New Pluto-Like Planet Discovered In Solar System — What To Know
Astronomers have found a distant celestial body — potentially a dwarf planet — orbiting the sun from more than twice as far as Pluto. Found by astronomers at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, it's one of the most distant solar system bodies observed with optical telescopes. It takes 25,000 years to orbit the sun — and it could be the first of many new objects to be found in the outer solar system.
This is an artist's concept of a craggy piece of solar system debris that belongs to a class of ... More bodies called trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs).
2017 OF201 is estimated to be 435 miles (700 kilometers) in diameter. That's smaller than Pluto's 1,477 miles (2,377 kilometers), but if its size is confirmed using radio telescopes, 2017 OF201 will become the largest object in the outer solar system found in more than a decade.
It's classed as an 'extreme' trans-Neptunian object, which is an icy body orbiting beyond Neptune in the solar system. The largest TNOs known are Eris, followed by Pluto, Haumea, Makemake and Gonggong.
Researchers identified it in 19 different exposures captured over seven years by the Dark Energy Camera (on the summit of Cerro Tololo, Chile) and the Canada France Hawaii Telescope (near the summit of Mauna Kea on Hawaii's Big Island).
Image showing the current location of Pluto, Neptune, and 2017 OF201.
2017 OF201 is a rare object because of its size, but also its extreme orbit. 'The object's aphelion — the farthest point on the orbit from the sun — is more than 1,600 times that of the Earth's orbit,' said Sihao Cheng at the Institute for Advanced Study's School of Natural Sciences. 'Meanwhile, its perihelion — the closest point on its orbit to the sun — is 44.5 times that of the Earth's orbit, similar to Pluto's orbit.'
It takes 2017 OF201 about 25,000 years to complete one orbit of the sun, which suggests a chaotic past. 'It must have experienced close encounters with a giant planet, causing it to be ejected to a wide orbit,' said Yang. "It's possible that this object was first ejected to the Oort cloud, the most distant region in our solar system, which is home to many comets, and then sent back."
2017 OF201 exists at the edge of the solar system in what's known as the Kuiper Belt, a vast ring-shaped region beyond the orbit of Neptune. It was thought that the Kuiper Belt was largely empty of large objects — but 2017 OF201 indicates that is not the case. That's underscored by the fact that 2017 OF201 spends only 1% of its orbital time close enough to the inner solar system to be detectable. 'The presence of this single object suggests that there could be another hundred or so other objects with similar orbit and size; they are just too far away to be detectable now,' said Cheng. 'Even though advances in telescopes have enabled us to explore distant parts of the universe, there is still a great deal to discover about our own solar system.'
In September 2004, scientists announced that they had uncovered 11 new objects beyond the accepted edge of the Kuiper Belt. They were found in alcluster while using the 8.2-meter Subaru Telescope in Hawaii to find new targets for NASA's New Horizons spacecraft, which left Earth in 2006 and conducted the only ever flyby of Pluto in 2015 before entering the Kuiper Belt.
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CagriSema 2.4 mg / 2.4 mg demonstrated 22.7% mean weight reduction in adults with overweight or obesity in REDEFINE 1, published in NEJM
Data presented simultaneously at the American Diabetes Association's® 85th Scientific Sessions, showed mean weight reduction in the highest range of efficacy observed with existing weight loss interventions1 When adhering to treatment, weight loss of ≥5%, ≥20%, ≥25%, and ≥30% was observed in 97.6%, 60.2%, 40.4% and 23.1% of patients respectively at 68 weeks1* The REDEFINE clinical program is ongoing to further investigate efficacy and safety of CagriSema, including recently initiated REDEFINE 112 PLAINSBORO, N.J., June 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) published results from Novo Nordisk's phase 3 REDEFINE 1 trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of investigational CagriSema plus lifestyle interventions for weight loss in adults with obesity or overweight who have a weight-related medical complication and without diabetes.1 REDEFINE 1 met its co-primary endpoints and achieved statistically significant and clinically meaningful weight loss at 68 weeks in patients taking CagriSema versus placebo.1 These data, along with the related phase 3 REDEFINE 2 study conducted in adults with overweight or obesity and type 2 diabetes, were presented today during a scientific symposium at the American Diabetes Association's® (ADA) 85th Scientific Sessions and published in NEJM. "In REDEFINE 1, participants saw significant and clinically meaningful weight loss under a protocol that allowed investigators to maintain patients on a submaximal dose if deemed best for the patient. We