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. […]
You Might’ve Missed Mike White’s Survivor Pals’ Cameos in White Lotus
The White Lotus creator Mike White’s Survivor season 37 costars Natalie Cole and Carl Boudreaux made surprising cameos during a dinner scene in the show’s season three premiere. The White Lotus resort rented rooms to a couple of famous faces. The season three premiere of the HBO Max show included brief cameos from Natalie Cole…
Turf war? Fixing grasslands can ease human-wildlife clashes
In many places around the world, humans and wildlife don’t share the same spaces. In others, humans and wildlife are in nearly constant contact. For example, in Kenya’s savannahs, elephants and black rhinos share the land with pastoral Maasai communities. And that proximity can become dangerous, even deadly, when resources are scarce: It’s estimated that…
U.S.-Russia Talks in Saudi Arabia Set to Go Beyond Ukraine
Trump Administration The two sides met in Saudi Arabia for their most extensive discussions in years. In addition to Ukraine, business ties are on the table. By Anton Troianovski and Ismaeel Naar Reporting from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Senior American and Russian officials agreed on Tuesday to establish teams to work toward ending the war in…
Pub shooting suspect rang friend and said ‘she’s dead’
The man suspected of fatally shooting his wife, Lisa Smith, outside a pub in Kent called friends after it happened and revealed what he had done, the BBC has been told. Edvard Stockings, also known by the surname Smith, called Leslie Thompson less than two hours after the shooting outside the Three Horseshoes pub in…
Who is Steve Witkoff? Trump’s Middle East envoy is a real estate mogul and old friend
By Rachel Treisman When top-level U.S. and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to discuss the war in Ukraine, one of the American seats at the table was filled by Steve Witkoff. A New York real estate mogul and longtime friend of President Trump, Witkoff had little formal diplomatic experience before Trump named…
Exoplanet Census Identifies ‘Missing Planets’ Gap
Where Are the Universe’s Missing Planets? Planet demographics reveal a puzzling lack of worlds in a certain size range throughout the galaxy By Dakotah Tyler edited by Clara Moskowitz For centuries our solar system was the only planetary system known to humans. We had no proof other worlds existed beyond those in our own cosmic…
Tom Brady Shares Selfie With His “Forever Valentine”
Tom Brady shared an icy glimpse of him celebrating Valentine’s Day with daughter Vivian, who he shares with ex-wife Gisele Bündchen, during a ski trip. Tom Brady has a soft spot for skiing and spending quality time with this youngest. The former New England Patriots quarterback put both on display over Valentine’s Day weekend, sharing…
UK marketplace sellers face ‘second Brexit’ hit from Trump’s US import rules
End of ‘de minimis’ policy for Chinese goods also expected to hit bigger fashion retailers such as Asos and Boohoo Many UK-based independent sellers on marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon could suffer a significant hit to US sales from planned changes to import rules under Donald Trump, with experts comparing the impact to a…
New Psychotherapies That Focus on Positive Experiences Could Better Treat Depression and Anxiety
New Psychotherapies That Focus on Positive Experiences Could Better Treat Depression and Anxiety These novel treatments help people with depression and anxiety find joy in life By Francine Russo edited by Gary Stix Small pleasures: A new therapy encourages patients to focus on enjoyable experiences, however tiny. Katie, a 40-year-old woman in the county of…
Xi Jinping tells Alibaba’s Jack Ma and Chinese tech chiefs to ‘show their talent’
Analysts say address to symposium suggests crackdown on sector may be ending in effort to tackle economic slump China’s president, Xi Jinping, has told businesses to “show their talent” at a meeting of Chinese industry leaders including the Alibaba founder, Jack Ma, as he attempts to halt an economic slump in the world’s second-largest economy.…
U.S. and Russia discuss ending Ukraine war, without Kyiv
By Charles Maynes Senior U.S. and Russian delegations gathered for talks in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh on Tuesday, as the two sides began an initial round of high-stakes negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. The talks build on last week’s phone call between President Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin during…
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South African Imam and Gay Rights Advocate is Shot Dead
By Matthew Mpoke Bigg A South African imam who devoted his life to promoting gay rights and tolerance for L.G.B.T.Q. Muslims was shot and killed in the coastal city of Gqeberha on Saturday, the police said. The organization worked to help Muslims around the world reconcile their faith with their sexual orientation and gender identity.…
‘I was just in a plane crash. Oh my God’: Survivors recount lucky escape
“Our plane crashed. It’s upside down.” These were the words of John Nelson, a passenger on a Delta Air Lines flight that had just crashed and flipped while landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport. All 80 people on board the flight from Minneapolis – 76 passengers and four crew – have survived, the airport’s chief…
Why Do Wild Cats Have So Many Different Eye Colors?
