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Researchers Uncover Key Molecular Insights into the Health Benefits of Coffee

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A recent study conducted by Texas A&M University researchers sheds light on why coffee drinkers tend to live longer and experience fewer chronic diseases. The findings indicate that brewed coffee is rich in compounds that interact with little-understood proteins in the body, potentially affecting inflammation, aging, and cancer processes.

Hailemariam et al. revealed that brewed coffee and its principal polyphenolic and polyhydroxy components act as NR4A1 ligands, suggesting NR4A1’s vital role in the health benefits associated with coffee. Image credit: Sci.News.

“Coffee is the most widely consumed beverage globally,” stated Texas A&M University professor Steven Safe and his team.

“Coffee drinkers comprise a vast demographic that enjoys an aqueous extract from roasted and ground coffee berries.”

“The health benefits of coffee mirror those seen in vegetarian groups and various ‘blue zone’ populations known for lower mortality rates and age-related diseases.”

“Despite variations in coffee bean types and brewing techniques, consensus indicates that coffee drinkers enjoy longer lifespans.”

“They also face a decreased risk of age-related conditions, including metabolic disorders, certain cancers, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and cardiovascular issues.”

In their investigation, researchers concentrated on NR4A1, a receptor that responds to dietary compounds and is essential for maintaining health in aging individuals.

This receptor activates during inflammation and cellular damage, and it has been shown to protect tissues.

“When tissue is damaged, NR4A1 activates to help mitigate that damage,” Professor Safe explained.

“Removing this receptor results in even greater tissue damage.”

Through biochemical experiments, the team discovered that freshly brewed coffee and several of its key components bind to NR4A1.

Identified compounds included common coffee polyphenols like caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, and ferulic acid, along with diterpenes such as kahweol and cafestrol.

“Our findings suggest that at least some of coffee’s health benefits stem from their ability to bind to and activate this receptor,” Professor Safe noted.

Experiments on cancer cell lines indicated that coffee extract and its constituents slowed cell proliferation.

When NR4A1 levels were reduced, the effects waned, implying that this receptor mediates the biological activities of coffee.

Many of these compounds served as inverse agonists, reducing NR4A1 activity in a way that may counteract tumor-promoting signals.

“Coffee consists of a highly complex array of compounds, creating a powerful blend,” Professor Safe remarked.

Notably, not all components yield the same effects. While caffeine is often seen as the primary component of coffee, it has been shown to exert more diverse and relatively weaker effects on receptors compared to polyphenols.

The research supports the notion that coffee’s benefits are likely due not just to caffeine, but to a complex mixture of bioactive compounds.

Brewed coffee contains over 1,000 chemicals, many of which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

“Caffeine binds to the receptor but doesn’t significantly aid in our model,” Safe emphasized.

“Polyhydroxy and polyphenolic compounds demonstrate much more activity.”

“This could explain why both regular and decaffeinated coffee link to similar health benefits in extensive population studies.”

For more details, refer to the study results published in the journal nutrients.

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Amanuel Hailemariam et al. 2026. Brewed coffee and its components act through orphan nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1). nutrients 18 (6): 877; doi: 10.3390/nu18060877

Source: www.sci.news

Google Unveils Quantum Computers’ Ability to Unlock Molecular Structures

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Google’s Quantum Computing Willow Chip

Google Quantum AI

Researchers at Google Quantum AI have leveraged Willow quantum computers to enhance the interpretation of data sourced from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy—an essential research method within chemistry and biology. This significant advancement may open new horizons for the application of quantum computing in various molecular technologies.

While quantum computers have been most effectively demonstrated in cryptographic contexts, current devices face limitations in scale and error rates that hinder their competence in decryption tasks. However, they show promise in expediting the discovery of new drugs and materials, which align with the fundamentally quantum nature of many scientific procedures. Hartmut Neven and colleagues at Google Quantum AI have showcased one instance where quantum computers can mimic the complex interactions found in natural processes.

The investigation centered on a computational method known as quantum echo and its application to NMR, a technique utilized to extract detailed information regarding molecular structures.

At its core, the concept of quantum echoes is akin to the butterfly effect. This phenomenon illustrates how minor perturbations—like the flap of a butterfly’s wings—can trigger substantial changes in broader systems. The researchers exploited a quantum approach within a system made up of 103 qubits in Willow.

During the experiment, the team executed a specific sequence of operations to alter the quantum state of a qubit in a manageable way. They then selected one qubit to disrupt, acting as a “quantum butterfly,” and employed the identical sequence of operations, effectively reversing time. Finally, the researchers evaluated the quantum characteristics of the qubits to extract insights regarding the entire system.

In a basic sense, the NMR technique applied in the lab also hinges on minor disturbances; it nudges actual molecules using electromagnetic waves and examines the system’s reactions to ascertain atomic positions—similar to using a molecular ruler. If the operations on qubits can replicate this process, the mathematical scrutiny of the qubits can likewise be translated into molecular structural details. This series of quantum computations could potentially enable the examination of atoms that are relatively distant from one another, said team member Tom O’Brien. “We’re constructing longer molecular rulers.”

