Astronomers have detected potential signs of life on exoplanet K2-18b, located 124 light-years away. Using the James Webb Space Telescope, they identified dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in its atmosphere—a compound on Earth primarily produced by marine organisms. K2-18b, over twice Earth's size and eight times its mass, resides in its star's habitable zone. While the presence of DMS is intriguing, scientists caution that further research is needed to confirm its biological origin and rule out non-biological sources. This discovery represents the most compelling evidence yet of potential extraterrestrial life, prompting calls for continued observation and analysis to validate these findings. (PC: NBC & Reuters)

In a groundbreaking find, scientists using the James Webb Space Telescope detected potential biosignatures—dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS)—in the atmosphere of exoplanet K2-18 b, located 124 light-years from Earth. These gases are produced on Earth only by microbial life, sparking excitement about possible extraterrestrial life. K2-18 b, a "hycean world" with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and liquid water ocean, orbits in a star’s habitable zone. Lead researcher Nikku Madhusudhan calls it a "transformational moment," though scientists urge caution, emphasizing the need for more data and theoretical studies to rule out non-biological explanations. (PC: University of Cambridge/Reuters)

A Cambridge University team has found the strongest evidence so far of potential life beyond Earth on the distant exoplanet K2-18b, 124 light-years away. Using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, researchers detected chemical signatures of dimethyl sulphide (DMS) and dimethyl disulphide (DMDS)—molecules on Earth linked to marine life. Lead scientist Prof. Nikku Madhusudhan emphasizes the findings are promising but not conclusive, as more data is needed to rule out non-biological sources. If confirmed, this discovery could revolutionize the search for extraterrestrial life and reshape humanity’s understanding of its place in the universe. (PC: Cambridge University)

In a historic first, a juvenile colossal squid was filmed alive in its natural habitat near the South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. Captured at a depth of 600 meters by a remote-controlled vehicle aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s Falkor (too), the sighting marks a century since the species was first identified. The squid, estimated at 30cm long, could grow to 7m and 500kg as an adult. The expedition, led by University of Essex scientist Dr. Michelle Taylor, also documented a glacial glass squid. The discovery highlights how little is still known about deep-sea marine life. (PC: Schmidt Ocean Institute)

In a major breakthrough, Cambridge University scientists have detected potential signs of life on the distant exoplanet K2-18b. Using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, the team identified molecules like dimethyl sulphide (DMS) in the planet’s atmosphere — gases on Earth typically produced by microorganisms. Though the findings are not yet conclusive, they mark the strongest evidence so far of extraterrestrial life. Lead researcher Prof Nikku Madhusudhan believes confirmation could arrive within two years. The discovery, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, could bring humanity closer to answering one of science’s biggest questions: Are we alone in the universe? (PC: Cambridge University)

In a historic first, a juvenile colossal squid was filmed alive in its natural habitat near the South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. Captured at a depth of 600 meters by a remote-controlled vehicle aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s Falkor (too), the sighting marks a century since the species was first identified. The squid, estimated at 30cm long, could grow to 7m and 500kg as an adult. The expedition, led by University of Essex scientist Dr. Michelle Taylor, also documented a glacial glass squid. The discovery highlights how little is still known about deep-sea marine life. (PC: Schmidt Ocean Institute)

Blue Origin’s NS-31 mission launched its first all-female crew into space on April 14, including pop star Katy Perry, who experienced weightlessness for the first time. The 11-minute suborbital flight crossed the Kármán line, traveling over 60 miles above Earth. The crew—Lauren Sanchez, Gayle King, Amanda Nguyen, Aisha Bowe, and Kerianne Flynn—joined Perry in floating freely in zero gravity aboard the New Shepard capsule. After touchdown, Perry kissed the ground and dedicated a daisy to her daughter. The crew described the journey as “profound,” marking a milestone for women in space and inspiring future generations.

On April 14, 2025, Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket launched an all-female crew into space, marking a historic milestone. The 11-minute suborbital flight from West Texas reached over 60 miles above Earth, crossing the Kármán line. The crew included singer Katy Perry, journalist Gayle King, Jeff Bezos' fiancée Lauren Sanchez, former NASA scientist Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, and film producer Kerianne Flynn. Perry brought a daisy to honor her daughter and sang "What a Wonderful World" during the flight. Upon landing, she expressed feeling "super-connected to love." King, overcoming her fear of flying, described the experience as stepping out of her comfort zone. Sanchez called the trip "profound," highlighting the view of Earth as a "jewel" against the darkness of space. The mission was attended by notable figures, including Oprah Winfrey, who was visibly emotional. This event signifies a significant step in promoting inclusivity and inspiring future generations in space exploration. 

Pop icon Katy Perry and five accomplished women safely returned to Earth after a historic Blue Origin mission — the first all-female spaceflight in over 60 years. Perry made history as the first artist to sing in space, performing What a Wonderful World while weightless. "It’s about this wonderful world we see out there and appreciating it," she said. The crew included Lauren Sánchez, Gayle King, Amanda Nguyen, Aisha Bowe, and Kerianne Flynn. “I can’t put it into words,” Sánchez said tearfully. King added, “Just to be alive, and be a part of this… is life-changing.” 

In a historic all-women spaceflight, pop star Katy Perry delivered a touching rendition of "What a Wonderful World" after glimpsing Earth from orbit. Fellow astronaut Gayle King described the spontaneous performance as a highlight of the mission, which emphasized beauty, peace, and reflection. The crew, including Lauren Sanchez, Amanda Nguyen, and Kerianne Flynn, shared emotional insights on the transformative journey. Perry brought a daisy as a symbol of resilience, underscoring her deep connection to Earth. This groundbreaking flight, launched by Blue Origin, was more than a milestone in space exploration—it was a reminder of unity, love, and the power of dreams. (PC: Blue origin)