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NASA Webb ‘Pierces’ Bullet Cluster, Refines Its Mass

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope recently zeroed in on the Bullet Cluster — delivering highly detailed images that show a greater abundance of extremely faint and distant galaxies than ever before. Using Webb’s crisp near-infrared observations of this region, researchers have more completely mapped the colliding galaxy clusters’ contents.

“With Webb’s observations, we carefully measured the mass of the Bullet Cluster with the largest lensing dataset to date, from the galaxy clusters’ cores all the way out to their outskirts,” said Sangjun Cha, the lead author of the paper published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters and a PhD student at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea. (Previous studies of the Bullet Cluster with other telescopes relied on significantly less lensing data, which netted out with less precise estimates of the system’s mass.)

“Webb’s images dramatically improve what we can measure in this scene — including pinpointing the position of invisible particles known as dark matter,” said Kyle Finner, a co-author and an assistant scientist at IPAC at Caltech in Pasadena, California.

Mapping the Dark Matter

All galaxies are made up of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter, which are bound together by gravity. The Bullet Cluster is made up of two very massive collections of galaxies, known as galaxy clusters, that are themselves bound by gravity.

These galaxy clusters act as gravitational lenses, magnifying the light of background galaxies. “Gravitational lensing allows us to infer the distribution of dark matter,” said James Jee, a co-author, professor at Yonsei University, and research associate at UC Davis in California.

To visualize gravitational lensing and dark matter, think of a pond filled with clear water and pebbles. “You cannot see the water unless there is wind, which causes ripples,” Jee explained. “Those ripples distort the shapes of the pebbles below, causing the water to act like a lens.” The same thing happens in space, but the water is dark matter and the pebbles are background galaxies.

In all, the team measured thousands of galaxies in Webb’s images to accurately “weigh” both the visible and invisible mass in these galaxy clusters. They also carefully mapped and measured the collective light emitted by stars that are no longer bound to individual galaxies — known as intracluster stars.

The revised map of the Bullet Cluster is shown in a new image: Layered on top of an image from Webb’s NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) is data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory that shows hot gas in pink, including the bullet shape at right. Refined measurements of the dark matter, calculated by the team using Webb’s observations, are represented in blue. (See the defined galaxy clusters within the dashed circles.)

Their findings are persuasive: “We confirmed that the intracluster light can be a reliable tracer of dark matter, even in a highly dynamic environment like the Bullet Cluster,” Cha said. If these stars are not bound to galaxies, but to the cluster’s dark matter, it might become easier to pin down more specifics about the invisible matter.

Viewed as a whole, the researchers’ new measurements significantly refine what we know about how mass is spread throughout the Bullet Cluster. The galaxy cluster on the left has an asymmetric, elongated area of mass along the left edge of the blue region, which is a clue pointing to previous mergers in that cluster.

Dark matter does not emit, reflect, or absorb light, and the team’s findings indicate that dark matter shows no signs of significant self-interaction. If dark matter did self-interact in Webb’s observations, the team would see an offset between the galaxies and their respective dark matter.

“As the galaxy clusters collided, their gas was dragged out and left behind, which the X-rays confirm,” Finner said. Webb’s observations show that dark matter still lines up with the galaxies — and was not dragged away.

Although earlier measurements with other telescopes also identified invisible mass in addition to the mass in the galaxies, it was still possible that the dark matter could interact with itself to some degree. These new observations place stronger limits on the behavior of dark matter particles.

‘Replaying’ the Collision

The strange new clumps and elongated line of mass the team identified may mean that the Bullet Cluster was produced by more than one collision of galaxy clusters billions of years ago.

The larger cluster, which now sits on the left, might have suffered a minor collision before it rammed through the galaxy cluster now at right. The same larger cluster may also have experienced a violent interaction afterward, causing an additional shake up of its contents. “A more complicated scenario would lead to a huge asymmetric elongation like we see on the left,” Jee said.