The researchers believe that a protocol akin to quantum echoes would require approximately 13,000 times longer on a conventional supercomputer. Their tests indicated that two distinct quantum systems could successfully perform a quantum echo and yield identical outcomes—a notable achievement given the inconsistencies faced in previous quantum algorithms supported by the team. O’Brien noted that enhancements in the quality of Willow’s hardware and reduced qubit error rates have contributed to this success.

Nonetheless, there remains ample opportunity for refinement. In their utilization of Willow and quantum echoes for two organic molecules, the researchers operated with a mere 15 qubits at most, yielding results comparable to traditional non-quantum methods. In essence, the team has not yet demonstrated a definitive practical edge for Willow over conventional systems. This current exhibition of quantum echo remains foundational and has not been subjected to formal peer review.

“Addressing molecular structure determination is crucial and pertinent,” states Keith Fratus from HQS Quantum Simulations, a German company focused on quantum algorithms. He emphasizes that bridging established techniques such as NMR with calculations executed by quantum computers represents a significant milestone, though the technology’s immediate utility might be confined to specialized research in biology.

Doris Sels, a professor at New York University, remarked that their team’s experiments involve larger quantum computers and more complex NMR protocols and molecules than prior models. “Quantum simulation is often highlighted as a promising application for quantum computers, yet there are surprisingly few examples with industrial relevance. I believe model inference of spectroscopic data like NMR could prove beneficial,” she added. “We’re not quite there, but initiatives like this inspire continued investigation into this issue.”

O’Brien expressed optimism that the application of quantum echo to NMR will become increasingly beneficial as they refine qubit performance. Fewer errors mean a greater capability to execute more operations simultaneously and accommodate larger molecular structures.

Meanwhile, the quest for optimal applications of quantum computers is ongoing. While the experimental implementation of quantum echoes on Willow is remarkable, the mathematical analysis it facilitates may not achieve widespread adoption, according to Kurt von Keyserlingk at King’s College London. Until NMR specialists pivot away from traditional methods cultivated over decades, he suggests that its primary allure will lie with theoretical physicists focused on fundamental quantum system research. Furthermore, this protocol may face competitive challenges from conventional computing methods, as von Keyserlingk has already pondered how traditional computing might rival this approach.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Nobel Prize in Chemistry Honors Breakthroughs in Molecular Architecture

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Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar Yaghi are honored with the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP via Getty Images

The 2025 Chemistry Award recognizes Beijing U, Richard Robson, and Omar Yaghi for their innovative work on materials featuring cavities that can absorb and release gases like carbon dioxide, also known as metal-organic frameworks.

Heiner Linke, chair of the Nobel Committee on Chemistry, stated, “A small sample of such material can function like Hermione’s bag from Harry Potter.”

Tens of thousands of metal frameworks are currently in exploration. These materials present various potential applications, from capturing CO2 emissions to permanently purifying chemicals and extracting water from the atmosphere.

In the late 1980s, Richard Robson from the University of Melbourne pioneered the first metal-organic framework, drawing inspiration from the structural organization of diamonds. He discovered the feasibility of using metal ions as junctions connected by carbon-based or organic molecules.

When metal ions and organic compounds combine, they naturally form an organized framework. While the cavity in the diamond structure is petite, metal framework cavities can be significantly larger.

Robson’s metal-organic framework was initially filled with water. Kitagawa from Kyoto University in Japan was the first to devise a framework robust enough to retain stability when dried, allowing for gas to occupy the empty cavities.

“He demonstrated that gas could be absorbed, retained, and released by the material,” remarked Olof Ramström of the Nobel Committee on Chemistry.

Kitagawa also developed an organic-metal framework that changes form depending on gas absorption and release.

Omar Yaghi, from the University of California, Berkeley, achieved a more stable framework using clusters of zinc and oxygen metal ions along with linkers featuring carboxylate groups.

“This framework was remarkable due to its stability, enduring temperatures up to 300 degrees Celsius,” Ramström noted. “What’s even more impressive is that it possesses a vast surface area. Just a few grams of this porous material equate to the surface area of a large soccer field, similar to that of a small sugar cube.”

Yaghi also revealed that the cavities within these materials can be enlarged merely by extending their lengths.

Following these significant advancements, the field has seen rapid growth, as Ramström stated, “We are witnessing the development of new metal-organic frameworks almost on a daily basis.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Webb Observes Sagittarius B2 in an Interstellar Molecular Cloud

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Positioned at the core of the Milky Way galaxy, Sagittarius B2 is an immense molecular cloud of gas and dust, boasting around 3 million times the mass of the sun.

The Sagittarius B2 molecular cloud, where stars, gases, and cosmic dust shimmer in near-infrared light, as captured by Webb’s Nircam instruments. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/STSCI/A. GINSBURG, University of Florida/N. Budaiyev, University of Florida/T. Yu, University of Florida/A. Pagan, STSCI.

The distance from Earth to Sagittarius B2 is roughly 27,000 light years, while it sits just 390 light years from the center of the Milky Way.

This is the largest and most active star-forming cloud within our galaxy, accounting for half of the stars birthed in the central region, even though it comprises merely 10% of the material required for star formation in that area.

“Sagittarius B2 is situated just hundreds of light years away from the supermassive black hole located at the galaxy’s center, right at the heart of star formation.”

