Scientists Baffled: Enormous Planet Found Orbiting Tiny Star in Cosmic Twist

Astronomers have made a surprising discovery: a massive planet orbiting a tiny star, challenging existing theories about planetary formation. The star, TOI-6894, is a small red dwarf with just 20 percent of the sun's mass. Until now, scientists believed such stars couldn't host large planets due to insufficient gas and dust for core formation. An international team detected the gas giant using NASA's TESS space telescope and confirmed its existence with ground-based telescopes like Chile's Very Large Telescope. "The fact that this star hosts a giant planet has big implications for the total number of giant planets we estimate exist in our galaxy," said Daniel Bayliss from Warwick University. The newly discovered planet, TOI-6894b, has a radius slightly larger than Saturn but only half its mass and completes an orbit in just over three days. Vincent Van Eylen of University College London called it an "intriguing discovery," adding that it challenges current models of planetary formation. Interestingly, TOI-6894b is unusually cold compared to other known gas giants outside our solar system. While most are "hot Jupiters" with temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius, this planet remains below 150C. Amaury Triaud from Birmingham University noted that these low temperatures might allow atmospheric observations to detect ammonia for the first time in an exoplanet atmosphere. The James Webb Space Telescope is set to study this peculiar planet next year, potentially unveiling more mysteries about its nature.

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Why Scientists Built the World's Smallest Violin—and What It Could Mean for You

If you're thinking of airing grievances about your schedule, Loughborough University might not be the place to do it. Instead, you might find yourself marveling at their latest scientific feat: the creation of what could be the world's smallest violin. Physicists at the university have crafted a tiny instrument using advanced nanotechnology. This miniature marvel measures just 35 microns long and 13 microns wide—smaller than the width of a human hair. While it's not a playable instrument, this microscopic violin is more than just a novelty; it's paving the way for groundbreaking research in various fields. Professor Kelly Morrison, head of Loughborough's physics department, explained that this project has laid essential groundwork for future studies. "A lot of what we've learned in the process has actually laid the groundwork for the research we're now undertaking," she said. The violin was created using a cutting-edge nanolithography system that allows researchers to build and study minuscule structures. "Our nanolithography system allows us to design experiments that probe materials in different ways, using light, magnetism, or electricity, and observe their responses," Morrison noted. This technology could lead to advancements in computing efficiency and energy harvesting methods. However, understanding fundamental science is crucial first. The team behind this achievement includes Dr. Naëmi Leo and Dr. Arthur Coveney. Creating this tiny violin involved coating a small chip with gel-like material layers before etching its surface with thermal scanning probe lithography, a precise nanoscale technique. While it takes about three hours to craft one violin using this method, perfecting it took several months of refinement and testing by Morrison's team. "I'm really excited about the level of control and possibilities we have with the set-up," Morrison added enthusiastically.

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Medical Breakthrough: 'Miracle' Baby Finally Goes Home After Defying the Odds

A remarkable medical breakthrough has brought joy to the Muldoon family as their son, KJ, finally returns home after spending nearly a year at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Born with a rare genetic condition, KJ's future seemed uncertain until he received life-changing gene-editing therapy. This innovative treatment offered him a new lease on life and allowed him to leave the hospital for the first time since his birth. KJ's journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. His parents expressed immense gratitude for the medical team and cutting-edge technology that made this moment possible. "We are beyond thankful for everyone who played a part in KJ's recovery," they shared. The gene-editing therapy used in KJ's treatment is considered groundbreaking, offering hope to many families facing similar challenges. It represents a significant advancement in pediatric care and showcases the potential of modern medicine to transform lives. As KJ settles into his new routine at home, his family says they look forward to creating cherished memories together.

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This Stranded Dog Was Just Saved from a Perilous Rock Ledge in Mexico

A daring rescue unfolded near the Tequexquinahuac mines in Mexico, where a dog found itself stranded on a precarious rock ledge. Local firefighters sprang into action, employing a rope mechanism to safely guide the canine down the steep cliff face. The incident drew attention from nearby residents and animal lovers alike, who anxiously watched as the rescue team meticulously worked to ensure the dog's safety. The operation required precision and teamwork, with firefighters demonstrating both skill and compassion. One of the rescuers described the scene: "We knew we had to act quickly but carefully. The dog's safety was our top priority." As they lowered the dog to safety, cheers erupted from onlookers who had gathered at a safe distance. The successful rescue not only highlighted the dedication of local emergency services but also underscored community spirit. Many praised the firefighters for their swift response and commitment to saving lives, both human and animal. In an interview following the event, one firefighter said, "It's moments like these that remind us why we do what we do. Seeing that dog safe and sound made it all worthwhile."

