JWST Sees Hints of an Atmosphere on a Potentially Habitable Exoplanet
Hints of Atmosphere on Earth-Sized Exoplanet Raise Hopes for Life A monumental sign of an atmosphere on TRAPPIST-1e could be the precursor to finally finding a living world around another star By Jonathan O’Callaghan edited by Lee Billings This artist’s concept shows the volatile red dwarf star TRAPPIST-1 and its four most closely orbiting planets, […]
How to See Faster-Than-Light Motion
The UniverseFridays How to See Faster-Than-Light Motion Superluminal velocities are common but illusory By Phil Plait edited by Clara Moskowitz The light echo around the star V838 Monocerotis as seen by the Hubble Space Telescope in November 2005. Stay connected to The Universe: Get email alerts for this weekly column by Phil Plait When I […]
How Many Planets Orbit Our Nearest Neighboring Star?
New Instrument Checks on Proxima Centauri’s Planets Fresh results from near-infrared instruments foretell a bright future for finding life elsewhere in the Milky Way By Ivan Farkas edited by Lee Billings An artist’s impression of the Proxima Centauri system, with the planets Proxima b and Proxima d—the latter confirmed by the NIRPS planet-hunting instrument. Some […]
Starship’s 10th flight breaks streak of bad luck
Nell Greenfieldboyce SpaceX’s massive Starship rocket racked up some much-needed successes on its 10th test flight, hitting key test objectives and breaking a streak of failures that bedeviled the spaceship this year. The silver and black two-stage rocket, which stands about 400 feet tall, blasted off from the SpaceX facility in south Texas near Boca […]
SpaceX Successfully Launches Starship Spacecraft After String of Mishaps
SpaceX Successfully Launches Starship Spacecraft after String of Mishaps Overcoming three recent failed tries, Elon Musk’s rocket company successfully flew its reusable jumbo booster and upper-stage Starship spacecraft By Dan Vergano edited by Clara Moskowitz An earlier SpaceX Starship and Super Heavy booster are moved to the launch pad at Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas. […]
Interest rates expected to be cut by Bank of England
Interest rates are widely expected to be cut on Thursday, with further falls predicted for later in the year. Analysts say a cut to 4.25% from 4.5% by the Bank of England is highly likely, although no change or a bigger reduction remain possibilities. Such a move would make borrowing money by businesses and individuals…
Xanthorox AI Lets Anyone Become a Cybercriminal
A new AI platform called Xanthorox markets itself as a tool for cybercrime, but its real danger may lie in how easily such systems can be built—and sold—by anyone By Deni Ellis Béchard edited by Dean Visser This article includes a reference to violent sexual assault. Reports of a sophisticated new artificial intelligence platform started…
Boardwalk Empire’s Michael Pitt Arrested on Sex Abuse Charges
Michael Pitt—who starred on Dawson’s Creek and HBO’s Boardwalk Empire—was arrested in New York on May 2 and is now facing several charges of sex abuse and assault. Michael Pitt is facing legal trouble. The Boardwalk Empire alum was taken into custody in Brooklyn, N.Y., on May 2 after being accused of sexual abuse and assault,…
USDA chief says agency is trying to fill key jobs after paying 15,000 to leave
Andrea Hsu In testimony on Capitol Hill on Tuesday and Wednesday, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins confirmed that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is now looking to fill critical positions, after agreeing to pay more than 15,000 employees’ salaries and benefits through September in exchange for their resignations. “We are actively looking and recruiting to…
