Discovering the Formation Process of Common Planetary Systems in an Ultra-Low Density World

Posted on January 7, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Exploring a Low-Density Planet Compared to Earth

Image Credit: NASA

Comparison of Taurus and Earth — Exploring a Low-Density Planet Compared to Earth

Image Credit: NASA

Newly discovered planets orbiting V1298 Tau are unusually lightweight, possessing a density comparable to polystyrene. This discovery may bridge critical gaps in our understanding of planetary system formation.

Unlike most planets in our Milky Way galaxy, which are often larger than Earth and smaller than Neptune, this solar system showcases an uncommon configuration. Astronomers have cataloged numerous planetary systems that formed billions of years ago, complicating our understanding of their genesis.

The research team, led by John Livingstone from the Astrobiology Center in Tokyo and Eric Pettigura from UCLA, has identified four dense planets that likely formed recently around a young star, V1298 Tau, which is around 20 million years old.

“We are examining younger models of the types of planetary systems commonly found across our galaxy,” Pettigura remarked.

Initially discovered in 2017, V1298 Tau and its accompanying planets remained largely unstudied until now. Over five years, researchers utilized both terrestrial and space telescopes to observe tiny variances in orbital durations, revealing intricate gravitational interactions among the four planets. These measurements enable more precise calculations of each planet’s radius and mass.

To effectively employ this observational method, researchers required initial estimates of each planet’s orbital duration without gravitational interference. Lacking that data for the outermost planet, they relied on educated conjectures, risking inaccuracies in their calculations.

“I initially had my doubts,” Petitgras admitted. “There were numerous potential pitfalls… When we first acquired data from the outermost planet, it felt as exhilarating as making a hole-in-one in golf.”

By accurately measuring the orbital durations and subsequently estimating the radii and masses, the team determined the densities of the planets. They discovered these are the lowest-density exoplanets known, with radii spanning five to ten times that of Earth, yet only a few times its mass.

“These planets exhibit a density akin to Styrofoam, which is remarkably low,” Pettigura explained.

This low density can be attributed to the planets’ ongoing gravitational contraction, potentially classifying them as super-Earths or sub-Neptunes—types of planets typically formed during the evolutionary stages.

The planets of V1298 Tau operate in a so-called orbital resonance, indicating their orbital periods are harmonically related. This observation aligns with astronomers’ theories on the formation of most planetary systems, including our own solar system, which initially have tightly packed configurations that eventually evolve into less stable arrangements, according to Sean Raymond from the University of Bordeaux in France.

“This newly identified system of close, low-mass planets revolving around a relatively young star could provide insights into typical sub-Neptunian systems,” Raymond pointed out. “This discovery is remarkable due to the inherent challenges in characterizing such youthful systems.”

Falling Asleep: A Sudden Shift, Not a Gradual Process.

Posted on November 10, 2025 by

We never just drift off; we abruptly enter slumber.

Dead Mitiei/Shutterstock

The brain doesn’t transition into sleep gradually. Instead, we hit a critical moment where we swiftly shift from being awake to asleep within just minutes. This finding could enhance the understanding and treatment of sleep-related issues like insomnia.

“Sleep is crucial to our existence, yet the mechanisms behind how our brain falls asleep have remained elusive,” states Nil Grossman from Imperial College London. It’s commonly thought that this change occurs gradually, with the brain smoothly moving from wakefulness to sleep; however, evidence for this phenomenon is sparse.

Grossman and his team have created a novel method to investigate how the brain functions during sleep by utilizing electroencephalography (EEG) data. This technique captures the brain’s electrical activity and provides insights into various sleep stages and wakefulness. The researchers analyzed 47 EEG signals using an abstract mathematical framework, treating each data point as if it were plotted on a map. This enabled them to visualize brain activity in its transition towards the designated sleep onset zone, correlating with the second phase of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep.

“Now we can accurately monitor brain activity and determine how close individuals are to falling asleep each second, with a level of precision never achieved before,” explains Grossman.

The method was applied to EEG data acquired during the sleep onset phase of over 1,000 participants, measuring the proximity of brain activity to sleep onset. Generally, this proximity remained stable until about 10 minutes prior to sleep, markedly decreasing in the final moments. Researchers determined that this critical transition occurs roughly 4.5 minutes before sleep, marking the distinct switch from wakefulness to slumber, as noted by Li Junheng, also from Imperial College London. “[This is] the point of no return,” he states.

These findings indicate that the shift from wakefulness to sleep is “not a slow progression, but rather a sudden, dramatic transformation occurring in the last few minutes,” asserts Grossman. Thus, when we “fall asleep,” it closely reflects the underlying activity in our brains. “This showcases nearly the feeling of entering a different state,” he adds.

The research team subsequently gathered brainwave information from another group of 36 individuals, tracking each participant’s sleep patterns over a week. They utilized some of those nights to accurately predict when participants would fall asleep, within a minute of the actual moment.

“This indicates that while individuals differ significantly, each person seems to follow a unique sleep trajectory that recurs night after night,” remarks Laura Lewis from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. However, she notes that it remains uncertain if these patterns alter when external conditions vary, like sleeping in a new environment.

While this framework does not explicitly identify the brain mechanisms responsible for the sleep transition, Lewis believes it could pave the way for future discoveries. “Identifying the precise moment of falling asleep has been quite challenging,” she states. “Once that is established, we can delve into the brain regions and circuits that facilitate sustained sleep.” Understanding the nuances of this transition could also aid in recognizing variations among individuals with insomnia, leading to innovative treatments.

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

The Impact of Parenthood on the Aging Process: A Complex Relationship

Posted on November 7, 2025 by

Many claim that children keep us feeling youthful, but it’s a complex issue.

Javier Zayas/Getty Images

For centuries, humanity has sought to comprehend the aging process. The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle theorized that aging correlates with the passage of time. The reduction of water necessary for bodily functions was his primary focus.

A contemporary concept known as the disposable soma hypothesis proposes that aging is the cost of reproduction; evolution, it argues, favors genetic replication above all else. This results in a fundamental trade-off. The substantial energy expended on having and nurturing offspring is often compromised by investments in DNA repair, disease resistance, and organ maintenance.

This idea is particularly relevant for women, who allocate more resources to reproduction through pregnancy and nursing than their male counterparts. However, when researchers examined whether women with more children had shorter lifespans, findings were inconsistent. Some studies supported the hypothesis while others did not.

“It’s challenging to extract clear correlations between childbearing and longevity,” said Elizabeth Bolland from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, a professor not involved in the research.

Euan Young and associates from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands postulated that variations in reproductive costs depend on maternal environment, noting, “In favorable conditions, this trade-off is less apparent. It’s during challenging times that it becomes noticeable,” Young remarked.

To explore this hypothesis, researchers examined parish records of over 4,500 Finnish women spanning 250 years, including the era of Finland’s Great Famine from 1866 to 1868. Young highlighted how difficult times impacted reproduction and longevity.

They discovered that for women who lived before and after the famine, or those who had no children during that period, there was no notable correlation between child quantity and lifespan. Conversely, women who gave birth during the famine experienced a reduction in life expectancy of six months for each child born.

This research stems from a study released last year, which utilized a dataset from the pre-industrial populace of Quebec, Canada, tracked over two centuries. This previous work illustrated trade-offs in mothers likely to be in poor health or facing high stress, without evaluating the influence of specific environmental conditions.

In contrast, Young’s team emphasizes catastrophic events as factors that underscore these reproductive trade-offs. “This extensive dataset enables us to control for confounding variables,” he stated. “This study brings us closer to understanding causality without needing laboratory-controlled experiments,” remarked Bornd.

This investigation further endorses the energy demands of pregnancy and breastfeeding, which necessitate substantial additional calorie intake daily. During periods of starvation, women cannot acquire sufficient energy from food, which compromises their body’s “basal metabolism.” As a result, essential bodily functions may decelerate or cease, leading to deteriorated health and shortened lifespans, Young explained. This scenario clarifies why previous studies often identified these trade-offs predominantly in lower socio-economic groups, who typically reside in resource-limited conditions.

Bolland noted that this trade-off’s occurrence under particularly adverse circumstances, alongside a time when women usually had more children, may help clarify why women generally outlive men. In the UK, girls born between 2021 and 2023 are projected to live four years longer than boys.

In contemporary Western societies, reproductive costs have significantly diminished, with the average number of births declining drastically over centuries, as noted by Bornd. Consequently, it’s likely that very few women reach the stage where lifelong costs become evident. Bolland and colleagues noted in their study analyzing Utah’s historical population, that this threshold was only observed when women had five or more children. The average woman in the United States is now expected to have 1.6 children throughout her lifetime.

Therefore, other environmental factors may play a larger role in explaining the lifespan disparity between genders. For instance, men are generally more prone to smoking and tend to consume more alcohol, both of which influence longevity, according to Bolund. The current gap in longevity between men and women likely results from a mix of reduced reproductive costs for women relative to earlier historical periods, alongside differences in lifestyle choices.

Research also indicates that variations in sex chromosomes are significant. “Differences between the sexes extend beyond reproductive costs; thus, further research is essential to delineate how different factors impact sex-specific aging,” Young concluded.

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

The Earliest Human Mummies: A 14,000-Year-Old Smoking Process

Posted on September 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Left: The remains of a middle-aged woman at the Liu Po site in southern China, where smoke was used before burial approximately 8,000 years ago. Right: Contemporary smoke-dried mummies of Dani individuals in West Papua, Indonesia.