“Webb’s infrared observations can penetrate some of the dense clouds present, uncovering young stars alongside the warm dust enveloping them.”

“Examining Webb’s findings aids in unraveling the long-standing enigma surrounding the star formation process and why Sagittarius B2 generates stars at a rate surpassing other galaxy centers.”

“Interestingly, one of the most striking elements of Webb’s imagery of Sagittarius B2 is the regions that remain dark.”

“These seemingly vacant areas of space are so tightly packed with gas and dust that even Webb cannot detect them.”

“These dense clouds are the progenitors of future stars and are too young to emit light themselves.”

Webb’s Miri (medium-infrared device) displays the Sagittarius B2 region in medium-red light, revealing bright warm dust. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/STSCI/A. GINSBURG, University of Florida/N. Budaiyev, University of Florida/T. Yu, University of Florida/A. Pagan, STSCI.

With the high resolution and sensitivity of Webb’s Miri (mid-infrared device), this area has been uncovered in remarkable detail, showcasing luminous cosmic dust heated by a massive, young star.

The red area labeled Sagittarius B2 North (located to the right in these Webb images) is among the most molecularly abundant regions known, yet astronomers have never observed it with such clarity before.

The differentiation lies in the longer wavelengths produced, even within the infrared spectrum, and the contrast between images from Webb’s Miri and Nircam (near-infrared camera) makes it evident.

“The luminous gas and dust emerge dramatically in mid-red light, though everything except for the brightest stars vanishes from sight,” the astronomer noted.

“In contrast to Miri, vibrant stars take center stage in Webb’s Nircam images.”

“Further investigations into these stars will yield insights into their masses and ages, aiding astronomers in comprehending the intricacies of star formation within this dense, dynamic galactic core.”

“Has this activity persisted for millions of years? Or has an unknown process triggered it recently?”

“We anticipate that Webb will illuminate the reasons behind the disproportionate star formation centered around galaxies.”

“While there are ample gaseous components in this area, overall productivity is not on par with that of Sagittarius B2.”

“Sagittarius B2 contains only 10% of the galaxy-centric gas but is responsible for 50% of the stars.”

Source: www.sci.news

New ‘Molecular Shield’ Offers Relief from Hay Fever Symptoms in the Nose

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Sneezing and coughing are prevalent symptoms of hay fever

Mohammad Hosein Safaei/Unsplash

Individuals suffering from hay fever may find relief with a novel “molecular shield” designed to stop pollen from penetrating the nasal lining, likely with fewer side effects than traditional treatments.

Hay fever is an allergic response triggered by pollen interacting with IgE antibodies found in the nose, mouth, and eyes, leading to inflammation and symptoms like sneezing and itching. Common treatments, such as antihistamines and steroids, help reduce inflammation but often come with side effects, including drowsiness.

Seeking alternatives, Kaissar Tabynov from Kazakh National University of Agricultural Research and his team first collected blood samples from mice. They then isolated antibodies that did not participate in the allergic response but could bind to major mugwort pollen allergens, the primary trigger for hay fever. This binding action inhibited allergens from connecting with IgE antibodies in laboratory tests. “It acts as a molecular shield,” Tabynov explains.

To evaluate the shield’s effectiveness, the researchers induced mugwort pollen allergies in 10 mice by injecting them with allergens and chemicals to stimulate an immune response.

After a week, they administered small amounts of liquid containing the pollen-blocking antibodies into the noses of half the mice, gradually increasing the dosage over five days. The other group received saline solutions. An hour following each droplet, the mice were exposed to mugwort pollen at concentrations similar to those encountered during peak pollen seasons, according to Tabynov.

Following the final injection, the mice receiving the antibody treatment showed an average of 12 nose rubs over five minutes, in stark contrast to 92 in the saline group.

The researchers aimed to diminish inflammation and confirmed their success by imaging the nasal tissues collected from the mice at the study’s conclusion. This imaging revealed that the treatment not only had localized effects but also systemic ones. “Our research is the first to show that allergen-specific monoclonal antibodies can be administered intranasally to achieve both local and systemic protection against plant pollen allergies,” states Tabynov.

While the researchers did not assess potential side effects, they do not anticipate the adverse reactions associated with oral hay fever treatments, since the antibodies act at the site of allergen entry.

“This study represents a significant breakthrough and underscores the promise of intranasal therapies for allergic rhinitis. [hay fever] It lays the groundwork for early clinical trials exploring this method in humans,” remarks Sayantani Sindher from Stanford University in California.

Nonetheless, translating success in mice to human applications may prove challenging, and the antibodies will need to be modified to ensure they do not provoke an unexpected immune response in humans, Tabynov notes. If all goes well, the team hopes to advance this method to a nasal spray for human use within the next two to three years, he adds.

Such sprays could also address additional pollen types responsible for hay fever. “We envision a future where tailored antibody sprays can be made for individuals with sensitivities to different pollen varieties,” muses Tabynov.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Hubble Observes Reflection Nebula in the Taurus Molecular Cloud

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Astronomers employing the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope have captured an impressive image of the reflective nebula GN 04.32.8.

