Artist’s illustration of a super-Earth exoplanet close to its red dwarf star. A new study showed that small planets with masses similar to Earth are especially common around red dwarf stars. Image via C. Lionel/ University of Liège. Used with permission.
Exoplanets with masses similar to Earth are common in our galaxy.
These planets are especially common around low-mass stars such as red dwarfs, researchers in Germany said in a new study. Could any of them support life?
The discovery of four new small exoplanets around red dwarfs will help astronomers in their search for such planets that could be habitable.
Searching for small planets like Earth
Small, low-mass stars like red dwarfs are the most common type of star in our galaxy. And astronomers have also found many exoplanets orbiting them. On June 27, 2025, a new study led by Heidelberg University in Germany said that small planets similar in mass to Earth are especially common around red dwarfs. The astronomers used the CARMENES spectrograph system at the Calar Alto Observatory in Spain to observe 15 stars. They found four new exoplanets ranging from 14 times Earth’s mass to only 1.03 times the mass of Earth.
The CARMENES spectrograph is ideal for detecting exoplanets around low-mass red dwarf stars. These stars are all cooler, smaller and less massive than our sun. Their masses range from about 1/10 to 1/2 that of the sun.
The results will help astronomers in their search for habitable planets around red dwarf stars. And some of these smaller worlds do orbit in their stars’ habitable zones, where liquid water could be possible on their surfaces.
The researchers published their peer-reviewed results in Astronomy & Astrophysics on April 8, 2025.
Observing 15 low-mass stars
For the new study, the researchers used a catalog of 2,200 low-mass red dwarf stars. They chose 15 of those for additional observations with CARMENES. This kind of star is smaller, less massive and cooler than our sun. In addition, they are the most common type of star in the Milky Way.
Astronomers already knew that exoplanets are quite common around such stars. But for this study, they focused on rocky planets similar to Earth in size and mass.
The Calar Alto Observatory in Spain uses the CARMENES instrument for exoplanet observations. Image via Jorgechp/ Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).
4 new exoplanets
The research team found four new exoplanets altogether. Their masses ranged from 14 times that of Earth to only 1.03 Earth masses. All four planets – similar to many others around red dwarfs – orbit very close to their stars. Their orbital periods ranged from 1.43 to 5.45 days. That’s way faster than even Mercury orbits the sun!
CARMENES Data: Earth-like Planets Especially Common Around Low-mass Stars – Studies of 15 M-stars offer new insights into the presence of exoplanetswww.uni-heidelberg.de/en/newsroom/…
— Universität Heidelberg (@uniheidelberg.bsky.social) 2025-06-27T13:35:01.391Z
CARMENES Data: Earth-like Planets Especially Common Around Low-mass Starsastrobiology.com/2025/07/carm… #astrobiology #exoplanet #astronomy #biosignature #genomics #biochemistry
Previous studies have also shown that low-mass planets are more common around low-mass stars than more massive planets. For example, stars with less than 0.16 solar masses have an average of two planets with less than three Earth masses. Adrian Kaminski at the Königstuhl Observatory, part of the Centre for Astronomy of Heidelberg University, is the lead author of the new study. He said:
It is quite remarkable how often small planets occur around very low-mass stars. Larger planets, on the other hand, are rarer. This suggests that low-mass stars tend to form smaller planets in close orbits.
The Extrasolar Planet Group at Landessternwarte Königstuhl at Heidelberg University. Adrian Kaminski, lead author of the new study about exoplanets around low-mass red dwarf stars, is 3rd from left in the back row. Image via Landessternwarte Königstuhl/ Heidelberg University.
The search for life
If this kind of planet is common, then the question arises as to whether any of them could support life. One problem is that red dwarfs tend to have strong solar flares. This can endanger the atmospheres of any planets orbiting close to them.
One advantage, however, is that these planets are often in the stars’ habitable zones. That’s the region where temperatures could allow liquid water to possibly exist. The planets do tend to orbit close to their stars. However, because the stars are smaller and cooler than our sun, that also means the habitable zones are closer to the stars. And, indeed, many of these low-mass planets do orbit within the habitable zones of their stars. Andreas Quirrenbach, director of the Heidelberg-Königstuhl State Observatory in Germany, said:
Small, rocky planets in the so-called habitable zone – the area around a star where water could exist in liquid form – are potential candidates for habitable worlds. Since M-dwarfs are very common and radiate their energy constantly into space over billions of years, they could provide stable environments for the development of life.
Bottom line: A team of astronomers led by Heidelberg University in Germany have found small planets like Earth are common around small, low-mass red dwarf stars.