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Meet the 6-Year-Old Math Prodigy Who Just Joined Mensa

Elijah Kodzo Motey, a six-year-old from Bedford, Nova Scotia, has joined the ranks of Mensa International, one of the world's most prestigious high-IQ societies. Elijah is among 50 Nova Scotians who have been accepted into this exclusive group, which requires members to score in the top two percent on standardized intelligence tests. "We are so proud, we're so excited," said his mother, Mercy Mutale Motey. "I think we are still in shock in some ways." From an early age, Elijah displayed remarkable intelligence. At just two years old, he was spelling complex words with fridge magnets and had already taught himself to read and write. His talents extended to math as well; he was solving multiplication tables before most children his age could count. "He would be doing three times tables — three, six, nine and 12. And he was like two years old," Mercy recalled. To support their gifted child, the Moteys sought membership for Elijah in Mensa. Since the organization only tests individuals aged 14 and older directly, they had him evaluated by a psychologist and submitted those results to Atlantic Mensa. Elijah's father, Delali Motey, expressed confidence in his son's acceptance into Mensa due to his evident aptitude for math and learning. At school under the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial board, Elijah says he enjoys subjects like math for problem-solving and gym for physical activity. "I can be smart and intelligent," he said about his school experience. Barry Schmidel from Mensa Canada emphasized that the organization fosters a community for highly intelligent individuals without elitism. Meanwhile, Mercy believes in advocating for her children's educational needs while encouraging them to explore their passions freely.

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From Marv’s Son to Sports Icon: Kenny Albert’s Record-Breaking Year Hits New High

For TNT’s Kenny Albert, last night's Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers wasn't just another high-stakes hockey matchup. It marked his 1,483rd national game call across hockey, football and baseball. That’s more than just a stat. It moves him past his father, the legendary Marv Albert, and into fourth place all-time among North American sports broadcasters. “To be listed along with some of the all-time greats who I watched growing up and then got to know personally, it’s a proud moment,” Albert said. “My schedule is definitely a bit of a jigsaw puzzle between the various sports and networks, but I’m very fortunate to work for and with so many great people.” Albert’s recent run has been extraordinary. Over the past nine months, he’s passed 500 national game broadcasts in both the NFL and NHL, hitting those milestones just six months apart. He became the first NFL play-by-play announcer to call 500 games for a single network when he called Eagles vs. Browns on Fox last October. Then, in December, he hit 500 NHL games during a Flyers–Red Wings broadcast on TNT. The full tally? 534 NHL games, 512 NFL games, 421 baseball broadcasts, and 15 NBA games — all on national television or cable. And that doesn’t include his longtime role as the radio voice of the New York Rangers or his fill-in work for the Knicks on MSG Network. That breadth of experience is no accident. Like his father, Marv, whose voice became synonymous with the NBA but who also worked extensively in NFL, NHL, and MLB coverage, Kenny built a career on versatility. “I’ve always loved the variety,” he said. Still, for all the accolades, one moment this year stands above the rest: calling Alex Ovechkin’s record-breaking 895th goal, which surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL scoring mark. That moment — April 6, against the Islanders — required a delicate balance between delivering the moment and getting out of the way. Albert thought through a few possible calls but decided against using phrases that had already been echoed by other broadcasters. “When it happened, it just came out naturally,” he said. “I mentioned No. 895 and then I just got out of the way. It was very important after the call to just lay out and let the production folks do their thing. Let the pictures and sound tell the story.” According to Un/Necessary Sports Research, only three announcers have called more national broadcasts than Albert: Bob Cole (1,722), Dick Stockton (1,544), and Chris Cuthbert (1,539). Cuthbert may surpass Stockton during this year’s Stanley Cup Final, depending on how many games it goes. Kevin Harlan is next in line at 1,477 and is expected to move past Marv Albert (1,481) during the upcoming NFL season. This year’s Final will be Kenny Albert’s 11th overall — eight on radio, three on TV — but it’s his first time calling a rematch in the championship round. The last Cup Final rematch was 15 years ago, when Pittsburgh and Detroit went back-to-back in 2008 and 2009. “It has a chance to be one of the all-time great championship series,” Albert said. “These same teams played a scintillating seven-game series last June. Star power on both sides. Edmonton trying to bring the Cup back to Canada for the first time since 1993. Florida aiming to repeat. And Connor McDavid with a shot to match the greats like Gretzky and Crosby by winning his first Cup — and doing it against the team that beat him a year ago. I can’t wait.”

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NFL Stars Go Bold with Hair Makeovers for Pediatric Cancer Fundraiser

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hosted their annual "Cut and Color Funds the Cure" event on Tuesday to support the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. This year, quarterback Baker Mayfield joined in by having his hair spray-painted in the team's signature red and creamsicle orange colors by pediatric cancer survivors. Now in its 11th year, the event has raised $760,000 since its inception. As of Tuesday night, donations for 2025 were approaching $80,000. After getting his new look, Mayfield asked Bucs Chief Operating Officer Brian Ford, who also participated by shaving his head as part of his yearly tradition, "How do I look? Fantastic?" Ford replied with enthusiasm: "Awesome!" Ford alone raised $66,183 for the cause. The Buccaneers shared a tweet showcasing Mayfield's new style and highlighting the involvement of pediatric cancer patients in coloring and shaving hair for charity. Joining Mayfield in sporting bold hairstyles were General Manager Jason Licht and All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr., both opting for a red-and-creamsicle split look. All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs and 2024 first-round draft pick Graham Barton added a creative twist this year with hair extensions. Wirfs wore one red extension alongside a creamsicle one to complement his colorful combo, while Barton chose short creamsicle bangs paired with a longer ponytail. Right tackle Luke Goedeke engaged with his young stylist Hannah during the event. He playfully asked her to make him look pretty as she sprayed creamsicle on top of his head with red down the sides. At 6-foot-5, he leaned back so she could reach him properly. After finishing her work, Hannah exclaimed confidently: "You're done! You look good!"