Stronger Flood-Related Building Codes Are Coming for New Hospitals, Schools and Apartments
Stronger Flood Protection Standards Are Coming for New Hospitals, Schools and Apartments The International Code Council has approved stronger building codes to protect hospitals, schools and other structures from flooding By Thomas Frank & E&E News The Barker Reservoir and Buffalo Bayou Dam are shown August 30, 2017 in Houston, Texas. The city of Houston…
Men accused of Sycamore Gap tree felling thought it was a bit of a laugh, jury told
Two men chopped down the world famous Sycamore Gap tree as a “bit of a laugh” and then feared becoming public enemy number one, prosecutors have told jurors. The tree had grown in a dip on Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland for more than 100 years before it was felled in a “moronic mission” in the…
Stay Hydrated With the DREO Reverse Osmosis Water Filter
There are many health benefits to drinking water…not the least of which is staying alive! But you may have heard, not all water is created equal. I was lucky enough to grow up in the San Francisco Bay Area, where the water is good enough to drink straight from the tap. But having lived in…
US planning to deport migrants to Libya despite ‘hellish’ conditions – reports
Libya’s provisional government has denied claims flight could happen as soon as this week The Trump administration is planning to deport a group of migrants to Libya, according to reports, despite the state department’s previous condemnation of the “life-threatening” prison conditions in the country. Libya’s provisional government has denied the reports. Reuters cited three unnamed…
Blood of Man Who’s Had 200 Snakebites Helps Make a Potent Antivenom
Blood of Man Who’s Had 200 Snakebites Helps Make a Potent Antivenom A new snakebite treatment combines an existing drug with antibodies from a hyperimmune reptile collector, raising both hopes and ethical concerns By Katherine Bourzac & Nature magazine A cocktail containing antibodies and an enzyme inhibitor protects mice against the venom of the king…
Ellen DeGeneres Shares New Look at Hair Transformation After U.K. Move
Ellen DeGeneres offered a new glance at her hair transformation while sharing a look at the activities she’s picked up since she and wife Portia de Rossi moved to England. Ellen DeGeneres‘ darker ‘do is hair to stay. The former talk show host has offered fans a new look at the brunette hair transformation she…
What happens next between India and Pakistan? Four key questions
In a dramatic overnight operation, India said it launched missile and air strikes on nine sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, targeting what it called militant positions based on “credible intelligence”. The strikes, lasting just 25 minutes between 01:05 and 01:30 India time (19:35 and 20:00 GMT on Tuesday), sent shockwaves through the region, with…
Here’s the 2025 list of Most Endangered Historic Places in the U.S.
Neda Ulaby The National Trust for Historic Preservation announced Wednesday that the Mystery Castle is one of America’s 11 most endangered historic places in 2025. “Across the United States, compelling, meaningful historic sites are at risk, whether from natural disasters, underutilization, neglect, or lack of awareness,” a statement from the National Trust said. The group…
‘Time Shelter’ by Georgi Gospodinov: A Book Review
Ironically, this review is somewhat untimely. Time Shelter was published in 2022. It won the International Booker Prize in 2023. I’ve had a copy on my shelf for over a year, meaning to pick it up, but somehow never getting around to it. I’m not sure how it is for you other bibliophiles out there,…
What Would Einstein Tell Trump?