Why Do Wild Cats Have So Many Different Eye Colors? The Internet’s vast cat resources help researchers chart cat eye evolution By Zane Wolf edited by Sarah Lewin Frasier Snow leopard’s colorful eye. Join Our Community of Science Lovers! Wild cats showcase a stunning diversity of eye colors, proving a mystery for researchers because most…
As sports betting has soared, more people search online for help with gambling addiction
By Katia Riddle More and more people are looking for help managing gambling addiction. That’s a finding from a new study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine on Monday. The study looks at the impact of a Supreme Court decision in 2018 that loosened restrictions around online sports betting. Before 2018’s Murphy v National Collegiate Athletic…
China berates US for changing state department language on Taiwan
US state department last week removed line from fact sheet saying ‘We do not support Taiwan independence’ China has called on the United States to “correct its mistakes” after a statement that Washington does not support an independent Taiwan was removed from the state department website. Beijing views Taiwan as part of its territory and…
Why Melanie Lynskey and Jason Ritter Are Such a Winning Couple
Here’s a twist for you: Melanie Lynskey and Jason Ritter may actually be the same person. Sure, she’s a 47-year-old woman from New Zealand and he’s (as of Feb. 17) a 45-year-old guy from Los Angeles. And they’re married and parents of a 6-year-old daughter together. So maybe they’re not the same-same. But they are two halves…
Hundreds protest in Cook Islands over PM’s handling of deal with China
Opposition leaders accuse prime minister of risking its relationship with New Zealand by continued secrecy around deal Hundreds of protesters have marched on Cook Islands’ parliament to oppose prime minister Mark Brown’s recent decisions, including a failure to properly consult its closest partner New Zealand over a deal to deepen ties with China. Roughly 400…
Understanding Your Introverted Kid’s Needs Will Help Them Succeed
Opinion The Science of ParentingMondays Understanding Your Introverted Kid’s Needs Will Help Them Succeed There is nothing wrong with quieter, introverted kids. Recognizing what makes them tick can help them confidently navigate an extroverted world By Megha Satyanarayana edited by Dan Vergano Cut through the claims: Get email alerts for this weekly column My kids…
Health agencies lose staff in key areas as Trump firings set in
By Will Stone , Pien Huang Termination letters landed in the mailboxes of hundreds of employees at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Institutes of Health over the weekend, as the Trump administration moved ahead with firings announced verbally Friday. That’s according to more than half…
Israel Says It Will Keep Troops ‘Temporarily’ in 5 Points in Lebanon
Middle East Tensions The announcement raised the specter of renewed fighting in southern Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese militia. By Patrick Kingsley and Euan Ward Reporting from Jerusalem and Beirut The Israeli military said on Monday that it will keep forces in five locations in southern Lebanon after a deadline for its full…
All passengers and crew survive plane crash at Toronto airport
All passengers and crew on a flight which crashed and overturned while landing at Toronto Pearson Airport in Canada have survived, the airport’s chief executive has said. “We are very grateful there was no loss of life and relatively minor injuries,” said Deborah Flint of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority. One child and two adults…
European Leaders Meet to Discuss Ukraine War as Trump Officials Prepare For Russia Peace Talks
Trump Administration The hastily called gathering was part of a flurry of diplomacy expected to center on Ukraine this week as Trump officials prepare to start talks with Russia on their own. By Catherine Porter and Steven Erlanger Reporting from Paris The leaders of many of Europe’s biggest countries came to Paris on Monday in…
Argentina opposition calls for impeachment of Javier Milei after cryptocurrency collapse
President endorsed $Libra crypto token on Friday before it collapsed, leading some to call it a financial ‘rug pull’ Opposition politicians in Argentina have called for the impeachment of president Javier Milei after he touted a cryptocurrency which quickly collapsed and reportedly led to millions of dollars in losses this weekend. Milei endorsed the little-known…
Starmer says US ‘backstop’ needed for Ukraine peace deal
Sir Keir Starmer has said any Ukraine peace deal would require a “US backstop” to deter Russia from attacking its neighbour again. Speaking after a hastily convened meeting with European leaders in Paris, the prime minister repeated that he would consider deploying UK troops to Ukraine in the event of a lasting peace agreement. But…
