Astronomers discover a double-ringed radio circle

According to CNN, astronomers have discovered a rare double-ring known as an “odd radio circle” (ORCs) located 7.5 billion light-years away from Earth.

This finding, named RAD J131346.9+500320, was discovered using the LOFAR radio telescope, making it the second known ORC with two rings and the first identified by citizen scientists. ORCs are vast, faint halos composed of magnetized plasma that can reach sizes up to 20 times the Milky Way galaxy and frequently encircle entire galaxies. 

Ananda Hota and the RAD@home citizen-science team spearheaded this historical discovery, underscoring the crucial role of citizen scientists, whose careful observations yield rare astronomical discoveries.

Future researchers believe that examining these ORCs will shed light on the co-evolution of galaxies and black holes throughout cosmic history and are eager to use advanced technologies and innovative techniques to deepen our knowledge of explosive events.

300 communities in Mexico are affected due to deadly landslides

Eastern and central Mexico remain isolated after a deadly landslide and flooding hit the region, affecting more than 300 communities, according to CNN. This tragedy occurred as a result of two tropical storms that hit the area on Sunday, Oct. 12, with at least 64 dead and dozens more missing. Officials say that thousands of soldiers and rescue workers are rushing to reopen blocked roads and deliver aid. 

Veracruz, Hidalgo and Puebla are the states most affected and face widespread devastation. In Hidalgo, roughly 100,000 homes have been damaged. Veracruz has reported 29 deaths, with more than 300,000 people affected by 24 inches of rain in just four days. In the city of Poza Rica, residents described scenes of panic as floodwaters rose 13 feet, leaving behind a slick and black residue believed to have come from nearby oil facilities. 

President Claudia Sheinbaum said her top priority is to restore transportation routes to ensure access to food, water and medical assistance. 

Parents grasp for answers over Autism’s causes

According to The New York Times, studies reveal Autism is link primarily to genetic mutations in brain development, with several implicated gene discoveries. Environmental factors, such as pollution and medication, are less well supported by evidence.

Bill discovered his young son was autistic and not knowing what this would mean for the future, he started to search online. This finding was consistent across the majority of social media pages, for example, inquiring about potential causes such as food dyes, vitamin deficiencies and vaccines.

Most specialists, including Dr. Cathy Lord and Dr. Joseph Buxbaum, say that parents are usually inundated with competing information, especially when public figures throw their support behind debunked theories.

Genetic testing is becoming more widely known as more parents raise questions, like Bill did, and identify a rare gene variant associated with their child’s Autism.

According to experts, the rise in autism prevalence is not an environmental disaster, but rather a result of loosened definitions and more awareness. For families such as Bill’s, sensitive to the genetic side of Autism, there is a sense of comfort and easier prospect.

Socialists give French rime minister a temporary lifeline

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu dodged another political bullet Tuesday when the Socialist Party declined to back a no-confidence vote in his government, according to CNN.

The decision came hours after the reappointed Lecornu, who had resigned just days earlier, gave a high-stakes policy speech and introduced his draft budget. He promised to defer a controversial overhaul of President Emmanuel Macron’s pension system that would raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. The expensive concession, which will be worth more than $2 billion in the next two years alone, won Lecornu breathing space but highlighted the deep dissatisfaction rocking Macron’s administration.

The shake-up comes after months of turbulence over Macron’s failed 2024 snap-election gamble in which France’s parliament is split between centrists, far right and hard left. This resulted in a political stalemate that plummeted investor trust and brought France’s debt to low levels, prompting credit-rating downgrades and toppling two previous prime ministers.

While Lecornu may have survived for now, the far-right and far-left opposition blocs have joined forces to propose another vote of no confidence on Thursday.