Tag Archives: failed

The Mysterious Disappearance of a Star: Insights into a Failed Supernova Explosion

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Illustration of a failed supernova creating a black hole

Illustration of a Failed Supernova Explosion Forming a Black Hole

NASA, ESA, and P. Jeffries (STScI)

A massive star in the Andromeda galaxy has seemingly vanished instead of exploding, resulting in the formation of a black hole in a peculiar manner.

Typically, black holes originate from stars that explode as supernovas. However, they can also emerge from stars that collapse due to their own gravity, directly creating black holes without the explosive phase.

In 2024, Kisharai De from Columbia University, along with his team, investigated the case of M31-2014-DS1, an exceptionally bright star located in the Andromeda galaxy, approximately 20 times the mass of our Sun. The star exhibited an initial brightening in 2014, followed by a significant dimming from 2017 to 2020. This behavior aligned with predictions for a supernova that would fail to result in a black hole, yet no direct evidence of the black hole was observed, such as X-ray emissions.

Currently, De and his colleagues are utilizing the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and Chandra X-ray Observatory to study M31-2014-DS1. They have detected a faint red object at the star’s previous location, which is only about 8% brighter than the original star and enveloped in rapidly expanding dust. This finding aligns with the expected characteristics of a supernova that fails to produce a black hole. However, De and his team have refrained from commenting further, as their research has not yet undergone peer review.

Another group studying the same JWST data, including Emma Beasor from Liverpool John Moores University, UK, suggested that the case for M31-2014-DS1 failing to explode may also indicate a stellar merger, which could result in small explosions followed by dimming and dust formation.

“Predictions for the appearance of a failed supernova significantly overlap with what we might expect from a collision of two stars creating vast amounts of dust,” Beasor explained.

However, both scenarios are rare, she noted, as it is uncommon to observe such drastic color changes in a star.

“No matter the explanation, it’s fascinating that the visible star has essentially vanished,” stated Gerald Gilmore from Cambridge University. “For years, the search for extinct massive stars has produced ambiguous outcomes, but now, advancements in multi-wavelength time-domain astronomy are paving the way for clarity.”

The definitive method for confirming black hole formation is through the identification of X-ray emissions, Gilmore noted, which are currently absent at the M31-2014-DS1 location. Nevertheless, if advanced telescopes like JWST can analyze the remnants of dimmed stars, we could soon uncover what occurred. “We are on the verge of discovering at least one of the ultimate fates of a massive star, which is intriguingly akin to the Cheshire Cat’s disappearance,” he remarked.

References: arXiv, DOI: 10.48550/arXiv.2601.05774 and DOI: 10.48550/arXiv.2601.05317

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Extinction Made Headlines in 2025, But Failed to Meet Expectations

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Colossal’s so-called dire wolf

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Colossal Biosciences, which advertises itself as “the world’s first and only anti-extinction company,” has garnered significant attention this year, although much of the buzz is detached from the truth.

Initially, the company made headlines with its woolly rat, allegedly “engineered to express several mammoth-like traits.” Victoria Herridge from the University of Sheffield observed that the long-haired mice featured in media reports were not created through genetic modifications drawing from mammoth DNA; rather, geneticists have been producing long-haired mice for years. Mice with mammoth-related genetic alterations showed less resemblance to their extinct counterparts.

Subsequently, major news broke with a corporate press release. Colossal announced the “resurrection” of the direwolf (Aenocyon Dylas), a wolf-like creature that was extinct in the Americas approximately 10,000 years ago. However, Colossal’s actual achievement was making 20 minor adjustments to the genome of gray wolf cells (Canis lupus), only 15 of which were informed by the direwolf’s genome, resulting in the cloning of these modified cells to create three wolf pups.

With millions of genetic differences existing between both species, this step merely nudges gray wolves closer to their ancient relatives. It remains an incredibly long journey to achieve anything resembling an exact genetic replica akin to something from Jurassic Park.

Most media outlets reported on the de-extinction claims without skepticism. New Scientist had the headline: “No, the direwolf is not coming back from extinction.”

Colossal’s Chief Scientist, Beth Shapiro, tried to provide justification based on appearance, stating “We use the concept of morphological species and assert that if it looks like this animal, then it is that animal,” as reported by New Scientist on April 7th.

