Research shows that there’s gender bias in the language of kids’ TV programs.
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New research reveals that the language in children’s television is reinforcing harmful gender stereotypes, and that little has improved in 60 years. In some cases, the gender bias is getting worse over time.
The new study, published this week in Psychological Science, examined scripts from 98 children’s television programs in the U.S. spanning the years 1960 to 2018. The researchers employed natural language processing tools to examine which words were more likely to be associated with male characters and which were more likely to be associated with female characters. In total, they analyzed 6,600 episodes, 2.7 million sentences and 16 million words. Among the shows studied were classics like The Flintstones (1960) and more modern series like The Powerpuff Girls (2016) and Lost in Space (2018).
In particular, the researchers examined how often male and female characters were portrayed as active agents (those who do) versus passive recipients (those who are done to). They found that boys are “doers” while girls are the “done-tos.” Perhaps most shockingly, when the researchers examined how this language has changed over time, they found that it hadn’t. The gender gap in who takes action in these programs hasn’t improved in six decades.
Male characters also tend to dominate the dialogue in these programs, although this trend has shown modest improvement over time. In 1960, male words (such as he, him, boy, man) were used in the dialogue twice as often as female words (such as she, her, girl, woman). By 2018, children were still hearing the male words 50% more frequently than female words.
Male characters also dominated money talk. The researchers examined how frequently male or female words were used in the same sentence as money-related words, such as “bucks” or “income.” When money-related words appeared in a sentence, the odds of also finding a male word in the sentence were a whopping 24% higher than the odds of finding a female word. Once again, this gender gap remained unchanged over time. Even in 2018, male characters were more likely than female ones to be involved in financial matters.
The researchers found that male words were also more likely to appear alongside terms relating to power, achievement and reward. These terms all relate to agency, or a striving to act and reach goals. And, rather than narrowing, the gender gap in agency has actually been widening over time. “The gap in the odds of finding a male versus female word in the same sentence as an agency-related word increased by about 4% each year over the span of our data,” the authors write.
Given the amount of time children spend watching television, the study authors suggest that those who watch these programs will develop biased ideas about how women and men behave in the real world. “These biases aren’t just about who gets more lines; they’re about who gets to act, lead, and shape the story. Over time, such patterns can quietly teach children that agency belongs more naturally to boys than to girls, even when no one intends that message,” Professor of Psychology at NYU and an author on the paper, Andrei Cimpian, explained in a press release.
AI learning models that train on program scripts pose an additional threat of perpetuating the gender bias. The study authors explain in their paper, “The rising popularity of script-writing programs powered by artificial intelligence (AI), which are trained on language from pre-existing screenplays, adds urgency to the goal of uncovering social biases in the language in children’s media.” As technology continues to evolve, it becomes increasingly important to understand the messages we’re sending.
If women want to achieve equality with men, we need to start with our children and the stories they watch. That includes what is said in those stories and who gets to say it. If we continue to show our children programs where men have more agency, the children will become adults who believe this to be true.
A recent study from the University of Lincoln has revealed that tortoises may possess emotional depth previously thought to be unique to mammals and birds. Specifically, red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria) were found to experience long-term mood states—suggesting they are capable of optimism, anxiety, and even emotional resilience. This discovery challenges long-held assumptions that reptiles are driven purely by instinct, devoid of subjective feelings. By using cognitive bias tests originally designed for humans, researchers observed that tortoises living in enriched environments demonstrated more optimistic behaviors. These findings not only shed new light on reptile cognition but could also revolutionize the way reptiles are treated in homes, zoos, and wildlife reserves.
Testing tortoise feelings through cognitive bias
To assess emotional states in tortoises, researchers used cognitive bias tests—a method widely applied to study moods in mammals and birds. The idea is simple: animals in positive emotional states are more likely to interpret ambiguous cues optimistically, while those in negative moods lean toward pessimism. Fifteen red-footed tortoises were trained to associate certain locations with rewards and then tested with neutral or ambiguous cues. Those in enriched enclosures (with natural elements, stimulation, and space) showed more optimistic responses, suggesting a positive underlying mood.In a second phase of the study, researchers exposed the tortoises to mildly stressful situations, such as unfamiliar environments or objects. Tortoises that had responded optimistically in the earlier tests were also less anxious in these settings. This behavioral consistency provides strong evidence that tortoises experience internal emotional states that influence their actions—a key marker of sentience.