also witnessed low, single-digit discontinuation rates due to adverse events in both REDEFINE 1 and 2," said Martin Holst Lange, executive vice president and head of Development at Novo Nordisk. "These results reinforce our confidence in CagriSema and we continue to study the potential of this combination through the REDEFINE trials." CagriSema is an investigational product that combines the GLP-1 RA, semaglutide, with an amylin analogue, cagrilintide. The REDEFINE 1 trial found that treatment with CagriSema resulted in greater weight loss of 22.7% at 68 weeks versus 2.3% in the placebo group (estimated difference [95% CI] -20.4 [-21.1 to -19.7]; p<0.001) if all patients adhered to treatment.1* When evaluating the treatment effect regardless of adherence, those treated with CagriSema achieved statistically significant weight loss of 20.4% at 68 weeks versus 3.0% for the placebo group (estimated difference [95% CI] -17.3 [-18.1 to -16.6]; p<0.001).1** In addition, a supportive secondary analysis showed that half (50.7%) of trial participants with obesity treated with CagriSema reached the threshold for non-obesity (BMI <30 kg/m2) at the end of treatment, from a mean BMI of 38 kg/m2 at the start of treatment. In the placebo group, 10.2% reached that threshold at 68 weeks.1 Select confirmatory secondary endpoints showed that if all participants adhered to treatment 40.4% of those receiving CagriSema achieved a body-weight reduction of ≥25% ([95% CI] 39.5 (37.1 to 41.9); p<0.001).* Additionally, 23.1% lost ≥30% of their body weight ([95% CI] 22.7 (20.7 to 24.7); p<0.001).1* When applying the treatment policy estimand, 34.7% of participants treated with CagriSema achieved ≥25% body-weight reduction ([95% CI] 33.7 (31.5 to 35.9); p<0.001) and 19.3% achieved ≥30% body-weight reduction ([95% CI] 18.9 (17.1 to 20.7); p<0.001).1** In a prespecified analysis of 252 participants, the relative reduction in fat and lean soft-tissue mass from baseline to week 68 was -35.7% (fat mass) and -14.4% (lean soft-tissue mass) for those treated with CagriSema versus -5.7% and -4.3% for the placebo group, respectively. "In REDEFINE 1, CagriSema provided weight loss in the highest range of efficacy observed with existing weight loss interventions," said lead investigator Timothy Garvey, MD, professor of medicine and director of the Diabetes Research Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. "Investigators were allowed some flexibility in dose adjustments to balance efficacy and safety, but regardless of dose adjustments participants lost significant weight. These findings are relatable to clinical practice, where dosing is often adjusted based on individual needs and clinical judgement." Safety data generated in the REDEFINE 1 and 2 trials was comparable with the GLP-1 RA class. Overall, discontinuation rates due to adverse events were low, with 6% for CagriSema versus 3.7% for placebo in REDEFINE 1 and 8.4% with CagriSema versus 3% with placebo in REDEFINE 2.1,3 In REDEFINE 1, adverse events were mainly gastrointestinal (79.6% in the CagriSema group vs 39.9% with placebo) including nausea (55% vs 12.6%), constipation (30.7% vs 11.6%), vomiting (26.1% vs 4.1%) and were mostly transient and mild-to-moderate in severity.1 Results from REDEFINE 2, a phase 3 study that evaluated the efficacy and safety of CagriSema plus lifestyle interventions in adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D), were also simultaneously presented during a scientific symposium at the ADA's Scientific Sessions and published in NEJM.3 In REDEFINE 2, if all participants adhered to treatment, the estimated mean change in body weight from baseline to week 68 was -15.7% with CagriSema versus -3.1% with placebo (estimated difference [95% CI] -12.6% [-13.4 to -11.7]; p<0.001).3* When applying the treatment policy estimand, the estimated mean change in body weight from baseline to week 68 was -13.7% with CagriSema versus -3.4% with placebo (estimated difference [95% CI] -10.4% [-11.2 to -9.5]; p<0.001).3** A greater proportion of participants receiving CagriSema, compared with placebo, reduced their body weight by >5% (83.6% vs 30.8% of participants; p<0.001), ≥10% (65.6% vs 10.3%), ≥15% (43.9% vs 2.4%), and ≥20% (22.9% vs 0.5%; p<0.001).3 The safety results from CagriSema in REDEFINE 2 were similar to those reported in REDEFINE 1.3 The REDEFINE clinical program will continue to assess the efficacy and safety of CagriSema. Most recently, Novo Nordisk initiated the REDEFINE 11 trial with the first patient visit occurring in early June 2025. REDEFINE 11 will explore further weight loss potential and safety of CagriSema 2.4 mg / 2.4 mg through a longer trial duration and other protocol changes compared to REDEFINE 1 and 2. * Based on the trial product estimand: this estimand estimates what the effect would be if all participants adhered to treatment** Based on the treatment policy estimand: treatment effect regardless of treatment adherence About CagriSemaCagriSema is being investigated by Novo Nordisk as a once-weekly subcutaneous