Zhen Li, Hirofumi Matsumura, Hsiao-Chun Hung

SEI 265721258 — Left: The remains of a middle-aged woman at the Liu Po site in southern China, where smoke was used before burial approximately 8,000 years ago. Right: Contemporary smoke-dried mummies of Dani individuals in West Papua, Indonesia.

Zhen Li, Hirofumi Matsumura, Hsiao-Chun Hung

Carefully preserved through smoking practices up to 14,000 years ago, a human body has been found at archaeological sites in Southeast Asia, making it the world’s oldest known mummy.

This custom continues today among the Dani people in West Papua, Indonesia, who mummify their deceased relatives by exposing them to smoke and treat them with care and respect as part of the household. Many of these mummies are found in a tightly bound squatting position.

Similar “highly flexed” ancient remains have also been discovered in Australia, China, the Philippines, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan.

Hsiao-Chun Hung from the Australian National University in Canberra noted the striking similarities between burial remains excavated in relation to Dani traditions while working on ancient skeletons in Vietnam in 2017.

Hung and her team analyzed the burial practices of 54 hunter-gatherers from 11 archaeological sites across Southeast Asia dated between 12,000 and 4,000 years ago to uncover evidence of smoking. Most sites were based in northern Vietnam and southern China.

Numerous remains displayed clear signs of partial burning, though not enough to indicate cremation. The researchers utilized two analytical methods, X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy, on several bone samples to assess thermal exposure.

Over 90% of the 69 skeletal samples displayed indications of heat exposure. The findings suggest that while human remains were not subjected to extreme temperatures, they likely endured lower temperatures, potentially from smoking for extended periods.

The oldest mummy examined by a Vietnamese team from Hang Cho dates back over 11,000 years. However, a tightly bound skeleton from another site, Hang Mooy, indicates practices recorded over 14,000 years ago. “We didn’t need X-rays or infrared to analyze this one because it’s evidently partially burned and visible to the naked eye,” explains Hung.

Previously, the oldest known mummy was believed to come from northern Chile, approximately 7,000 years ago, and ancient Egypt around 4,500 years ago.

Hung suggests that the evidence indicates this burial tradition likely spread across southern China and Southeast Asia at least 14,000 years ago, as agricultural societies became prevalent in the region around 4,000 to 3,500 years ago. The constricting bindings of mummified bodies may have facilitated their transport, she notes.

Ethnographic studies indicate that these traditions persisted in southern Australia until the late 19th and early 20th centuries, according to Hung. “Additionally, our literature review in the New Guinea highlands reveals that these practices continue among some communities today.”

“Our results signify a unique blend of techniques, traditions, culture, and a profound connection to ancestry that spans an extraordinary timeframe, covering vast regions from the Paleolithic era to the present,” she states.

Vito Hernandez from Flinders University in Adelaide suggests that this study challenges long-standing beliefs that such practices were exclusive to arid regions like Chile’s Atacama and Egypt’s Nile Valley. “It highlights the role of tropical environments in nurturing distinct mortuary traditions among early modern humans across the Far East and potentially into the Pacific,” he remarks.

“By extending the timeline of mummification by at least 5,000 years, the Chinchalo culture [of South America] emphasizes Southeast Asia’s role as a center for cultural innovation, demonstrating a deep continuity that connects early Holocene hunter-gatherers with present-day indigenous groups in New Guinea and Australia,” Hernandez adds.

Cairo and Alexandria, Scientific Pioneers of the Ancient World: Egypt

Embark on an unforgettable journey in Cairo and Alexandria, Egypt’s two most iconic cities, where ancient history meets modern charm.

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Heat Waves May Accelerate Aging Process

Posted on August 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Air conditioners may help prevent heatwaves from accelerating aging

Sajjad Hussain/AFP via Getty Images

The intensity of heat waves can lead to significant long-term health impacts. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures seems to speed up biological aging in individuals.

“Currently, there are two major studies that highlight the effects of heatwave exposure on aging, focusing on different populations in various countries,” says Paul Beggs from Macquarie University in Australia. “It’s crucial to take heat waves seriously, as we are not only safeguarding our health but also the well-being of those around us.”

Recent findings from Siyi Chen at the University of Hong Kong and her research team reveal important insights. They analyzed medical screening data from around 25,000 adults in Taiwan to determine biological age based on several health indicators, including inflammation, blood pressure, and organ function. This data was then compared with time series data to assess aging rates.

“Physiological changes associated with aging can appear earlier and progress more rapidly in certain individuals,” notes Beggs, who wasn’t part of this research.

The researchers calculated each participant’s cumulative heat wave exposure over two years preceding the medical screening, assessing not just the frequency of heat waves but also the intensity of temperatures experienced. It turned out that the number of heatwave days was a critical factor in the accelerated aging observed in Taiwan’s population. These findings align with another recent study investigating outdoor temperature effects on aging in older adults in the US.

In the Taiwanese population studied, greater aging effects correlated with increased cumulative exposure to heat waves. Specifically, a four-day rise in total heatwave duration linked to an increase in biological age by as much as nine days.

The impact was particularly severe for specific demographics. For instance, manual laborers experienced aging effects that were threefold greater from equivalent heat exposure compared to the broader group. Additionally, residents in rural areas showed more pronounced aging effects, suggesting that access to air conditioning could mitigate the aging repercussions of heat exposure.

Nonetheless, to effectively combat climate change and the escalating frequency of heatwaves, the advantages of air conditioning must be balanced with more sustainable cooling alternatives, warns Beggs. “Air conditioners release heat into the environment, further worsening conditions for individuals lacking such systems,” he states.

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Instagram Users Claim They Were Banned Without an Appeal Process | Consumer Concerns

Posted on July 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

I am a young black entrepreneur and RM leader. His personal and business social media profiles have been deleted by Meta, the parent company of Instagram. There was no notice, no option to appeal, and no explanation given to my understanding. He had successfully established two businesses in clothing design and music events.

Just six days prior to the ban, he sold 1,500 tickets for an electronic dance event in London. Instagram, rather than his website, serves as the main platform for his work. Yet, he was abruptly informed that his content violated Meta’s community guidelines regarding violence and incitement.

His business account boasted 5,700 followers, while his personal account had nearly 4,000 contacts. All were erased without alternative means of contact, leaving him without his entire social and professional network. Retrieving this data is not allowed. IP address His device is inaccessible due to restrictions New account.

In following his work, I’ve yet to see anything violent in his promotional videos, save for toy weapons. His life is being upended by what seems to be an unyielding algorithm.

RP, London

The pivotal role of social media in the lives of young people often confuses older generations who rely on websites and direct contacts.

When I spoke with RM, 21, he shared that the abrupt account closure by Meta, due to vaguely defined infractions, also affected fellow students, resulting in a loss for their burgeoning businesses.

“For my generation, my Instagram profile is not just my sole source of income; it’s part of my identity, making recovery challenging,” he explains. “I wasn’t notified about violating any guidelines. This decision has cost me thousands of pounds in lost sales, which is especially devastating for single parents in the city center.”

RM firmly denies posting any content that could be perceived as violent or inciting harm. His account has been deleted, leaving him unable to clarify.

Instead, I came across an interview with RM on a music website that offered insights into the cyberpunk rave scene he participates in. Some band and song titles might trigger the algorithms.

Terms like drug, sex, and kill are prevalent in various musical genres. It remains unclear which specific lines resulted in RM’s discharge, as Meta has provided no communication to RM or myself, citing “confidentiality.”

While they declined to comment further, a spokesperson indicated that they would not restore RM’s account or provide him with contact details due to a “violation” of the guidelines. There is no avenue for appeal.

Meta, as a commercial entity, has the right to decide its clientele and eliminate harmful content, yet its role as judge, jury, and executioner is concerning given the repercussions of such decisions.

RM can file a Subject Access Request to discover what information Meta holds about him. While this won’t restore his account, it might help him comprehend the basis of the actions taken against him. Should Meta refuse to comply, he can reach out to the Information Commissioner’s Office.

He has created a new account and purchased a laptop to begin the process of rebuilding. I advise him (and others) to regularly back up contacts and not solely rely on companies that offer opaque administrative practices.

Meta currently faces scrutiny for enforcing widespread bans on users via algorithms on Facebook and Instagram. A petition has garnered over 25,000 signatures, advocating for human intervention.

Locked out of Facebook

em West Sussex hit a digital dead end after being locked out of her Facebook account when hackers changed her password, email address, and phone number. She states that Facebook’s automated system provided a lengthy set of instructions when she sought guidance to regain access from the hackers. Subsequently, the hackers switched her account from private to public, exposing her sensitive personal information.

Upon seeking help from Facebook, her newly established account was permanently closed. “It’s impossible to find someone to communicate with via email, chat, or phone,” she laments. “On a positive note, I enjoy the absence of Facebook noise in my life, though it felt like having my arm amputated!”

Meta did not respond to requests for comment.

Source: www.theguardian.com

The Impact of Sleep on the Aging Process

Posted on July 1, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Aging often impacts sleep, leading to challenges as we grow older. Factors such as changes in circadian rhythms, increased nighttime bathroom visits, anxiety, and chronic health conditions can all compromise sleep quality.

Yet, let’s examine the flip side: the influence of sleep on the aging process.

Despite bold assertions from various hyperbaric oxygen therapy centers, nothing can halt our body’s natural aging. However, a closer look at the physiological changes that occur during sleep reveals that cultivating healthy sleep habits can help mitigate the effects of time on our bodies.

