Scientists using the James Webb Space Telescope have obtained what they call the strongest signs yet of possible life beyond our solar system, detecting fingerprints of gases in an alien planet's atmosphere.

Scientists have potentially moved one step closer to finding extraterrestrial life with new evidence obtained by the James Webb Space Telescope. Researchers from Cambridge University have identified chemical signatures in the atmosphere of an exoplanet, K2-18b, that are typically produced by living organisms like marine algae on Earth. The specific molecules detected, dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), suggest the presence of biological processes on the planet, which orbits a red dwarf star approximately 124 light-years away. 

This discovery is significant as it marks the strongest indicators yet of potential life beyond our solar system. Observations indicate that K2-18b has a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and a vast ocean, characteristics of what scientists term a "hyacinth world," which may be conducive to life. However, the research team has cautioned that further data is necessary to validate these findings and has refrained from making any official claims about discovering life outside Earth.

The research is ongoing, as scientists are exploring the possibility of producing the detected chemicals through non-biological processes. According to the team's lead astrophysicist, the implications of this discovery could be enormous. The scientists estimate that an additional 16 to 24 hours of observation time with the James Webb Space Telescope may be sufficient to confirm their findings, which is anticipated to happen in the coming years.



Scientists find strongest evidence yet of life on an alien planet

A potential breakthrough in the search for alien life. We have found evidence for possible biological activity on an exoplanet. Using the James Webb Space Telescope, scientists at Cambridge University have detected signs of molecules which on Earth are only generated by living organisms such as marine algae. They discovered the chemical signatures of dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide on planet K2-18b, which is outside our solar system, orbiting a red dwarf star some 124 light-years away. The telescope is powerful enough to analyze the chemical composition of the planet's atmosphere from the light that passes from the star it orbits. Previous observations suggest the planet's atmosphere is hydrogen-rich and home to a vast ocean deeper than any on our planet. Currently, the only scenario that explains all the observations is one where it's a hyacinth world that is teeming with life. And what is a hyacinth world? It's an ocean-covered surface with a thin hydrogen-rich atmosphere and the ocean being habitable. But the team stressed more data is needed to confirm these results, and the scientists stopped short of declaring the discovery of extraterrestrial life. Now researchers are examining if there are ways the chemicals DMS and DMDS can be produced in the lab from non-living means. Still, the implications of such a discovery could be huge, according to the team's lead astrophysicist. He believes just 16 to 24 more hours of the Webb telescope's time will confirm their findings, which could happen in the next few years.

Construction work of a concrete wall continued on the Israeli side of southern border with Lebanon, despite the Lebanese presidency's threat to complain to the U.N. Security Council over the wall's extension into Lebanese territory.

Tel Aviv-Yafo

Middle East Conflict

Israel constructs wall along Lebanon border

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro slammed planned joint military exercises by the United States and its ally Trinidad and Tobago as "irresponsible," with Washington increasing its armed presence in the Caribbean.

Caracas

Maduro denounces US military exercises

Despite U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated attempts to kill the effort to release federal files related to Jeffrey Epstein, House Republican leaders are planning to hold a vote this week on legislation to force the issue.

Washington

Claims Epstein emails mentioning Trump were 'selectively leaked'

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Trump says he's "sort of made up my mind" on Venezuela military action

President Trump says he will no longer support onetime close ally and Georgia congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene amid the ongoing fallout over the Epstein files. Willie James Inman reports.

Marjorie Taylor Greene 'threatened' by Trump supporters amid Epstein fallout

Flash flood warnings expanded on Saturday as rain hit wide swaths of California amid fears that the atmospheric river will intensify. Andres Gutierrez has the latest details.

Pacific Palisades

Rainstorm pummels California, triggering flash flood warnings

Large-scale protests at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, have drawn attention to environmental concerns and the preservation of the Amazon rainforest. Inside the summit, negotiations have been complicated by the absence of the United States.

Belém

Protesters block entrance to COP30 climate talks in Brazil

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Thousands join protest at COP30 climate talks in Brazil

Air travel and other government services, including SNAP benefits, are returning to normal following the end of the longest shutdown in U.S. history.

Los Angeles International Airport

Flights begin to get back on track as shutdown ends

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Trump administration weighs U.S military action in Venezuela

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced "Operation Southern Spear" in the Western Hemisphere as U.S. strikes continue in the region near Colombia and Venezuela. CBS News' Eleanor Watson reports.

Hegseth announces 'Operation Southern Spear'

The U.S. has approved the sale of $330 million worth of weapons to Taiwan as tensions rise in the region with China. CBS News' Nancy Cordes reports.

Taipei City

U.S. approves massive sale of weapons to Taiwan

Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin successfully launched its New Glenn rocket on Thursday with NASA twin spacecraft destined for Mars aboard, and in a breakthrough nailed the landing of its booster.

Cape Canaveral

Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket deploys Mars satellites

A three-person crew stranded at China’s space station after their spacecraft was apparently hit by space debris are to return Friday using the craft that brought their replacement crew.

Chinese astronauts return to earth after spacecraft damaged

The AI firm Anthropic says Chinese hackers used its artificial intelligence tools to spy on tech companies, financial institutions and government agencies in what it believes is the first documented case of a worldwide cyberattack with minimal human involvement.

Rise of AI

Anthropic says Chinese hackers used its AI chatbot in cyberattack

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Trump weighs military plans against Venezuela

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Trump avoids media’s Epstein email questions

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U.S. government opens up again but deep political divisions remain

China's factory output and retail sales grew at their weakest pace in over a year in October, piling pressure on policymakers to revamp the $19 trillion export-driven economy as mounting supply and demand strains threaten to further curtail growth.

Beijing

China's factory output, retail sales growth worst in over a year

Germany's government plans to bring back military service, to boost troop numbers to deal with the perceived threat from Russia. But voluntary conscription could become compulsory, if not enough recruits come forward.

Berlin

Germany outlines potential shift to compulsory conscription

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Pentagon preparing for possible military action in Venezuela

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Trump named hundreds of times in newly released Epstein files

A federal judge has ruled that hundreds of people detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement during "Operation Midway Blitz" in the Chicago area must be released. CBS News immigration and politics reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez has more.

Chicago

Judge finds ICE illegally arrested hundreds of people in Chicago

For the first time in six weeks, the U.S. government is open. President Trump signed a bill last night to fund the government through the end of January.

Trump says he is 'willing to work with anyone' on health care

U.S. forces have killed four people in the latest strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean. CBS News national security coordinating producer James LaPorta has more.

U.S. forces kill four in latest Caribbean drug boat strike

Israeli settlers set fire to a mosque in the West Bank on Thursday (November 13) and sprayed racist slogans on its walls, Palestinian residents said.

Jerusalem

Israeli settlers torch mosque in West Bank, residents say

Thailand-Cambodia border tensions escalate days after a US-backed ceasefire agreement breaks down.

Bangkok

Thailand-Cambodia tensions escalate as truce hangs in the balance

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