Astronomers have discovered TOI-6894 b, a giant exoplanet orbiting a red dwarf star that is around one-fifth the mass and size of the Sun, which challenges the core accretion theory of planet formation. The study in Nature Astronomy details how the planet, comparable to Saturn in size but half its mass, has the largest planet-star size ratio observed.

Researchers found that mountain gorillas spent more time in trees than previously thought, according to a study in Current Biology that found adult females spent up to 30% of their time arboreally, with silverbacks up to 20%. "This demonstrates that the large body size of gorillas is not necessarily a limiting factor to tree climbing and that gorillas can be just as arboreal as some chimpanzee populations," says Rhianna Drummond-Clarke, coauthor of the study.

Archaeologists have discovered a large temple in Bolivia built by the Tiwanaku civilization, which predates the Incas, according to a study in Antiquity. The temple features typical Tiwanaku architectural elements and artifacts indicating extensive trade and interaction with other regions.

MIT researchers have developed a device that can collect drinking water from air, even in extreme environments such as Death Valley, according to a study in Nature Water. The device, made from hydrogel and glass, absorbs water vapor at night and condenses it into liquid during the day, producing up to two-thirds of a cup of water daily.

The Cambrian explosion may have occurred 15 million years earlier than previously thought, according to a study in Geology that analyzed trace fossils from the transition between the Ediacaran and Cambrian periods. The study suggests that complex organisms with slender, hydrostatic bodies thrived around 545 million years ago, challenging the traditional timeline based on fossils of hard parts.

An evidence review published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry found that exercise programs may help improve mood disorders in children and adolescents. The review, which analyzed data from 375 clinical trials, found that anxiety improved with low-intensity resistance exercise and depression improved with moderate-intensity exercise combining aerobic and strength programs.

A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that vaccinating for the flu during pregnancy offers significant benefits, reducing the risk of influenza infection in infants by 44% during their first six months. This protection is most pronounced when vaccinations are administered in the second or third trimester, with reductions of 51.5% and 59.3% respectively.

Bradley Class, a PhD candidate at University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, has been awarded a predoctoral fellowship award from the NIH. This grant will support his continued research into neuron mutations associated with ataxia-telangiectasia, enabling him to expand his scientific training and attend conferences to enhance his expertise.

October 30 - November 1, 2025
STEM students across the globe are invited to showcase their research and compete for awards at the 2025 International Forum on Research Excellence (IFoRE), powered by Sigma Xi. IFoRE is going virtual in 2025, which means no travel expenses and easy access for all presenting students. Students who participate in the virtual event will get unique opportunities to network with peers and professionals in their field, gain valuable research presentation experience, and discover future opportunities with school programs and employers. All competing students will be eligible for monetary awards in their discipline and education level. Learn more at experienceIFoRE.