important because blue cones in the centre of the retina would reduce the sharpness of vision. The findings also challenge a theory that has guided vision research for about three decades. Earlier research suggested that blue cone cells formed in the centre of the retina before moving outward. The new study instead indicates that these cells stay in place but gradually change into red and green cones. Researchers say the discovery could eventually lead to new treatments for vision loss caused by diseases such as Age-related macular degeneration and Glaucoma, both of which damage the retina and can lead to blindness. The team is continuing to improve laboratory-grown retinal tissue so it more closely matches the human retina. Scientists hope these organoids can one day produce healthy photoreceptor cells for transplantation to replace damaged cells and restore lost vision. Researchers cautioned that the work is still at an early stage and more studies are needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of such treatments before they can be tested in patients. Source: Science Daily

Many people worry about the mental effects of spending hours on phones and other digital devices, but experts say the physical impact may be just as important. From neck pain and weaker hands to vision problems and skin irritation, growing evidence suggests heavy technology use can gradually affect the body in ways many people do not notice. One visible sign for some users is a small callus on the finger used to support a phone. However, researchers say the effects may extend much further, potentially altering posture, weakening muscles, reducing motor skills and even contributing to long-term health problems. 'Tech neck' and spinal strain Looking down at a phone for long periods can lead to a condition commonly known as "tech neck." Experts say this forward head posture places significant pressure on the neck, which over time may damage spinal discs, strain muscles, wear down joints and even reduce lung capacity. The condition may also gradually change a person's posture and appearance. Doctors say corrective exercises may help in some cases, but simple habits can also reduce the risk. Holding phones at eye level, positioning computer screens properly and taking regular breaks from screens are among the most effective steps. Some specialists recommend taking a short break every 30 minutes. Can screens cause wrinkles? Some people have raised concerns that constantly bending the neck while using phones could contribute to wrinkles. Dermatologist Justine Hextall says the theory is reasonable because repeated skin folding can contribute to wrinkle formation. However, she notes there is currently no strong scientific evidence proving that phone use directly causes neck wrinkles. She also advises consumers to be cautious about buying skincare products marketed specifically for "tech neck." Smartwatches may irritate the skin While the evidence on wrinkles remains limited, dermatologists say wearing a smartwatch continuously may create other skin problems. The warm, damp area beneath a watch can encourage yeast growth, leading to irritation or eczema. Continuous contact may also increase sensitivity to materials such as nickel, rubber, latex and acrylates found in some wearable devices. Experts recommend removing smartwatches regularly, washing the skin underneath and using a protective barrier cream if wearing the device for long periods. More time indoors may affect eyesight The global rise in myopia, or nearsightedness, has often been linked to increased screen use. However, Donald Mutti, an optometry professor at Ohio State University, says decades of research found little evidence that close-up activities alone, such as reading or using smartphones, directly cause myopia. Instead, his research suggests that spending time outdoors helps protect developing eyes. Bright outdoor light appears to trigger dopamine release in the retina, which may support healthy eye development. As people increasingly spend more time indoors using digital devices, experts believe technology may indirectly contribute to worsening eyesight. Regular outdoor activities, along with wearing sunscreen and sunglasses when needed, can help reduce the risk. Declining grip strength Researchers are also paying closer attention to grip strength, which is increasingly viewed as an important indicator of overall health. Some studies suggest weaker grip strength is associated with poorer health outcomes and may even predict the risk of early death better than blood pressure. Johannes Beller, a professor of medical sociology in Germany, says the shift toward desk-based and computer-focused lifestyles may be contributing to declining physical fitness, particularly among younger generations. Experts recommend improving overall fitness through regular exercise and strength training rather than focusing only on hand exercises. Screen time and motor skills Technology may also influence motor skills, particularly those involving precise hand movements. Sebastian Suggate, a developmental psychology professor at the University of Regensburg, says digital devices may improve skills such as tapping and swiping but appear to have a negative effect on broader fine motor skills, especially in children. Research has linked increased screen time with poorer motor development, which is also associated with cognitive and academic performance in young people. Rather than eliminating screens, Suggate recommends balancing digital activities with hands-on tasks such as cooking, woodworking, drawing, playing musical instruments or writing by hand. He describes the effects as relatively small for individuals but warns they could become more significant across generations if physical activities continue to be replaced by screen-based lifestyles. Health experts agree that regular movement, time outdoors, exercise and reducing uninterrupted screen use can help minimise many of the physical effects associated with today's technology-driven lifestyles.