injectable treatment for adults with overweight or obesity (REDEFINE program) and as a treatment for adults with type 2 diabetes (REIMAGINE program). CagriSema is a fixed-dose combination of a long-acting amylin analogue, cagrilintide 2.4 mg and semaglutide 2.4 mg. CagriSema is not approved in the US for weight loss. About the REDEFINE clinical trial programREDEFINE is a phase 3 clinical development program with once-weekly subcutaneous CagriSema in obesity. REDEFINE 1 and REDEFINE 2 have enrolled approximately 4,600 adults with overweight or obesity. REDEFINE 1 was a 68-week, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled efficacy and safety phase 3 trial of once-weekly CagriSema, cagrilintide 2.4 mg and semaglutide 2.4 mg versus placebo in 3,417 adults with obesity or overweight with one or more comorbidities and without type 2 diabetes. REDEFINE 2 was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled 68-week efficacy and safety phase 3 trial of once-weekly CagriSema versus placebo in 1,206 adults with type 2 diabetes and either obesity or overweight. Multiple REDEFINE clinical trials are currently underway including: REDEFINE 3, an event-driven cardiovascular outcomes phase 3 trial; REDEFINE 4 an 84-week head-to-head efficacy and safety phase 3 trial of once-weekly CagriSema versus once-weekly tirzepatide; and REDEFINE 11, a phase 3 trial with longer duration and other protocol changes compared to REDEFINE 1 and 2. About obesityObesity is a serious chronic, progressive, and complex disease that requires long-term management.4-6 One key misunderstanding is that this is a disease of just lack of willpower, when in fact there is underlying biology that may impede people with obesity from losing weight and keeping it off.4,6 Obesity is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, social determinants of health, and the environment.7,8 The prevalence of overweight and obesity is a public health issue that has severe cost implications to healthcare systems.9,10 In the US, about 40% of adults live with obesity.11 About Novo Nordisk Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company that's been making innovative medicines to help people with diabetes lead longer, healthier lives for more than 100 years. This heritage has given us experience and capabilities that also enable us to drive change to help people defeat other serious chronic diseases such as obesity, rare blood, and endocrine disorders. We remain steadfast in our conviction that the formula for lasting success is to stay focused, think long-term, and do business in a financially, socially, and environmentally responsible way. With a US presence spanning 40 years, Novo Nordisk US is headquartered in New Jersey and employs over 10,000 people throughout the country across 12 manufacturing, R&D and corporate locations in eight states plus Washington DC. For more information, visit Facebook, Instagram, and X. Novo Nordisk is committed to the responsible use of our semaglutide-containing medicines which represent distinct products with different indications, dosages, prescribing information, titration schedules, and delivery forms. These products are not interchangeable and should not be used outside of their approved indications. Learn more at Contacts for further information Media:Liz Skrbkova (US)+1 609 917 0632USMediaRelations@ Ambre James-Brown (Global)+45 3079 9289Globalmedia@ Investors:Frederik Taylor Pitter (US)+1 609 613 0568fptr@ Jacob Martin Wiborg Rode (Global)+45 3075 5956jrde@ Sina Meyer (Global)+45 3079 6656 azey@ Ida Schaap Melvold (Global)+45 3077 5649 idmg@ Max Ung (Global)+45 3077 6414mxun@ References: Garvey T, Blüher M, Contreras C, et al. Coadministered Cagrilintide and Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2025;10.1056/NEJMoa2502081. A Research Study to Look at How Well CagriSema Helps People Living With Obesity Lose Weight and Maintain Weight Loss in the Long-term. Last Accessed: June 2025. Available at: Davies M, Bajaj H, Broholm C, et al. Cagrilintide–Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2025;10.1056/NEJMoa2502082. Kaplan LM, Golden A, Jinnett K, et al. Perceptions of barriers to effective obesity care: results from the national action study. Obesity. 2018;26(1):61-69. Bray GA, Kim KK, Wilding JPH; World Obesity Federation. Obesity: a chronic relapsing progressive disease process. A position statement of the World Obesity Federation. Rev. 2017;18(7):715-723. Garvey WT, Mechanick JI, Brett EM, et al. American association of clinical endocrinologists and American College of Endocrinology comprehensive clinical practice guidelines for medical care of patients with obesity. Endocr Pract. 2016;22 (Suppl 3):1-203. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adult obesity facts. Last accessed: June 2025. Available at: World Obesity Federation. World Obesity Atlas 2023. Last accessed: June 2025. Available at: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Risk Factors for Obesity. Last accessed: June 2025. Available at: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Why it matters. Last accessed: June 2025. Available at: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Obesity and Severe Obesity Prevalence in Adults: United States, August 2021–August 2023. Last accessed June 2025. Available at: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE NOVO NORDISK INC. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