What occurs when we sleep?

Our bodies engage in powerful recovery processes during sleep to restore, reset, and rejuvenate organs and cells. Each night serves as a mini-reboot: muscles undergo repair, hormone levels stabilize, and the brain executes a version of waste removal.

Key changes that happen in the body during sleep include:

• Integration of emotional and procedural (long-term, implicit) memory during REM sleep.
• The brain experiences a neurochemical reset, with significant reductions in dopamine and serotonin levels during slumber.
• Muscle repair promotes the release of growth hormone, restoration of glycogen levels, and the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines to assist muscle recovery.
• Hormones like melatonin are produced, while others are regulated; for instance, cortisol (the “stress” hormone) decreases, and leptin (which controls hunger) is maintained.

Dive into the physiological changes that occur during sleep.

Why is sleep increasingly crucial as we age?

Waste removal
The Glymphatic System operates while we sleep to clear neurotoxic waste, such as beta-amyloid. This process becomes increasingly critical with age. The National Library of Medicine states, “The aging process involves a range of neurobiological changes in the brain, including the accumulation of toxic proteins like beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles.”*

Immune support
As the immune system naturally declines, deep sleep becomes vital for enhancing immune cell activity, thereby supporting our immunity.

Cardiovascular health
Those with a Fitbit will attest that heart rates drop during sleep, allowing blood pressure to lower, which in turn gives the cardiovascular system a chance to rest.

Insulin sensitivity
Sleep quality, duration, and timing all influence insulin sensitivity; inadequate sleep can increase insulin resistance and elevate the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.**

Maximizing quality sleep

Hestens, a Swedish bed manufacturer, recognizes the significance of a good night’s sleep. Since 1852, luxury brands have been crafting handmade beds, with each taking up to 600 hours to create using only natural materials.

“Miracles happen while we sleep,” Hestens states. “It’s the sleep that makes a difference. This is a natural process that cannot be replicated or bought over the counter. You can’t cheat your way to perfect sleep, but understanding its importance and implementing good practices can improve your chances of a restful night.”

For more on the advantages of sleep and to explore the full collection of beds and accessories, visit Hestens’ website.

Book local sleep spa bed tests online at www.hastens.com or visit your nearest certified retailer.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

She collaborated in Harvard’s laboratory on reversing the aging process.

Posted on April 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Changes in the atmosphere

Petrova’s return flight from Paris landed in Boston on the evening of February 16th. As the plane sat on the tarmac, she exchanged messages with Dr. Peshkin regarding the handling of a package at customs. However, the passengers had already disembarked the plane, so Petrova cut the conversation short.

Initially, Petrova felt her re-entry was normal. At Passport Control, officials verified her J-1 visa sponsored by Harvard and recognized her as a biomedical researcher. Her passport was stamped, and she was acknowledged by the state.

As she made her way to retrieve her package, Border Patrol officers approached her and requested to search her suitcase. Her biggest concern was that the embryo sample inside would be compromised, as RNA is easily damaged. She admitted her lack of knowledge about the rules. The officer, in a polite manner, informed her that she was allowed to proceed.

Subsequently, another officer entered the room, and the tone of the conversation shifted, according to Petrova. This officer asked detailed questions about Petrova’s work and travel history in Europe. Petrova was then informed that her visa had been revoked and was questioned about her fear of being deported to Russia.

“Yes, I’m afraid to return to Russia,” she expressed, as per a Homeland Security Department transcript provided by her attorney. “I fear that the Russian Federation will harm me for protesting against them.”

Petrova’s lawyer, Greg Romanovsky, acknowledged her violation of customs regulations but argued that it was a minor offense punishable by forfeiture and fines.

Romanovsky emphasized the need for agents to establish a valid basis for revoking her visa and contended that violation of customs regulations was not sufficient justification. Lucas Gattentag, a professor at Stanford Law School, concurred and criticized the government for creating an improper immigration status that led to Petrova’s detention.

In February, customs officials detained Petrova at Logan International Airport in Boston for not declaring a sample of frog embryos.
credit…M. Scott Brauer of the New York Times

A DHS spokesperson questioned the cancellation of Petrova’s visa and cited the discovery of Petri dishes and vials of embryonic stem cells in the package without proper authorization during a dog inspection.

The spokesperson asserted that individuals were detained legally after lying to federal officers about bringing biological materials into the country. Petrova’s cell phone messages indicated intentions to smuggle materials through customs without declaration, demonstrating a deliberate violation of the law.

Following the cancellation of Petrova’s visa by Border Patrol agents, she became an undocumented immigrant amidst the immigration policies of the Trump administration. She was held at the Richwood Detention Center, awaiting a hearing to present her asylum case before an immigration judge.

Romanovsky filed a petition for her release in federal court, urging ICE to grant her parole. He pleaded for compassion, suggesting that under different circumstances, Petrova would have been released much earlier.

Petrova spent last month in a dormitory with bunk beds, coping with the cold and receiving limited outdoor time. She shared her observations on the diverse group of women around her, highlighting the harsh conditions they all experienced.

She challenged her preconceived notions of the US compared to her experiences in Russia, expressing disbelief at the treatment she and others received. Petrova emphasized the need for basic rights for all individuals, even immigrants under detention.

Empty bench

Source: www.nytimes.com

What is the Formation Process of Super Jupiter?

Posted on March 24, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

scientist First discovered outside our solar systemcalled Planet1990s. Since then, scientists have found some strange systems. Turn robing from the first recorded exoplanet Neutron Star Jupiter-sized Exoplanet brings host stars into orbit Puts the sun in orbit nearly 20 times more than the Earthastronomers continue to find distant planetary systems that look very different from ours. It is a relatively easy exoplanet to find for astronomers. The gas giant is more than twice the mass of Jupiter, or more than 600 times the mass of Earth. Super Jupiter.

Astronomers have proposed two hypotheses on how some exoplanets can make this bigger. The first is that they form this size or grow from the gas and dust around the star’s first surroundings. Protoplanetary disc. The second is that it arises from collisions between two or more small gas giants. Scientists acknowledge that these hypotheses are not mutually exclusive, so some superjupiters can begin their size, while others can be formed by conflict.

However, scientists also say that the larger the Super Jupiter, the longer the longer, or Eccentric The formation mechanism should explain this observation, as its trajectory tends to be. They all agree that there is an answer to how planets interact. Collision advocates point out that hypothetical conflicts can distort Super Jupiter’s trajectory. Supporters of the high early mass say that gravitational pull from adjacent planets can also distort Super Jupiter’s orbit.

A team of astronomers recently tested these hypotheses on the Xplanet TOI-2145B and its host star TOI-2145. This exoplanet has a mass of about six times the mass of Jupiter and more than 1800 times the mass of Earth. They used accurate and detailed data collected by previous researchers from multiple sources. These included observations of the period, width, and distance from the star of the exporanet orbit. Passing an exoplanet survey satellite or Tess, and its mass and orbital eccentricity from Keck Observatory. High resolution Echelle spectrometer Or hire. This team collected their own data using Wiyn Telescope To enhance previous existing recruitment data. All the information was then combined to create a complete image of the stellar, orbital, and planetary properties of this system.

They discovered that TO-2145 stars are about 1.7 times the mass of the Sun, exceeding 1.5 billion years. Its exoplanet orbital is the Earth orbiting the Sun at a distance of over 1/10, causing a complete revolution in about 10 days, with a highly distorted orbit with an eccentricity of 0.2. For reference, Venus orbitalmost perfect circle and has an eccentricity of 0.007. Furthermore, the TOI-2145B’s trajectory is roughly aligned with the host star, with an axial tilt of approximately 7.o. For reference, the Earth has an axial tilt of 23.5othat causes our seasons. They also discovered that the system did not have any other measurable ex-man or nearby stars that could destroy the orbit of TOI-2145B.

The next step for astronomers was to use mathematical simulations to see if they could replicate a Super Jupiter with similar properties to the TOI2145B. Collision dynamics code was used rebound It models how a planetary system with a protranetary disc of a particular size and four starting planets has changed over 10 million years. They changed several parameters into the simulation, including the total mass of the four planets, how the masses were distributed between the planets, how far they were from each other, and the mass of the disc. They have the results of a few dozen simulations. Gaia Archives Check if you can replicate general trends in the Super Jupiter system.

To test the origin hypothesis of Super Jupiter, astronomers used simulations of relatively low protranetary disc masses to represent systems grown through collisions, and systems launched by Super Jupiter on a large scale using simulations of relatively high protranetary disc masses to represent systems started by Super Jupiter on a large scale. They found that the simulated Super Jupiter was consistently similar to the TOI2145B in terms of orbital size and eccentricity, whether the protranetary disc mass is high or low. However, their low-disk mass collision simulations replicated the trends of high-mass planets with more eccentric orbits, but at first, higher-disk mass simulations did not.

The team concluded that Super Jupiter is likely to originate from interplanetary collisions. However, they acknowledged that it is certainly possible for some exoplanets to begin their own lives several times larger than Jupiter.

Post view: 59

Source: sciworthy.com

Two NASA astronauts are launched into the space station by a new crew and begin the return process.

Posted on March 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Four astronauts were launched into orbit on their way to the International Space Station on Friday evening. The astronauts included NASA’s Anne McLain and Nicole Ayers, Japanese astronaut Onysia, and Russian astronaut Kirill Peskov. They were lifted from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center at 7:03 pm and soared into the blue sky over Florida approximately 48 hours after the initial launch.