Despite genetic distinctions, it remains uncertain if cloned gray wolves truly resemble the extinct species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s canine expert group stated on April 18, “There is no evidence that genetically modified animals are phenotypically different from gray wolves or similar to dire wolves.”

In a subsequent interview with New Scientist, Shapiro appeared to acknowledge this fact. “It’s impossible to resurrect the same species that existed. Our animal is a cloned gray wolf with 20 edits,” she clarified. “And we’ve been transparent about that from the start. People informally refer to them as direwolves, which understandably frustrates some.”

Following our article that cited Shapiro, Colossal reaffirmed its assertions: “With these edits, we are reviving the direwolf.”

Colossal Hairy Mouse

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However, apart from those directly involved with Colossal, New Scientist reports that no biologist believes the direwolf has truly returned. “As far as I’m aware, there’s no justification for labeling these genetically altered gray wolves as direwolves,” claims Vincent Lynch from the University at Buffalo, New York. “At least within my network, there is complete consensus that these assertions are unfounded.”

Lynch suspects that many people, outside the realm of biology, might accept these claims due to ongoing media portrayals that frequently present them as fact. He and others are concerned that the notion of reviving extinct species could detract from crucial efforts to protect endangered animals.

“People have genuinely bought into these assertions, but forecasting their impact on long-term conservation strategies is quite challenging,” Herridge stated.

In July, Colossal announced intentions to resurrect the flightless moa bird from New Zealand. Critics, including Nick Lawrence, a professor at the University of Otago in New Zealand, remarked that the company might only be able to create something resembling a “Frankenmore” rather than an authentic extinct bird.

Meanwhile, Lawrence, Lynch, Herridge, and other notable critics of Colossal’s de-extinction endeavors have become targets of an enigmatic smear campaign, a situation the company denies involvement in. Anonymous online posts and videos have surfaced, criticizing their expertise and credentials. Lynch stated this is excessive. New Scientist reported on July 31 about an additional attack on Lawrence, published on September 5, while Herridge encountered yet another dubious article.

Even critics concur that Colossal is making impressive progress. However, Richard Grenier, a professor at the University of Oxford, insists that discussions surrounding the de-extinction of endangered species are distractions from the more significant challenge posed by humanity’s growing capability to alter animal genomes on a large scale. “We will need to have another societal conversation regarding what we find acceptable and what we don’t,” he remarked.

“There might be specific instances where such technology could assist in the genetic rescue of bottleneck populations, adding some conservation benefit, but it will always be highly specialized and costly.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Rayner Calls Farage a “Failed Young Woman” Over Proposal to Repeal Online Safety Law

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Angela Rayner has stated that Nigel Farage has “failed a generation of young women” with his plan to abolish online safety laws, claiming it could lead to an increase in “revenge porn.”

The Deputy Prime Minister’s remarks are the latest in a series of criticisms directed at Farage by the government, as Labour launches a barrage of attack ads targeting British reform leaders, including one featuring Farage alongside influencer Andrew Tate.

During a press conference last month, reform leaders announced initiatives that encourage social media companies to restrict misleading and harmful content, vowing not to promote censorship and avoiding the portrayal of the UK as a “borderline dystopian state.”

In retaliation, Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle accused Farage of siding with child abusers like Jimmy Savile, prompting a strong backlash from reform leaders.


In comments made to the Sunday Telegraph, Rayner underscored the risks associated with abolishing the act, which addresses what is officially known as intimate image abuse.

“We recognize that the abuse of intimate images is an atrocity, fostering a misogynistic culture on social media, which also spills over into real life,” Rayner articulated in the article.

“Nigel Farage poses a threat to a generation of young women with his dangerous and reckless plans to eliminate online safety laws. The absence of a viable alternative to abolish safety measures and combat the forthcoming flood of abuse reveals a severe neglect of responsibility.”

“It’s time for Farage to explain to British women and girls how he intends to ensure their safety online.”

Labour has rolled out a series of interconnected online ads targeting Farage. An ad launched on Sunday morning linked directly to Rayner’s remarks, asserting, “Nigel Farage wants to make it easier to share revenge porn online,” accompanied by a laughing image of Farage.

According to the Sunday Times, another ad draws attention to Farage’s comments regarding Tate, an influencer facing serious allegations in the UK, including rape and human trafficking, alongside his brother Tristan.

Both the American-British brothers are currently under investigation in Romania and assert their innocence against numerous allegations.