Opinion Here’s What Einstein Would Tell Trump Einstein offers a lesson for scientists who are protesting an out-of-control nationalist administration attacking U.S. science today By Alexander Soifer Albert Einstein. Germany was once a beacon of science. On January 31, 1933, that all changed, when Adolf Hitler became the chancellor of Germany. In early April of…
Rubio says Venezuelans sheltering at Argentinian embassy ‘rescued’ by US
Secretary of state says opponents of Maduro have left diplomatic compound in Caracas and are ‘safely on US soil’ Five members of Venezuela’s political opposition have left the Argentinian diplomatic compound in their country’s capital, Caracas, where they had sheltered for more than a year to avoid arrest, and were in the United States on…
Fighting loneliness in rural Maine, one casserole at a time
By Caitlin Shetterly Back in 2023, Karl Schatz and Margaret Hathaway, a husband and wife team, had recently published two volumes of the Maine Community Cookbook when they heard that the U.S. surgeon general, Vivek Murthy, had declared an epidemic of loneliness. Murthy wrote, “It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia,…
Met Gala 2025: Luann de Lesseps Reacts to Kim Kardashian Comparisons
After many social media users compared Kim Kardashian’s 2025 Met Gala red carpet fashion to Luann de Lesseps’ cabaret look, the Real Housewives of New York City alum reacted with laughter. It might be time for Luann de Lesseps to invite Kim Kardashian to join her cabaret show. The Real Housewives of New York City…
Trump appeasing Putin with pressure on Ukraine, Biden tells BBC
Joe Biden has told the BBC that pressure from the Trump administration on Ukraine to give up territory to Russia is “modern-day appeasement” in an exclusive interview, his first since leaving the White House. Speaking in Delaware on Monday, he said Russian President Vladimir Putin believed Ukraine was part of Russia and “anybody that thinks…
What we know about India’s strike on Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir
Two weeks after a deadly militant attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, India has launched a series of strikes on sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The Indian defence ministry said the strikes – named “Operation Sindoor” – were part of a “commitment” to hold those responsible for the 22 April attack which left 25…
Trump EPA Reorganization Signals End to Climate Work
EPA Reorganization Signals End to Climate Work Under President Trump, the Environmental Protection Agency plans to eliminate offices that track greenhouse gas emissions and regulate air pollution By Jean Chemnick & E&E News EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin aims to eliminate the Office of Atmospheric Protection and Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards. CLIMATEWIRE |…
What is happening at Newark Airport? This and other questions answered
Jaclyn Diaz Hundreds of flight delays and cancellations at one of the nation’s busiest airports over the past several days are giving passengers headaches and spurred the U.S. Senate’s top Democrat to call for an investigation into the cause. On Monday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, of New York, said on X that he was…
Gabrielle Union & Dwyane Wade’s Daughter Reacts to Bold Met Gala Looks
Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union’s daughter Zaya Wade shared her heartwarming reaction to seeing the couple walk the 2025 Met Gala red carpet together on May 5 wearing bold coordinating looks. Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union‘s daughter thinks their 2025 Met Gala looks were a slam dunk. Zaya Wade shared her real-time reaction to her…
Rwandan talks with US over deported migrants are chance to expand its influence
African country looks to position itself as a useful option for countries’ anti-migration policies Talks between Rwanda and the US to host deported migrants are the latest move by the African country to position itself as a useful option for the anti-migration policies of allied governments. Previous high-profile attempts, however, including with the UK, Israel…
Could AI Really Kill Off Humans?
Opinion Could AI Really Kill Off Humans? Many people believe AI will one day cause human extinction. A little math tells us it wouldn’t be that easy By Michael J.D. Vermeer There’s a popular sci-fi cliché that one day artificial intelligence goes rogue and kills every human, wiping out the species. Could this truly happen?…
Hegseth says he’s a change agent at DoD. But details are scarce
Tom Bowman Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced he will trim the number of senior admirals and generals and also transform the Army to focus on homeland defense and deter China. But with both efforts, there’s little detail, only a pledge to remove redundant military structure and streamline leadership through the cuts to the number…
Carney tells Trump that Canada ‘won’t be for sale, ever’
Mark Carney has told Donald Trump that Canada “is not for sale” as the president raised the prospect of the country becoming the 51st US state while welcoming the prime minister to the White House. Carney won election last month promising to “stand up” to Trump, who has imposed tariffs on some Canadian products and…
Alex Murdaugh’s Son Buster Marries 2 Years After Dad’s Murder Trial
Two years after Alex Murdaugh was convicted of killing his wife Maggie Murdaugh and son Paul Murdaugh in South Carolina, his surviving son Buster Murdaugh married his girlfriend Brooklynn White. Alex Murdaugh’s son is focusing on the love in his life. Two years after the former South Carolina lawyer was sentenced to two consecutive life…