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From High School to High Wire: Teen's Leap Into Circus Arts Astonishes All

Eighteen-year-old Beccy Thomas from Rufforth, England, is set to soar to new heights as she embarks on a three-year undergraduate course at the National Centre for Circus Arts in London. Her journey into the world of aerial acrobatics began just four years ago at Studio Cloud Nine in York, where she discovered her passion for the adrenaline-charged art form. "When I finished school and everyone was saying, 'what do you want to do now' and mentioning different things, I just wanted to do circus," Thomas said. Thomas has honed her skills in trapeze, hoop, and silk classes—each involving breathtaking feats performed while suspended from the ceiling. One of her favorite moves is the "drop," a controlled fall that tests an aerialist's strength and precision. "On your first time doing a drop you think 'oh gosh I can't do this', it's that rollercoaster feeling," she explained. "But after a few times, it's just fun." Encouraged by her teacher Zoe Partington, Thomas applied to the prestigious program despite initial surprise from her family about her career choice. "I think at first it was a bit of a shock, but I've always been the crazy child," she said. The application process was competitive; only 30 students are accepted each year. It required video submissions showcasing her talents before an audition day in London. Starting in September, Thomas will study subjects ranging from juggling to clowning and even teeterboard techniques. She dreams of joining Cirque du Soleil or performing on cruise ships post-graduation. "We couldn't be prouder of Beccy," Partington said. "Her journey is a testimony to her dedication and hard work." Reflecting on choosing this path, Thomas added, "I was just so into it. I was just completely obsessed and still am."

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Will Ferrell is Bringing Eurovision Magic to Broadway in a Surprising New Musical

Will Ferrell is bringing his 2020 Netflix comedy "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga" to Broadway. Teaming up with long-time collaborator Harper Steele, the duo will adapt the film into a stage musical alongside Anthony King, known for his work on Broadway hits like "Beetlejuice" and "Gutenberg! The Musical!" Ferrell expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “We are more than excited to bring Eurovision to Broadway. The stage musical is a perfect place to continue our celebration of all the things we love about this amazing and unifying song competition.” The original film, released in June 2020, follows Icelandic singers portrayed by Ferrell and Rachel McAdams as they compete in Eurovision. Despite mixed reviews—Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian described it as “a strange, tonally misfiring movie”—the film earned an Oscar nomination for best original song. Martin Green, CBE, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, praised the adaptation team: “This is a stellar team for what I am sure will be an equally stellar adaptation of a film the world loved.” He emphasized their goal to spread Eurovision's joy globally as they approach its 70th edition in 2026. Alex Timber will direct the show; he is currently directing the Tony-nominated Bobby Darin musical "Just in Time." While no timeline has been set for production, anticipation is building among fans eager to see how Ferrell and Steele translate their comedic vision from screen to stage.

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Meet Su Su: The Rescued Bear Transforming Life After Bile Farming Trauma

On a bright spring day, Su Su, an Asiatic black bear at Vietnam Bear Sanctuary, enjoys her newfound freedom by foraging for pumpkins and playing on a tire swing. Unlike her wild counterparts, Su Su is part of a lifelong rehabilitation process after being rescued from the bear bile farming industry in 2016. In 2023, during a routine health check, Su Su underwent gallbladder surgery and two root canals. An ultrasound also revealed renal cell carcinoma, leading to kidney removal. These procedures are part of the sanctuary's efforts to address the severe health issues faced by bears rescued from bile farms. Bear bile farming involves extracting bile from captive bears for use in traditional Chinese medicine. This practice has left many bears with significant physical and psychological trauma. "A lot of the bears have psychological and physical trauma from their lives in cages," said Brian Crudge of Free the Bears. Vietnam outlawed bear bile farming in 2005, but left thousands of bears in captivity. Sanctuaries like Vietnam Bear Sanctuary provide these animals with care and rehabilitation. "What we want to do is give them a life where they feel empowered to make all the choices that they can," said Shaun Thomson, senior veterinary surgeon at the sanctuary. The sanctuary employs innovative techniques such as cooperative care training and root canals to improve the bears' quality of life. As Vietnam's bear bile industry nears its end, new sanctuaries are being established to house remaining captive bears. With local caretakers now trained as veterinary nurses, these sanctuaries aim to continue providing compassionate care long into the future. "We have to run on the mentality that every life wants to live," Thomson emphasized.

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