Source: The CARMENES search for exoplanets around M dwarfs
Via Heidelberg University
Read more: Exciting! 4 new mini-Earth exoplanets at nearby star
Read more: Habitable exoplanets could exist around nearby stars
Paul Scott Anderson
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About the Author:
Paul Scott Anderson has had a passion for space exploration that began when he was a child when he watched Carl Sagan’s Cosmos. He studied English, writing, art and computer/publication design in high school and college. He later started his blog The Meridiani Journal in 2005, which was later renamed Planetaria. He also later started the blog Fermi Paradoxica, about the search for life elsewhere in the universe.
While interested in all aspects of space exploration, his primary passion is planetary science and SETI. In 2011, he started writing about space on a freelance basis with Universe Today. He has also written for SpaceFlight Insider and AmericaSpace and has also been published in The Mars Quarterly. He also did some supplementary writing for the iOS app Exoplanet.
He has been writing for EarthSky since 2018, and also assists with proofing and social media.
Clyde the mascot of Glasgow 2014 will not be returning for next year’s Commonwealth Games
Clyde, the Glasgow 2014 mascot has announced he won’t be returning for next year’s Commonwealth Games hosted by the city.
The animated thistle, which is Scotland’s national flower, was the face of the international sporting event and statues of him remain in place across Glasgow.
Organisers said Clyde will still play a role in next year’s event, but for now he is stepping aside in favour of a new mascot ‘bursting with personality and sparkle’.
The Commonwealth Games return to Glasgow in 2026 between 23 July and 2 August, and will involve 10 sports across four venues.
In a statement, Clyde the ‘talking thistle’ didn’t seem too prickly about his departure but confirmed he was passing the baton to a new games ambassador.
He said: “Back in 2014, I was honoured to play a part in one of the greatest sporting summers Glasgow and Scotland have ever seen.
“To know that after all these years, I still hold such a place in the heart of this city and in the heart of Scotland, is a far greater honour than a simple thistle could ever ask for.
“So for this very reason – and with a heart full of excitement for what’s about to come – that I officially rule myself out of the running to be the mascot for Glasgow 2026.”
Clyde became synonymous with the Glasgow 2014 event and was immortalised when 25 life-size Clyde statues were erected across the city including the Glasgow Botanic Gardens, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and at George Square.
Some have had to be taken down due to vandalism.
He was a popular character and by the final day of the Games, over 50,000 Clyde mascot cuddly toys had been sold.
Other games have had their own mascots including, Borobi the blue koala from the Gold Coast 2018, and Perry the bull from Birmingham 2022.
Glasgow stepped into host a “scaled-back” version of the games last year, after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew as host due to rising costs.
Clyde’s memorable moments from Glasgow 2014
Clyde became the face of Glasgow 2014 and rubbed shoulders with stars including Usain Bolt
He impressed world leaders and Royals, including Prince William and Princess Kate with his athletic prowess
Phil Batty, chief executive of Glasgow 2026, said: “Clyde is loved by everybody in the Commonwealth Games community, from the team, fans and athletes to the wider public for his friendly face, his energy and his pride in Scotland.
“He’s given many years of tireless service and will be a tough act to follow, but we know our brilliant new mascot will add magic and sparkle to the Games and win a new generation of hearts across Glasgow, Scotland and around the world.
“Imagined by the young people of Glasgow to shine on the world stage, this character captures everything Glasgow 2026 is about – fun, inclusion, pride and progress.
“We can’t wait to unveil them to the world later this month.”
The new mascot has been created by the Glasgow 2026 Mascot Makers, a team of 76 schoolchildren from 24 Glasgow schools.
Organisers have confirmed the new Glasgow 2026 mascot will be revealed on 23 July to mark one year to go until the Games officially begin.
Could Glasgow 2026’s mascot be a unicorn, a haggis or even a new embodiment of the city’s iconic Duke of Wellington statue with a traffic cone on his head?
Until then, sporting fans will be left to speculate.
The heartbreak of missing a second Olympic medal continues to haunt Team Mirabai Chanu. A silver medallist at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Games, Mirabai finished fourth in the 49kg at the Paris 2024 Olympics weightlifting competition on August 7, 2024. She was edged out by a Thai opponent Surodchana Khambao by the barest of margins.
Almost a year after that setback, Mirabai told Olympics.com that her failure in the first lift of the clean and jerk section was a damper. Mirabai’s coach of more than a decade, Vijay Sharma, said “losing the medal by a kilogram still hurts and will never be erased.”
After the shooters had given India a never-seen-before dream start with a troika of bronze at Chateauroux, weightlifting promised a sure-shot medal. The question was what the colour would be!