“This mission is evidence of what humans can achieve when we work together,” Ayers radioed mission control during the smooth countdown.

The Crew 10 mission is part of the regular rotation of NASA crew members to the space station. This particular mission is drawing more attention as it involves the anticipated return of NASA astronauts Snie Williams and Butch Willmore back to Earth.

Crew-10 Mission Roscosmos Cosmonaut Kirill Peskov, NASA ASTRONUTS NICHOLE AYERES and ANNE MCCLAIN and JAXA ASTRONAUT TAKUYA ONISHI on Wednesday.Gregg Newton / AFP / Getty Images

Williams and Wilmore have been in the spotlight for months due to unusual circumstances in orbit. They were initially scheduled for a one-week stay in June as part of a test flight for Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft but encountered vehicle issues that extended their stay at the space station.

The new crew will relieve Williams, Wilmore, and two others for a six-month stint at the space station, including NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian astronaut Alexander Golvnov.

The crew of Crew 10 was launched atop the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The first reusable booster stage successfully returned to Earth about ten minutes after liftoff, landing at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

“Tonight was an honor to fly with you,” said a SpaceX flight director to the crew in orbit. “We will support you on your journey and wish you the best.”

The crew of 10 astronauts will spend over 28 hours in low-Earth orbit traveling to the space station. They are expected to reach the space station on Saturday. The return crew could depart as early as March 19th, according to NASA.

More than 270 people arrived at the space station. NASA astronauts Butch Willmore and Suni Williams arrived on June 6th.NASA

The recent launch attempts added drama to the situation. The countdown was halted on Wednesday with 40 minutes remaining due to a ground system issue at the launch pad. The astronauts were already strapped inside the dragon capsule when the decision was made.

The Crew 10 Group consists of a mix of experienced astronauts and first-timers, all with a background as pilots. McLain and Onisi are visiting the space station for the second time, while Ayers and Peskov are on their first space flight journey.

Arrivals at the space station mark the beginning of a handover period which includes training new crews and catching up on scientific experiments, maintenance work, and other projects.

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is being prepared for launch at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday.Craig Bailey/Reuters

Williams, Wilmore, Hague, and Golbunov are expected to return to Earth via the SpaceX Dragon Capsule, where Hague and Golbunov originally flew to the space station. The Starliner spacecraft, which encountered issues, is being brought back to Earth without any crew onboard.

The extended stay of Williams and Wilmore in low-earth orbit has gained political attention, with claims by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and President Donald Trump regarding their return to Earth. However, NASA has planned to use SpaceX vehicles for the return journey since the announcement in August.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Omega-3 Supplements may slow down the process of biological aging

Posted on February 3, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Omega-3 Supplements may be an easy way to slowden aging

EVGENIIA SIANKOVSKAIA/Getty Images

Omega 3 supplements every day, especially when combined with vitamin D and exercise, seems to slow the biological aging of the elderly.

We already knew that “good” fat, which is seen in seeds, nuts, and fish can enhance immunity, heart health, and brain function.

They are also linked to changes “Epigi Nete” markerDNA chemical tags that change the activity of the gene and the behavior of cells. This suggests that Omega 3 reduces pace Biological agingIn many cases, it is defined as a measure of how fast someone has deteriorated, compared to the body of the general group.

To explore this further Heike Bischoff-Ferrari The University of Zurich and her colleagues divided 777 Switzerland, 70 and 91, into eight groups. They also wanted to know how Omega-3 works along with vitamin D supplements and exercise.

“Omega-3 plays on multiple routes of aging, such as anti-inflammatoryness. Similarly, vitamin D and exercise have multiple advantages,” says Bischoff-Ferrari. “Did we think that there are additional advantages if you play in each of these differential routes?”

Some participants had already taken these supplements at the start of the research or doing strength training. According to Bischoff-Ferrari, it was not ethical to stop exercising or stop taking specific supplements, so it was allowed to continue.

In addition to the existing lifestyle habits, each group was told to have a variety of combinations of one grams of Omega-3, placebo tablets, and 2000 international unit vitamin D. Muscle training three times a week.

For example, some people have been asked to take 3 tablets of omega, take vitamin D supplements, and do additional strength training, or have been asked to take vitamin D with strength training. I didn't take Omega 3.

At the start of the research, researchers estimated the biological age of the participants using the “Epi Nete Watch”, which was previously developed by teams and other researchers. These analyzed a DNA marker called methyl group in a blood sample that generally decrease with age and impairs cell function.

Through the same three years later, the scientists have been told to take Omega 3, aging only about three months less than employees who are only given placebo pills. I discovered that there was no. They explained the factors that could affect the results, such as the actual age, gender, weight, and height of the participants.

“This is today's biggest test that suggests that simple supplements contribute to the slowdown of biological aging,” says Bischoff-Ferrari.

Furthermore, those who took Omega-3 with vitamin D and did less tension training compared to those who did not introduce any of these habits as part of the trial. “The effect was somewhat remarkable, and it was almost four months of rejuvenation,” says Bischoff-Ferrari.

These effects may seem small, but it may be important for some people. Richard Siou At King Scarage Rondon. “This is more important for the elderly, because it may be more likely to decrease in age in about three months,” he says.

However, epigenetic watches are not a complete scale of biological aging. “Just because DNA's biomarker indicates that you resemble a young person does not necessarily mean that you are healthy in some way,” says SIOW.

Further research says that it is necessary to evaluate what changes in measures such as cognitive, motor skills, and heart health mean. The Bischoff-Ferrari team analyzes participants' data on these results.

Another restriction of this study was that the participants were relatively healthy and active, and there was almost no lack of vitamin D. Bischoff-Ferrari says that there is a need for a further research in which people who live in other countries without these characteristics and young people in other countries are involved.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Recent study explains the atomic-level process of microorganisms metabolizing carbon monoxide.

Posted on January 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

More than 2 billion tons of carbon monoxide are released in the atmosphere every year. Various bacteria and old bacteria take this in about 250 million tons, reducing carbon monoxide to a safer level. According to new studies, these microorganisms use a special enzyme called CO Dehydrogenase to extract energy from this universal but very toxic gas.

kropp et al。 Demonstrates that CO dehydrogenase can oxidize carbon monoxide to an invasion level. Image credit: NASA / NOAA / GSFC / SUOMI NPP / VIIRS / NORMAN KURING.

“Carbon monoxide is a powerful poison with multiple cell life, and is also a high -energy fuel and carbon source of microorganisms,” said the University of Monash University and his colleagues, Ashley Crop.

“Carbon monoxide is released in large quantities in the atmosphere, and nature and human sources contribute to the estimated 26 million tons of carbon monoxide emissions each year.”

“Nevertheless, the average carbon monoxide concentration in the atmosphere remains very low at about 100 ppb for consumption by non -biological processes and microbial oxidation.”

“Microorganism consumption accounts for an estimated 10 to 15 % of carbon monoxide removed from the atmosphere (approximately 250 million tons per year).”

In their research, the authors showed for the first time how Co -Dehydrogenase extracted carbon monoxide and power cells.

“This enzyme is used in microorganisms of our soil and water areas. These microorganisms consume carbon monoxide for their own survival, but in the process. Help me, “said Kropp.

“This was a great example of the ingenuity of microorganisms. How did life evolve how toxic toxic things are evolved,” said Devid Gillet, the University of Monache.

“These microorganisms help to clean our atmosphere. This is because carbon monoxide is indirectly greening gas in opposition to air pollution that kills millions of people every year. Reduce warming.

“This discovery is unlikely to be used directly to fight the emissions of carbon monoxide, but deepen understanding of how the atmosphere is regulated and how it will respond to future changes. Nothing.

“This discovery emphasized the wider importance of microorganisms,” said Professor Chris Green at the University of Monash.

“Microorganisms have countless roles that are indispensable to both human and planet health, but they are often misunderstood and are often misunderstood, so they are often noticed.”

“Microorganisms were a major reason for our air,” said Kropp.

“We breathe, detoxify various pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, and make half of oxygen to detoxify.”

Survey results It will be displayed in the journal Natural chemical student。

______

A. KROPP et al。 Kinon extraction promotes carbon monoxide oxidation in the atmosphere of bacteria. NAT CHEM BIOLReleased online on January 29, 2025. Doi: 10.1038/S41589-025-01836-0

Source: www.sci.news

The mysterious process of fog formation

Posted on January 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Fog consists of water vapor molecules that float as tiny water droplets in the air but remain near the ground. Essentially, fog is a cloud touching the Earth’s surface, forming similar to clouds. High humidity plays a significant role in fog formation, and depending on its rate and temperature, fog can appear and vanish suddenly.

Water in its vapor state is transparent and invisible. The higher the air’s temperature, the greater its kinetic energy, allowing more water molecules to exist as vapor.

When warm, moisture-rich air cools abruptly, the water molecules slow down too much to maintain their vapor form and combine into small liquid droplets. These droplets, while still small enough to float in air currents, appear opaque as light reflects off the air-water interface.

radiation fog

Radiation fog © Dan Bright

Radiation fog forms on the ground during calm, clear nights when heat absorbed by the Earth’s surface during the day radiates into the air. As the heat rises, the air near the surface cools until it becomes saturated.

Cold air holds less water vapor than warm air, causing the water vapor to condense into fog. Radiation fog typically dissipates as the ground warms up again, but it can persist all day in the winter.

