Humans may contact aliens within three years

Life beyond our solar system may be detectable within two to three years, experts have said. Previously, researchers have mostly looked for planets of a similar size, mass, temperature and atmospheric composition to Earth. However, astronomers at the University of Cambridge now believe there may be other possibilities after recent work suggested that a “mini-Neptune” more than twice the radius of Earth and more than eight times as massive may be habitable.

‘Scrotum frog’ goes on show at UK zoo

A species of endangered frog dubbed the “scrotum frog” because of its saggy skin has gone on display at a British zoo. Lake Titicaca frogs spends most their life at the bottom of a lake, absorbing oxygen using their saggy folds of excessive skin. Locals in Peru and Bolivia use the frogs in smoothies, which they believe enhance virility and energy. Twenty of the rare creatures are now being cared for at Chester Zoo.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

Model can’t sit down after bum lift

A model who splashed $20,000 (£14,500) on a Brazilian bum lift has said she is unable to sit down as a result of the surgery. Kazumi Squirts got liposuction, a boob job and a butt lift. The 24-year-old said: “Since getting the surgery I haven’t sat down on my butt. I do everything standing up, I learnt how to pee and poop standing up.” She says her new look has increased her earnings on OnlyFans.