The discovery may sound like evidence of aliens, but scientists say the radio signals have a natural explanation. Researchers believe the emissions are produced by auroral activity, similar to the processes that create the northern and southern lights on Earth.

Auroras occur when charged particles interact with a planet’s magnetic field. On Earth, these interactions create colourful displays near the polar regions. Similar auroral activity has also been observed on planets such as Jupiter and Saturn.

Scientists used the MeerKAT radio telescope array in South Africa to observe Beta Pictoris b. The researchers detected rapidly repeating, highly circularly polarised radio bursts as well as continuous radio emission between 0.85 and 3.5 gigahertz. Importantly, the observations were able to link the radio emission directly to the planet rather than simply to its host star.

Beta Pictoris b is a young gas giant located in the Beta Pictoris system, about 19 parsecs, or roughly 63 light-years, from Earth. The planet has been studied for years because of its young age and large size, and it was previously detected through direct imaging.

The radio signals also provided important information about the planet’s magnetic field. The researchers concluded that Beta Pictoris b has a magnetic field of at least 1.25 kilogauss, or about 1,250 gauss. This is far stronger than Earth’s surface magnetic field, which is roughly half a gauss.

The radio emission is believed to be produced through a process called electron cyclotron maser emission. This process occurs when energetic electrons move through a magnetic field and produce radio waves. Because the frequency of this emission is linked to magnetic-field strength, the observations allowed scientists to estimate the planet’s magnetic field directly.

The discovery is important because magnetic fields can influence how planets interact with their surrounding environments. They can help shape atmospheric escape and provide clues about a planet’s interior and its interaction with stellar winds.

Scientists hope that similar radio observations can be used to study other exoplanets in the future. Detecting auroral radio emissions could give researchers a new method for understanding the magnetic properties of worlds far beyond our solar system.

The discovery does not provide evidence of extraterrestrial life. Instead, it offers a new scientific window into how magnetic fields and auroras work on distant planets—and shows how powerful radio telescopes can reveal details that cannot easily be seen using ordinary optical observations.

The landslide began when a huge section of rock and ice broke away from Langtang Lirung mountain. The falling material quickly turned into a massive debris flow made up of rocks, mud, ice and water. According to satellite observations, the debris moved at speeds of more than 160 km/h, or around 100 mph.

The force of the landslide destroyed villages and other areas along its path. The debris continued moving toward the direction of India, causing widespread destruction across the affected region. The size and speed of the event made rescue and recovery operations extremely difficult.

Geological engineer Ranjan Dahal described the disaster as almost impossible to imagine. He said an event of this scale would be difficult even to portray realistically in a Hollywood movie. His comments reflected the unusual size and destructive power of the landslide.

Scientists are still trying to determine exactly why the large section of bedrock broke away from the mountain. Researchers believe that several natural factors may have contributed to the disaster, including the region’s geology, glaciers and changing climate conditions.

Glaciologist Ulyana Peña said the melting of mountain ice could increase the risk of major landslides in high-altitude regions. Ice and frozen material can help hold steep mountain slopes together. As temperatures rise and glaciers and ice continue to melt, some mountain areas may become less stable.

The disaster has also renewed concerns about the effects of climate change on mountain communities. High mountain regions around the world contain large amounts of ice and are particularly sensitive to rising temperatures. Changes in glaciers and frozen ground can affect the stability of slopes and increase the possibility of rockfalls, landslides and other hazards.

Researchers say more monitoring of glaciers, mountain slopes and geological conditions could help identify warning signs before similar disasters occur. However, predicting exactly when a major landslide will happen remains extremely difficult.

The tragedy in northern Nepal highlights the serious risks faced by communities living near high mountain ranges. As scientists continue to study the causes of the disaster, the event is also drawing attention to the wider impact of a warming climate on fragile mountain environments.

A study of over 1,000 female brains found that gray matter volume decreased at menarche and again during pregnancy. These changes are permanent and separate from age-related decline. However, no changes were seen during menopause, according to a report in Nature Communications.

Sophie van ’t Hof, a cognitive neuroscientist, explains that the brain continues to change throughout life, even in adulthood. Small reductions in gray matter happen across a lifetime, especially during major hormonal shifts like puberty and pregnancy.

During pregnancy, overall brain volume decreases by about 4%. This isn’t loss of function but rather remodeling, preparing the brain for parenthood. Similar changes happen at menarche.

