Astronomers have discovered a 'black hole star,' an extremely bright red spot in the early universe, using James Webb Space Telescope data. The object, named Mo M-BH*-1, is about 100 solar masses and surrounded by a dense hydrogen cocoon the size of our solar system, producing energy comparable to an active black hole. This discovery may help explain how supermassive black holes formed soon after the Big Bang.

In another story, scientists at Southern Illinois University have developed a method to break down plastic beverage bottles into edible cookies using microbes. By programming yeast to convert PET into proteins, vitamins, and flavorings, they aim to upcycle plastic waste for future astronauts on deep-space missions, submarines, or lunar/Martian colonies. The work was presented at the American Chemical Society meeting in Chicago.

These innovations highlight creative solutions to cosmic mysteries and environmental challenges.