There was a lot of expectation around Mirabai because she was physically fit, trained hard at the national camp in Patiala and before entering the Games Village in Paris, had acclimatised well at La Ferte-Milon in France with her two main trainers – coach Sharma and physio Dr Aaron Horschig, the man behind Mirabai’s splendid recovery from a debilitating hip injury sustained at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2022.
Almost everyone in the Indian media contingent covering the Summer Games turned up at the South Paris Arena on the evening of August 7. There was a sizeable Indian audience and Mirabai, doing a traditional ‘Namaste’, received a thunderous ovation when the line-up was introduced.
Even if she targeted 90kgs in snatch, Mirabai equalled her personal best of 88kgs in her second and final attempt. Just like a false start in athletics, no balls in cricket, bad lifts are part of weightlifting. Remember defending champion Neeraj Chopra had a series of foul throws before winning the Paris Olympics silver in javelin.
Bad lifts can be a result of awry technique, incorrect form, excessive weight or simply because of a lack of warm-up. It was hard to imagine that an experienced weightlifter like Mirabai would not have prepared her body before her lifts in Paris. At the end of the snatch round, Mirabai and Surodchana were joint third, both having lifted 88kgs each.
The clean and jerk section would be decisive. Mirabai failed in her first attempt at 111kgs. She was successful in her second attempt immediately after but Surodchana put the pressure back on Mirabai by lifting 112kgs in her second attempt.
“That bad lift disturbed my rhythm. I was having painful cramps due to my periods and that failed attempt not only dazed me but probably affected my preparation. For me, lifting 111 was not a challenge but the unsuccessful lift probably made the difference in our planning,” said Mirabai on the sidelines of the launch of the ASMITA women’s weightlifting league in Modinagar on Tuesday.
Surodchana lifted 112kgs in clean and jerk for a total of 200kgs. Mirabai (total 199kgs) could not improve beyond 111 – she missed her final attempt at 114kgs — and was relegated to the fourth position. There have been questions on her team’s selection of weights in the clean and jerk category but Mirabai reiterated that it was “just bad luck and the decision on weight selection was unanimous between her and the coach.”
“Me and my coach knew that even if we did 112 and 113, a medal was guaranteed. We came to Paris regularly doing up to 115 and 117, but kismat (luck) was not with us that evening,” said Mirabai.
While Mirabai put it down to a medal-denying bad lift, coach Sharma was more emotional about missing out on a podium finish. Uttering the lyrics of a famous Jagjit Singh ghazal — Jo beet gya hai, woh gujar kyo nahi jata (Why doesn’t what has passed, just pass away?” – Sharma said: “It’s not easy to forget this. We had really prepared hard and wanted to make history again and set a benchmark. It was not to be.”
Sharma and Mirabai are working hard at the former’s Weightlifting Warriorz Academy in Modinagar. Going forward, she will be in a new weight category – 48kgs – and both refuse to put the cart before the horse as Mirabai still wants to achieve 90kgs in snatch. She will be 30 on August 8.
“I have been working on slight tweaks in my technique, particularly in snatch. Snatch is all technique while clean and jerk is more power based. How to lift and progress, how to control the back, execution of the second pull, all those aspects need technical refinement. These are little changes but over the years, the body develops muscle memory which is hard to let go,” Mirabai told a group of selected media personnel.
Keeping fit and peaking in the big tournaments will be key to Mirabai’s progress. Her immediate calendar includes the Commonwealth Championships in Ahmedabad from August 24-30. Then her biggest test will come in the IWF World Championships in Forde, Norway from October 2-11.
The goal will then shift to the 2026 Asian Games which will be held in Aichi-Nagoya in Japan from September 19 to October 4. Mirabai’s cupboard doesn’t have an Asian Games gold medal yet. The LA 2028 Olympics are not in Team Mirabai’s mind yet!
As part of the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) efforts to further develop Para athletes, coaches, classifiers and technical officials to the highest level, it held a three-day training camp in Windhoek, Namibia, from 30 June to 2 July, bringing together 86 participants from 16 African countries.
Organised as part of the IPC’s Sport for Mobility Programme, the camp offered a comprehensive range of training opportunities in Para athletics and Para powerlifting and was organised with the support of the respective international federations World Para Athletics and World Para Powerlifting.
The Para athletics elements of the training camp focused on athlete development, while the coaching course and technical officials’ course aimed to enhance the skills of coaches and classifiers. The Para powerlifting courses for classifiers and technical officials aimed to build technical expertise and strengthen the support network essential for the growth of the sport across the region.
Kristina Molloy, the IPC’s Chief Membership and Impact Officer said: “As part of our commitment to advance the work and capabilities of our 200+ member organisations around the world, the IPC is proud to deliver a wide range of transformational sport development initiatives under the umbrella of Sport for Mobility.