Why it matters for animal welfare
These findings could have serious implications for how reptiles are housed and cared for. In the UK, the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022 recognizes the capacity of animals to feel—but reptiles are often excluded from conversations around emotional wellbeing. Professor Anna Wilkinson, a leading expert in animal cognition, emphasized the importance of studying reptiles’ affective states as their popularity as pets increases. The research supports a more compassionate approach to reptile care, urging policy-makers and pet owners alike to consider the mental wellbeing of these animals.
Rewriting the narrative on reptile intelligence
Reptiles have long been perceived as emotionless creatures acting purely on instinct. However, recent studies—including this one—are rapidly shifting that narrative. The presence of enduring mood states in tortoises not only expands our understanding of reptile behavior but also raises questions about the emotional lives of other “cold-blooded” species. If tortoises can feel and process emotions, it suggests that affective states may have evolved much earlier in the animal kingdom than previously assumed.
Whether or not the UK will have a Royal Family in the future is something that often comes up in debate.
If we do, the latest evidence suggests there will be no lack of artists around to paint them.
A new portrait titled “Algorithm King” has perhaps offered a glimpse of how members of the Royal Family may be painted in the decades or even centuries ahead – after it was created by a female “robot artist” named Ai-Da.
The artistic humanoid used advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and a robot arm using on oil canvas to create the painting of King Charles.
Image: Pic: Ai-Da Robot Studios
Ai-Da, the first robot to ever paint the monarch, also used the cameras in her eyes to help create her machine-made masterpiece.
The robot previously painted a portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II to celebrate the monarch’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
The two portraits, which the monarchs didn’t sit for, were exhibited together at an unveiling of the portrait of King Charles as part of the AI For Good Summit hosted by the United Nations in Geneva.
Ai-Da, described as being the world’s first “ultra-realistic robot artist”, was created by UK art dealer Aidan Meller and built in Cornwall by Engineered Arts.
She uses advanced AI language modelling to enable her to have a conversation with humans.
Speaking at the UN, Ai-Da said: “It’s a privilege to be part of this remarkable event at the United Nations, surrounded by those shaping the future of technology and culture. Presenting my portrait of His Majesty King Charles III is not just a creative act, it’s a statement about the evolving role of AI in our society, and to reflect on how artificial intelligence is shaping the cultural landscape.”
Read more from Sky News: Humanoid machine performs real-world task Palace confirms date of Trump’s state visit
Image: Pic: Ai-Da Robot Studios
Simon Manley, ambassador and permanent representative to the World Trade Organisation and UN in Geneva, said at the unveiling of the portrait: “Ai-Da is not just a technological marvel, she is a cultural conversation starter. We are proud to showcase British innovation at its most imaginative, and to reflect on how emerging technologies can shape global dialogues on art, ethics and identity.”
Ai-Da – named after the first computer programmer Ada Lovelace – has spoken at theHouse of Lords, Number 10 Downing Street and at the UN.
Her artwork has been exhibited all over the world from the Tate Modern, V&A, Somerset House and the Design Museum in Britain to the Pyramids in Egypt and the Venice Biennale.
She made history in 2024 when a painting by her sold at Sotheby’s for $1m.
Mr Meller said: “The greatest artists in history grappled with their period of time, and both celebrated and questioned society’s shifts. Ai-Da Robot as technology, is the perfect artist today to discuss the current developments with technology and its unfolding legacy.”
Apple Worldwide Developers’ Conference (WWDC) was a little over a month ago — meaning the iOS 26 public beta should be released any day now.
Even though Apple has not yet launched the highly anticipated Siri upgrade — the company said we will hear more about it in the coming year — at WWDC, Apple unveiled a slew of AI features across its devices and operating systems, including iOS, MacOS, WatchOS, and iPadOS.
Also: Apple’s iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 public betas will release any minute now: What to expect
While the features aren’t the flashiest, many of them address issues that Apple users have long had with their devices or in their everyday workflows, while others are downright fun.
I gathered the AI features announced and ranked them according to what I am most excited to use and what people on the web have been buzzing about.
