Sunday Special: Scientists find compelling proof of Planet Nine

For nearly two decades, our solar system has had a Pluto-sized hole in its planetary lineup. Now, scientists have uncovered compelling evidence that might add a brand-new planet to our solar system’s family portrait. Also: researchers have found a way to turn rain into electricity, and a mathematician claims to have solved some of algebra’s oldest problems.

P.S. The Sunday Special is designed to help you discover the most important scientific and technological breakthroughs outside of AI. Our regular AI and Tech updates will resume as usual on Monday.

SCIENCE SUNDAY

The most interesting scientific discoveries and breakthroughs this week

Ninth Time's a Charm: It’s been almost 2 decades since Pluto was stripped of its planetary status by the International Astronomical Union. Now, we might be on the precipice of a new Planet Nine. Astronomers have uncovered compelling visual evidence of what could be an elusive ninth planet lurking at the edge of our solar system. They compared data from two infrared sky surveys taken 23 years apart to make the finding; however, further observations are needed for a more substantive conclusion.

Fusion Frontier: After years of delays, ITER's nuclear fusion project just hit a major milestone: the US has finally completed the world’s most powerful magnet. The magnet is key for nuclear fusion to work, creating an invisible cage to confine superheated plasma particles. Construction is now moving at "the fastest pace in ITER's history", with plasma generation expected by 2033. Don't hold your breath for commercial nuclear power, though — we're still decades away from cost-effective implementation.

Drizzle Dazzle: Scientists claim to have turned ordinary raindrops into a surprisingly powerful electricity source. They channeled rain through narrow tubes, creating "plug flow" patterns that generate electric charges 100,000x stronger than continuous water flow. In lab tests, 4 tubes collecting water for 20 seconds produced enough current to power a dozen LED bulbs. This technology could potentially transform rainy regions into hubs of clean energy without the massive infrastructure needed for hydropower dams.

Math Maverick: Professor Norman Wildberger has potentially rewritten math history by developing a method to solve higher-order polynomial equations that had mathematicians stumped since 1832. Instead of using traditional "radicals" (which produce infinite, irrational numbers), Wildberger's approach uses novel number sequences and "power series" that work around the logical problems caused by infinity, offering solutions for problems mathematicians had declared impossible to solve.

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NEW TECH

Our favorite new tech gadgets this week

1. Bee: A wearable AI designed to act as your personal assistant. It can convert your conversations, tasks, places, and daily moments into summaries, personal insights, and timely reminders.

2. Haven Tents Spectre: A flat-lay hammock tent for backpackers that packs a panoramic mesh, a detachable rainfly, and built-in storage. It’s incredibly compact and lets you sleep on your back, side, or stomach.

3. Fujifilm Instax WIDE EVO: The first hybrid instant camera with a wide-angle lens. It combines retro aesthetics with modern technology, has multiple lens effects, and can print from your phone.

4. SterilPure Dishwasher: A portable ultrasonic dishwasher with active oxygen cleaning. It turns any sink into a high-powered cleaning station, using 37,000Hz vibrations to break down grease and sanitize dishes.

SOCIAL SIGNALS

What’s trending in tech on socials this week

🎮️ Pixel Performance: A video showcases real-time gaming on a 3D holographic volumetric display. The retro-futuristic approach has captivated social media, offering a glimpse into what could be the future of gaming.

✈️ Titan Traveler: Ever wonder how big the German airship Hindenburg really was? Here’s a visual representation that’ll give you an idea.

📈 Survey Stunner: According to a new survey, a quarter of Gen Z AI users believe that they’re talking to a sentient being. Beyond using AI for productivity, some young people are turning to chatbots as friends, therapists, fitness coaches, and even romantic partners.

🛹 Terrain Titan: An innovative all-terrain skateboard has snagged Reddit’s attention. The unusual design seems to replace traditional wheels with continuous track systems, allowing the rider to zip across virtually any surface from gravel and dirt to grass and even stairs.

💣️ Nuclear Nugget: For all the talk around nuclear weapons, few people have actually seen a nuclear warhead up close. An image of a nuclear warhead has blown up on Reddit. It could practically fit in the trunk of your car.

ONLY GOOD NEWS

A healthy dose of optimism to kickstart your week

Heart Hack: Chinese doctors have successfully implanted the world's smallest magnetically levitated artificial heart — the size of a bottle cap — into a 7-year-old boy with end-stage heart failure. It allowed the child to regain spontaneous breathing the next day and transfer to specialized care just five days post-surgery. If it holds up, this innovation could be a lifesaver for kids waiting for donor hearts that may never come.

Vision Voodoo: Finnish startup IXI has picked up $36.5M in funding to develop prescription glasses that automatically adjust to your vision needs. The company is creating eyewear with eye-tracking technology and liquid crystal lenses that invisibly adapt to presbyopia without needing multiple pairs or clunky progressive lenses. These self-adjusting specs could offer a sleek alternative to the bifocals, progressives, and post-LASIK reading glasses many of us inevitably need.

Fossil Fashion: On a lighter note, history’s most fearsome predator could soon become a fashion statement. UK researchers are attempting to engineer luxury handbags using lab-grown skin derived from the fossilized collagen of a T Rex. Experts remain skeptical, with some calling it a "gimmick" that will likely produce material resembling conventional animal leather. If it holds true, however, it could be a sustainable alternative to cattle farming and non-biodegradable synthetic options.

Peanut Pardon: Scientists have successfully trained adults with peanut allergies to tolerate handfuls of peanuts through gradual exposure therapy. The study started 21 participants with tiny amounts of peanut flour and slowly increased doses over several weeks. By the end, 14 participants could safely eat whole peanuts. This marks the first successful adult trial for a condition affecting millions of people, who've spent their lives vigilantly avoiding food with peanuts.

SUNDAY SCIENCE TRIVIA

And here’s the result from last week’s trivia: Almost 55% of you got it right!

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