“Our focus is on the key components that contribute to a Para athletes’ path to success, like training, coaching and classification. Annual events, such as this three-day training camp in Namibia, are targeted to a specific region and designed to develop the fundamental building blocks for long-term success.
“The feedback from athletes, coaches and technical officials in Namibia has been really positive and we look forward to organising similar three-day training camps in the Americas, Asia and Oceania.”
The training camp focused on further developing Para athletes, coaches, classifiers and technical officials. @H. N. Kapanga / IPC
Developing Para athletics
Para athletes attending the three-day training camp took part in track and field training sessions with coaches and were given a chance to explore the history and values of the Paralympic Movement, and explore what it means to be an athlete leader.
Manfred Kpapa, a Para athlete from Namibia, said: “My favourite part of the training was learning about what it means to compete at the Paralympic Games and what is the value of the athlete. I enjoyed the training at the stadium.
“It is important for me to do this training to have more motivation, to get more experience and how I should do my training and how to work better on the track.”
Coaching course participants were provided hands-on and theoretical training, covering planning and training strategies, running mechanics, throwing basics, and long jump techniques. Additional sessions focused on communication, anti-doping, and the role of the coach. Coaches also participated in group presentations and peer feedback sessions, enhancing their ability to support athlete development effectively.
The World Para Athletics (WPA) technical officials course educated participants on the sport’s rules, ethics, and risk management. Participants received training on equipment use, venue set-up, and regulations for track and field events. The course concluded with a practical workshop and final examination, ensuring that officials were well-prepared to support future competitions.
Catherine Louise Sellers, an instructor of the WPA coaching course highlighted the positive engagement of participants: “Our students have been wonderful. They have been engaged, they want to learn, and they have been sharing with us and with each other.
“My hope for the students is that they continue to learn. A coach is constantly learning. They have to learn new things, new techniques come out, new prosthetics come out, new equipment comes out, so they have to learn to adapt to that. As long as they keep learning, they keep growing, and the Movement will continue to grow. We want more representation around the world, and by coming here, that’s what we are doing.”
Strengthening Para powerlifting
With Africa boasting two of the top five medal winning nations in Para powerlifting at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the continent has proven there is a strong pool of talented athletes.
To support the development of the sport in the region further, a classifier course covered athlete evaluation, classification criteria, safety assessments, and practical evaluations. Meanwhile, the technical officials course included weigh-in procedures, judging, marshalling, and lift challenges. These sessions are key to expanding the pool of qualified personnel to support Para powerlifting events across the region.
Alieu Mansaray of Sierra Leone, who participated in the Technical Official World Para Powerlifting course, was motivated to put his newly acquired knowledge into practice. “I want to go to my country, serve as an ambassador to develop the sport of Para powerlifting and to help those who are less privileged to improve.”
Previous training camps as the one held in Namibia were held in Tokyo, Japan, in 2024 targeting National Paralympic Committees and Para athletes from Asia, and Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2023 focussed on participants from the Americas.
InfoComm Asia 2025 is the continent’s number one audiovisual and transformative solutions event. Bringing together over 8,000 attendees, it connects AV manufacturers to the Asia Pacific market. With a wide range of exhibitors, delegates can expect to connect with leading brands showcasing unique and innovative solutions.
This year’s event will take place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok, Thailand, from 23 to 25 July.
InfoComm Asia 2025 will showcase the technology of the future. With cutting-edge innovations and insights from global professionals, it encourages visitors to build connections and network with industry leaders.
Why attend InfoComm Asia 2025?
The fifth edition of InfoComm Asia will showcase 180 international brands. This year, there are 40 new exhibitors, 75% of whom are from China. This highlights a significant surge in Chinese innovation targeting the broader Asian market.
Attendees can expect a range of advanced technologies, diverse solutions, and a chance to engage with innovative companies.
“InfoComm Asia offers indispensable long-term value, particularly for our AV channel professionals,” says June Ko, executive director of InfoComm Asia.
“Our show is a prime opportunity to build and nurture the vital human connections that are truly the bedrock of sustained business health. We encourage AV channel professionals and business decision-makers alike to fully leverage this platform to establish new industry contacts, solidify relationships with existing partners, and connect with new peers and potential collaborators.
“Fostering deep networks and exploring the diverse opportunities available at InfoComm Asia is always a powerful strategic investment in future growth and resilience.”
Special events
InfoComm Asia 2025 will host a series of engaging special events, including its signature off-site Tech Tours. These specially curated excursions provide attendees with exclusive behind-the-scenes access to witness the latest Pro AV technology in real-world scenarios.