1. Visual Intelligence
Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET
Apple introduced Visual Intelligence last year with the launch of the iPhone 16. At the time, it allowed users to take photos of objects around them and then use the iPhone’s AI capability to search for them and find more information. Last month, Apple upgraded the experience by adding Visual Intelligence to the iPhone screen.
To use it, you just have to take a screenshot. Visual Intelligence can use Apple Intelligence to grab the details from your screenshot and suggest actions, such as adding an event to your calendar. You can also use the “ask button” to ask ChatGPT for help with a particular image. This is useful for tasks in which ChatGPT could provide assistance, such as solving a puzzle. You can also tap on “Search” to look on the web.
Also: Your entire iPhone screen is now searchable with new Visual Intelligence features
Although Google already offered the same capability years ago with Circle to Search, this is a big win for Apple users, as it is functional and was executed well. It leverages ChatGPT’s already capable models rather than trying to build an inferior one itself.
2. Real-time translation
Since generative AI exploded in popularity, a useful application that has emerged is real-time translation. Because LLMs have a deep understanding of language and how people speak, they are able to translate speech not just literally but also accurately using additional context. Apple will roll out this powerful capability across its own devices with a new real-time translation feature.
Also: Apple Intelligence is getting more languages – and AI-powered translation
The feature can translate text in Messages and audio on FaceTime and phone calls. If you are using it for verbal conversations, you just click a button on your call, which alerts the other person that the live translation is about to take place. After a speaker says something, there is a brief pause, and then you get audio feedback with a conversational version of what was said in your language of choice, with a transcript you can follow along.
This feature is valuable because it can help people communicate with each other. It is also easy to access because it is being baked into communication platforms people already rely on every day.
3. AutoMix in Apple Music
Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET
The AutoMix feature uses AI to add seamless transitions from one song to another, mimicking what a DJ would do with time stretching and beat matching. In the settings app on the beta, Apple says, “Songs transition at the perfect moment, based on analysis of the key and tempo of the music.”
Also: How to use the viral AutoMix feature on iOS 26 (and which iPhone models support it)
It works in tandem with the Autoplay feature, so if you are playing a song, like a DJ, it can play another song that matches the vibes while seamlessly transitioning to it. Many users are already trying it on their devices in the developer beta and are taking to social media to post the pretty impressive results.
4. Shortcuts using Apple Intelligence
The Shortcuts update was easy to miss during the keynote, but it is one of the best use cases for AI. If you are like me, you typically avoid programming Shortcuts because they seem too complicated to create. This is where Apple Intelligence can help.
Also: My favorite iPhone productivity feature just got a major upgrade with iOS 26 (and it’s not Siri)
With the new intelligent actions features, you can tap into Apple Intelligence models either on-device or in Private Cloud Compute within your Shortcut, unlocking a new, much more advanced set of capabilities. For example, you could set up a Shortcut that takes all the files you add to your home screen and then sorts them into files for you using Apple Intelligence.
The process is meant to be as intuitive as possible, with dedicated actions and the ability to use Apple Intelligence models, either on-device or with Private Cloud Compute, to generate responses that feed into the rest of a shortcut, according to Apple. However, if even this seems too daunting, there is also a gallery feature available to try out some of the features and get inspiration for building.
5. Hold Assist
The Hold Assist feature is a prime example of a feature that is not over the top but has the potential to save you a lot of time in your everyday life. The way it works is simple: if you’re placed on hold and your phone detects hold music, it will ask if you want your call spot held in line and notify you when it’s your turn to speak with someone, alerting the person on the other end of the call that you will be right there.
Also: Your iPad is getting a huge upgrade for free. 4 features I can’t wait to use on iPadOS 26
Imagine how much time you will get back from calls with customer service. If the feature seems familiar, it’s because Google has a similar “Hold for me” feature, which allows users to use Call Assist to wait on hold for you and notify you when they are back. Having said this, even though it may not be an original feature, it is one Apple users will be happy to have.
6. Spatial photos
The Apple Vision Pro introduced the idea of enjoying your precious memories in an immersive experience that places you in the scene. However, to take advantage of this feature, you had to take spatial photos and record spatial videos. Now, a similar feature is coming to iOS, allowing users to transform any picture they have into a 3D-like image that separates the foreground and background for a spatial effect.