Radiation fog is also known as shallow fog or ground fog when it occurs in a narrow layer below average eye level on land and below about 10 meters at sea.

valley fog

Valley fog develops at the bottom of valleys as cold, dense air settles and condenses to form fog. It is restricted to local terrains like hills and mountains and can persist for several days.

advection fog

Advection fog forms when horizontal winds push warm, moist air onto cold surfaces, leading to fog formation through condensation. This phenomenon is common at sea, where warm tropical air interacts with cold water. Advection fog can cover large areas, with the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco Bay often obscured by it.

Sea fog, a type of advective fog, occurs when warm, moist air descends from land into chilly oceans, or when warm fronts clash with cold ocean currents. The northeast coast of the UK is particularly prone to sea fog due to the cold waters of the North Sea.

uphill fog

Uphill fog, a type of hill fog, occurs when moist air is pushed up a slope, hill, or mountain by wind, cooling and condensing to form fog as it descends down the slope.

evaporation fog

Evaporative fog is akin to advection fog, forming when cold air passes over moist land or warm water. When warm water evaporates into the lower atmosphere, it warms the air, causing it to rise. This upward movement of warm, moist air mixes with cooler air until reaching 100% humidity, resulting in fog formation. Evaporative fog is commonly observed at lakes, ponds, and outdoor pools.

Why does altitude affect temperature?

Consider the atmosphere as consisting of air masses. The higher an air parcel, the less compressed it is due to the weight of the atmosphere above, allowing for greater volume. This expansion requires energy, leading to sacrifice of thermal energy and a decrease in temperature.

Does sound travel further on foggy days?

“Sound propagates through the air as pressure waves move air molecules back and forth. In fog, water droplets scatter more sound energy, attenuating the sound and reducing the distance it can travel,” explains physicist Robert Matthews.

However, the complete impact of fog formation conditions on sound travel is not fully resolved. “On warm, highly humid days, smaller droplets have minimal effect on sound waves,” he adds.

“Moist air, being denser than dry air, allows sound waves to travel more effectively and be heard over greater distances,” Matthews further explains.

Does sound travel farther on foggy days? ©Getty Images

About our expert Professor Robert Matthews

After completing his physics studies at Oxford, Robert ventured into science writing. He currently serves as a visiting professor of science at Aston University.

Explore more about fog:

Submitted by: Rich French, London

To submit a question, please email questions@sciencefocus.com (remember to include your name and location)

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Exploring the decision-making process of early hominin tool manufacturers: A new study

Posted on January 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleoanthropologists have characterized the properties of rough stone materials selected and used by early Pleistocene tool makers at Acheulean sites on the Ethiopian plateau between 16 and 1 million years ago.

Hand ax made from sidestrike flakes (ac) and kombewa flakes (df) from Melka Wakena, Ethiopia. Image credit: Tegenu Gossa & Erella Hovers, doi: 10.1007/s12520-024-02072-8.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem said: “The two earliest stone tool assemblages, Oldowan and Acheulean, are now known to have emerged and proliferated within the East African Rift Valley.” Professor Herrera Hovers And my colleagues.

“The Oldowans (beginning 2.6 million years ago) introduced the obligatory use of percussion techniques, using various types of lithic supports (cobbles, nodules, pebbles, etc.) as percussion instruments to produce simple flakes. It represents a fundamental technological advance.

“The emergence of the Atyurs 1.75 million years ago probably marked major biological and behavioral changes in hominin lifestyles, often associated with improved cognitive abilities.”

In their study, the authors focused on: Melka Wakenaan early Achurian archaeological complex located in the south-central Ethiopian Plateau, at an altitude of 2,300 to 2,350 meters above sea level.

The site consists of several areas within a radius of approximately 2 km along the western bank of the Wabe River.

Preliminary investigations revealed the remains of animals, including 15 species of large vertebrates, some of which had human traces.

“Melka Wakena is one of the earliest known sites of high-altitude human habitation,” the researchers said.

“Evidence suggests that early humans made strategic choices based on factors such as rock compatibility, durability, and efficiency.”

“Melka Wakena's unique high-altitude setting provides valuable insight into how early humans adapted to their difficult environment.”

Scientists used advanced digital imaging techniques such as 3D scanning and photogrammetry to create highly detailed models showing the effects of stone tool use.

These models enable accurate analysis of wear patterns and surface changes and reveal that raw material properties have a significant influence on these changes, even under identical use conditions.

The findings suggest that early humans carefully evaluated the properties of materials when making tools, demonstrating a remarkable degree of technological foresight and adaptability.

“Our findings suggest that early humans were not simply picking up stones at random,” said Professor Hovers.

“They were making complex decisions about which materials were best for predictable needs, demonstrating a high degree of pre-planning and cognitive sophistication.”

of result appear in the diary PLoS ONE.

_____

E. Paisan others. 2025. Exploring early Acheulean technological decision-making: A controlled experimental approach to raw material selection for percussion crafts in Melka Wakena, Ethiopia. PLoS ONE 20 (1): e0314039;doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0314039

Source: www.sci.news

The brain’s waste removal process disrupted by sleeping pills

Posted on January 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

During sleep, your brain eliminates toxins that have accumulated throughout the day.

Robert Reeder/Getty Images

Sleeping pills may help you doze off, but the sleep you get may not be as restorative. When mice were given zolpidem, which is commonly found in sleeping pills such as Ambien, their brains were unable to effectively remove waste products during sleep.

Sleep is important for removing waste from the brain. At night, a clear fluid called cerebrospinal fluid circulates around brain tissue and flushes out toxins through a series of thin tubes known as the glymphatic system. Think of it like a dishwasher, which turns on your brain while you sleep, says Miken Nedergaard at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York. However, the mechanisms that push fluid through this network have not been well understood.

Nedergaard and his colleagues implanted optical fibers into the brains of seven mice. By irradiating chemicals in the brain, the fibers can track the flow of blood and cerebrospinal fluid during sleep.

They found that elevated levels of a molecule called norepinephrine cause blood vessels in the brain to constrict, reducing blood volume and allowing cerebrospinal fluid to flow into the brain. As norepinephrine levels decrease, blood vessels dilate and cerebrospinal fluid is pushed back. Thus, fluctuations in norepinephrine during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep stimulate blood vessels to act like pumps in the glymphatic system, Nedergaard said.

This discovery reveals that norepinephrine plays an important role in clearing waste from the brain. Previous research has shown that when we sleep, the brain releases norepinephrine in a slow, oscillating pattern. These norepinephrine waves occur during NREM, a sleep stage important for memory, learning, and other cognitive functions.

Next, the researchers treated six mice with zolpidem, a sleeping pill commonly sold under the brand names Ambien and Zolpimist. The mice fell asleep faster than those treated with a placebo, but the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain was reduced by about 30 percent on average. In other words, “their brains aren't being cleaned very well,” Nedergaard said.

Although zolpidem was tested in this experiment, almost all sleeping pills inhibit the production of norepinephrine. This suggests that they may interfere with the brain's ability to eliminate toxins.

It is too early to tell whether these results apply to humans. “Human sleep architecture is still quite different from mice, but they have the same brain circuits studied here,” he says. laura lewis at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “Some of these basic mechanisms may apply to us as well.”

If sleeping pills interfere with the brain's ability to eliminate toxins during sleep, Nedergaard says, that means new sleeping pills must be developed. Otherwise, your sleep problems may worsen and your brain health may deteriorate in the process.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Research indicates TRAPPIST-1 system developed through a two-stage formation process

Posted on August 22, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

TRAPPIST-1 is an ultracool dwarf star located 38.8 light-years away in the constellation Aquarius that hosts seven planets. The period ratios of the neighboring planets are closer as they move away from the star: 8:5, 5:3, 3:2, 3:2, 4:3, 3:2. This compact resonant configuration is a clear indication of disk-driven migration, but the desired outcome of such an evolution would be the establishment of a first-order resonance, rather than the higher-order resonances observed in the inner system. Astronomer Gabriele Pichierri of the California Institute of Technology and his colleagues explain the orbital configuration of the TRAPPIST-1 system with a model that is largely independent of the specific disk migration and orbital circularization efficiency. Two key elements of the team's model are that, along with the migration, the inner boundary of the protoplanetary disk retreated over time, and that the TRAPPIST-1 system initially separated into two subsystems.

This artist's rendering shows TRAPPIST-1 and its planets as seen on the surface. Image courtesy of NASA / R. Hurt / T. Pyle.

“When all we had to analyse was the solar system, we could simply assume that planets formed where we see them today,” Dr Pichieri said.

“But when the first exoplanet was discovered in 1995, we had to rethink this assumption.”

“We're developing better models of how planets form and how they come to be oriented in the way that we found them.”

Most exoplanets are thought to form from a disk of gas and dust around a newly formed star, and then migrate inwards, approaching the inner boundary of this disk.

This results in a planetary system assembled much closer to the host star than is the case in our solar system.

In the absence of other factors, planets tend to move away from each other at characteristic distances based on their mass and the gravitational force between them and their host star.

“This is the standard transition process,” Dr. Pichieri said.

“The positions of the planets form resonances between their respective orbital periods. If you divide the orbital period of one planet by the orbital period of its neighbor, you get a simple integer ratio like 3:2.”

For example, if one planet takes two days to orbit a star, the next planet further away takes three days.