Notable highlights include a visit to a cutting-edge virtual production studio tailored for broadcast, media, and entertainment needs. There is also an immersive tour of a top Bangkok nightclub, showcasing how sophisticated visual displays, high-end audio systems, and integrated lighting work together to create captivating entertainment experiences.
Complementing these excursions, the show floor will also serve as a centre for interaction, featuring additional special events.
Visitors can attend dedicated networking receptions, an engaging Lunch & Learn: AI in AV Workshop, and the collaborative Regional AV Roundtable & Mixer, among other events. These aim to provide vibrant opportunities for connecting with peers, leaders, and potential collaborators.
Interested attendees can RSVP for these special events during registration for InfoComm Asia 2025. Some events may require a fee, and spots are on a first-come, first-served basis.
A focus on AI at InfoComm Asia 2025
Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be at the forefront of this year’s InfoComm Asia Summit 2025. There will be in-depth insights into the future of AV, IT, and AI integration. The event aims to equip attendees with the knowledge and strategies needed to succeed in a quickly changing business environment.
“The future of business is intrinsically linked to how we reimagine our physical and digital boundaries. I’m thrilled to be part of the opening panel at InfoComm Asia, Reimagining Boundaries: The Future of Business & Technology in 2030, to discuss this very shift,” says Simon Long, senior director at CBRE, Singapore.
“We will explore how converged technologies, especially AI, are fundamentally reshaping the built environment, and it’s a critical conversation for any leader looking to gain a strategic edge in the coming years.”
Shaun Liew, head of rail operations & support and customer experience & commercial at SBS Transit Ltd, Singapore, adds: “At SBS Transit, we discovered that human-centric AI isn’t just about automation, but a powerful way to amplify the human touch.
“I look forward to sharing some insights and lessons from our journey of discovery during the Blending Innovation with Emotion panel at InfoComm Asia.”
Workshops and more
The Summit at InfoComm Asia 2025 will include a series of insightful debates and practical workshops focused on AI.
For example, Transforming Workplaces with AI-Driven Intelligent Devices discusses creating smarter, more efficient workplaces using sensor data and introduces the ‘Distance Zero’ concept for AI-guided meeting experiences.
The panel discussion AI and the Transformation of AV/IT Solutions Education: Challenges, Directions, and Opportunities examines how artificial intelligence could influence the future of education in the AV and IT solutions sectors.
Another panel discussion, AI & The Future of Workplace Collaboration and Engagement, provides insight into how AI-powered automation, machine learning, and intelligent chatbots are enhancing productivity and creating new opportunities for collaboration in the workplace.
The Summit will also include dedicated tracks focusing on AI’s application in specific sectors. These provide tailored insights for professionals across various fields.
For instance, Shaping the Future of Digital Signage — Market Trends and Managed Signage examines how AI unlocks more personalised experiences. AI Audio Mixing: Using it to Gain Advantage will show how AI can refine audio production and enhance live events.
Other highlights from the InfoComm Asia 2025 agenda
The InfoComm Asia Summit aims to offer in-depth educational sessions on the most important trends shaping the industry. Across 14 tracks, attendees can discover insights into esports, enterprise IT, digital signage, smart workplace, live events, immersive experiences, and more.
Wednesday 23 July
Following an opening ceremony and a welcome address from June Ko, the opening session, Reimagining Boundaries: The Future of Business & Technology in 2030, will offer a glimpse into the transformative trends and technologies expected to redefine industries by the end of the decade.
Moderator Zane Au of Shen Milsom & Wilke will be joined by AVIXA’s David Labuskes, James Shanks from GPA and CBRE’s Simon Long.
Later, Ivan Lau of Pantheon Lab and Shaun Liew of SBS Transit will present Blending Innovation with Emotion: How Human-Centric AI is Changing Customer Engagement and Operation Efficiency. This aims to provide a 360-degree perspective on the Metahuman Interface (MHI) solution.
Smart cities are also on the agenda on Wednesday afternoon. There will be insights from Dr Temo Anda of NCS Group in Singapore Smart Cities 2.0: From Sensors to Reasoning Agents.
Live streaming, live events
In Optimizing Audio Quality in Live Streaming: Strategies and System Design, attendees will explore the technical foundations of audio for live streaming. This is led by Jun Lim of Integrated Systems Technologies. This will be followed by Future of Audio in Live Transcription and Translation Scenarios with Urmil Vaidya of AVIXA.
When it comes to live events, attendees can gain insights from groundbreaking performances, including Ed Sheeran’s Mathematics World Tour, in Lighting Up the Stage: The Tech Behind Ed Sheeran, Adele & Beyond.