Also: iOS 26 will bring any photo on your iPhone to life with 3D spatial effects
The best part is that you can add these photos to your lock screen, and as you move your phone, the 3D element looks like it moves with it. It may seem like there is no AI involved, but according to Craig Federighi, Apple’s SVP of software engineering, it can transform your 2D photo into a 3D effect by using “advanced computer vision techniques running on the Neural Engine. ”
7. Workout Buddy
Using AI for working out insights isn’t new, as most fitness wearable companies, including Whoop and Oura, have implemented a feature of that sort before. However, Workout Buddy is a unique feature and an application of AI I haven’t seen before. Essentially, it uses your fitness data, such as history, paces, Activity Rings, and Training Load, to give you unique feedback as you are working out.
Also: Your Apple Watch is getting a major upgrade. Here are the best features in WatchOS 26
Even though this feature is a part of the WatchOS upgrade — and I don’t happen to own one — it does seem like a fun and original way to use AI. As someone who lacks all desire to work out, I can see that having a motivational reminder can have a positive impact on the longevity of my workout.
Honorable mentions
The list above is already pretty extensive, and yet, Apple unveiled a lot more AI features:
Order tracking in Apple Wallet: Apple Intelligence can analyze your emails for tracking details and then populate all of that information in Apple Wallet, even if you used a different payment method than Apple Pay.
Polls for Messages: Apple Intelligence can detect in your messages when a poll could be useful and suggest one. Users can then use Image Playground to create different backgrounds for the polls.
Better routes in maps: Using on-device intelligence, users can better understand a user’s daily route and then give them more tailored suggestions.
Genmoji and ImagePlayground: The Genmoji update is simple. Now, you can mix two emojis to create something new. Image Playground was upgraded to create images leveraging ChatGPT’s image-generating model for specific styles.
How to get early access
Apple has yet to publicly announce the official public beta release date, and the official page says “coming soon.” Following prior year patterns and reports, it should happen any day now. The final, most stable version will be released in the fall with the launch of its latest devices.
To enroll in the public beta, visit the Apple Beta Software Program site and click the blue sign-up button. The program is free and open to anyone with an Apple Account who accepts the Apple Beta Software Program Agreement when signing on.
Also: Five ‘new’ iOS 26 features that feel familiar (I’ve been using them on Android for years)
Apple also already released an iOS 26 beta geared toward developers. To get started, you need an iPhone 11 or newer running iOS 16.5 or later and an Apple ID used in the Apple Developer Program. ZDNET’s guide provides step-by-step instructions on downloading the beta.
With either beta, it is worth keeping in mind that the beta gives users access to all of the latest features available in iOS 26, but the downside is that since the features are not fully developed, many are buggy. Since you won’t get the best experience, a good practice is to use either a secondary phone or make sure your data is properly backed up in case something goes wrong.
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ISLAMABAD: Scientists at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) have introduced a cutting-edge diagnostic platform that could transform how physicians assess a patient’s risk of developing arterial blood clots.
The research, published in Nature Communications, leverages mechanobiology — a field that explores how physical forces affect biological systems — to simulate real-life conditions inside narrowed arteries, enabling a personalised “barcode” approach to clot risk evaluation.
The study was led by Misbahud Din, a biomedical researcher and the paper’s first author, under the supervision of Dr Yunfeng Chen, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UTMB and principal investigator of the project.
Their work addresses a major clinical challenge. Current blood clotting tests fail to mimic the dynamic mechanical forces present in diseased arteries, potentially overlooking early thrombotic risks in patients.
“Standard lab assays don’t capture the physical forces acting on blood inside constricted arteries,” said Mr Din. “Our device mimics those conditions to reveal how a patient’s blood actually behaves under stress —something conventional tests can’t do.”
Using fluorescent dyes and microfluidics, the team developed a miniaturised system that forces blood samples through narrowed channels, replicating stenotic arteries.
The system then evaluates seven key thrombus characteristics, such as clot size, composition and platelet activation, generating a unique “barcode” for each patient’s blood clotting behaviour.
“The larger the thrombus, the more dangerous it becomes,” explained Dr Chen. “When a clot blocks blood flow, it can lead to ischemia, stroke, or heart attack — some of the most lethal cardiovascular events.”