Rubio is in Saudi Arabia to discuss the Gaza ceasefire and Ukraine war
Aya Batrawy DUBAI — Secretary of State Marco Rubio is holding meetings in Saudi Arabia on Monday to discuss President Donald Trump’s displacement and redevelopment plans for the Gaza Strip and to meet with Russian counterparts on steps to ending the war in Ukraine. This is Rubio’s first visit to the Middle East as secretary…
Why Justin Timberlake Missed SNL 50: The Anniversary Special
Justin Timberlake, who has been a part of memorable Saturday Night Live sketches like “D–k In a Box,” was not among the star-studded guests at the SNL 50: The Anniversary Special on Feb. 16. Unfortunately, Justin Timberlake did not bring sexy back to Studio 8H for SNL 50: The Anniversary Special. The “Cry Me a River”…
Woman shot dead on Valentine’s Day named
A woman who was shot dead outside a Kent pub on Valentine’s Day has been named by police as Lisa Smith. Tributes to Ms Smith, 43, from Slough, have been left at the scene of the fatal shooting outside the Three Horseshoes pub in Knockholt shortly after 19:00 GMT on Friday. Flowers and balloons –…
A Norovirus Vaccine Is Closer Than Ever Before
A Vaccine for the Dreaded Norovirus Is Closer Than Ever Norovirus infection rates are extremely high this year, raising the question: Why can’t a vaccine protect us from the stomach bug? By Meghan Bartels edited by Lauren J. Young Norovirus conjures a nightmarish series of gastrointestinal symptoms, and the hated infection has been rampant this…
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels capture eastern DRC’s second-largest city
Congolese authorities accused of abandoning Bukavu after government confirms fall to militia group M23 rebels have captured and occupied Bukavu, the second-largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Congolese government has confirmed, days after the Rwanda-backed militia launched an attack. In a statement posted on X, the DRC communications ministry said…
Rubio Lands in Saudi Arabia for Talks on Gaza and Ukraine
Trump Administration Marco Rubio’s visit to Riyadh, his first as secretary of state, came amid uncertainty about the future of Gaza and Ukraine and criticism of unilateral U.S. moves over the wars in both places. By Patrick Kingsley and Ismaeel Naar Patrick Kingsley reported from Jerusalem, and Ismaeel Naar from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Secretary of…
M23 Rebels in Congo Say They Have Entered Bukavu
Congo-Rwanda Conflict Last month, M23 rebels backed by Rwanda took the city of Goma in a bloody battle. This weekend, the group entered the gold-trading center of Bukavu in eastern Congo after government soldiers fled. By Elian Peltier and Justin Makangara Elian Peltier reported from Dakar, Senegal, and Justin Makangara from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of…
Men Actually Crave Romantic Relationships More Than Women Do
Men Actually Crave Romantic Relationships More Than Women Do Multiple-study analysis looks at why men’s emotional intimacy is much more difficult outside of romantic relationships By Clarissa Brincat edited by Sarah Lewin Frasier Research explores why men seem to find romantic relationships more important than women do. Join Our Community of Science Lovers! Drawing on…
‘Fake bailiffs said they’d take my furniture’
A man has described how criminals pretending to be bailiffs almost tricked him into paying thousands of pounds to settle a fictitious debt as part of an elaborate scam. In what has been reported as a growing problem, people are phoned up and told bailiffs are on the way to their home to remove their…
She suspected a heart attack, but was diagnosed with broken heart syndrome
Allison Aubrey If you’ve ever had a scary experience, when your adrenaline is pumping, as you deal with a threat or shock, you may relate to Maria Carraballo’s experience. While on vacation in Puerto Rico, Carraballo, 75, was swimming with her two young grandsons, when the current began to pull them away from the shore.…
Why We’re All Envious of Serena Williams’ Marriage to Alexis Ohanian
Ever since Alexis Ohanian wed Serena Williams in a star-studded 2017 affair, the Reddit cofounder and dad of two has simply been acing married life and putting other husbands to shame. Remember the time Alexis Ohanian commissioned a series of billboards to be set up in Palm Springs, welcoming wife Serena Williams back to competition…
Brazil asks UN to ditch proposed levy on global shipping
Those supporting the deal hope it will raise billions to help poor countries deal with climate breakdown Brazil has asked the UN to throw out plans for a new levy on global shipping that would raise funds to fight the climate crisis, despite playing host to the next UN climate summit. The proposed levy on…
Can Europe conjure a united front on Ukraine’s future?