Few studies have looked at brain changes during menopause. Van ’t Hof and her team analyzed MRI scans from adolescents before and after menarche, adults before and after pregnancy, and those before and after menopause. They compared these with scans of people whose hormone levels were stable.

As expected, gray matter decreased in the cortex during pregnancy and menarche. But no changes were seen during menopause. In fact, age-related declines in gray matter stopped during this time.

One of the groups was given the name Swiftiephylus, inspired by American singer Taylor Swift. The name was chosen by researcher Sarah Schroeder, who worked on the study as part of her PhD research.

Schroeder has been a Taylor Swift fan for many years and said the singer’s music has had an important influence on her life. She decided that naming a group of newly identified insects after Swift would be a meaningful way to combine her scientific work with a personal interest.

The insects in the Swiftiephylus group also have a distinctive appearance. They feature yellow coloring with red highlights, making them visually different from some of the other insects studied by the researchers.

The discovery highlights the wide variety of insects that can be found in Australia’s native trees. It also shows that scientific research can sometimes have a personal and creative side, with researchers using names inspired by people, culture and their own interests.

Naming new species is an important part of biological research because it helps scientists identify and study different organisms. In this case, the unusual name Swiftiephylus gives the newly recognized insect group a memorable connection to popular culture.

The twin prime conjecture suggests that there are infinitely many pairs of prime numbers that are exactly two numbers apart. Examples include (3, 5), (5, 7), and (17, 19). Although mathematicians have studied the problem for many years, proving that there are infinitely many such pairs remains an unsolved challenge.

Stadlmann’s work was considered an important achievement after more than a decade without major progress in this particular line of research. Mathematician Kannan Soundararajan praised the difficulty of the work and highlighted Stadlmann’s persistence in continuing to study the problem.

However, the situation changed very quickly. Within just three days, AI startup Axiom Math announced results that improved on Stadlmann’s findings. The pace became even faster when OpenAI reportedly produced a result that went beyond both earlier records only two hours after Axiom’s announcement.

The speed of these developments has raised concerns among some mathematicians. They argue that mathematics is not simply about setting new records or producing better numerical results. For many researchers, understanding why a result works and developing new ideas are just as important as reaching a stronger result.

Some mathematicians feel that AI companies may be approaching mathematical research differently from traditional academic researchers. Instead of spending years developing an idea and building a deep understanding of a problem, AI systems can rapidly search through large numbers of possibilities and produce results.

Renowned mathematician Terence Tao has also expressed concerns about this approach. He criticized the focus on quickly surpassing human achievements, arguing that mathematical research is also about understanding, curiosity and expanding human knowledge.

The episode has highlighted the changing relationship between humans and AI in mathematics. Human mathematicians often spend years working on difficult problems, developing techniques and learning from failed attempts. AI systems, meanwhile, can examine mathematical possibilities at extremely high speed.

Supporters of AI in mathematics believe these tools could help researchers solve problems that have remained unanswered for decades. They argue that AI can act as a powerful assistant, helping mathematicians discover patterns, test ideas and explore difficult calculations.

The debate is therefore not simply about whether AI is better or faster than humans. It also raises a deeper question about what should count as progress in mathematics. As AI becomes more capable, mathematicians will have to find ways to combine the speed of machines with the creativity, reasoning and understanding of human researchers.

The recent developments surrounding the twin prime conjecture show how quickly this field is changing. What once took mathematicians years of work may now be challenged by AI systems within hours, creating both exciting opportunities and difficult questions for the future of mathematical research.

The September 11 attacks left a lasting impact on thousands of people. Rescue workers, firefighters, police officers, medical workers, cleanup crews, local residents, and others who worked near Ground Zero were exposed to dust, smoke, and dangerous materials released after the towers collapsed.

Over the years, many people who were exposed to the disaster have developed serious health problems. Some have suffered from respiratory diseases and cancers, while others have experienced mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.

Twenty-five years after the attacks, these health problems continue to affect survivors and responders. As many of those who worked at Ground Zero grow older, some are now developing new medical conditions or seeing existing problems become more serious.

Retirement can also create additional emotional challenges. People who spent years working and staying active may find that retirement gives them more time to think about their experiences. Important anniversaries, including September 11, can bring back painful memories and emotions connected to the attacks.

Jodi Streich, a mental health director at the World Trade Center Health Program in New Jersey, has pointed out that these emotional effects do not simply disappear after the anniversary. Memories and feelings connected to the tragedy can return even many years later.