A major international study has found that pregnant women are regularly exposed to dozens of everyday chemicals, many of which may increase the risk of premature birth and lower birth weight, raising concerns about their long-term impact on children's health. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, was led by scientists from the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, and the Woods Institute for the Environment. Researchers found that pregnant women were exposed to an average of 45 different chemicals, including phthalates, replacement plasticizers, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and halogenated phenols. These substances are commonly found in food, drinking water, air pollution, personal care products, fragrances and many household items. "These chemicals are difficult to avoid because they are present in a wide range of products we use every day," said lead author Jessie Buckley, professor of epidemiology at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. She said that while people can take some practical steps to reduce exposure, removing harmful chemicals from products is the most effective way to protect children and families. The study also found that phthalates and replacement plasticizers remain widely used in products intended for babies and children, including toys, shampoos and diaper creams. Although the US Consumer Product Safety Commission restricted or banned eight commonly used phthalates in children's products in 2017 due to health concerns, many other products used during pregnancy are not covered by those rules. Researchers detected several phthalates, including newer replacement chemicals introduced after earlier restrictions, in urine samples collected from pregnant women. The study analysed data from more than 5,000 mothers and their children born between 2000 and 2021. Scientists measured 113 chemicals commonly found in homes, food, air and water by analysing urine samples from pregnant women and comparing the results with pregnancy length and babies' birth weight. On average, each participant was exposed to 45 chemicals, while one sample contained as many as 64 different substances. The findings showed that several phthalates and alternative plasticizers were consistently linked to shorter pregnancies. Phthalates, replacement plasticizers and PAHs were also associated with lower birth weight. Researchers also found that some lesser-known chemicals, including halogenated phenols, were linked to reduced birth weight. The study further revealed that several newer plasticizers, introduced as safer alternatives to phthalates, appeared to have health effects similar to the chemicals they were designed to replace. Senior researcher Tracey Woodruff, professor of epidemiology and population health at Stanford University, said the findings highlight the need for stronger regulations on chemical safety. She said new and replacement chemicals should be thoroughly tested before entering the market, adding that government agencies should use the latest evidence to reduce exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy. Buckley said the research adds to growing evidence that reducing chemical exposure during pregnancy is important because even small reductions in birth weight or pregnancy duration can have lasting effects on a child's health. Woodruff also noted that many sources of chemical exposure are beyond the control of pregnant women. She called on governments and manufacturers to reduce the use of harmful chemicals in everyday products and ensure that new chemicals are proven safe before they are introduced to consumers. The research was supported by the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program of the US National Institutes of Health. Source: Science Daily

Chinese researchers have discovered a new Jurassic bird fossil that is changing scientists' understanding of how birds evolved shorter tails, according to a study published online in the journal Science Advances on Thursday. The fossil, named Zhengheornis buyu, was discovered by a joint research team from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Geological Sciences in east China's Fujian Province. Researchers found that the bird had a short tail made up of only 15 shortened tail vertebrae but lacked a fused pygostyle, a bone found at the end of the tails of modern birds. By comparison, other long-tailed ancient birds had many more tail vertebrae. The pygostyle is formed when several tail vertebrae fuse together. It is a key feature of modern birds, helping support feathers and playing an important role in flight. The shortening of the tail is considered one of the most significant physical changes that occurred as dinosaurs evolved into birds. Scientists said the newly discovered bird weighed between 74 and 163 grams and measured about 20 centimetres in length, making it the smallest long-tailed bird fossil known so far. Its unusual mix of features, a shortened tail without a fused pygostyle, makes the fossil especially important because it challenges the long-standing belief that no such transitional form existed during bird evolution. Earlier fossil evidence suggested that the first birds with a pygostyle appeared during the Late Jurassic period around 150 million years ago, while other birds and their dinosaur ancestors still had long tails. The researchers also said the discovery supports the idea that shrinking body size was a major factor in the evolution of birds from dinosaurs. Their findings suggest that some early birds became much smaller much faster than scientists had previously thought.