This Hubble image showcases GN 04.32.8, a reflective nebula located in the constellation Taurus, approximately 480 light years distant. The color composite was formed from images captured in visible and near-infrared light, utilizing data obtained through two filters. Different hues are assigned to each monochromatic image associated with an individual filter. Image credits: NASA/ESA/Hubble/G.Duchêne.

GN 04.32.8 is situated around 480 light years from the constellation Taurus.

Also referred to as DG 41, it forms a small segment of the stellar nursery known as the Taurus Molecular Cloud.

“Reflective nebulae are composed of dust clouds in space that do not produce their own light, unlike other types of nebulae,” an expert stated.

“Light from nearby stars illuminates them by scattering off the dust.”

“Due to this scattering effect, many reflective nebulae, including GN 04.32.8, often appear blue.”

GN 04.32.8 is illuminated by a trio of bright stars at the heart of the Hubble image, chiefly the variable star V1025 Tauri.

“One of these stars partially overlaps with the nebula. This is another variable star called HP Tauri, classified among the stars in Tauri, thus resembling other varieties of stars found in the broader molecular complex in Taurus,” the astronomer explained.

“It’s not unusual for T-Tauri stars to inhabit such prolific stellar nursery environments, as they are very dynamic and turbulent in their early evolutionary stages.”

“The three stars are known as HP Tau, HP Tau G2, and HP Tau G3 and are believed to be gravitationally bound, forming a triple system.”

“Observers with keen eyes might spot a small, crushed orange area just outside the center, beneath the nebula, which intersects with dark lines,” the researchers noted.

“This marks a newly formed protostar, concealed within a protoplanetary disk that obscures some of its light.”

“Disks like these are ideal subjects for study because they are oriented edge-on from our viewpoint.”

“We are utilizing Hubble to investigate this phenomenon and to glean insights about the types of exoplanets that could form within such disks.”

Source: www.sci.news

Alma Identifies Molecular Activity in the Largest Known Oort Cloud Comet

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Astronomers from the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (Alma) have made observations of comet C/2014 UN271 (Bernardinelli-Bernstein).

Artist depiction of Comet C/2014 UN271. Image credits: NSF/AUI/NSF/NRAO/M.WEISS.

C/2014 UN271 was identified by astronomers Pedro Berner Dinnelli and Gary Bernstein through images captured in 2014 as part of dark energy research.

The comet spans approximately 140 km (85 miles) in diameter, making it over ten times larger than any known comet.

To date, little has been understood about the behavior of such cold, remote celestial bodies.

Recent findings from Alma revealed the intricate and dynamic jets of carbon monoxide gas erupting from the comet’s nucleus, offering the first direct evidence of what drives its activity in relation to the sun.

“With these measurements, we can understand how this massive, icy world functions,” stated Dr. Nathan Ross, an astronomer affiliated with a U.S. university and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

“We are observing explosive outgassing patterns that raise new inquiries about the comet’s evolution as it journeys deeper into the inner solar system.”

Alma observed C/2014 UN271 by detecting light from carbon monoxide gas in its atmosphere and thermal radiation when the comet was still distant from the sun.

Thanks to Alma’s exceptional sensitivity and resolution, scientists were able to focus on the very faint signals emitted from such cold and far-off objects.

Building on previous Alma observations that characterized the comet’s substantial nucleus size, the new findings measured the thermal signal to accurately assess the size of the comet and the dust surrounding its nucleus.

Their measurements for the nucleus size and dust mass are in line with earlier Alma observations, affirming it as the largest cloud comet ever identified.

Alma’s precision in measuring these signals enabled this research, providing a clearer understanding of this distant, icy giant.

“This discovery not only represents the first detection of molecular outgassing in a record-setting comet but also offers a rare glimpse into the chemical and dynamic processes of objects from the farthest reaches of the solar system,” the astronomer added.

“As C/2014 UN271 approaches the sun, we anticipate more frozen gases will start to evaporate, revealing further insights into the comet’s primitive composition and the early solar system.”

“Such discoveries help address fundamental questions about the origins of Earth and its waters, as well as the formation of life-supporting environments elsewhere.”

The team’s research paper was published in Astrophysics Journal Letters.

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Nathan X. Ross et al. 2025. Initial detection of molecular activity in the largest known OORT cloud comet: Alma Imaging of The Sun at C/2014 UN271 (Bernardinelli-Bernstein). apjl 986, L22; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/add526

Source: www.sci.news

Astronomers Discover Massive Molecular Hydrogen Clouds Close to the Solar System

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Recently identified by astronomers, this newly discovered molecular cloud is one of the largest structures in the sky and is among the closest to the Sun and Earth ever detected.

The EOS Cloud is situated at the boundary of your local bubble—a region populated by large gases within the solar system. Image credits: Thomas Müller, HDA & MPIA/Thavisha Dharmawardena, NYU.

Molecular clouds consist of gas and dust, primarily composed of hydrogen, the most prevalent molecule in the universe and essential for the formation of all known stars and planets.

Additionally, these structures harbor other molecules, including carbon monoxide.

Traditional detection methods for molecular clouds often involve wireless and infrared observations, which readily capture the chemical signatures of carbon monoxide.

However, Blakely Burkhart, an astrophysicist from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, and his team took a different approach.