Europe’s leaders are scrambling. Their hastily convened security summit in Paris on Monday is proof of that. They are still reeling from not being invited by the US to talks with Russia over the future of Ukraine. US President Donald Trump said on Sunday he could be meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin “very soon”. Can…
Why Friendships Matter More Than You Think
Love Isn’t Just about Romance. Here’s How Nonromantic Bonds Shape Our Lives Valentine’s Day often focuses on romance, but deep friendships deserve love, too. Here’s why they matter. By Rachel Feltman, Fonda Mwangi & Madison Goldberg [CLIP: Theme music] Rachel Feltman: Happy Valentine’s Day, listeners! For Scientific American’s Science Quickly, I’m Rachel Feltman. For many…
Left Out of Ukraine Talks, Europe Races to Organize a Response
Russia-Ukraine War The Trump administration’s push for direct negotiations with Russia without Ukraine’s involvement leaves the European allies with no clear role. By Andrew E. Kramer Reporting from Kyiv, Ukraine While American officials prepared on Sunday for the start of talks with Russia over ending the war in Ukraine, European leaders were rushing to formulate…
Government Accountability official says fraud does exist, but it’s not widespread
Luke Garrett President Trump and Elon Musk have vowed to uncover and eliminate fraud in the federal government, and the White House has pointed to a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report as evidence and justification for their ongoing efforts to take over and dismantle federal agencies. The GAO is an agency under Congress that…
Bad Bunny Makes Surprising Confession About His SNL Milestone
After Bad Bunny both hosted and starred as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live, he revealed what his favorite part of taking on double duty was. Bad Bunny loves trying new things. One year after the “Monaco” rapper took on double duty as host and musical guest on Saturday Night Live, he shared insight into…
Cook Islands PM defends signing of wide-ranging deal with China
Mark Brown says Beijing deal that covers trade, investment, oceans, infrastructure and transport complements ties with New Zealand The Cook Islands says it has signed a deal to expand relations with China, stressing that the accord does not impinge on ties with former colonial power New Zealand. Prime minister Mark Brown said he signed an…
JWST Spies a Giant Space Hamburger—and Maybe Planetary Origins, Too
The UniverseFridays JWST Spies a Giant Space Hamburger—and Maybe Planetary Origins, Too It’s neither fast nor food, but a spectacular object called HH 30 looks appetizing for astronomers in a new image from the James Webb Space Telescope By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings HH 30, a complex assemblage of gas and dust surrounding…
PM ‘ready and willing’ to put UK troops on the ground in Ukraine to protect peace
Sir Keir Starmer has said he is “ready and willing” to put UK troops on the ground in Ukraine to help guarantee its security as part of a peace deal. Writing in the Daily Telegraph, the UK prime minister said securing a lasting peace in Ukraine “is essential if we are to deter Putin from…
SNL 50 Red Carpet Fashion: See Every Celebrity Arrive (Live Updates)
From Adam Sandler to Amy Poehler, A-list comedians are hitting the red carpet for SNL 50: The Anniversary Special in New York Feb. 16. See every star arrive. You can feel the excitement in your funny bones. To mark the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live, Hollywood stars are hitting the red carpet in New…
Brother of British national held in Nigeria says UK has ‘turned its back’
Kingsley Kanu, brother of Indigenous People of Biafra leader Nnamdi Kanu, calls on PM to defend British citizens The brother of a British national being held in Nigeria after falling victim to extraordinary rendition has accused the UK government of turning its back, and called on Keir Starmer to “wake up” and “defend British citizens”.…
Trump’s Proposal to Expel Palestinians From Gaza Hangs Over Rubio’s Israel Trip
Trump Administration Scholars of international law say President Trump’s vision for American control of a Gaza without Palestinians would be ethnic cleansing and a war crime. By Edward Wong and Isabel Kershner Edward Wong reported from Washington, and Isabel Kershner from Jerusalem. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel…
Jacob Kiplimo sets new half marathon record, finishes in under 57 minutes