Labour’s ads depict Farage alongside Andrew Tate with the caption “Nigel Farage calls Andrew Tate an ‘important voice’ for men,” referencing remarks made during an interview on last year’s Strike IT Big podcast.

Lila Cunningham, a former magistrate involved in the reform, wrote an article for the Telegraph on Saturday, labeling the online safety law as “censorship law” and pointed out that existing laws already address “revenge porn.”

“This law serves as a guise for censorship, providing a pretext to empower unchecked regulators and to silence dissenting views,” Cunningham claimed.

Cunningham also criticized the government’s focus on accommodating asylum seekers in hotels, emphasizing that it puts women at risk and diverting attention from more pressing concerns.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Soviet-era Spacecraft Poised to Re-enter Earth After Half a Century of Failed Venus Mission

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A Soviet-era spaceship aims to land on Venus, with plans for it to return to Earth in the near future.

Currently, it is uncertain where the mass of half-ton metal will descend and how much will survive the journey. Experts are monitoring space debris.

Dutch scientist Marco Langbroek estimates that the spacecraft may re-enter Earth’s atmosphere around May 10th.

“There are risks involved, but there’s no need for excessive concern,” Langbroek stated in an email.

The object is relatively small, and even if it remains intact, the likelihood of it causing damage is similar to that of encountering a random meteorite fall, which occurs annually. “The chance of being struck by lightning in your lifetime is far greater,” he added.

He also mentioned that the spacecraft could potentially impact someone or something; however, this scenario cannot be entirely dismissed.

The Soviet Union sent the spacecraft, known as Cosmos 482, into orbit in 1972 as part of its Venus mission series. It never successfully launched from Earth orbit due to a rocket malfunction.

Most of its counterparts fell back within a decade, yet Langbroek and others believe the landing capsule, a spherical object about three feet (1 meter) in diameter, has been in a highly elliptical orbit for the past 53 years, gradually descending.

There is a substantial possibility that the over 1,000-pound (approximately 500 kilograms) spacecraft could endure re-entry. It was designed to withstand the harsh conditions of Venus’ atmosphere, which is thick with carbon dioxide, according to Langbroek from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands.

Experts are skeptical about the longevity of its parachute system. Additionally, heat shields might have deteriorated over extended periods in orbit.

Jonathan McDowell of the Harvard Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory mentioned in an email that while the spacecraft would benefit from an intact heat shield, if it manages to re-enter successfully, “a half-ton metal object will be falling from the sky.”

The spacecraft is projected to re-enter around 51.7°N and 51.7°S, passing near London, Edmonton, Alberta, and Cape Horn, South America. However, given that much of the Earth is covered by water, “the chances are favorable.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Haunted Prison Horror: The Night We Played Games and the Ghost Meter Failed Us

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SHepton Mallet Prison in Somerset is the world’s oldest correctional facility. It is also reportedly one of the most haunted places. From its opening in 1625 until its closure in 2013, it housed hundreds of inmates, ranging from Victorian street urchins to wayward American GIs to the Clay twins. Although it is now a tourist attraction, it is sometimes opened for a fee to guests who wish to spend the night behind the bar. Some are paranormal investigators, some are intrepid travelers, and some are video game journalists with a stupid idea. “How scary would it be to be locked in a haunted prison and play the latest five horror games all night?”

Armed with just a flashlight, an electromagnetic field (EMF) detector, and a laptop, we roamed the prison looking for chilling locations to play these immersive paranormal masterpieces. What happened here…

Exit 8




I feel unbelievably anxious…Exit 8. Photo: Kotake Create

position. B wing level 3. The largest of Victoria’s prison wings at Shepton, it was designed to hold 94 prisoners in small cells that did not have toilets until 1998. Cell 30 is said to be infested with an inmate known for tapping inattentive guests on the shoulder.
game: A cult psychological thriller from indie developer Kotake Create. Wander through the seemingly endless tunnels of a Japanese subway station, spotting anomalies around you and trying to find your way out. The visual realism is incredibly unsettling, especially when the lights flicker and other lost passengers begin to pass by silently.
Fear factor: Although more disturbing than frightening, playing in a prison wing with an equally desolate, soulless, and rural feel definitely increased the sense of marginal anxiety.