The study revealed that mechanical stress significantly increases platelet adhesion and aggregation.
This device provides the first comprehensive method to assess these dynamics in a personalised manner.
PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf workers on Wednesday staged a protest against denial of the Senate ticket to the party’s Peshawar president Irfan Saleem, who is among the PTI founding members.
A large number of PTI workers gathered outside the Peshawar Press Club to protest the denial of ticket to Mr Saleem, demanding of the party leadership to review its decision.
Holding portrait of Mr Saleem, they chanted slogans in favour of him.
Workers were angered when adviser to the chief minister on information Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif announced names of the PTI candidates for the July 21 Senate elections after meeting the patron-in-chief Imran Khan in Adiala Jail.
Mr Saif said that Imran had approved four names for the general seats, including Murad Saeed, Faisal Javed, Mirza Mohammad Afridi and Pir Noorul Haq Qadri.
At the same time, Mr Saif also announced Rubina Naz as PTI candidate for the reserved seat of women, while Mohammad Azam Khan Swati for the technocrat’s seat.
He also announced Mashal Yousafzai as the party candidate on the by-election on the Senate seat vacated by the then incumbent Sania Nishtar.
The by-election is scheduled to be held on July 31.
PTI’s general secretary MNA Sher Ali Arbab promised that he will convey the reservations of the workers to the central leadership of the party.
“Irfan Saleem led every protest and rally taken out from Peshawar
before and after the May 9 incidents,” Mr Arbab said. He said that Irfan Saleem was an ideological worker of the party attached with it from the day one.
He said that it would be more appropriate to adjust the ideological workers in the senate elections. “The workers’ moral will be demoralised if the ideological workers are denied senate ticket,” he said.
Addressing the protesters, Rehmat Kundi, a senior party worker, said that Imran Khan had approved the name of Irfan Saleem as candidate for one of the general seats.
“Who is Barrister Saif to announce ticket for Mirza Afridi replacing Irfan Saleem,” he said, adding: “Mr Saif is puppet of the establishment.”
“If only the money is merit, then ideological workers should be told to sit at their homes,” he said. “The awarding of Senate ticket to the rich people has revealed that the diehard workers have no place in this party,” he said.
Rehmat Kundi said that if they cannot get their rights then how they will fight for the rights of their incarcerated leader Imran Khan.
One of the party workers told Dawn that the diehard party activists were the assets of the PTI, who lead every protest and rally, adding if such workers were discouraged and ignored then who will carry the party’s flag.
“The rich disappear whenever party faces hard times but they resurface to reap the benefits,” he said.
ISLAMABAD: To receive training in cutting-edge technologies and contemporary policing, Islamabad Police officers will be sent to Beijing to participate in various training courses conducted by the Beijing Police Department.
The officers will also receive special training in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for enhanced investigation capacity to track criminals.
This was decided during a meeting of Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi with a high-level delegation of the Beijing Police Department, led by Deputy Director General Gao Jianxin. During the meeting, enhancing collaboration between Islamabad and Beijing police, training in modern technology, and information sharing were discussed in detail.
Mohsin Naqvi emphasised that modern training in Beijing will significantly enhance the capacity of Islamabad Police. He noted that Beijing Police was a highly efficient and technologically advanced force, and the capital police should fully benefit from their experience.
He stressed that the use of modern technology for public safety and crime prevention has become essential. He stated that cooperation with Beijing Police in this regard would prove extremely beneficial. The Interior Minister welcomed the offer of anti-riot training from Beijing Police for Islamabad Police.
He highlighted the importance of timely information sharing to tackle challenges such as terrorism, organised crime, drug trafficking, and human smuggling. He thanked the Beijing Police Department delegation for their commitment to enhancing cooperation with Islamabad Police.
The Chinese delegation included Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Public Security Li Yuhang and Directors He Xin, Feng Wei, and Hu Jimin from the Beijing Police Department.
The meeting was also attended by Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry, the federal secretary for interior, the director general of the FIA, the commandant of the National Police Academy, the chief commissioner of Islamabad, the IG Islamabad Police, and the deputy commissioner of Islamabad.
WASHINGTON: US Congress members may urge the Trump administration to consider imposing sanctions on countries that suppress religious freedom and violate human rights, Republican Congressman Christopher H. Smith suggested before a congressional panel.