“This is the first molecular cloud discovered by directly seeking out the distant ultraviolet radiation of molecular hydrogen,” Dr. Burkhart stated.

“Our data revealed glowing hydrogen molecules detected through fluorescence in distant ultraviolet light. This cloud truly shines in the dark.”

The new molecular cloud, named EOS, was located approximately 300 light-years from Earth and can be viewed here.

It resides at the periphery of a local bubble, a region filled with gases surrounding the solar system.

Astronomers estimate that these crescent clouds are immense, spanning about 40 months across the sky and having a mass approximately 3,400 times that of the Sun.

They are projected to dissipate within 6 million years.

According to the research team, the EOS cloud poses no threat to Earth or the solar system.

Its proximity offers a unique opportunity to explore the properties of structures within the interstellar medium.

The interstellar medium, composed of gas and dust, fills the space between stars in the galaxy and is a key source for new star formation.

“When you look through a telescope, you observe the solar system in its formative phase, but the exact process remains unclear,” Dr. Burkhart explained.

“The discovery of EOS is thrilling because it allows us to directly measure how molecular clouds form and dissolve, as well as how galaxies transform interstellar gas and dust into stars and planets.”

The EOS Cloud was identified using data from the FIMS-Spear Far-ultraviolet spectrograph aboard the Korean satellite STSAT-1.

“Utilizing distant UV fluorescence technology could redefine our understanding of the interstellar medium, uncover hidden clouds across the galaxy, and even push our exploration further back to the very edge of the universe’s inception.”

The findings are reported in a study published today in the journal Nature Astronomy.

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B. Burke Hart et al. Dark molecular clouds near local bubbles revealed via H2 fluorescence. Nature Astronomy. Published online on April 28, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41550-025-02541-7

Source: www.sci.news

Foie Gras created using molecular mimicry, without the need for power

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Alternative Foie Gras for Researchers undergoing stress testing in the lab

Thomas A. Birgiss

French delicate foie gras could be made more ethically thanks to techniques that replicate the way fat is metabolized in forced birds, but the process still relies on farm animals.

Foie gras is made from duck or goose liver that is forcefully applied via tubes. This process, known as gavage, causes organs to expand to ten times the normal amount as the animal stores excess fat.

Researchers say the experience of eating foie gras depends not only on its high fat content, but also on its microscopic distribution of its fat.

now Thomas Birgiss At the Max Planck Institute, the Polymer Institute in Mainz, Germany and his colleagues developed a new process that uses the same bird fat to create the same texture from ducks or geese normally raised and slaughtered into the liver.

“I’m a huge fan of foie gras,” says Birgis. “I was fascinated by this mouthfeel – it was so different to the other putty – so I asked myself, what is it?”

His team had previously tried to make foie gras with putty in the same proportion of fat and liver ratio, but the results were disappointing. In further experiments, collagen was added to replicate the density of foie gras, but it gave me something that felt like a gum in my mouth.

Vilgis then realized that releasing enzymes that divide fat before storing them in the liver is a way to efficiently store large fat molecules as smaller crystalline substances.

He and his colleagues discovered that this process can be replicated by treating fat with an enzyme called yeast lipase. Candida Lugosa. “Lipases are molecular sizers,” says Birgis. Next, the processed fat is mixed with the liver to create fake foie gras.

The team conducted numerous scientific tests, including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and compared fake foie glasses with real samples, resulting in promising results. Importantly, however, Vigoris says that the aroma and taste are “substantially not different” from the real thing.

The process is currently patented and researchers are discussing with the industry about commercializing the industry and bringing counterfeit gras to the market.

Due to ethical concerns, and in some countries, including the UK, many alternatives have been developed previously that claim to produce similar results, as it is traditionally illegal to produce foie gras. Also, at least two companies are trying to bring it in Lab-grown foie gras are available on the market.

Dawn Car People for Ethical Animal Treatment (PETA) says lab-fed meat is a more ethical route than a new lipase process that involves animal care and genocide. “We don’t need to kill animals for a fleeting taste moment,” Kerr says. “The future of foie gras is already here, and it doesn’t require any power or throat slits.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Webb detects ethereal Herbig Halo objects in the Taurus Molecular Cloud.

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Using Near-infrared camera (nircam) Mid-infrared instrument (Mil)Advanced on a James Webbspace Telescope, astronomers took a stunning image of an edge-on-protoplanetary disc around a Herbig Halo object HH 30The Dark Cloud LDN 1551, is located in Taurus Molecular Cloud.

This Webb/nircam/miri shows the Herbig-Haro object HH ​​30. et al.

The Herbig-Haro object is a small bright patch of nebula associated with protostars in the star-forming region.

These structures were first observed in the 19th century by American astronomer Sherburn Wesley Burnham, but were not recognized as a distinct type of ejection nebula until the 1940s.

The first astronomers to study them in detail were George Harbigue and Guillermo Halo, and they were later named.

Herbig Halo objects are formed in very specific circumstances. Hot gas discharged by the newborn star collides with the gas, hitting it at a speed of up to 250,000 kmh (155,000 mph), creating a bright shock wave.

They come in a wide range of shapes. The basic configuration is usually the same. Twin jets of hot gases are ejected in the opposite direction from the forming stars and flow through interstellar space.