Juliana Kim Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda ran with a vengeance in Barcelona on Sunday — masterfully reclaiming the half marathon world record after the title was taken from him last year. “What a day!” he wrote on Instagram. “Today everything has been perfect, the course, the weather and of course myself.” A post shared by…
US deports 119 immigrants of varying nationalities to Panama
People from Afghanistan, Iran, China and other countries flown out as Trump’s deportation effort intensifies The US has sent undocumented immigrants from several Asian countries whose governments have refused to accept them to Panama, in a move signalling an intensification of the Trump administration’s deportation effort. A military plane carrying 119 immigrants from countries including…
‘No durable peace’ in Ukraine if Europe not in talks, says minister
There can be “no durable peace” in Ukraine without European nations, particularly Ukrainians, taking part in talks to end the war with Russia, the business secretary has told the BBC. Jonathan Reynolds downplayed divisions between the US and its allies over resolving the conflict, after concerns over the Trump administration moving ahead with peace talks…
Why Aren’t We Losing Our Minds Over the Plastic in Our Brains?
Opinion Cross CurrentsFridays Why Aren’t We Losing Our Minds Over the Plastic in Our Brains? New research on microplastics in brains reminds us that while scientists compile safety data, our leaders should still act By Megha Satyanarayana edited by Dan Vergano Richard Thompson, director of the Marine Institute of Plymouth analyzes nurdles and other micro-plastics…
Protests are set to take place on Presidents Day. Here is why
By Chandelis Duster Protests are set to take place in several major cities across the U.S. on Monday, the Presidents Day holiday, according to activists. These demonstrations are being organized by the 50501 Movement, which stands for “50 protests. 50 states. 1 movement.” The protests are a response to what organizers describe as “the anti-democratic…
Trump Team Leaves Behind an Alliance in Crisis
Trump Administration news analysis European leaders felt certain about one thing after a whirlwind tour by Trump officials — they were entering a new world where it was harder to depend on the United States. By David E. Sanger and Steven Erlanger Reporting from Munich Many critical issues were left uncertain — including the fate…
Nordstrom Quietly Released Their Presidents’ Day Deals up to 60% Off
PSA: Your favorite luxury retailer is having a major winter sale right now, with many luxury brands starting at $27. Our writers and editors independently determine what we cover and recommend. When you buy through our links, E! may earn a commission. Learn more. Luxury fashion lovers, get ready to shop ‘til you drop! Nordstrom just…
Duck Dynasty’s Sadie Robertson Is Pregnant, Expecting Baby No. 3
Duck Dynasty star Sadie Robertson and husband Christian Huff are expecting their third child. Get more details about their baby news and growing family. The Duck Dynasty flock is growing. Sadie Robertson, the third-eldest of Korie and Willie Robertson‘s six children and the granddaughter of Duck Commander founder Phil Robertson, and her husband Christian Huff…
Mexico threatens to escalate US gunmakers lawsuit with terror charges
Claudia Scheinbaum warns of reciprocal action if Washington designates country’s cartels as terrorist groups Mexico’s president has warned US gunmakers they could face fresh legal action as accomplices of organized crime if Washington designates the country’s cartels as terrorist groups. The Latin American country, which is under mounting pressure from Donald Trump to curb illegal…
Trump administration’s mixed messaging on foreign policy leaves world guessing
A cracked windscreen forced US Secretary of State Marco Rubio into a rapid U-turn as his plane, en route to the Munich Security Conference, had to turn back an hour into the flight. America’s top diplomat, his senior officials and the travelling press returned to Andrews Air Force Base near Washington DC on Thursday night.…
Fans in Montreal loudly boo U.S. anthem prior to Americans’ 4 Nations game vs. Canada
By The Associated Press MONTREAL — Fans in Montreal loudly booed the U.S. national anthem prior to the 4 Nations Face-Off game between the Americans and Canada on Saturday night. It’s the second time “The Star-Spangled Banner” drew that reaction in two games the United States has played at the NHL-run international tournament. And it…