Microbial colonies found within volcanic rocks at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean suggest the potential for extraterrestrial life on Mars, either currently or in the past. Research led by Yohey Suzuki from the University of Tokyo has identified mysterious terrestrial microorganisms that survive in extreme conditions similar to those on Mars. These microbes were discovered in cracks formed in rocks beneath the surface of the Southern Pacific Ocean, between New Zealand and Tahiti. The study, recently published in Communications Biology, raises the possibility that life could exist on Mars, given its volcanic bands and evidence of ancient water. The upcoming NASA Perseverance rover mission, in collaboration with the European Space Agency, aims to collect rock samples from Mars for analysis on Earth.

Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14, has ancient origins dating back to the Roman festival of Lupercalia, which was later transformed by Pope Gelasius I into a celebration of love. San Valentino, born in Terni and martyred on February 14, is considered the protector of lovers. The Benedictine monks played a significant role in spreading the tradition to England and France. Over time, the celebration evolved from exchanging love notes to giving gifts like chocolates and flowers.

February will bring pleasant surprises in love for Aries, with the full moon on February 8th enhancing romantic prospects for both singles and those in relationships. The month promises passion and the potential for lasting connections. In terms of work, creativity and financial success are highlighted, especially in the latter half of the month. Health-wise, Aries will experience a resurgence of energy, making it an ideal time for physical care and reflection. The stars advise Aries to embrace diplomacy and avoid conflicts.

NASA's Curiosity rover has detected unusual increases in oxygen concentrations near Mars' Gale Crater. Scientists are surprised by the phenomenon, as the reasons behind the variation in oxygen levels on the Martian surface remain unexplained. The phenomenon does not appear to be related to atmospheric reactions, leading to speculation about geological or microbial causes. Mars' atmosphere is mostly composed of carbon dioxide, with small amounts of molecular nitrogen, argon, molecular oxygen, and carbon monoxide. Oxygen levels have been observed to increase by up to 30% during the Martian spring and summer, returning to normal in the autumn. Chemical reactions between carbon dioxide and water have been ruled out as explanations due to the scarce amount of water on Mars.

Kate Middleton is at the center of gossip in the UK, with speculation that she may be expecting her fourth child. Various behaviors, such as changing her hair color and avoiding official engagements, have fueled these rumors. Additionally, her daughter Charlotte reportedly hinted at the arrival of a new sibling. The British Royal Family has not commented on these rumors, leaving the public eagerly awaiting an official announcement.

Ferragosto, celebrated annually on August 15 in Italy, has roots in ancient Roman traditions where it marked the end of agricultural work and honored gods Opi and Conso. The term 'ferragosto' originates from Emperor Augustus's decree in 18 B.C. The Catholic Church later adopted the day to celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, with Pope Pius XII proclaiming it a dogma in 1950. The day is also marked by various cultural traditions worldwide, including processions in Spain, sea dives in Ireland, and the celebration of India's Independence Day.

Italy has approved the use of Car-T cell therapy for blood cancer treatment, with reimbursement from the National Health Service expected to start in September. The therapy is designated for patients with diffuse lymphoma who have not benefited from other treatments or have relapsed, as well as for patients under 25 with acute B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia. The treatment involves modifying a patient's T lymphocytes to trigger an immune response against cancer cells. Reimbursement by the National Health Service will be based on successful outcomes, and specialized hematological centers across the country will be selected for administering the therapy. An additional project to extend the application of Car-T therapy to other forms of cancer is anticipated to start by the end of 2019.

Canadian radiotelescope Chime has detected eight new mysterious fast radio bursts (FRBs) from space, adding to the ongoing enigma surrounding these extragalactic signals. The FRBs, which can be repetitive or non-repetitive, are believed to originate from deep space, possibly from phenomena involving neutron stars. The team from McGill University, led by astrophysicist Andersen, noted variations in the repetition rates and intensities of the signals. One of the signals appears to be relatively close to our galaxy, though still billions of light-years away.

The Amazon rainforest continues to suffer from numerous fires, causing global concern. The northern states of Amazonas, Rondonia, Roraima, and Acre are the most affected. Satellite data from Inpe shows an 83% increase in fires compared to the previous year. The crisis highlights the global climate emergency and the rapid destruction of a vital oxygen source. Cams reports alarming carbon dioxide levels, leading to a dispute between French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. Macron has called for the Amazon fires to be addressed at the upcoming G7 summit.