The bipartisan hearing focused on civil liberties and political freedoms in Pakistan, highlighting reports of repression, persecution of minorities, and efforts to silence dissidents abroad.
“One of the biggest disappointments — regardless of who is in the White House or at the State Department — is the absence of sanctions,” said Smith, who co-chairs the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission (TLHRC).
Speaking about the political climate in Pakistan, his Democratic counterpart, Congressman James McGovern, added: “They need to know that people are watching. They need to know we don’t like what we are hearing.”
Amnesty’s Ben Linden opened his testimony by raising concerns over the situation in Balochistan, as well as religious persecution. “Vaguely worded blasphemy laws are being weaponised by majoritarian religious groups, while the accused have few means to defend themselves.”
However, Jared Genser of Perseus Strategies stressed that Washington could not afford to disengage entirely.
“We don’t act that way with any regime. We have to engage. The key is for President Trump and Secretary [of State] Marco Rubio to say very clearly: we want a strong relationship with Pakistan, but this is what needs to be done to get there. And that includes releasing [ex-prime minister] Imran Khan and other political prisoners,” Genser said.
KARACHI: Police on Wednesday informed a court that “no fruitful result has been obtained” so far in the initial probe into the mysterious death of actor Humaira Asghar Ali, who was found dead last week in her apartment in the Defence Housing Authority (DHA).
The revelation came in a report submitted to the court in response to an application filed by Shahzaib Sohail through his counsel Abdul Ahad Khan under Sections 22-A and B of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), seeking registration of a murder FIR in the case.
In the report, DSP Abid Hussain Soomro informed the additional district and sessions judge (South) that a team headed by the SP Clifton had been constituted to investigate the matter.
He stated that statements of various individuals, including residents of the building where the deceased had been residing, had been recorded. However, he added that “no fruitful result has been obtained in this regard up till now”.
According to the report, the police, accompanied by a bailiff and the applicant, had visited the apartment on July 8 on the direction of a rental court for vacating the premises. It stated that the door was unlocked, and when the police entered the home, the body of the deceased was discovered lying on the floor.
After reviewing the report, the court directed the police to submit the post-mortem report at the next hearing.
‘No signs of foul play or suicide’
According to another report by South DIG Syed Asad Raza, a copy of which is available with Dawn, “Evidence so far suggests no signs of foul play or suicide. Circumstances indicate a possible accidental or natural cause of death while she was engaged in household chores.”
The report added that the double-locked door and the presence of all keys inside support the conclusion of no third-party involvement. There was also no evidence of physical assault, struggle, or weapon marks, as per the initial post-mortem report.
PARIS: Astronomers said on Wednesday they had observed the moment when planets start forming around a distant star for the first time, revealing a process that sheds light on the birth of our own solar system.
The new planetary system is forming around the baby star HOPS-315 — which resembles our own Sun in its youth — 1,300 light years from Earth in the Orion Nebula.
Young stars are surrounded by massive rings of gas and dust called protoplanetary discs, which is where planets form. Inside these swirling discs, crystalline minerals that contain the chemical silicon monoxide can clump together.
This process can snowball into kilometre-sized “planetesimals”, which then grow into full planets.
Hot minerals starting to solidify in the disc surrounding HOPS-315, study says
In our home Solar System, the crystalline minerals that were the starter dough for Earth and Jupiter’s core are believed to have been trapped in ancient meteorites.
Now astronomers have spotted signs that suggest these hot minerals are starting to solidify in the disc surrounding HOPS-315, according to a new study in the journal Nature.
“For the first time, we have identified the earliest moment when planet formation is initiated around a star other than our Sun,” lead study author Melissa McClure of Leiden University in the Netherlands said in a statement.
The minerals around the star were first spotted by the James Webb Space Telescope.
Then the astronomers used the European Southern Observatory’s ALMA telescope in Chile to find out exactly where the chemical signals were coming from. They discovered that these minerals are in a small portion of the disc which is similar to the asteroid belt that surrounds our Sun.
This will allow scientists to watch the process that may have birthed our home planet.
Co-author of the study, Merel van’t Hoff said, “We’re seeing a system that looks like what our Solar System looked like when it was just beginning to form.”
