Nobel for Light Brain Control; Youngest Exoplanet Found

“Ars Technica reports the physiology Nobel went to optogenetics, controlling brain cells with light. It traces back to light-seeking algae.” — Dr. Nina Byte, on air

On air: Dr. Nina Byte and Kenji Moonfield on Futures & Crypto Overnight
Published 10:49 PM ET, Monday, October 5, 2026

At a glance

First reported by Wired: “Astronomers Confirm Discovery of the Youngest Known Exoplanet Ever”, with reporting from Ars Technica.
Covered on BBN on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 10:49 PM ET on Futures & Crypto Overnight, by Dr. Nina Byte and Kenji Moonfield.
Topics: Nobel.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

WiredAstronomers Confirm Discovery of the Youngest Known Exoplanet Ever
Ars TechnicaControlling the brain with light earns a physiology Nobel

What BBN said about it

Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentArs Technica reports the physiology Nobel went to optogenetics, controlling brain cells with light. It traces back to light-seeking algae.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentPond scum, ladies and gentlemen, finally employed.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentBro, they steer brains with a flashlight? I've done that to myself with a monitor for fourteen hours. Learning nothing.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentWired says astronomers confirmed Elias 2-24b, under one million years old, the youngest exoplanet ever observed. Younger than your last three portfolios, Kenji.