This talk will explore how Disguise’s tools enable seamless production and real-time collaboration across global stages. It is presented by Wayne Law of Disguise, an industry-leading platform at the heart of a new era of visual experiences.
See also:Smart, seamless, spectacular: Disguise shapes a new era of immersive LBE
Thursday 24 July
AI is in the spotlight again on Thursday morning, starting with Bringing 2D Plans to Life with Stunning Gen-AI Renders. Chua Cong Wei of PTS Consulting will discuss how generative AI can transform simple 2D plans into realistic visuals. This makes it easier to communicate ideas, expedite decisions, and bring AV designs to life.
Then, in Beyond the Interface: AI, Automation, and the New Rules of Integration, Jonathan McFarlane, CEO of PlaceOS, will explore how emerging trends in large language models (LLMs), automation, and smart environments are transforming the way digital experiences are built.
Florian Rotberg of invidis consulting will deliver the invidis keynote. Shaping the Future of Digital Signage — Market Trends and Managed Signage examines the evolving landscape of digital signage. It will highlight key market trends and the technological drivers that will shape its future.
Rotberg will then lead a panel discussion, Driving Customer Experience Through Innovation and Best Practices. This will explore how cutting-edge innovation and proven best practices are shaping the future of the customer experience. He will be joined by Michael Martin of Screencloud, Frank Larsen of SignageLive, and Nir Doron from NoviSign.
Technology and storytelling at InfoComm Asia 2025
In the afternoon, the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) presents a series of sessions called Emotion Amplified: How Technology Elevates Storytelling and Enriches Experience. Blake Hellyar of SHIKI will introduce the summit.
Firstly, in Everything Starts with the Voice: Engineering Emotion Through Audio, Lee Stevens of Adamson Systems Engineering will explore how emotion is the true currency of sound, and how precision-engineered sound systems are crafted not just for clarity or power, but for emotional fidelity.
Christie, theglobal visual and audio technology company, will also present a technology case study. Hellyar will then moderate a panel discussion with Stevens. This is called Technological Innovations in Storytelling: Bridging the Gap between Imagination and Reality.
During the afternoon, speakers will join Hellyar to talk about creativity. In The Future of Immersive Environments: Beyond Screens and Sensors, Justin and Kelly Harris of SnobBirds LLC will examine how spatial storytelling and tactile detail can drive connection in a tech-saturated world.
Creating Impact Without Reinventing the Wheel – An Operator’s View will be a candid conversation with Darren Kopas of MGM Macau. This will share how the company reimagines existing AV technology to deliver emotionally resonant guest experiences.
Finally, all the speakers will take part in a panel discussion titled The Future of Creative Expression: How Emerging Technologies are Redefining Storytelling.
Friday 25 July
Sustainability takes centre stage on Friday.
Save Sustainability in AV will discuss the importance of incorporating sustainable practices within the AV industry. It will highlight initiatives such as reducing waste, promoting energy efficiency, and supporting the responsible sourcing of materials.
This is presented by Piyanut Boonkhun of Sustainability in AV (SAVe). SAVe is a non-profit that works to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the AV field.
Boonkhun will also lead a panel discussion titled Sustainability and Integrated Technology – What Sustainability Looks Like in the AV Industry?
With the urgent need for environmental stewardship, the AV industry plays a crucial role in driving change. This panel brings together experts and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds. They will discuss the practical aspects and transformative potential of sustainability in AV.
Professional development at InfoComm Asia 2025
AVIXA will also hold its first-ever in-person CTS 1-AV Technology Training course in Asia.
Scheduled for July 21-23, just before the main exhibition, this foundational three-day programme marks the initial stage of the new CTS Pathway for professionals aiming to earn the internationally recognised CTS (Certified Technology Specialist) credential.
“InfoComm Asia is more than just an exhibition; it’s a comprehensive platform for professional development and strategic learning,” says Angie Eng, marketing director of InfoComm Asia. “We recognize the importance of continuous learning, and our show is fundamentally about equipping our community for tomorrow’s challenges.
“Learning is truly omnipresent at InfoComm Asia. Whether it’s through expert-led sessions, exploring innovations on the show floor, or engaging in conversations at our special events, every interaction is key for attendees to gain the invaluable knowledge and connections to master the evolving technological landscape and drive innovation within their organizations.”
InfoComm Asia, a Singapore subsidiary of AVIXA, leads professional audiovisual trade shows across the Asia Pacific. Its key events—InfoComm Asia, Beijing InfoComm China, and InfoComm India—offer a platform for global Pro-AV professionals to connect, network, and explore industry innovations.