Sudan to cut ties with United Arab Emirates over alleged RSF support
UAE insists it does not provide arms to paramilitary group as Sudanese ambassador recalled Sudan’s security and defence council has declared that it will break diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates over its alleged backing of the paramilitary Sudanese Rapid Support Forces. During a televised speech on Tuesday, Sudan’s defence minister, Yassin Ibrahim, said…
These Fish and Flies Are Engineered to Break Down Mercury
These Fish and Flies Are Engineered to Break Down Mercury Bacterial genes protect animals—and their predators—from harmful contamination By Cody Cottier edited by Sarah Lewin Frasier Danio rerio, a freshwater zebra fish, is one species scientists have modified to filter mercury from the environment. Join Our Community of Science Lovers! For decades mercury has been…
An overlooked climate ally is in deep trouble
Underwater and out of sight, one of humanity’s most effective weapons against climate change is struggling. According to a new study, failure to protect the world’s seagrasses will come at a steep cost — in more ways than one. Protecting the world’s seagrasses could avert climate damages valued at over US$ 200 billion by preventing…
I Ran the NYC Marathon 5 Months Pregnant: These Are My Essentials
From an adjustable running belt to wired headphones, these are the running essentials you’ll want on race day (whether you’re pregnant or not). Our writers and editors independently determine what we cover and recommend. When you buy through our links, E! may earn a commission. Learn more. It was never my intention to run a marathon…
Nigerians, Pakistanis and Sri Lankans face UK student visa crackdown
Applicants will be targeted by Home Office due to suspicions they are most likely to overstay and claim asylum Nigerians, Pakistanis and Sri Lankans applying to work or study in the UK face Home Office restrictions over suspicions that they are most likely to overstay and claim asylum, Whitehall officials have claimed. The government is…
UK and India agree trade deal after three years of talks
The UK and India have agreed a trade deal that will make it easier for UK firms to export whisky, cars and other products to India, and cut taxes on India’s clothing and footwear exports. The UK government said the “landmark” agreement, which took three years to reach, did not include any change in immigration…
Police found a missing woman 60 years after she disappeared. She wants to stay hidden
By Rachel Treisman Six decades after a young mother vanished from her small city in south-central Wisconsin, authorities have found her alive and well living in another state. Audrey Backeberg was 20 years old when she disappeared from Reedsburg in July 1962, according to a bulletin from the Wisconsin Department of Justice. It says the…
Winter fuel cuts a factor in local elections losses, health secretary says
Restricting winter fuel payments dented Labour’s support at last week’s local elections, the health secretary has acknowledged. Wes Streeting told the BBC many voters “aren’t happy” with the decision, adding it had “come up on the doorstep” during campaigning. But he insisted the move would help the government invest in public services despite “multiple crises…
Trump Targets Air-Conditioning and Heating Funds for Low-Income Households
Trump Targets Air-Conditioning and Heating Funds for Low-Income Households The Trump administration’s proposed budget cuts the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides funding for home heating and cooling By Ariel Wittenberg & E&E News A close-up view of red-brick residential apartment buildings in New York City, showcasing repetitive windows, air conditioning units.…
Inside the World Meghan Markle & Prince Harry Created for Son Archie
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry planted California roots for now 6-year-old Archie Harrison and his sister Lili Diana and are more private than they could’ve been if they had remained working royals. At 6 years old, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor is leading a pretty normal life. For your basic celebrity kid, that is. He’s seen three continents…
Critics warn DOJ is being politicized despite vows to end its purported weaponization
Ryan Lucas At her confirmation hearing in January to become attorney general, Pam Bondi vowed to fight violent crime and restore confidence and integrity to the Justice Department. “The partisanship, the weaponization will be gone,” she told lawmakers. “America will have one tier of justice for all.” Like President Trump, Bondi argues that the Justice…
Drone strikes hit Port Sudan airport and army base in third day of attacks
Loud explosions reported at dawn and plumes of smoke as RSF targets Sudanese government’s seat of power Drones have struck the airport and targeted an army base in Port Sudan, officials said, the third straight day the seat of power of the government, which is aligned with the Sudanese army, has come under attack. The…
Rwanda says talks underway with US to host deported migrants
Foreign minister Olivier Nduhungirehe confirms talks on agreement that appears to bear hallmarks of policy pushes that failed in UK and Australia Rwanda confirmed on Monday that discussions were “underway” with the United States regarding a potential agreement to host deported migrants. Rwanda’s foreign minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, told state media on Sunday that the talks…
Do ‘Alternative’ Measles Treatments Touted by RFK Jr. Work?
