The James Webb Telescope has observed a distant exoplanet, PSR J2322-2650b, with an unusual atmosphere composed of soot and diamonds, challenging current understanding of planetary formation and composition, especially given its proximity to its pulsar host star and its unique chemical makeup.
The EPA has announced new, stricter limits on soot pollution, reducing the allowable limit for annual PM2.5 levels from 12 to 9 micrograms per cubic meter. This marks the first tightening of the rules since 2012, with the aim of preventing about 4,500 premature deaths a year by 2032 in the U.S. and reducing healthcare costs by about $46 billion. The new standards are expected to have a major impact on communities currently experiencing the worst pollution, particularly those of color, but are still above the World Health Organization's recommended limit. The decision comes after a review under the Biden administration, with public health experts emphasizing the ongoing dangers of fine particle pollution and its deadly effects.