** New Research Suggests Intelligent Life May Be More Common in the Universe **

** A team of German scientists has uncovered a mysterious radioactive anomaly in the Pacific Ocean, identified as a significant surge in the isotope Beryllium-10, dating back between 9 to 12 million years. The research, led by physicist Dominik Koll from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf institute, highlights findings from thin layers of seafloor crust, indicating that the Beryllium-10 "blip" could potentially be widespread across the Pacific and possibly globally. The origin of this sudden increase is still under investigation. Researchers propose several theories, including a potential reorganization of ocean currents that might have led to increased deposition of Beryllium-10 in the Pacific. Other hypotheses suggest that cosmic events, such as a nearby supernova or the Solar System's passage through an interstellar cloud, could have heightened cosmic ray activity and consequently Beryllium-10 levels. The findings are detailed in a study published in the journal Nature Communications and may offer a new geological time marker in marine archives. Further analysis is planned to determine whether the anomaly is a localized phenomenon or indicative of broader geological changes. **

** U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin "wants peace" regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Following a recent phone call with both leaders, Trump emphasized that Ukraine will play a role in any peace negotiations. Critics, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, warned against trusting Putin’s overtures, advocating for a united position among Ukraine, Europe, and the U.S. before negotiations commence. Trump remarked, "The Ukraine war has to end," highlighting the urgent need for resolution. However, European leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, expressed concerns, arguing that any peace initiative must not be "dictated" to Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also insisted that Kyiv must be included in discussions. Tensions surrounding these comments have escalated, especially in light of a recent car ramming attack in Munich, reportedly involving an Afghan asylum seeker, resulting in at least 30 injuries. This incident has reignited debate over Germany's migration policies ahead of upcoming elections. **

** On Sunday, approximately 160,000 protesters gathered at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate to oppose proposed immigration restrictions backed by opposition conservatives and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). The rally, organized against a draft bill introduced by Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), marked a significant public outcry against perceived far-right collaboration, with demonstrators chanting slogans like "no cooperation with the AfD." Merz's immigration bill, which aimed to limit family reunification for certain refugees, failed to gain majority support in the Bundestag, leading to criticism of his leadership before the upcoming national elections on February 23. Opponents, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats and the Greens, argued the legislation would not effectively address security concerns and would contravene European laws. The protests were part of a larger movement, with similar demonstrations reported in cities across Germany, reflecting widespread resistance to shifting immigration policies. A recent poll indicated that while two-thirds of the public support stricter immigration laws, there remains significant opposition to the alliance with the far-right AfD. **