AN extraordinary solar system of seven Earth-sized planets orbiting a dwarf star could include at least three worlds on which life may have evolved, scientists believe.

The cool dim star, known as TRAPPIST-1, can be considered a close neighbour since it is only 39 light years away.

Six of its “exoplanets” lie in a temperate zone where surface temperatures range from zero to 100C. Of these, at least three are thought to be capable of having watery oceans, greatly increasing the likelihood of life.

No other star system known contains such a large number of Earth-sized and probably rocky planets.

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Eating 10 portions of fruit and vegetables every day could significantly reduce a person’s risk of heart disease and cancer, a new study has found.

While eating the recommended five a day still helps reduce disease risk, the highest benefits are seen when people consume 10 portions, researchers found.

The study, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, also identified which fruit and vegetables provided the greatest protection against disease.

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Whirlpool has upgraded its warning to consumers with faulty Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda dryers to unplug the potentially dangerous machines until they have been repaired.

Whirlpool updated the advice on its website after receiving enforcement notices from Peterborough Trading Standards (PTS), which has been dealing with the alert involving a reported 5.3 million dryers as Whirlpool’s UK head office is in Peterborough.

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The Trump administration will revoke guidelines that say transgender students should be allowed to use toilets and changing rooms matching their chosen gender identity.

The decision would be a reversal of an Obama-era directive issued in May. It required public schools to grant toilet access even if student records differ or others are uncomfortable.

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