“HH 30 is an example of where this effluent gas takes the form of a narrow jet,” the astronomer said.

“The source star is on one end of the jet and is hidden behind an edge-on-protoplanetary disc illuminated by the star.”

Using Webb Instruments, researchers investigate HH 30 objects in great detail.

They also analyzed data from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and Atacama's Large Millimeter/Sub-Millimeter Array (ALMA).

“Long-wavelength data from Alma tracks the location of millimeter-sized dust particles in a narrow area on the middle surface of the disk,” they said.

“Short wavelength infrared data from Webb reveals the distribution of smaller dust grains.”

“These grains are one millionth of a meter in diameter. They are the size of a single bacteria.”

“Large dust grains are concentrated in the most dense portions of the disc, while small grains are much more widely used.”

“Combined with Alma's sharp radio-wavelength eyes, Webb's observations show that large dust particles must migrate within the disk and precipitate into a thin layer,” they added.

“Creating narrow, dense layers of dust is an important step in the formation of the planet.”

“In this densely populated area, dust grains together form pebbles, and ultimately form the planet itself.”

“In addition to the behavior of dust grains, images of Webb, Hubble and Alma reveal several different structures nested with each other.”

“A high-speed jet of gas appears at a 90-degree angle from the narrow central disc.”

“The narrow jet is surrounded by wider, cone-shaped spills.”

“Enclosing the cone runoff is a broad nebula that reflects the light from the young stars embedded in the disc.”

“Together, these data reveal that HH 30 is a dynamic location, where small dust grains and huge jets play a role in the formation of a new planet.”

Survey results It will be published in Astrophysical Journal.

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Ryozaki et al. 2025. JWST imaging of edge-on protranetary discs. IV. HH 30 disc mid-infrared dust scattering. APJin press; Arxiv: 2412.07523

Source: www.sci.news

Research Shows Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko’s Water Resembles Earth’s Water in Molecular Makeup

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Despite conflicting with the results of some recent studies, this new discovery reinforces the claim that Jupiter-based comets like 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko may have contributed to providing water to Earth. This finding has been confirmed.

This pseudocolor four-image mosaic consists of images taken on February 3, 2015, from a distance of 28.7 km from the center of comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko. The size of the mosaic is 4.2 x 4.6 km. Image credit: ESA / Rosetta / NAVCAM / CC BY-SA IGO 3.0.

Water is crucial for the formation and sustenance of life on Earth, and continues to be central to life on Earth today.

It is believed that some water was present in the gas and dust that formed our planet around 4.6 billion years ago, but due to Earth forming close to the sun’s intense heat, a considerable amount of water is thought to have evaporated.

The process by which Earth became abundant in liquid water is still a subject of debate among scientists.

Studies have indicated that a portion of Earth’s water originates from steam released by volcanoes, which then condensed and fell into the oceans.

Furthermore, evidence suggests that a significant percentage of our oceans resulted from the impact of ice and minerals from asteroids and potentially comets hitting Earth.

A series of comets and asteroids colliding with inner solar system planets 4 billion years ago could have facilitated this occurrence.

While there is a strong theory linking asteroid water to Earth’s water, the role of comets has perplexed scientists.

Multiple measurements of Jupiter-based comets have indicated a strong correlation between their water and that of Earth.

This connection is based on a fundamental molecular signature utilized by scientists to track the origins of water across the solar system.

The deuterium (D) to ordinary hydrogen (H) ratio in an object’s water serves as this signature, providing insights into the object’s formation location.

By comparing this hydrogen ratio in comets and asteroids to that of Earth’s water, scientists can discern a potential connection.

Deuterium-rich water is more likely to form in cold environments, resulting in objects formed farther from the Sun, such as comets, exhibiting higher concentrations of this isotope compared to objects formed nearer to the Sun, like asteroids.

Measurements conducted over the past few decades on the deuterium in the water vapor of various other Jupiter-based comets have revealed levels akin to Earth’s water.

“It seems increasingly likely that these comets play a significant role in delivering water to Earth,” commented Dr. Kathleen Mandt, a planetary scientist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

However, ESA’s Rosetta mission to 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko in 2014 challenged the notion that Jupiter-based comets aid in replenishing Earth’s water reservoirs.

Upon analyzing Rosetta’s water measurements, scientists discovered that it has the highest deuterium concentration among all comets, with approximately 100% more deuterium than Earth’s oceans (about 1 deuterium atom for every 6,420 hydrogen atoms), surpassing it by threefold.

“This was a significant revelation that compelled us to reassess everything,” remarked Dr. Mandt.

An advanced statistical computing approach was employed by the researchers to automate the laborious task of segregating deuterium-rich water from over 16,000 Rosetta measurements.

These measurements were taken within the gas and dust coma encircling 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko by Rosetta.

For the first time, Dr. Mandt and collaborators analyzed all water measurements from the European mission.

The researchers aimed to comprehend the physical processes influencing the fluctuations in hydrogen isotope ratios detected in comets.

Studies on comet dust in laboratory settings and observations indicated that comet dust could impact the hydrogen proportion detected in comet vapors, potentially altering how the comet’s water compares to Earth’s water.