The World Trade Center Health Program was created to provide medical monitoring and treatment to people affected by the September 11 disasters. The program supports rescue and recovery workers, cleanup crews, and people who lived or worked near the World Trade Center and other attack locations.

As of 2026, more than 154,000 people are enrolled in the program. Its funding is expected to continue through 2090, allowing affected people to receive medical care for many years.

The continuing work of the program shows that the effects of September 11 did not end when the attacks were over. For many survivors and responders, the physical and emotional consequences have lasted for decades.

Twenty-five years later, healthcare providers continue to support those affected by the tragedy. Their work remains important as an aging generation of responders and survivors faces new health challenges connected to one of the darkest moments in modern American history.

Malaria is caused by a parasite that is spread to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. For many years, West and Central Africa have recorded some of the highest levels of malaria because the region has generally provided suitable temperatures and rainfall for both mosquitoes and the parasite.

However, scientists say climate change is beginning to change these conditions. As temperatures rise, some areas that were previously suitable for malaria transmission may become less favourable for mosquitoes. At the same time, warmer conditions could make some areas farther east and south more suitable.

Researchers studied data covering more than a century to understand how climate conditions may have affected malaria cases across Africa. Climate scientists used information from blood samples and developed models that connected malaria levels with factors such as temperature and rainfall.

The researchers then compared the results with a model showing what malaria patterns might have looked like in a world without human-caused climate change. This comparison helped them estimate the possible influence of global warming on the spread of the disease.

The study found that between 1901 and 2014, climate change likely caused a small overall increase in malaria cases across Africa. However, the impact was not the same everywhere. Some parts of East and southern Africa experienced greater increases, while some areas in West Africa saw malaria risk decline.

Ethiopia, for example, was among the areas where malaria cases increased as conditions became more suitable for transmission. In contrast, some parts of West Africa may have become less suitable for the mosquitoes and parasites because of changing temperatures.

The researchers also looked ahead to the end of this century. Under a moderate level of global warming, their models suggest that malaria rates across sub-Saharan Africa could fall by around 2% by 2100. However, this overall decline does not mean that every country or region will experience less malaria.

The findings show that climate change can produce very different health effects in different parts of the same continent. Some communities could face a lower risk of malaria, while others may experience an increase as mosquitoes and malaria parasites move into new areas.

The changing pattern could create new challenges for health authorities. Areas that have historically experienced lower levels of malaria may need to prepare for a greater risk if environmental conditions become more suitable for transmission.

At the same time, malaria control programs will continue to be important in regions where the disease remains common. Measures such as mosquito control, bed nets, early diagnosis and effective treatment can help reduce the impact of malaria.

The study highlights that climate change is not simply making the planet warmer. It is also changing environmental conditions that affect diseases and the people who are exposed to them.

Overall, the research suggests that global warming is reshaping the distribution of malaria across Africa. While the total number of cases may change only slightly under some future climate scenarios, the movement of malaria risk between regions could have major consequences for millions of people and public health systems across the continent.

It’s possible, but unlikely. According to Joy Reidenberg, an expert on whale anatomy, a very large adult sperm whale could accidentally swallow a person. These whales can grow over 18 meters long, much bigger than most we see today. However, other large whales like fin whales wouldn’t be able to swallow someone because their throats are too narrow. Reidenberg knows this from studying whale carcasses—she barely fits her arm down their throats.

Baleen whales, including fin whales, feed on tiny creatures like krill and plankton by filtering water through baleen plates. This creates a slurry they “drink,” unlike the way toothed whales like sperm whales hunt large prey.

In rare cases, people have been caught by baleen whales while they were hunting. For example, in 2019, a Bryde’s whale briefly grabbed a photographer off South Africa before letting go. These incidents are accidental and not intentional hunting.

Sperm whales, on the other hand, hunt giant and colossal squid, which can be up to 14 meters long. While they could theoretically swallow a person, such events are extremely rare.

The problem is considered one of the biggest unanswered questions in modern mathematics. Because of its importance, the Clay Mathematics Institute placed it among the seven Millennium Prize Problems and offered a $1 million prize for a correct solution.

The Navier-Stokes equations are used to describe how fluids such as water and air move. They take into account factors including pressure, density and speed. Scientists use these equations in many areas, including weather forecasting, ocean studies, engineering and aircraft design.

The main question is whether solutions to the Navier-Stokes equations always remain smooth and well-behaved. In simple terms, mathematicians want to know whether the equations can always produce reasonable results or whether they can suddenly develop a mathematical singularity, where quantities become infinitely large.