The Head of a ‘Giant’

The Bullet Cluster is huge, even in the vast expanse of space. Webb’s NIRCam covered a significant portion of the hulking debris with its images, but not all of it. “It’s like looking at the head of a giant,” said Jee. “Webb’s initial images allow us to extrapolate how heavy the whole ‘giant’ is, but we’ll need future observations of the giant’s whole ‘body’ for precise measurements.”

In the near future, researchers will also have expansive near-infrared images from NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, which is set to launch by May 2027. “With Roman, we will have complete mass estimates of the entire Bullet Cluster, which would allow us to recreate the actual collision on computers,” Finner said.

The Bullet Cluster is found in the Carina constellation 3.8 billion light-years from Earth.

The James Webb Space Telescope is the world’s premier space science observatory. Webb is solving mysteries in our solar system, looking beyond to distant worlds around other stars, and probing the mysterious structures and origins of our universe and our place in it. Webb is an international program led by NASA with its partners, ESA (European Space Agency) and CSA (Canadian Space Agency).

To learn more about Webb, visit:

https://science.nasa.gov/webb

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June 30, 2025
Google expands access to AI tools in the classroom for educators with Gemini

Google LLC today announced a vastly expanded suite of artificial intelligence tools for educators with Gemini in the Classroom, which includes more than 30 features to help teachers spend more time with students.

The new features build on personalized learning experiences for educators and students Google unveiled earlier this year and are now free for educators.

Google Classroom is a free, web-based platform designed to assist educators in managing, creating and organizing assignments, communicating with students, and providing feedback. It’s designed to aid teachers with opportunities in the digital environment by providing them access to Google’s ecosystem such as Docs, Sheets, Slides and Meet.

For students, it allows them to easily access class materials, submit work online, communicate with their teachers about assignments and collaborate with classmates on projects.

Introducing Gemini for Education

Google has launched a new educational version of the Gemini app called Gemini for Education.

The app is based on LearnLM, a powerful tool built on Gemini 2.5 Pro model, the company’s flagship AI model. It’s grounded in learning science, which Google says makes it elemental for learning and providing guidance instead of simply giving away answers.

The app is also designed with safeguards, administrator control and visibility alongside enterprise-grade data protection and regulatory compliance with educational standards.

Additionally, since Google launched Gems in the Gemini app, educators have been able to generate their own AI experts. Gems are a type of customized version of the Gemini chatbot, optimized for specific tasks. Educators can task a Gem to become an “interactive simulation” grounded in course materials and readings to engage students or base it on curricula to make it respond accordingly.

NotebookLM, Google’s AI-powered note-taking and research assistant tool, designed to help users make sense of vast bodies of documents and powered by Gemini for students over 18, now has Video Overviews. This allows educators to easily take copious amounts of coursework and other sources and turn them into educational videos.

Also in the vein of videos, Google Vids is now available to all Google Workspace for Education users.

The company said it intends to launch a new version of NotebookLM in the coming weeks designed for students under age 18. In the upcoming version, Gemini will be able to provide visuals, such as interactive diagrams in its responses to help students understand complex concepts more easily.

Google said in the coming months educators will be able to assign Gems and notebooks grounded in class materials directly to students through Google Classroom through new teacher-led experiences. With the safe, responsible use of AI tools, students will have the agency to choose how to learn in the ways that work best for them.

Image: Google

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June 30, 2025
Pakistan clinch victory against Japan 79-39

A Japanese player attempts to pass the ball to a teammate while Pakistani players try to intercept during the Asian Youth Girls Netball Championship at Jeonju, South Korea, on June 30, 2025. — Reporter

JEONJU: Pakistan defeated Japan with a 79-39 score in the fourth match of the Asian Youth Girls Netball Championship 2025 held at the Jeonju Hwasan Gymnasium in Jeonju-si, South Korea on Monday.

From the very beginning, Pakistan took control of the game, maintaining a steady lead through all four quarters.

The first quarter ended with Pakistan ahead 16-9 and by halftime, they had extended their lead to 39-17.