In My Head




A terrifying adventure…in your head. Photo: JustTomcuk

The place is an execution hut. This was where death row inmates would spend their final days before heading to the noose, if they were lucky, under the supervision of renowned hangman Albert Pierrepoint.
game: Designed like an old VHS horror movie, this frightening adventure requires you to explore a dark, dingy building in the woods where ancient artifacts are said to be waiting to be discovered. The dilapidated Gothic interiors, constant radio static and crying children are familiar horrors, but the game evokes an incredible atmosphere thanks to detailed locations and soundscapes. Not for the picky eater.
Fear factor: In My Head would have been scary enough at home, but this place had a heavy, doomed atmosphere that honestly only lasted a few minutes. Just before fleeing, I met DS Hampshire Horns ghost hunters Darren and Jay. They told us that on his last visit, Darren saw two disembodied legs passing by. We made our excuses and left.

Panicore




The Blair Witch Project meets Alien Isolation…Panicore meets. Photo: ZTEK Studio

position: playground. Built over a mass grave pit, it is reportedly haunted by the ghost of Captain Philip William Lyall, who was imprisoned at Shepton during the First World War. He threw himself off a roof overlooking the garden, and people said they saw a ghostly figure lurking there.
game: As a paranormal investigator, you explore a series of abandoned buildings and solve puzzles while being chased by AI-enabled monsters that react to every sound. Yes, it's a combination of The Blair Witch Project and Alien Isolation, and it's as terrifying as it sounds. We played solo, but you can also choose to play co-op like Phasmophobia. That would be preferable under the circumstances.
Fear factor: The fact that the buildings in the game's abandoned facility look exactly like Shepton Mallet Prison, with peeling paint on the walls, rubble everywhere, and doorways leading into complete darkness, make this a truly frightening experience. I did.




“Did you feel that?'' Keith and Rich play the Panicore in the exercise range at Shepton Mallet Prison. Photo: João Diniz Sánchez/The Guardian

Complex: Expedition




Strangely reassuring… Complex: Expedition. Photo: pgWave

position: of Gatehouse. Built in the 17th century, this building is one of the oldest parts of the prison in existence, and you can sneak into two of its original cells nearby. Unsurprisingly, this is a hotbed of paranormal activity. There is a ghost named Bob, the gatekeeper, who appears to run his fingers through the hair of female visitors. No, Bob.
game: The Complex is another of the current indie trending horror games set in “back rooms” such as endless tunnels and passageways. You are part of a research team sent to the titular facility to investigate strange occurrences. Most of the time, players wander through a vast maze of empty rooms and hallways, viewing through the lens of a VHS video camera. This gives the game a kind of hyper-realism that is strange and unsettling.
Fear factor: The stark modern architectural setting made the game feel oddly safe while playing in a haunted 17th century dungeon. we didn’t want to leave.

Chuksi




Jump scare machine…Chuxie. Photo: LCGaming

position: C Wings. The women’s wing of the prison is famous for one particular person. A white woman was convicted of murdering her fiancé and was asked to wear a wedding dress the night before her execution. She has been seen on the wing staircase, and visitors have even smelled her perfume wafting through the air.
game: A huge hit on TikTok and Twitch, Chuxie is practically a J-horror jump-scare machine. You are a paranormal investigator exploring an abandoned hospital filled with ghosts, including a terrifying woman in a white dress – Mr. Ring, anyone? It may appear for seconds. The visuals are highly detailed, making the terrifying environments feel very realistic.
Fear factor: Frankly, it’s off scale. This wing is in almost total darkness, not least because of the fact that a white female mannequin hangs above the ground floor. When I passed one particular cell, the EMF reader went crazy and recorded maximum readings for several seconds. We couldn’t wait to get out of there.




Extraordinarily scary…white woman at Shepton Mallet Prison. Photo: Keith Stewart/The Guardian

Conclusion: Walking around a quiet Victorian wing at 3am was the closest thing to actually being in a survival horror game. Did we see ghosts during the night behind bars? No. Could we have played a horror game in the dark cells and echoing hallways and totally freaked out? Exactly is. Furthermore, after returning home, I measured the maximum value of the EMF meter again. I waved it at my phone, held it next to the microwave and turned it on full blast…without even getting close.

Thanks to you shepton mallet prison. The evening bar experience costs £70 per person, including a guided tour. It runs several times a year.

Source: www.theguardian.com