“So, I was curious to see if I could find evidence of this phenomenon occurring in 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko,” added Dr. Mandt.

“This is one of those rare instances where a hypothesis is proposed and genuinely validated.”

In fact, scientists identified a distinct correlation between the deuterium measurements of 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko within its coma and the amount of surrounding dust near the Rosetta spacecraft, indicating that measurements taken in certain regions of the coma near 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko may not accurately represent the comet’s celestial composition.

As the comet traverses an orbit closer to the Sun, its surface warms, releasing gases from the surface, including dust particles with attached water ice fragments.

Research suggests that water containing deuterium has a higher tendency to adhere to dust particles compared to regular water.

When this ice on dust particles is expelled into a coma, it can create an illusion of the comet containing more deuterium than it actually does.

The researchers noted that by the time the dust reaches the outer regions of the coma, at least 120 miles away from the comet’s core, the coma depletes of water.

Once the deuterium-rich water dissipates, the spacecraft can precisely measure the amount of deuterium emanating from the comet’s core.

“This discovery holds profound implications not only for elucidating the role of comets in supplying water to Earth but also for comprehending comet observations that offer insights into the early solar system’s formation,” the researchers noted.

“This discovery provides a unique opportunity to revisit previous observations and prepare for future observations to better factor in the effects of dust.”

of study Published in a magazine scientific progress.

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Kathleen E. Mandt others. 2024. D/H of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko almost on Earth. scientific progress 10(46);doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adp2191

Source: www.sci.news

Astrophysicists find denser molecular clouds do not increase efficiency of star formation.

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Despite recent progress, the question of what controls the star formation efficiency in galaxies remains one of the most debated in astrophysics. According to the dominant view, star formation is controlled by turbulence and feedback, with a star formation efficiency of 1-2% per local free-fall time. In an alternative scenario, the star formation rate in the Galactic disk is proportional to the mass of dense gas above a critical density threshold. In a new study, astrophysicists from Université Paris-Sacra show that Michael Mattern and his colleagues aimed to distinguish between the two images with high-resolution observations. Atacama Pathfinder Experiment (APEX) tracks dense gas and young stars in a comprehensive sample of 49 nearby dense molecular clouds.

This composite image shows RCW 106, a star-forming region in the southern constellation Norma, about 12,000 light-years from Earth. The image overlays a red map of dense gas taken by APEX’s ArTéMiS camera on top of an optical image taken by ESO’s VLT Survey Telescope. Image credit: ESO / M. Mattern others.

Understanding what controls the efficiency of star formation in galactic giant molecular clouds is a fundamental unsolved problem in star formation research.

The star formation rate at multiple scales in galaxies is known to be strongly correlated with the mass of available molecular gas.

Overall, star formation is observed to be a very inefficient process.

“The glowing red clouds seen in the image above indicate regions of dense gas where new stars are being born in the RCW 106 region,” the astronomers said in a statement.

“But only 1 percent of this gas actually forms stars, and we don’t know why this percentage is so low.”

“We know that star formation occurs when regions of these giant clouds of cold gas come together and eventually collapse, and new stars are born. This happens at a critical density.”

“But beyond that density, could even more stars be formed in even denser regions? And could this help explain the 1% mystery?”

Their new results suggest that this is not the case: the dense regions are not efficient for star formation.

According to the team, this can probably be explained by these dense clouds breaking up into filaments and nuclei from which stars form, but many questions remain.

“Our results suggest that the star formation efficiency does not increase as the density passes a critical threshold, supporting a scenario in which the star formation efficiency in dense gas is nearly constant,” the researchers said.

“However, measurements of star formation efficiency tracked by young class I stars in nearby clouds are inconclusive, as they are consistent with both the existence of a density threshold and its dependence on density above the threshold.”

“Overall, we suggest that the efficiency of star formation in dense gas is determined primarily by the physics of filament fragmentation into protostellar cores.”

of study will be displayed in journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.

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M. Mattern others2024. Understanding star formation efficiency in dense gas: Initial results from the ArTéMiS CAFFEINE survey. A&Ain press; arXiv: 2405.15713

Source: www.sci.news

Webb finds hourglass-shaped molecular cloud surrounding protostar

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Astronomers MIRI (mid-infrared measuring instrument) camera The NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope probe has captured striking new photos of molecular cloud L1527.

L1527, shown in this image from Webb's MIRI instrument, is a molecular cloud enveloping the IRAS 04368+2557 protostar. The more diffuse blue light and filamentary structures in the image come from organic compounds called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), while the red in the center of the image is a thick layer of energetic gas and dust that surrounds the protostar. The white intermediate regions are a mix of PAHs, ionized gases, and other molecules. Image courtesy of NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI.

L1527, also known as LDN 1527, is located about 447 light-years from Earth in the constellation Taurus.

The young protostar, called IRAS 04368+2557, is embedded in a molecular cloud that is part of a star-forming region in the constellation Taurus.

IRAS 04368+2557 is a relatively young star, only 100,000 years old.

Given its age and brightness in the far-infrared, the star is likely a class 0 protostar, the earliest stage of star formation.

IRAS 04368+2557 has an edge-on disc with two misaligned parts.