A private spacecraft was successfully launched on Friday in an effort to save a NASA space telescope that is gradually losing altitude and risks falling back to Earth. Northrop Grumman launched Katalyst Space Technologies' Link spacecraft from the Marshall Islands using a Pegasus rocket released from a modified aircraft in flight. The spacecraft is expected to reach NASA's Swift Observatory in about a month. Once there, it will capture the telescope and raise its orbit, allowing it to continue its scientific mission. Launched in 2004, the Swift Observatory has been losing altitude more quickly in recent months because of increased solar activity, which has strengthened atmospheric drag. NASA is paying Katalyst Space Technologies $30 million for the rescue mission. If successful, Swift is expected to resume observing the universe by September after its orbit is lifted. The telescope is designed to study powerful cosmic events, including gamma-ray bursts and exploding stars. Scientific observations have been temporarily suspended to preserve its remaining orbit until the rescue is completed. NASA said the same type of mission could eventually be used to extend the life of the Hubble Space Telescope, which is also slowly descending because of increased atmospheric drag caused by solar storms. Swift, which weighs about 1.6 tons, is currently orbiting Earth at an altitude of about 360 kilometers (224 miles). The Link spacecraft aims to raise its orbit by around 240 kilometers (150 miles), returning it to the altitude where it originally operated. The spacecraft will use its thrusters to gradually lift the telescope, reducing the risk of damage during the maneuver. Katalyst completed preparations for the mission in just nine months after NASA requested a fast timeline. Officials warned that without an orbital boost, Swift could become too low to recover and re-enter Earth's atmosphere as early as October. The launch had been delayed several times because of poor weather and technical issues. Calling it a "high-risk, high-reward" mission, Katalyst Space CEO Ghonhee Lee said the biggest risk had always been failing to launch in time, which would have allowed the telescope to burn up in Earth's atmosphere. He said the successful launch marked an important first step toward saving the observatory.

A leading climate scientist has challenged a US government report that questions the role of human activity in global warming, saying it misrepresented his research and contains major scientific errors. Prof Benjamin Santer, an honorary professor at the University of East Anglia (UEA), said the US Department of Energy (DOE) report made "demonstrably incorrect" claims about climate science. Santer was among the first scientists to identify a clear human "fingerprint" on Earth's climate. His research played a key role in the landmark 1995 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which concluded that human activity was having a measurable impact on the global climate. However, a DOE report released in July 2025 cited Santer's work while arguing the opposite. The report was published on the same day the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed repealing its 2009 "endangerment finding," which gives the agency legal authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, power plants and other industrial sources. Earlier this month, the Trump administration moved ahead with revoking the finding, drawing criticism from scientists and environmental groups who warned it could affect public health and weaken efforts to tackle climate change. In a new study published this week in AGU Advances, Santer joined climate scientists Susan Solomon of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, David Thompson of UEA and Colorado State University, and Qiang Fu of the University of Washington to reaffirm that human activities are the main driver of global warming. The researchers said the DOE report should not be used to support legal or policy decisions related to climate regulations. "We view it both important and with precedent to rebut an incorrect scientific claim made in the DOE report," Santer said. "Setting the record straight in the peer-reviewed literature is particularly important when demonstrably incorrect scientific claims are made in official government reports," he added. Santer said one of the strongest pieces of evidence for human-caused climate change is the distinct pattern of warming in the lower atmosphere, or troposphere, and cooling in the upper atmosphere, or stratosphere. He said this pattern has been predicted by climate models for more than 50 years and confirmed through satellite observations. "The claim to the contrary made in the US DOE review of climate science is factually incorrect," Santer said. "As our analysis clearly illustrates, the DOE report is not a reliable source of information on the vertical structure of changes in atmospheric temperature, which is a key piece of evidence for human effects on global climate." The authors also said scientists have raised concerns about other parts of the DOE report, including its treatment of evidence linking climate change to human activity. They noted that the report was cited 16 times in the EPA's proposal last year. Following a lawsuit alleging the DOE failed to follow required federal advisory procedures, the team that prepared the report was dissolved in early September. However, the report has neither been withdrawn nor corrected. "The report is still available on the DOE website and is still being publicly referenced by DOE Secretary Wright as a credible source of information on climate science. It is not," Santer said. Source: Science Daily