The momentum continued as Pakistan further widened the gap to 60-26 in the third quarter, eventually sealing the match with a commanding 79-39 victory.

Standout performances came from Leya Raza Shah, Alisha Naveed, Haleema, Sarina Hussain, Jasmine Farooq, Farah Rasheed, Amani, Parisa, Sumayya Ahmed and Alina, all of whom played exceptionally well and contributed to the team’s emphatic win.

Officials from the Pakistan Netball Federation, including Chairman Mudassar Arian, President Sameen Malik, and Secretary General Muhammad Riaz, congratulated the team on their remarkable victory against Japan, praising the players for their skill and teamwork in securing such a convincing result.

Pakistan are placed in Pool B of the championship and now sit at the top of the group with eight points.

Their next match is scheduled against the Maldives on Tuesday. The team is set to play five league matches in the group stage.

The Asian Youth Girls Netball Championship 2025 features a total of 11 participating teams and is being played from June 27 to July four under the supervision of the Asian Netball Federation.

The teams are divided into two groups. Group A includes Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong and India.

While Group B consists of Pakistan, Chinese Taipei, South Korea, Japan, Maldives and Saudi Arabia.

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June 30, 2025
Action For Humanity statement on atrocities at aid sites in Gaza – ReliefWeb
1. Action For Humanity statement on atrocities at aid sites in Gaza ReliefWeb
2. At least 58 killed as Israel intensifies offensive in Gaza Australian Broadcasting Corporation
3. Israel kills nearly 600 Palestinians at aid centres: All you need to know Al Jazeera
4. ‘It’s a Killing Field’: IDF Soldiers Ordered to Shoot Deliberately at Unarmed Gazans Waiting for Humanitarian Aid Haaretz
5. Israel halts aid into northern Gaza, officials say, clans deny Hamas is stealing it Reuters
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June 30, 2025
Gene Haas to drive one of his F1 cars at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Haas have announced that team founder and owner Gene Haas, as well as team boss Ayao Komatsu, will get behind the wheel of Formula 1 machinery at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed.

After marking their 200th F1 start at the recent Canadian Grand Prix, the US-led operation will continue celebrations with a series of activities at the annual motorsport gathering, which features a world-famous hillclimb.

This includes Gene Haas driving the 2023-specification VF-23 on Friday, July 11, with Komatsu also making an appearance in the following season’s VF-24.

Haas revealed that the pair got their first taste of F1 machinery together during a private shakedown at Silverstone a couple of weeks ago, with Gene completing a handful of laps on the Stowe track configuration.

Kazuki Nakajima, Vice Chairman of Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe, will kick off the four-day event by driving the VF-23 on Thursday, July 10, alongside Komatsu in the VF-24, before full-time Haas drivers Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon take over weekend driving duties.

Alongside their hillclimb activities, Haas will have a strong presence within the Ballroom Paddock, showcasing the VF-16 – the team’s first F1 car – as well as the VF-25, which will be raced in the British Grand Prix just a few days before.

Haas’ activities at Goodwood coincide with the Festival of Speed’s celebration to mark the 75th anniversary of the F1 World Championship – several other teams and drivers up and down the grid are also set to attend the event.

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June 30, 2025
AMGEN ANNOUNCES POSITIVE TOPLINE PHASE 3 RESULTS FOR BEMARITUZUMAB IN FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTOR RECEPTOR 2b (FGFR2b) POSITIVE FIRST-LINE GASTRIC CANCER| Amgen
At an Interim Analysis, Bemarituzumab Plus Chemotherapy Significantly Improved Overall Survival in People With FGFR2b Overexpression Compared to Chemotherapy Alone

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., June 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) today announced the Phase 3 FORTITUDE-101 clinical trial evaluating first-line bemarituzumab plus chemotherapy (mFOLFOX6) met its primary endpoint of overall survival (OS) at a pre-specified interim analysis.

Bemarituzumab plus chemotherapy demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in OS as compared to placebo plus chemotherapy in people living with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ) cancer with FGFR2b overexpression and who are non-HER2 positive. FGFR2b overexpression was defined as 2+/3+ staining in ≥10% of tumor cells by centrally performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing.

