The signal
over the noise.

A heatwave has persisted in the UK for two weeks, reaching the two-week milestone.

Scientists have confirmed the first atmosphere around a rocky exoplanet in the habitable zone, identifying LHS 1140b as the subject. The team detected escaping helium in 2024 data, although the signal was absent in 2025 observations, leading to further analysis. The discovery provides key insights into planetary habitability around red dwarf stars, though experts note the detected atmospheric loss occurs in the upper atmosphere rather than near the surface.

A primate with pinkish-orange lips and a black face has been confirmed as a new species following confirmations from sightings in Lomami National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo. An international team began studying the animal after a second sighting occurred ten years after the initial report in 2008. Dr. Karen Laurenson of the Frankfurt Zoological Society noted the discovery highlights unexplored areas of the natural world.

Sotheby’s is auctioning a 67-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton named Gus, which experts estimate could sell for up to $30 million. While auction houses argue that sales preserve fossils from erosion and fund excavation, paleontologists contend that private ownership undermines scientific research by obscuring geological context and limiting study access. Recent high-profile sales, including a Stegosaurus and a juvenile Ceratosaurus, have drawn criticism as private collections increasingly outnumber public ones.

The UK is experiencing a prolonged heatwave characterized by exceptionally high sunshine hours, dry conditions, and temperatures reaching 35C in early July. Persistent high pressure has eliminated rainfall in areas like Surrey, resulting in hosepipe bans for over eight million households in England. While a slight temperature drop is predicted for the weekend, forecasts indicate that high pressure will return next week, extending the period of hot, sunny weather.

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