Do ‘Alternative’ Measles Treatments Work? As the measles outbreak in the U.S. gets bigger, HHS’s secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., touts nonvaccine treatments. But they generally don’t help and can carry dangers By Josh Fischman edited by Dean Visser Join Our Community of Science Lovers! Measles keeps infecting more people across the U.S., with 935…
Pregnant Rihanna & A$AP Rocky Enjoy Date Night Inside Met Gala 2025
After Rihanna announced her pregnancy on the Met Gala 2025 red carpet, the “Diamonds” singer reunited with partner A$AP Rocky inside the New York City event for a fashionable date night. Rihanna and A$AP Rocky are taking being fashion killas to a whole new level. The “We Found Love” singer and “Fashion Killa” rapper reunited…
Ukraine drone attack shuts Moscow airports, says Russia
Russia says Ukraine has launched an overnight drone attack targeting Moscow for the second night in a row. All four of the capital’s major airports were closed for several hours to ensure safety but later reopened, Russia’s aviation watchdog Rosaviatsia said on Telegram. Moscow’s mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, said on social media at least 19 Ukrainian…
Trump restricts funding for ‘gain-of-function’ research — calling it dangerous
Rob Stein President Trump issued an executive order Monday restricting federal funding for research that involves a controversial field of scientific study known as “gain-of-function” research. The research, which is also known as “dual-use” research, involves experimenting with viruses and other pathogens that have the potential to trigger a pandemic. Those studies could discover how…
Scientists Use Ancient Chinese Poetry to Study Endangered Yangtze Porpoise
Ancient Poems Reveal the History of the Endangered Yangtze Porpoise Mentions of the critically endangered Yangtze finless porpoise in ancient Chinese poetry have revealed missing information about the habitat of the world’s only freshwater porpoise By Gennaro Tomma edited by Andrea Thompson Yangtze finless porpoise. Join Our Community of Science Lovers! Around 1745, Chinese emperor…
States sue Trump administration for blocking the development of wind energy
By The Associated Press A coalition of state attorneys general filed a lawsuit Monday against President Donald Trump’s attempt to stop the development of wind energy. Attorneys general from 17 states and Washington, D.C., are challenging an executive order Trump signed during his first day in office, pausing approvals, permits and loans for all wind…
Met Gala 2025: How André Leon Talley Inspired Superfine Theme
Anna Wintour exclusively told Live From E! that the Met Gala 2025 theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” pays homage to the late fashion visionary and her friend, André Leon Talley. Anna Wintour is remembering André Leon Talley at the Met Gala 2025. The Vogue editor, who helped plan fashion’s biggest night at the Metropolitan Museum…
Royals watch Red Arrows flypast and have tea with veterans for VE Day anniversary
Four generations of the Royal Family appeared on Buckingham Palace’s balcony to watch the Red Arrows flypast, marking 80 years since the end of World War Two in Europe. The King and senior royals watched on as a war-time Lancaster bomber led the 23-strong formation, including Typhoons and the Red Arrows, before waving to crowds.…
Sudan fails in attempt to make UAE accountable for acts of genocide
Largely expected decision by international court of justice marks second diplomatic victory for Gulf state An attempt by Sudan’s government to make the United Arab Emirates legally accountable for acts of genocide in West Darfur has been rejected by the international court of justice after the judges voted by 14 to 2 to declare they…
A Maryland town backed Trump’s cost-cutting pledge. Now it’s a target
Frank Langfitt EMMITSBURG, Md. — Frank Davis saw a lot of waste during his decades in the federal government. In November, he voted for Donald Trump to get rid of it. So far, Davis likes a lot of what he’s seen. “I’m probably gonna get shot for this, but he is doing what he said…
Red Arrows, royals and a packed Mall – the celebrations in pictures
