Science Snapshots: July 26, 2026
Astronomers have identified a massive object orbiting a brown dwarf that challenges current definitions of moons versus planets. Meanwhile, researchers are using AI to improve gene therapy accuracy, and a study reveals that invasive species cause more economic damage in the Global South than previously understood.
Why it matters
These findings represent significant advancements in both space exploration and medical technology, while highlighting critical environmental disparities in global conservation efforts.
First ‘exomoon’ found comes with a challenge
Using the radial velocity method, astronomers have found a large body orbiting a brown dwarf, CD-35 2722 B, which orbits a star. It is estimated to be 90% as massive as Jupiter and orbiting the brown dwarf every 170 days on an oval path. The find is a milestone in the search for moons outside the solar system and challenges current ideas: the object is so large it blurs the line between a moon and a planet.
Invasive species affect the Global South more
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