Scientists from Raman Research Institute (RRI)and Hans Raj College, University of Delhi were monitoring the orbital period of the star MXB - 1658-298, a binary system, when they made an unexpected discovery - A massive planet, around 20-25 times the mass of Jupiter, orbiting the twin stars. They developed a novel technique of looking at the X-ray eclipses as one star passed in front of the other to deduce the presence of the third body and its mass. The star already an interesting candidate for future studies due to its extreme distance and age, has become even more intriguing after the discovery of the circumbinary planet around it.
The study from IISc found a previously unidentified yeast-like symbiont inside the lac insect Kerria lacca, which gives the insect its distinctive red colour and, may also provide other nutrients in return for shelter.