If the second planet and a more distant third planet were also in 3:2 resonance, the third planet's orbital period would be 4.5 days.

“The exoplanets behave nicely in simpler predicted resonances, so to speak,” Dr Pichieri said.

“But the inner ones have slightly more exciting resonances. For example, the orbital ratio of planets b and c is 8:5, and the ratio of c and d is 5:3.”

“This subtle difference in the outcome of TRAPPIST-1 assembly is puzzling and represents a unique opportunity to tease out in detail what other processes were at work in its assembly.”

“Moreover, most planetary systems are thought to have begun in such resonances, but have experienced significant instabilities during their lifetimes before we observe them today.”

“Most planets would become unstable or collide with each other, and everything would be in chaos. For example, our solar system was affected by such instability.”

“But we know there are some systems that are more or less pristine specimens that have remained stable.”

“They effectively represent a record of its entire dynamical history, and we can try to reconstruct it. TRAPPIST-1 is one of them.”

The challenge then was to develop a model that could explain the orbits of the TRAPPIST-1 planets and how they got to their current configuration.

The resulting model suggests that the inner four planets evolved alone within the originally predicted 3:2 resonant chain.

As the disk's inner boundary expanded outward, the orbits loosened from the tighter 3:2 linkage into the configuration observed today.

The fourth planet was originally located on the inner boundary of the disk and moved outward with the disk, but was pushed back inward at a later stage when three more outer planets joined the planetary system.

“By observing TRAPPIST-1, we were able to test an exciting new hypothesis about the evolution of planetary systems,” said Dr Pichieri.

“TRAPPIST-1 is very interesting because it's a very complex, long chain of planets, and it's a great example for testing alternative theories about the formation of planetary systems.”

of Survey results Published in a journal Natural Astronomy.

_____

G. Pichieri othersDuring the recession of the inner edge of the disc, the TRAPPIST-1 system forms in two steps. Nat AstronPublished online August 20, 2024, doi: 10.1038/s41550-024-02342-4

Source: www.sci.news

Amazon warehouse workers in Coventry narrowly miss out on union recognition in voting process

Posted on July 18, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The TUC is determined to continue the fight for union recognition at Amazon despite workers at the US retailer’s Coventry warehouse being denied collective bargaining rights by a narrow margin of 29 votes.

In a significant vote that could have compelled Amazon to allow trade unions in the UK for the first time, 50.5% of the voting workers chose to reject GMB union representation, a result that could have been overturned if just 15 people had switched sides.

General secretary of the TUC, Paul Nowak, stated, “Amazon is actively working to prevent workers from having an independent voice at their workplace. This is not the end – our movement remains united to expose bad employers.”

According to union sources, Amazon had instilled a culture of fear and used intimidation tactics to suppress support among the 3,000 workers at the West Midlands site during the over a year-long battle for recognition.

GMB activists were permitted to present their case to workers in a timed meeting before the vote, while managers conducted separate information sessions to argue against approval.

GMB senior organizer Stuart Richards mentioned that the union would explore legal avenues. He added, “Amazon has been relentless in its attacks on its own employees. Workers have been subjected to pressure to attend lengthy anti-union seminars.”

Workers were granted the right to a binding vote by an independent Central Arbitration Committee in April after a GMB campaign, as Amazon had initially refused voluntary recognition. The voting process had oversight from independent advisers appointed by the CAC.

Had employees voted in favor of recognition, GMB would have had the authority to negotiate pay and working conditions on their behalf, marking the first time Amazon would have recognized a trade union in the UK.

Additionally, it would have been the first instance of employees of an internet retailer receiving recognition rights outside the US.

Mr. Richards expressed concerns about Amazon’s conduct and reiterated the ongoing determination of workers to seek justice.

“Although Amazon’s anti-union stance prevailed in this instance, the underlying issues around work intensity and pay that sparked this dispute remain unresolved,” noted Callum Kant, a senior lecturer at the University of Essex who studies the gig economy.

Under current regulations, a union cannot reapply for recognition for the same group of workers for three years after losing a vote. The government has indicated plans to ease the process of securing recognition as part of its new worker-friendly policies, though the impact on cases like Amazon’s remains uncertain.

Amazon responded, stating, “We appreciate all those who participated in this vote. At Amazon, we prioritize direct engagement and regular conversations with our employees. We value these relationships and strive to offer career growth opportunities in a safe environment with competitive pay and benefits.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

You may not be consuming enough fiber, which could be accelerating the aging process

Posted on June 28, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

It has been suggested by expert nutritionists Dr. Emily Leeming and Nutritional Psychologist Kimberly Wilson that many individuals are experiencing accelerated brain aging due to a lack of dietary fiber. This deficiency in fiber may be a contributing factor to the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Dementia, a neurodegenerative disease resulting in memory loss, is considered a model of accelerated brain aging, according to Wilson. This emphasizes the importance of dietary fiber for maintaining brain health and activity.

Leeming and Wilson point out that most adults in the UK do not consume an adequate amount of fiber, with the recommended daily intake being at least 30g. However, data shows that British adults only consume around 19g per day, while U.S. adults consume even less at 15g per day. The high cost of fiber-rich foods compared to less healthy options is one reason why individuals may not be meeting their fiber requirements.

Why is Fiber Important for Brain Health?

Wilson describes fiber as an underappreciated protector of the brain. When gut bacteria metabolize fiber, they produce short-chain fatty acids which play a crucial role in protecting the brain. These fatty acids can cross the blood-brain barrier and prevent toxic substances from passing through, highlighting the importance of fiber in maintaining brain health.

Tips for Increasing Fiber Intake

Leeming emphasizes the importance of including fiber-rich foods in the diet to improve gut health and overall well-being. Some tips for increasing fiber intake include focusing on fiber-rich foods like rye bread and beans, snacking on nuts, adding vegetables to meals, and consuming dark chocolate and root vegetables with the skin on.

Increasing fiber intake can also lower the risk of various health conditions, including colon cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. It can also support a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for overall health.

Learn More About Our Experts

Kimberly Wilson is a licensed psychologist with a Masters in Nutrition and is a published author of books on healthy brain development and the impact of food on mental health.

Dr. Emily Leeming is a Registered Dietitian and Research Fellow with expertise in the impact of diet on the gut microbiome. She has published a book on the science of diet for gut health.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

A unique mutation linked to short stature may hold clues to understanding the aging process

Posted on April 26, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Two of the researchers and several study participants with Laron syndrome

Jaime Guevara-Aguirre and Bartel Longo

People with rare genetic mutations that cause short stature and may even live longer are helping to understand the causes of aging.

People with unusual genetic mutations have some characteristics that protect them from heart disease, one of the most common causes of death, and this explains why their life expectancy exceeds that of the general population. You may have.

A signaling molecule called insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) has long been suspected to be involved in longevity. Several animals, including worms and mice, have been shown to live longer when their levels of this compound are artificially lowered, such as through genetic modification. Centenarians also have slightly lower IGF-1 levels,on average.

In most species, IGF-1 promotes growth when the animal is young and influences how cells use energy later in life. One idea is that there is a trade-off between animals investing energy in further growth and maintaining health.

“As you get older and your body starts to break down, you want to spend your energy on preventing your body from breaking down instead of spending it on growth,” he says. Nir Barzilai from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York was not involved in the new study.

The question of whether this trade-off also occurs in humans is through a rare genetic disease called Laron syndrome, first identified in a group of Ecuadorians whose ancestors left Spain during the Inquisition centuries ago. can be researched.

This mutation causes people to have defective growth hormone receptors, leading to short stature. People with Laron syndrome also have low levels of IGF-1 because the release of IGF-1 is usually triggered by growth hormone.

Because so few people carry the mutation, it is unclear whether it truly extends lifespan. Suggestive evidence comes from a 2011 study of 90 Ecuadorians with Lalon syndromean estimated 400 to 500 people are affected worldwide.

The researchers found that more people with the disease were surviving longer than expected compared to the general Ecuadorian population. 'We know they are more common in older people' walter longo at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

In the latest study, Longo and his colleagues compared 24 people with Laron syndrome from Ecuador or the United States to 27 relatives who did not have the mutation. People with Laron syndrome appeared to be healthier on several heart-related measures, including blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and sensitivity to insulin, a hormone involved in controlling blood sugar levels.

People with this mutation also had higher levels of a compound called low-density lipoprotein. Low-density lipoproteins are also known as “bad cholesterol” because they are thought to make arteries more susceptible to plaque, which can lead to heart attacks. However, only 7 percent of Laron syndrome patients had such plaques, compared with 36 percent of their relatives.

The small number of people in the study means this difference may have arisen by chance, but it does suggest that their arteries appear less unhealthy than those of people without the mutation. suggests, Longo said.

It has also previously been shown that people with Laron syndrome are less likely to develop cancer and may have a lower incidence of cancer. Decline in cognitive function that usually occurs with older age.

This new finding supports the idea that somehow weakening the IGF-1 signaling pathway in later life can slow the aging process. Alexey Maklakov at the University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK. “It's a matter of timing,” he says. “At critical stages of growth and development, you definitely don't want to do that. But later in life, it can interfere with the function of these pathways.”