Gastric cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with nearly one million new cases and over 650,000 deaths globally each year¹, highlighting a critical unmet medical need.

“Most patients with gastric cancer are diagnosed at an advanced stage, with poor prognosis, low survival rates and limited therapeutic options,” said Jay Bradner, M.D., executive vice president of Research and Development at Amgen. “These first positive top-line results of an FGFR2b targeted monoclonal antibody from our Phase 3 FORTITUDE-101 study mark a meaningful advance in the development of effective targeted therapy for gastric cancer.”

The most common treatment-emergent adverse events (>25%) in patients treated with bemarituzumab plus chemotherapy were reduced visual acuity, punctate keratitis, anaemia, neutropenia, nausea, corneal epithelium defect and dry eye. While ocular events were consistent with the Phase 2 experience and observed in both arms, they occurred with greater frequency and severity in the Phase 3 bemarituzumab arm.

Detailed results from the trial will be shared at a future medical meeting.

FORTITUDE-101 was conducted with the support of Zai Lab. Zai Lab holds co-development and commercialization rights for bemarituzumab for mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.

A Phase 3 study of bemarituzumab plus chemotherapy and nivolumab is also ongoing in patients with first-line gastric cancer, with a data readout anticipated in H2 2025.

About FGFR2b
The FGFR2b protein (also known as fibroblast growth factor receptor 2b) is an emerging biomarker which, when overexpressed, promotes aberrant signaling leading to tumor cell proliferation.²

The FGFR2b protein is overexpressed by G/GEJ tumor cells in approximately 38% of patients with advanced G/GEJ cancer. FGFR2b protein overexpression is defined as 2+/3+ staining intensity on tumor cell membrane, as detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing. In approximately 16% of patients with advanced G/GEJ cancer, FGFR2b protein overexpression is observed on ≥10% of tumor cells by IHC.³

About FORTITUDE-101
FORTITUDE-101 is a randomized, multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 study of bemarituzumab plus mFOLFOX6 versus placebo plus mFOLFOX6 as first-line therapy in advanced G/GEJ cancer with FGFR2b overexpression. The FORTITUDE-101 trial spanned 300 sites across 37 countries, with 547 patients enrolled.

The primary outcome measure of the trial is overall survival in patients with FGFR2b ≥10% 2+/3+ tumor cell staining. Key secondary outcome measures include progression-free survival and overall response rate. Candidates were excluded from the trial if they were known to be human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive. FORTITUDE-101 included more comprehensive ocular-related monitoring than previous studies of bemarituzumab.

About Amgen
Amgen discovers, develops, manufactures and delivers innovative medicines to help millions of patients in their fight against some of the world’s toughest diseases. More than 40 years ago, Amgen helped to establish the biotechnology industry and remains on the cutting-edge of innovation, using technology and human genetic data to push beyond what’s known today. Amgen is advancing a broad and deep pipeline that builds on its existing portfolio of medicines to treat cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, inflammatory diseases and rare diseases.

In 2024, Amgen was named one of the “World’s Most Innovative Companies” by Fast Company and one of “America’s Best Large Employers” by Forbes, among other external recognitions. Amgen is one of the 30 companies that comprise the Dow Jones Industrial Average^®, and it is also part of the Nasdaq-100 Index^®, which includes the largest and most innovative non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market based on market capitalization.

For more information, visit Amgen.com and follow Amgen on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and Threads.

