First Detection of Carbon Dioxide on Exoplanets Revealed by James Webb Space Telescope

A recent report published in the journal *Annals of Internal Medicine* reveals a troubling trend regarding child mortality rates in the United States. The study, which analyzed mortality data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), finds that Black infants and children have died at twice the rate of their White peers since 1950, resulting in over 5 million preventable deaths. Researchers evaluated data from death certificates spanning from 1960 to 2019, along with earlier records dating back to 1950, identifying that while overall life expectancy among Black and White Americans has improved, the relative mortality rates among Black children have worsened. In the 1950s, the mortality rate for Black infants was approximately 5,181 deaths per 100,000, compared to 2,703 for White infants. By the 2010s, these figures stood at 1,073 for Black infants versus 499 for White infants, highlighting a persistent disparity. Experts attribute these disparities to systemic issues, including limited access to healthcare and economic inequalities, suggesting a vital need for policy changes to address these ongoing health crises, according to the Eurasia Review.

Senior members of the Trump administration have inadvertently exposed sensitive military discussions regarding operations against the Houthi armed group in Yemen by including a journalist in a secret chat. The incident occurred on the encrypted messaging app Signal, which is not authorized for sharing classified information. Key figures involved included Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth, among others, according to an article by Jeffrey Goldberg published in The Atlantic. The breach was confirmed by Brian Hughes, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, who acknowledged that the chat appeared authentic and would be reviewed. Concerns regarding the efficiency of operational security have escalated, especially given the involvement of a high-profile journalist like Goldberg, who noted that the content discussed matched with real military actions. Democratic Representative Pat Ryan expressed outrage, calling for immediate hearings to address the breach described as “FUBAR” (fouled up beyond all recognition). Military and intelligence experts have labeled the breach unprecedented, highlighting the risks posed to national security by such disclosures.

A 12-year-old boy from Memphis, Tennessee, named Jackson Oswalt recently garnered attention for building a nuclear fusion reactor in his bedroom, culminating in a visit from the FBI. Inspired by Taylor Wilson's TED talk on achieving controlled nuclear fusion at age 14, Oswalt embarked on his project at just 11 years old, funding the venture with parental support. After a year of experimentation, Oswalt constructed a "demo fusor," although he acknowledged it was not yet a fully functional reactor. He shared on social media his progress, detailing how he overcame various challenges to successfully achieve fusion shortly before his 13th birthday. His accomplishment earned him a Guinness World Record as the youngest person to achieve nuclear fusion, which was verified by fusion expert Richard Hull. The media attention surrounding Oswalt's project led to an FBI visit, where agents conducted a radiation inspection but found no hazards. Recognizing his potential, Jackson has since toured various scientific startups, further advancing his passion for fusion energy.