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Unveiling the creative process behind Monument Valley 2’s heartwarming music: Creating the sound of a warm hug

Posted on April 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

'TThe part where the mother and child get separated on the Red Mountain is a level fairly early in the game where you have to go back and find the mother. I was completing the sound design and music in the hospital. She was right next to my mother as she slept while she was recovering from open heart surgery. ”

Todd Baker pauses for a moment. He recalls the development process for Monument Valley 2, a 2017 indie puzzle game. Biggest success stories It will remain in the history of mobile games. The second game is more experimental than the first. The number of stories has increased and the atmosphere has changed. While the first title was all optical illusions and impossible objects, the sequel moves away from his MC Escher-inspired towers and spiers to non-Euclidean geometry and brutalism.

At the center of it all are a mother and daughter, wordlessly walking back and forth in each other's paths, desperately trying to stay together as the world heaves and undulates and does its best to tear them apart. It's about women's heritage and relationships, and for Todd there were parallels between fiction and reality. “The fact that this game is about a mother and a child, and the fact that I lost my mother at the end of the year when I was making this game, is very heartbreaking.”

“I wanted the music to speak and tell the story”…Monument Valley 2. Photo: ustwo

Monument Valley 2's soundtrack is the kind of music you want to listen to when you're not playing. Even when separated from the parent game, it's still very enveloping, very rich and textured, and provides a comfortable background for whatever you're doing. Waves of warm, organic tones and ambient, soothing sounds wash over you. This was always Baker's intention. Even before the unfortunate coincidence of fictional and real losses, Monument Valley 2's soundtrack was designed to be soothing, familiar, and gorgeous.

“Basically, what I was trying to do was create the sound of a really warm hug,” Baker said with a laugh, referring to one of the early stages of the game, when the child first comes to his mother. He described the moment he was held in his mother's arms. “At that moment, the kid comes in and I hug him, and there’s a lot of bass going on…I needed a really warm, fuzzy feeling, like this is where I want to be right now. .”

This moment in the game is very important. It's all about setting what's at stake. Yes, this story is abstract and minimalistic, but this moment has such power. Baker creates an impromptu acoustic guitar melody that he layered on three tracks and played on an EBow for a slightly supernatural sound, all backed up by an intoxicating supporting bass note, but it's not unlike the visuals here. I am doing a very important job. Establish everything that's at risk, Apple/iOS friendly, “bright on white”. If you don't watch the game to the end, you'll never see these two reunite.

That resonated with the audience, Baker said. “What's amazing is that now I get messages from people saying, 'This was the soundtrack of my childhood,'” Baker laughs. “They talked to me as adults now who were playing this game when they were 11 or 12 years old and said this is nostalgic and it's a safe space for them. It touches people's hearts. , they have a lot of nostalgia for it now.”

'It touched people's hearts'…Todd Baker performs music from Monument Valley 2 at London's V&A. Photo: ustwo

Baker was responsible for not only the music for Monument Valley 2, but also the entire sound design. Things like how a chime sounds when you swipe or tap on certain interactive elements, or how a little music plays as you explore a curious geometric world. It gets sucked in. This was an opportunity for him to emulate the approach Martin Stig Andersen took with Limbo and Inside. Both games had a huge influence on Monument Valley 2's audio, even though they couldn't be more different in tone.

“From the beginning, I was confident that I could do this. We were able to do the whole project holistically, including discussions about whether to license the music or use other artists for the trailer.” But for this one…I had to bring it myself. I wanted the music to speak and tell the story, and I wanted the rest of the development team to be really excited about it.”

As Baker says this, he imitates a hug and brings it around himself, recreating the hug he tried to evoke in the hearts and ears of players in the game's early moments. A decade after the original game was released, Apple still promotes both Monument Valley and the sequel on the App Store, with the latter installed on at least 30 million of his devices. There's no doubt that millions of people heard echoes of that hug and Baker's relationship with his mother. If you've never played this game with the sound on, find your headphones, head over to the App Store, and give it a try. I promise you, it's worth the effort.

Source: www.theguardian.com

The process of memory storage in the brain during sleep

Posted on March 29, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Memory is a mysterious phenomenon. Some life events remain sharp in our memories no matter how long ago they occurred, while details from the previous day can quickly fade away.

A recent study published in the journal Science has uncovered the mechanism behind this phenomenon. Researchers have identified a system in the brains of humans and other mammals that determines which experiences are significant enough to be stored in long-term memory and which are forgotten.

Experiments conducted on mice demonstrated that specific patterns of brain activity called “sharp ripples” in the hippocampus, the area responsible for memory formation, occur during wakefulness. These patterns act as tags for important experiences, which are then transferred to long-term memory during sleep.

Although the study was carried out on mice, the lead author, Dr. Johnson, believes that the findings are applicable to humans as well, given the similarities in certain brain processes across mammalian species.

György Buzaki, the Biggs Professor of Neuroscience at New York University Langone Health, emphasized the unconscious nature of this memory consolidation process.

In the study, mice were rewarded with a treat after successfully navigating a maze, while their brain activity was monitored using implanted electrodes. The researchers observed that specific brain activity patterns observed during wakefulness were replayed during sleep, facilitating the conversion of important experiences into long-term memories.

This process highlights the crucial role that sleep plays in memory formation, as experiences deemed important during waking hours are transformed into lasting memories during rest.

According to the researchers, experiences that do not trigger the formation of sharp ripples are less likely to be stored in long-term memory.

To enhance the likelihood of memory retention, Dr. Buzaki suggests taking breaks after significant experiences to allow for the consolidation of memories.

Long-term memory requires relaxation

Research indicates that intentional pauses after experiences can aid in the formation of long-term memories. Dr. Buzaki recommends engaging in relaxing activities post-experience to facilitate the creation of sharp ripples in the brain, a process crucial for memory storage.

For example, after watching a movie, going for a leisurely walk can enhance the chances of remembering the film, as it allows for the encoding of memories.

Dr. Daniela Schiller, a professor of neuroscience and psychiatry at Icahn School of Medicine, highlighted the study’s intriguing discovery regarding brain activity patterns during rest and their resemblance to real-life experiences.

Dr. Daphna Shohamy, director of the Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University, emphasized the importance of pauses and bursts of brain activity in memory formation, noting that these elements enhance the likelihood of experiences being stored in long-term memory.

In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the unconscious mechanisms behind memory formation and underscores the significance of rest and relaxation in preserving lasting memories.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

British Library starts process of reinstating digital services following cyber attack

Posted on January 15, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

After enduring a severe cyber attack, the British Library is now in the process of restoring its main catalog online. This is a significant milestone as the catalog contains 36 million records of printed and rare books, maps, magazines, and sheet music.

Despite this progress, access is currently limited to a “read-only” format, and it may take until the end of the year for the National Library’s services to be fully restored.

Sir Rory Keating, the library’s chief executive, confirmed that the full restoration of all services will be a gradual process. This has been particularly challenging for researchers who rely on the library’s collections for their work and livelihood.

The devastating cyber attack, which occurred on October 31st and was claimed by the ransomware group Rhysida, caused the main catalog to be inaccessible online and led to the theft of some employee data.

Upon restoring the online catalog, users will have the ability to search for materials. However, the process for checking inventory and ordering materials for use in the library reading room will differ from before. Users will also need to visit the library in person to view offline versions of the specialized catalog.

The library has also acknowledged the financial impact of the attack, stating that significant spending will be required to rebuild its digital services and complete the technological recovery. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the impact of the attack on payments to authors through the UK’s public lending rights system.

Despite the challenges ahead, the library is committed to restoring its services to their full capacity and continues to work with cybersecurity experts to address the aftermath of the attack.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Naomi Alderman discusses the writing process behind her latest novel, ‘The Future’, following the success of ‘The Power’

Posted on January 5, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

1958, New York City Parks Commissioner Robert Moses.

Getty Images

We always forget the truth about power. Every generation has learned that it is not the individual, not the office, but power that ultimately irreparably corrupts and distorts even the best characters with the best intentions. I need to be reminded of this again.

I thought about this a lot when writing the novel. future. I've always been interested in writing about power. Most of my books are about how power systems change us and how we change power systems. future It is by far the most powerful individuals on the planet today: those of us who operate, for the most part, without tax or government constraints, without term limits, and who are the “citizens” of their online spheres. We're talking about tech billionaires who operate without having to answer to anything. How did they get there? Why is it so difficult to live outside the infrastructure they have created? And how has it turned them into such centers of power?

There was one book that made a big difference in my way of thinking.

In 1974, Robert Caro published a unique and extraordinary book. power broker. This lifted the lid on Robert Moses, the great builder of New York City's infrastructure (roads, bridges, parks, tunnels, public buildings). Those who knew him personally knew him to be a tyrant and a bully. His plans had long since ceased to make sense except as a means to gain more power.

power broker The book is 1100 pages long, but it is so engaging and engaging that I wish it had a few hundred more pages. This work shows that Moses started out as an idealist. At the start of his career, this is a man who aspired to build diaper changing stations in New York parks, but was so changed by his powers that he ended up suppressing major infrastructure projects became. He cannot be in charge of them. At the back of my copy are questions most readers probably asked themselves as they read on. What did it take? ” Behind that lies another question. How can we detect this early and take immediate action?

Source: www.newscientist.com

The process of how ancient stars produced elements unattainable by Earth

Posted on December 23, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

Researchers have discovered that ancient stars can produce elements with atomic masses of more than 260, heavier than those found naturally on Earth. This discovery improves our understanding of element formation in stars, particularly through the rapid neutron capture processes (r-processes) that occur in neutron stars. . Credit: SciTechDaily.com

A new study reveals that ancient stars can produce elements heavier than Earth, with atomic masses of more than 260, advancing our understanding of cosmic element formation.