Produced on 9 July 2025 based on data submitted up to 2 July 2025
Epidemiological summary
In 2025, and as of 2 July 2025, no countries in Europe reported any locally acquired[1] human cases of WNV infection with known place of infection. In the previous five years, the first locally acquired cases of the WNV transmission season usually had symptom onset in June. However, the absence of notification of locally acquired cases of WNV in the EU/EEA and EU-neighbouring countries is not unexpected at this time of the year. This could either be due to the absence of WNV infections in humans or due to a delay in diagnosis and reporting of cases of WNV infection. Furthermore, a majority of WNV infections in humans remain asymptomatic or pauci-symptomatic. From the veterinary perspective, 2 WNV outbreaks among equids and 3 outbreaks among birds have been reported in Europe in 2025. The earliest start date of an outbreak among equids and birds was on 15 January 2025 in Germany and 16 February 2025 in Italy, while the latest onset of an outbreak among equids and birds was, respectively, on 12 June 2025 in Hungary and 11 June 2025 in Italy. The number of outbreaks in birds and equids reported during this first period of 2025 is below the mean monthly outbreak count for the same time frame (calculated from 2015–2024). During the same period in 2024, 16 outbreaks were reported. In 2025, as of 2 July, this is the lowest number of outbreaks in birds and equids reported during the same period since 2022. All three countries (and their associated regions) reported WNV outbreaks in birds and/or equids in 2024 and in prior years, indicating endemic WNV activity in these regions. In temperate regions like Europe, WNV transmission typically occurs from mid-June to mid-November, when mosquito activity is highest. Off-season reports of WNV outbreaks in birds and equids should be carefully evaluated as they raise questions about the timing of infection. The two early-season WNV outbreak reports (Germany’s equid case in January and Italy’s bird case in February) require cautious interpretation, as they may reflect residual detection (e.g. lingering antibodies or viral RNA from prior infections) rather than active transmission in 2025. The absence of reported human West Nile virus infections in Europe as of 2 July 2025, alongside a notably lower number of outbreaks in birds and equids compared to 2024, suggests a reduced level of viral circulation in the environment during the early transmission season in 2025. Natural fluctuations in virus prevalence can occur year to year, influenced by immunity levels in bird populations and ecological conditions. Human cases are expected to occur in the coming weeks.
[1] Locally acquired cases refer to cases acquired within the reporting country
The Orchestre national du Capitole de Toulouse has announced the appointment of violinist Quentin Vogel as its new solo violin, or concertmaster.
‘Well done and welcome!’ the orchestra said on social media.
Vogel takes up the role having previously served as violinist of the Opéra Orchestre National Montpellier. He has regularly performed with the National Orchestra of Belgium and the Mulhouse Symphony Orchestra.
Vogel is a graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Brussels and CNSMD Lyon, and pursued further studies at the Académie Musicale Philippe Jaroussky. He is a prizewinner at numerous competitions, such as the ’Clé d’or’, Vieuxtemps, Marie Cantagrill, Arthur Grumiaux, Léopold Bellan and the ‘Triumphs of Art’ competitions.
As a chamber musician, he founded the Möbius Quartet in 2019, which toured Ukraine in July 2021 and in 2022 performed at the Vilnius Philharmonic in Lithuania with the Rostropovich Foundation.
In The Best of Technique you’ll discover the top playing tips of the world’s leading string players and teachers. It’s packed full of exercises for students, plus examples from the standard repertoire to show you how to integrate the technique into your playing.
In the second volume of The Strad’s Masterclass series, soloists including James Ehnes, Jennifer Koh, Philippe Graffin, Daniel Hope and Arabella Steinbacher give their thoughts on some of the greatest works in the string repertoire. Each has annotated the sheet music with their own bowings, fingerings and comments.
The Canada Council of the Arts’ Musical Instrument Bank is 40 years old in 2025. This year’s calendar celebrates some its treasures, including four instruments by Antonio Stradivari and priceless works by Montagnana, Gagliano, Pressenda and David Tecchler.
Jofra Archer will play his first Test in more than four years after being named in the England team to face India at Lord’s on Thursday.
The 30-year-old’s inclusion is the only change to the England team for the crucial third Test, with the series level at 1-1.
Despite Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse both looking weary in the heavy second-Test defeat at Edgbaston, they are both retained, with Josh Tongue making way for Archer.
On the same day Archer’s place in the England XI was confirmed, fellow pace bowler Mark Wood trained at Lord’s as he continues his comeback from a knee injury.
It was thought Wood would miss the entire five-match series against India, but the Durham man is targeting the final Test at The Oval. It raises the tantalising prospect of Archer and Wood in the same XI, which has only happened once before in Test cricket.