Amgen Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the current expectations and beliefs of Amgen. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including any statements on the outcome, benefits and synergies of collaborations, or potential collaborations, with any other company (including BeOne Medicines Ltd. or Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd.), the performance of Otezla^® (apremilast), our acquisitions of ChemoCentryx, Inc. or Horizon Therapeutics plc (including the prospective performance and outlook of Horizon’s business, performance and opportunities, and any potential strategic benefits, synergies or opportunities expected as a result of such acquisition), as well as estimates of revenues, operating margins, capital expenditures, cash, other financial metrics, expected legal, arbitration, political, regulatory or clinical results or practices, customer and prescriber patterns or practices, reimbursement activities and outcomes, effects of pandemics or other widespread health problems on our business, outcomes, progress, and other such estimates and results. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, including those discussed below and more fully described in the Securities and Exchange Commission reports filed by Amgen, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent periodic reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. Unless otherwise noted, Amgen is providing this information as of the date of this news release and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this document as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual results may differ materially from those we project. Discovery or identification of new product candidates or development of new indications for existing products cannot be guaranteed and movement from concept to product is uncertain; consequently, there can be no guarantee that any particular product candidate or development of a new indication for an existing product will be successful and become a commercial product. Further, preclinical results do not guarantee safe and effective performance of product candidates in humans. The complexity of the human body cannot be perfectly, or sometimes, even adequately modeled by computer or cell culture systems or animal models. The length of time that it takes for us to complete clinical trials and obtain regulatory approval for product marketing has in the past varied and we expect similar variability in the future. Even when clinical trials are successful, regulatory authorities may question the sufficiency for approval of the trial endpoints we have selected. We develop product candidates internally and through licensing collaborations, partnerships and joint ventures. Product candidates that are derived from relationships may be subject to disputes between the parties or may prove to be not as effective or as safe as we may have believed at the time of entering into such relationship. Also, we or others could identify safety, side effects or manufacturing problems with our products, including our devices, after they are on the market.

Our results may be affected by our ability to successfully market both new and existing products domestically and internationally, clinical and regulatory developments involving current and future products, sales growth of recently launched products, competition from other products including biosimilars, difficulties or delays in manufacturing our products and global economic conditions, including those resulting from geopolitical relations and government actions. In addition, sales of our products are affected by pricing pressure, political and public scrutiny and reimbursement policies imposed by third-party payers, including governments, private insurance plans and managed care providers and may be affected by regulatory, clinical and guideline developments and domestic and international trends toward managed care and healthcare cost containment. Furthermore, our research, testing, pricing, marketing and other operations are subject to extensive regulation by domestic and foreign government regulatory authorities. Our business may be impacted by government investigations, litigation and product liability claims. In addition, our business may be impacted by the adoption of new tax legislation or exposure to additional tax liabilities. Further, while we routinely obtain patents for our products and technology, the protection offered by our patents and patent applications may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented by our competitors, or we may fail to prevail in present and future intellectual property litigation. We perform a substantial amount of our commercial manufacturing activities at a few key facilities, including in Puerto Rico, and also depend on third parties for a portion of our manufacturing activities, and limits on supply may constrain sales of certain of our current products and product candidate development. An outbreak of disease or similar public health threat, and the public and governmental effort to mitigate against the spread of such disease, could have a significant adverse effect on the supply of materials for our manufacturing activities, the distribution of our products, the commercialization of our product candidates, and our clinical trial operations, and any such events may have a material adverse effect on our product development, product sales, business and results of operations. We rely on collaborations with third parties for the development of some of our product candidates and for the commercialization and sales of some of our commercial products. In addition, we compete with other companies with respect to many of our marketed products as well as for the discovery and development of new products. Further, some raw materials, medical devices and component parts for our products are supplied by sole third-party suppliers. Certain of our distributors, customers and payers have substantial purchasing leverage in their dealings with us. The discovery of significant problems with a product similar to one of our products that implicate an entire class of products could have a material adverse effect on sales of the affected products and on our business and results of operations. Our efforts to collaborate with or acquire other companies, products or technology, and to integrate the operations of companies or to support the products or technology we have acquired, may not be successful. There can be no guarantee that we will be able to realize any of the strategic benefits, synergies or opportunities arising from the Horizon acquisition, and such benefits, synergies or opportunities may take longer to realize than expected. We may not be able to successfully integrate Horizon, and such integration may take longer, be more difficult or cost more than expected. A breakdown, cyberattack or information security breach of our information technology systems could compromise the confidentiality, integrity and availability of our systems and our data. Our stock price is volatile and may be affected by a number of events. Our business and operations may be negatively affected by the failure, or perceived failure, of achieving our sustainability objectives. The effects of global climate change and related natural disasters could negatively affect our business and operations. Global economic conditions may magnify certain risks that affect our business. Our business performance could affect or limit the ability of our Board of Directors to declare a dividend or our ability to pay a dividend or repurchase our common stock. We may not be able to access the capital and credit markets on terms that are favorable to us, or at all.