The inner and outer parts of the disk have slightly different orbital planes and are connected at 40 to 60 AU (astronomical units) from the protostar, but the disk is point-symmetric with respect to the location of the protostar.

Webb's previous observations of L1527 showed that NIRCam (Near Infrared Camera)Astronomers were able to peer into the region, where the molecular cloud and protostar appeared in opaque, vibrant colors.

Both NIRCam and MIRI show the effects of outflows that shoot out in opposite directions along the protostar's rotation axis as the protostar consumes gas and dust from the surrounding cloud.

These outflows take the form of bow shock waves relative to the surrounding molecular cloud and appear as filament-like structures throughout the molecular cloud.

They also energize, or excite, the material around them, causing the areas above and below them to glow, imprinting bright hourglass structures in the molecular cloud.

“But unlike NIRCam, which primarily images light reflected from dust, MIRI will be able to probe how these outflows affect the thickest dust and gas in the region,” astronomer Webb said in a statement.

“The blue region that takes up most of the hourglass represents carbonaceous molecules called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.”

“The IRAS 04368+2557 protostar itself is shown in red, along with the dense mixture of dust and gas that surrounds it.”

“Meanwhile, MIRI revealed white regions just above and below the protostar, which are not as clearly visible in the NIRCam view.”

“This region is a mixture of hydrocarbons, ionized neon, and thick dust, indicating that the protostar is consuming material from the disk in a promiscuous manner, pushing this material over great distances.”

“As IRAS 04368+2557 continues to age and emits energetic jets, it will consume, destroy or push aside much of this molecular cloud, and much of the structure seen here will begin to disappear.”

“Eventually, when the accumulation of mass stops, this impressive spectacle will come to an end and the star itself will become more clearly visible to optical telescopes.”

“Combining both near-infrared and mid-infrared analyses will shed light on the overall behavior of this system, including how the central protostar is influencing the surrounding region.”

“Other stars in Taurus, the star-forming region in which L1527 resides, may form in exactly this way, which could lead to the disruption of other molecular clouds, either preventing the formation of new stars or promoting their development.”

Source: www.sci.news

SOFIA’s discovery of molecular water on a seemingly dry asteroid

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Astronomers used the FORCAST instrument on NASA's retired Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) to obtain mid-infrared spectra of four S-type (silicate-rich) asteroids: Iris, Partenope, Melpomene, and Massalia. Did. They detected features on two of her asteroids, Iris and Massalia, that could clearly be attributed to water molecules.

Arredondo other. Using his FORCAST instrument at NASA's SOFIA Observatory, he observed four silicate-rich asteroids and found mid-infrared spectral signatures indicating molecular water on two of them, Iris and Massalia. Separated. Image credit: NASA/Carla Thomas/Southwest Research Institute.

“Asteroids are leftovers from the planet-forming process, so their composition varies depending on where in the solar nebula they form,” said Dr. Anisia Arredondo, a planetary researcher at the Southwest Research Institute.

“Of particular interest is the distribution of water on the asteroid, as it may reveal how water was delivered to Earth.”

Anhydrous, or dry, silicate asteroids form close to the Sun, and icy material coalesces farther away.

Understanding the location of asteroids and their composition can help us understand how material within the solar nebula has been distributed and evolved since its formation.

The distribution of water in our solar system provides insight into the distribution of water in other planetary systems, and because water is necessary for all life on Earth, there is potential both within and outside the solar system. You will decide where to look for natural life.

“We detected features on the asteroids Iris and Massalia that are clearly attributable to water molecules,” Arredondo said.

“We are building on the success of the team that discovered water molecules on the moon's sunlit surface.”

“We thought we could use SOFIA to find this spectral feature in other objects.”

Sofia detected water molecules in one of the largest craters in the moon's southern hemisphere.

Previous observations of both the Moon and the asteroid have detected some types of hydrogen, but have not been able to distinguish between water and its chemical cousin hydroxyl.

Scientists found that in the cubic meters of soil spread across the moon's surface, there is approximately the equivalent of a 12-ounce (355 ml) bottle of water trapped chemically bonded to minerals.

“Based on the band intensities of the spectral features, the water abundance on the asteroid matches the water abundance on the sunlit moon,” Arredondo said.

“Similarly, in asteroids, water not only binds to minerals, but also adsorbs to silicates and can become trapped or dissolved in silicate impact glass.”

Data from two fainter asteroids, Partenope and Melpomene, were too noisy to draw definitive conclusions.

The FORCAST instrument appears not to be sensitive enough to detect the spectral signature of water, if it exists.

But with these discoveries, researchers are calling on NASA/ESA/CSA's James Webb Space Telescope to take advantage of its precise optics and superior signal-to-noise ratio to investigate more targets. I am requesting you to do so.

“We conducted initial measurements of two more asteroids with Mr. Webb during Cycle 2,” said Dr. Arredondo.

“We are making another proposal to consider 30 more goals in the next cycle.”

“These studies will improve our understanding of the distribution of water in the solar system.”

of study Published in Planetary Science Journal.

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Anisia Arredondo other. 2024. Molecular H2O is detected on a nominally anhydrous asteroid. planet. Science. J 5, 37; doi: 10.3847/PSJ/ad18b8

Source: www.sci.news