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Scientists Working to Decode Signal From Earliest Years of Universe
As mysterious as the Big Bang that gave birth to the universe is the brief but tumultuous period that immediately followed it. How did the cosmos transform from a uniform sea of darkness into a chaotic swirl brimming with radiant stars? What were these first stars like, and how were they born? So far, we have very strong suspicions, but no hard answers. One reason is that the light from this period, called the cosmic dawn, is extremely faint, making it nearly impossible to infer the traits of these first cosmic objects, let alone directly observe them. But that's about to change, according to a team of international astronomers. In a new study published in the journal Nature Astronomy, the astronomers argue that we're on the verge of finally decoding a radio signal that was emitted just one hundred millions years after the Big Bang. Known as the 21 centimeter signal, which refers to its distinct wavelength, this burst of radiation was unleashed as the inchoate cosmos spawned the earliest stars and black holes. "This is a unique opportunity to learn how the universe's first light emerged from the darkness," said study co-author Anastasia Fialkov, an astronomer from the University of Cambridge in a statement about the work. "The transition from a cold, dark universe to one filled with stars is a story we're only beginning to understand." After several hundred thousand years of cooling following the Big Bang, the first atoms to form in the universe were overwhelmingly neutral hydrogen atoms made of one positively charged proton and one negatively charged electron. But the formation of the first stars unbalanced that. As these cosmic reactors came online, they radiated light energetic enough to reionize this preponderance of neutral hydrogen atoms. In the process, they emitted photons that produced light in the telltale 21 centimeter wavelength, making it an unmistakeable marker of when the first cosmic structures formed. Deciphering these emissions would be tantamount to obtaining a skeleton key to the dawn of the universe. And drum roll, please: employing the Radio Experiment for the Analysis of Cosmic Hydrogen telescope, which is currently undergoing calibration, and the enormous Square Kilometer Array, which is under construction Australia, the researchers say they've developed a model that can tease out the masses of the first stars, sometimes dubbed Population III stars, that are locked inside the 21 centimeter signal. While developing the model, their key revelation was that, until now, astronomers weren't properly accounting for the impact of star systems called x-ray binaries among these first stars. These are systems where a black hole or neutron star is stripping material off a more ordinary star that's orbiting it, producing light in the x-ray spectrum. In short, it appears that x-ray binaries are both brighter and more numerous than what was previously thought. "We are the first group to consistently model the dependence of the 21-centimeter signal of the masses of the first stars, including the impact of ultraviolet starlight and X-ray emissions from X-ray binaries produced when the first stars die," said Fialkov. "These insights are derived from simulations that integrate the primordial conditions of the universe, such as the hydrogen-helium composition produced by the Big Bang." All told, it's another promising leap forward in the field of radio astronomy, where recent advances have begun to reveal an entire "low surface brightness" universe — and a potentially profound one as well, with the promise to illuminate our understanding of the cosmic dawn as never never before. "The predictions we are reporting have huge implications for our understanding of the nature of the very first stars in the universe," said co-author Eloy de Lera Acedo, a Cambridge astronomer and a principal investigator of the REACH telescope. "We show evidence that our radio telescopes can tell us details about the mass of those first stars and how these early lights may have been very different from today's stars." More on astronomy: Scientists Investigating Small Orange Objects Coating Surface of the Moon
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Vera Rubin telescope is pointing the world's biggest camera at cosmos
On a mountaintop at the edge of the Atacama Desert in Chile, the world's newest telescope is poised to begin a revolutionary survey of the southern hemisphere's observable universe, one that promises to see more galaxies than ever seen before as well as millions of previously unidentified asteroids roaming our solar system.
