A young solar system does not just build planets from dust and gas. It can also be shaped by what happens nearby, including the death of a massive star. New research suggests that a supernova at the right distance could quietly change a planet’s ingredients from the start, and that this setup may be more common than scientists once assumed.

James Webb may have spotted three bizarre, ultra-ancient “dark stars” that aren’t dark at all - objects possibly powered by annihilating dark matter and capable of rewriting how the very first stars (and even early supermassive black holes) came to be.

Some memories vanish by dinner time. Others stay with us for decades. What decides which is which?