The scientific information discussed in this news release related to our product candidates is preliminary and investigative. Such product candidates are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and no conclusions can or should be drawn regarding the safety or effectiveness of the product candidates.

CONTACT: Amgen, Thousand Oaks Elissa Snook, 609-251-1407 (media)Justin Claeys, 805-313-9775 (investors)

REFERENCES
1. Bray F, et al. CA Cancer J Clin. 2024;74(3);229-263
2. Wainberg ZA, et al. Lancet Oncol. 2022;23(11):1430-40
3. Rha SY, et al. JCO Precis Oncol. 2025; 9 (e2400710). DOI:10.1200/PO-24-00710
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SOURCE Amgen
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June 30, 2025
Paul Aron to drive in first practice at Silverstone as Alpine agree deal with Kick Sauber

Alpine Reserve Driver Paul Aron will make his free practice debut at the upcoming British Grand Prix weekend with Kick Sauber after the rival teams came to an agreement to share his driving services.

The Estonian 21-year-old, who competed in F2 last season, is not racing competitively this year, with his focus currently on helping Alpine with simulator work as they try and claw their way back up the standings from P10 in the Championship.

Alpine entered the 2025 F1 season with plenty of driving talent in reserve. While Ryo Hirakawa soon departed for Haas, the Enstone-based squad still have Jack Doohan alongside Aron – the Australian had started the year in a full-time race seat but was swapped out in favour of Franco Colapinto ahead of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.

The agreement Alpine have reached with Kick Sauber will release Aron for two FP1 sessions this season, with every team having to give up four FP1 sessions across the year for a ‘Friday’ driver, unless they are running a rookie in one of their cars.

Aron will don the black and green of Kick Sauber at Silverstone this weekend, and also at the Hungaroring later this summer. Apart from that, he remains an Alpine driver and will take part in three further FP1 sessions for the French team with dates to be confirmed in due course.

“I am very pleased to be given the opportunity to have valuable track time in Formula 1, so thanks to BWT Alpine Formula One Team for coming to this arrangement,” Aron said.

“It is no secret that my desire is to one day race full-time in Formula 1 so any chance to be on track in a competitive environment is an important stepping stone.

“While I continue to focus on my development with Alpine, I do look forward to the two sessions with Kick Sauber and giving my maximum effort to them at Silverstone and Budapest.”

Kick Sauber only need to give up two FP1 sessions this season, as they are running a designated rookie in their other car in Gabriel Bortoleto. As such, Aron will replace Nico Hulkenberg at Silverstone and in Budapest.

“It is in our interests to maximise any driving opportunities for our young talent, so it is good to have an agreement with Sauber for Paul to drive in Free Practice 1 in Silverstone and Budapest,” added Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s Executive Advisor.

“We are seeing varied success from last year’s Formula 2 drivers this year up and down the grid, and Paul was a front runner in that category, so this is an opportunity for him and the team to continue his progress and to give him valuable track time.”

Aron finished third in last year’s F2 Championship, behind Bortoleto and Isack Hadjar – both of whom are impressing in their first full season as F1 drivers.

While teams have often released drivers for these sorts of duties in the past, what makes this agreement rare is the fact that Kick Sauber and Alpine are battling each other in the Championship, Kick Sauber lying ninth in the standings just ahead of Alpine.

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June 30, 2025
Uncertainty clouds fragile Israel-Iran ceasefire one week in

Uncertainty clouds fragile Israel-Iran ceasefire one week in – Daily Times