On September 8, OpenAI announced that its researchers had obtained a solution to the Navier-Stokes problem. The announcement attracted considerable attention because solving the problem would represent a major achievement in mathematics.

The announcement came shortly after mathematicians Tristan Buckmaster and Levent Alpöge reported important progress on a related problem involving the Euler equations. The Euler equations are closely connected to the Navier-Stokes equations but are somewhat simpler because they do not include the effects of viscosity.

Buckmaster and Alpöge used AI-based methods, including models developed by OpenAI, in their work. Their research examined whether solutions to the Euler equations could “blow up.” In mathematics, this means that certain values could become infinitely large in a finite amount of time instead of remaining under control.

Their findings attracted attention because they showed how AI could potentially help mathematicians investigate extremely complicated mathematical questions. The work also led to speculation about whether the research had influenced OpenAI’s subsequent work on the Navier-Stokes problem.

OpenAI reportedly used thousands of AI agents to investigate the Navier-Stokes equations. The systems were able to explore large numbers of possible mathematical approaches much faster than a human researcher could do alone.

However, the announcement has also created debate within the mathematical community. Experts are discussing the exact nature of OpenAI’s result and whether it meets the very strict standards required for a formal mathematical proof. A mathematical solution to such a famous problem must be carefully checked by independent experts before it can be widely accepted.

There are also questions about timing. Some researchers have wondered whether OpenAI had access to or was influenced by the findings of Buckmaster and Alpöge before announcing its own work. These questions have added another layer of controversy to the story.

Despite the debate, the development shows the growing role of artificial intelligence in advanced mathematical research. AI can examine large numbers of possibilities, identify patterns and suggest approaches that researchers may not immediately consider.

The Navier-Stokes problem has challenged mathematicians for generations because of its connection to the basic laws governing fluid movement. A fully verified solution would be a landmark achievement not only for mathematics but also for the growing field of AI-assisted scientific research.

For now, experts will continue to examine the claims carefully. If the result is independently verified as a complete solution, it could mark an important moment in the history of mathematics and demonstrate how AI can contribute to solving some of science’s most difficult problems.

The findings were published in Nature Medicine. Scientists say the results are interesting because the shingles vaccine was developed to protect people from shingles, not heart disease. The possible heart-related benefit was an unexpected finding that could lead to more research.

Shingles is a painful illness that causes a rash and blisters. It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus can remain inactive in the body and become active again years later, causing shingles.

Around one million people in the United States develop shingles each year. The illness can cause severe pain, and some people can continue to experience nerve pain even after the rash disappears.

The first shingles vaccine used a weakened form of the virus to help the immune system fight the infection. However, that vaccine was discontinued in 2017. Shingrix, the newer vaccine, works differently. It uses a small piece of a protein from the virus rather than using the whole virus.

Researchers wanted to understand whether the difference between the two vaccines could have other effects on people’s health. They compared health records from people who received the older vaccine in 2017 with records of people who received Shingrix in 2018.

The researchers followed the health information of these groups for about seven years. Their findings showed that people who received Shingrix had a lower rate of major heart-related problems.

According to the study, the Shingrix group had about 1.3% fewer cases of serious heart problems. These included heart failure, heart attacks and strokes.

When the results were compared for every 1,000 people, there were about 96 cases of heart problems among those who received Shingrix. In comparison, the older vaccine group had around 109 cases.

Scientists are still trying to understand why a vaccine designed to prevent shingles might also be linked to better heart health. One possibility is that preventing or reducing the effects of the shingles virus could have an impact on inflammation and blood vessels. However, researchers say this explanation has not yet been confirmed.

The findings have raised another important question: Could the shingles vaccine have benefits for blood vessels in other parts of the body? Scientists are interested in studying whether the vaccine could potentially reduce the risk of other conditions connected to blood vessel health.

However, experts caution that the study does not prove that Shingrix directly prevents heart disease. The research was based on health records and compared different groups of vaccinated people. Other factors could have influenced the results.

More studies will be needed to confirm the findings and understand the biological reasons behind them. Researchers may also need to conduct further investigations to determine whether the possible heart benefits are directly caused by the vaccine.

For now, the main purpose of the shingles vaccine remains preventing shingles and its complications. The possible protection against heart problems is an interesting additional finding that scientists will continue to investigate.

If future research confirms the connection, the discovery could make the shingles vaccine even more important for eligible adults. It could also provide scientists with new information about the relationship between viral infections, inflammation and heart health.