Four days of events to commemorate 80 years since Victory in Europe Day began with a military procession through London in front of huge crowds, followed by a dramatic RAF flypast over Buckingham Palace. Proud veterans joined politicians and three generations of royals for the day’s poignant and celebratory events. The Red Arrows jetted through…
Cuttlefish May Communicate with Discolike Arm Gestures
Cuttlefish May Communicate with Discolike Arm Gestures Scientists identified four arm wave signals cuttlefish use: “up,” “side,” “roll” and “crown” By Chris Simms edited by Sarah Lewin Frasier Researchers observed the common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) routinely wave its arms in four flashy gestures. Join Our Community of Science Lovers! Cuttlefish wave their expressive arms in…
Zendaya’s Euphoric Met Gala Looks Prove She’s a Fashion Icon
Zendaya, who’s expected to attend the 2025 Met Gala on May 5, has become a highlight of the fashionable event over the years with jaw-dropping red carpet looks, including her 2024 outfit changes. Zendaya‘s Met Gala looks? Simply marvelous. With the 2025 Met Gala just hours away, the Spider-Man actress—who has become a red carpet…
Rights groups condemn arrest of Hong Kong activist Anna Kwok’s father and brother
Arrests are the first case of the city’s national security law being used to target the relatives of pro-democracy campaigners Human rights groups have condemned the arrest of relatives of Anna Kwok, an exiled pro-democracy activist who is wanted by the Hong Kong police, in the first example of the city’s national security law being…
Israel security cabinet approves plan to expand Gaza offensive
Israel’s security cabinet has approved a plan to expand its military offensive against Hamas, which reportedly includes capturing Gaza and holding the territory. The Israeli military has called up tens of thousands of reservists in preparation for the move, saying it is “increasing the pressure” with the aim of bringing home the remaining Israeli hostages…
Dossier of alleged Sudan war crimes handed to Metropolitan police
Lawyers say evidence file outlines atrocities including torture and rape carried out by the Rapid Support Forces in the country’s brutal civil conflict Scotland Yard has received a dossier of evidence documenting myriad alleged war crimes committed by a paramilitary group during the conflict in Sudan. Lawyers have submitted a 142-page file of evidence to…
Jury selection in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sex trafficking trial begins today
Isabella Gomez Sarmiento Jury selection for the trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs will begin in New York City today. The media mogul, who’s been in custody since his arrest last September, faces criminal charges for sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transporting to engage in prostitution. Combs has pleaded not guilty on all charges. The selection…
Met Gala 2025: Theme and Dress Code Explained
Stars will arrive at the Met Gala 2025 in looks with the evening’s dress code, “Tailored For You” in mind. Read on for a closer look at the dress code and theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” The red carpet is being rolled out for the biggest night in fashion. Meanwhile, celebrities like Rihanna, Kim Kardashian…
An exhibit honoring victims of gun violence is taken down at ATF headquarters
By Kristin Wright An exhibit showing victims of gun violence has been taken down at the headquarters of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Department of Justice has confirmed. The exhibit showed the portraits of 120 people killed in gun violence. A digital kiosk with biographies of each person was also…
Griefbots Create Digital Immortality and Raise Ethical Concerns around AI Chatbots
AI Offers Digital Immortality for Deceased Loved Ones—But Should It? AI chatbots called “griefbots” or “deadbots” offer our loved ones a new digital way to grieve but raise ethical and privacy concerns. By Rachel Feltman, Naeem Amarsy, Fonda Mwangi & Alex Sugiura Rachel Feltman: For Scientific American’s Science Quickly, I’m Rachel Feltman. The idea of…