Archer has taken 42 wickets in 13 previous Tests but has been dogged by back and elbow injuries since his last, also against India, in 2021. England have played 53 Tests since Archer last appeared. It will be 1,595 days between caps.
In that time, it seemed highly doubtful Archer would ever be back in Test cricket and there were points when his entire career was in doubt.
Following his last major setback, in 2023, Archer has followed a meticulous plan laid out by England, who have kept faith in his supreme talent with central contracts throughout his time away from Test cricket.
Matt Roller is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo. He tweets at @mroller98
Jul 9, 2025, 10:42 AM
Jofra Archer will return to Test cricket at Lord’s on Thursday after a four-and-a-half year absence. Elbow and back injuries have long restricted Archer to a white-ball diet but he returned to first-class cricket for Sussex last month, and has been named in England’s team to face India on the ground where he made his Test debut six years ago, replacing Josh Tongue.
Archer has only bowled 18 overs in first-class cricket in the last four years, but Ben Stokes insisted he is ready to go. “Jofra has played a lot of cricket over the last two-and-a-half years,” Stokes, England’s captain, said. “If we didn’t think he was in a position to get through a Test match as a bowler, we wouldn’t even be considering him for selection.”
Archer’s return to Test cricket comes in similar circumstances to his debut, with England struggling to dislodge an opposition batter. In 2019, Archer was brought in after Steven Smith’s twin hundreds at Edgbaston and hit him on the helmet during a lightning-fast spell; now, he will be tasked with dislodging Shubman Gill after his 430-run match in Birmingham.
“It’s obvious whenever he does get the ball in his hand there is that change in the game,” Stokes said. “The opposition feel it as well, because they know what he can do in a spell. I don’t think there’s any reason we can’t see Jofra Archer operating at the level that we saw here at Lord’s on his debut.
“It’s great for English fans, but also for Jof. It’s been a long time coming for him. The way in which he’s handled the injury setbacks over a period has been very commendable… It’s very exciting for the group. It’s a pretty great day, and Jof can be pretty proud of himself that he’s managed to get himself back here after two pretty big injury scares.”
Archer for Tongue is England’s only change from the side that were thrashed by 336 runs last week. Tongue is the leading wicket-taker in the series with 11, but has conceded 4.56 runs per over and has endured a heavy workload. Brydon Carse and Chris Woakes retain their spots despite bowling 77 and 81 overs respectively in the first two Tests.
Carse appeared to be struggling with a toe injury at Edgbaston, and did not bowl after the 27th over of India’s second innings. But Ben Stokes insisted the issue was his footwear rather than his feet themselves, and Carse has kept his place after Gus Atkinson was not deemed ready to return from the hamstring strain he sustained against Zimbabwe in May.
Atkinson is expected to be released from the squad to play for Surrey in the T20 Blast, and is targeting the fourth Test in Manchester on July 23 for a potential Test comeback. His injury was initially downplayed by England but his rehabilitation has taken longer than expected to the extent that he has not played competitive cricket for six weeks.
Archer took 42 wickets at 31.04 in the 13 Tests he played between 2019 and 2021, including 20 at 20.27 in the 2019 Ashes. But he was overbowled and misused by Joe Root, who infamously said that Archer should “unleash a little bit more” after using him for 42 overs in an innings on a flat pitch in Mount Maunganui, and he has spent four years recovering from multiple injuries.
England have taken a cautious approach with Archer this summer. He could have been available for the first Test of the series but for a thumb injury he sustained at the IPL, and Stokes opted not to pick him at Edgbaston last week because he wanted him to spend a week training with the squad before his return.
It is not yet clear whether Archer will share the new ball with Woakes or replace Tongue as first change, and Stokes said he will not go into the Test with any “pre-conceived ideas” around managing his workload. “It will all be [an] in the moment kind of thing – same with anyone,” he said. “If you do get a sense to give them an extra over or two than you originally planned…”
Archer regularly bowled on practice pitches during the Edgbaston Test under the watchful eye of England’s assistant coaches, and was deemed “ready to go” by Brendon McCullum. England have asked for “plenty of life” in the surface this week, but Lord’s pitches have typically been slow in recent years and have got better for batting as Test matches wear on.
Mark Wood also trained with England at Lord’s on Wednesday morning as he targets a return from his knee injury for the fifth Test. While that timeframe may prove too tight, England’s management will remain optimistic about the prospect of unleashing Archer and Wood in tandem in Australia for this winter’s Ashes series.
England XI: 1 Zak Crawley, 2 Ben Duckett, 3 Ollie Pope, 4 Joe Root, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Ben Stokes (capt), 7 Jamie Smith (wk), 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Brydon Carse, 10 Jofra Archer, 11 Shoaib Bashir.