How much do elements weigh? An international team of researchers has found that ancient stars had the ability to produce elements with an atomic mass of more than 260, heavier than any element on the periodic table that occurs naturally on Earth. I discovered that. This discovery deepens our understanding of element formation in stars.

space element factory

We are literally made of star stuff. Stars are elemental factories, where elements are constantly merging or breaking down to create other lighter or heavier elements. When we refer to light or heavy elements, we are talking about their atomic mass. Roughly speaking, atomic mass is based on the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. atom of its elements.

The heaviest elements are only known to be produced in neutron stars by rapid neutron capture processes, or r processes. Imagine a single atomic nucleus floating in a soup of neutrons. Suddenly, a bunch of these neutrons attach themselves to the nucleus in a very short time (usually less than a second), causing a change from neutrons to protons inside, and voila! Heavy elements such as gold, platinum, and uranium are formed.

Instability of heavy elements

The heaviest elements are unstable or radioactive and decay over time. One way to do this is through a split called fission.

“If you want to make heavier elements, such as lead or bismuth, you need the R process,” says Ian Roederer, associate professor of physics. north carolina state university and lead author of the study. Mr. Roederer previously attended the University of Michigan.

“We need to add a lot of neutrons very quickly, and the problem is that we need a lot of energy and a lot of neutrons to do that,” Roederer says. “And the best place to find both is at the moment of a person’s birth or death. neutron staror when neutron stars collide and the raw materials for the process are produced.

“We have a general understanding of how the r process works, but the conditions of the process are very extreme,” Roederer says. “We don’t really know how many different sites in the universe generate r-processes, and we don’t know how r-processes end. We also don’t know how many neutrons there are Can you add more? Or how heavy can the elements be? So we looked at the elements produced by nuclear fission in well-studied old stars to find out how heavy these elements are. We decided to see if we could answer some of the questions.”

Identify previously unrecognized patterns

The research team newly investigated the abundance of heavy elements in 42 well-studied stars. milky way. These stars were known to contain heavy elements formed by the r process in earlier generations of stars. By looking more broadly at the amounts of each heavy element found in these stars, rather than individually, as is more common, they identified previously unrecognized patterns.

These patterns indicated that some elements listed near the middle of the periodic table, such as silver and rhodium, were likely remnants of nuclear fission of heavy elements. The research team was able to confirm that the r process can produce atoms with an atomic mass of at least 260 before fission.

“That 260 is interesting because, even in nuclear weapons tests, nothing that heavy has ever been detected in space or in nature on Earth,” Roederer said. “But observing them in space gives us guidance on how to think about models and fission. It also gives us insight into how the rich diversity of elements came about.” may be given.”

For more information on this research, see ‘Incredibly profound’ evidence for nuclear fission throughout the universe.’

Reference: “Elemental abundance patterns in stars show splitting of nuclei heavier than uranium” Ian U. Roederer, Nicole Vassh, Erika M. Holmbeck, Matthew R. Mumpower, Rebecca Surman, John J. Cowan, Timothy C. Beers, Rana Ezzeddine, Anna Froebel, Therese T. Hansen, Vinicius M. Placko, Charlie M. Sakari, December 7, 2023. science.
DOI: 10.1126/science.adf1341

The research was published in the journal Science and was supported in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Source: scitechdaily.com

The Process of a ‘Bouncing’ Comet Spreading Life Across the Galaxy

Posted on November 15, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered how comets can deliver the molecular building blocks of life to planets in our galaxy, particularly those in the “pea-in-a-pod” system, where the planets orbit each other closely. It was demonstrated that

Cambridge researchers have proposed that comets could carry the building blocks of life to other planets, especially in the “pea-in-a-pod” system. Their findings suggest that these molecules can survive on planets with close orbiting neighbors, providing new insights into the search for extraterrestrial life.

How did the molecules that make up life originate on Earth? One long-standing theory is that they may have been transported by comets. Now, researchers from the University of Cambridge have shown how comets can deposit similar building blocks on other planets in the galaxy.

The role of Comet Speed and the “Peas in a Pod” system

To transport organic material, comets must travel relatively slowly, at speeds of less than 15 kilometers per second. At higher speeds, critical molecules cannot survive. The speed and temperature of the impact causes the molecules to break apart.

The most likely place for a comet to travel at a reasonable speed is in a “pea in a pod” system, where groups of planets orbit closely together. In such systems, comets can essentially pass or “bounce” from one planet’s orbit to another, slowing them down.

If the velocity is slow enough, the comet will hit the planet’s surface, releasing intact molecules that researchers believe are precursors to life. The results were announced on November 15th. Proceedings of the Royal Society A suggests that if the arrival of comets is important for the origin of life, such systems would be promising places to look for life outside the solar system.

Comet: carrier of prebiotic molecules

Comets are known to contain various building blocks of life known as prebiotic molecules. For example, a sample of asteroid Ryugu analyzed in 2022 showed that the asteroid was delivered intact. amino acid and vitamin B3. Comets also contain large amounts of hydrogen cyanide (HCN), another important prebiotic molecule. HCN has strong carbon-nitrogen bonds, making it highly resistant to high temperatures. This means that it can survive and remain intact even if it enters the atmosphere.

Lead author Richard Anslow, from the Cambridge Institute of Astronomy, said: “We’re constantly learning more about the atmospheres of exoplanets, so we’re wondering whether there are planets out there where complex molecules could be transported by comets. I wanted to find out.” “It’s possible that the molecules that brought life to Earth came from comets, and the same could be true for other planets in our galaxy.”

The researchers do not claim that comets are necessary for the origin of life on Earth or other planets, but instead place limits on the types of planets to which complex molecules such as HCN can be successfully transported by comets. I was thinking about it.

Comet path and influence on the solar system

Most of the comets in our solar system are located outside of Earth’s orbit. Neptune,So-called kuiper belt. When comets and other Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs) collide, they can be pushed toward the Sun by Neptune’s gravity and eventually pulled into the Sun. Jupitergravity. Some of these comets pass through the asteroid belt and enter the inner solar system.

“Earth is currently the only example of a planet with life, so we wanted to test our theory on a planet similar to ours,” Anslow said. “What kind of comet, moving at what speed, could deliver intact prebiotic molecules?”

Using various mathematical modeling techniques, the researchers determined that it is possible for comets to carry precursor molecules throughout their lives, but only in certain scenarios. For a planet to orbit a star similar to our Sun, the planet must have a low mass, and it is beneficial for the planet to be in a close orbit to other planets in the system. The researchers found that nearby planets in close orbits are much more important for planets around low-mass stars, whose typical velocities are much higher.

In such a system, a comet could be pulled in by the gravity of one planet and pass by another before colliding with it. If this “comet pass” occurs enough times, the comet’s velocity will be slow enough that some prebiotic molecules will be able to survive atmospheric entry.

“In these dense systems, each planet has a chance to interact with and capture the comet,” Anslow said. “This mechanism could be how prebiotic molecules reach the planet.”

For planets orbiting low-mass stars like M dwarfs, complex molecules are more difficult to transport by comets, especially if the planet’s density is loose. Rocky planets in these systems are also exposed to higher velocity collisions, which can pose unique challenges for life on these planets.

Implications for the search for extraterrestrial life

Researchers say their results could help determine where to look for life outside the solar system.

“It’s interesting that we can start to identify the types of systems that can be used to test different origin scenarios,” Anslow said. “This is another way of looking at the great work already being done on Earth. What molecular pathways gave rise to the wide variety of life we see around us? Are there other planets with similar pathways? These are exciting times, as we can combine advances in astronomy and chemistry to study some of the most fundamental questions.”

Reference: “Can comets deliver prebiotic molecules to rocky exoplanets?” RJ Anslow, A. Bonsor, PB Rimmer, November 15, 2023. Proceedings of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physics and Engineering Sciences.

DOI: 10.1098/rspa.2023.0434

This research was supported by the Royal Society and part of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), which is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Richard Anslow is a Fellow of Wolfson College, Cambridge.

Source: scitechdaily.com

The process of using lasers to transform moon dust into roads

Posted on October 23, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

ESA’s PAVER project aimed to create paved surfaces on the lunar surface using melted lunar regolith. They conducted ground-based tests using a carbon dioxide laser and are planning to use a Fresnel lens on the Moon to focus sunlight. The successful use of lasers to melt simulated lunar dust is a significant development in addressing the challenges posed by lunar dust in future missions.

The construction of roads on the lunar surface is essential for astronauts who will likely be driving rather than walking during their missions. Lunar dust is fine, abrasive, and sticky, leading to equipment damage and spacesuit corrosion. For example, the Apollo 17 lunar rover overheated when its rear fender was lost and replaced with a lunar map, covered in kicked-up dust. The Soviet Lunokod 2 rover experienced a similar fate, dying from overheating after its radiator became covered in dust.

To prevent the accumulation of lunar dust, it is necessary to pave active areas on the Moon, including roads and landing pads. The idea of melting sand to create roads was originally proposed in 1933. ESA’s PAVER project, led by Germany’s BAM Institute for Materials Testing in collaboration with Aalen University, LIQUIFER Systems Group, and the University of Claustal in Austria and Germany, investigated the feasibility of building lunar roads using a similar approach. The project received support from the Institute for Space Materials Physics of the German Aerospace Center (DLR).

The PAVER consortium utilized a 12-kilowatt carbon dioxide laser to melt simulated lunar dust and create a glassy solid surface that can serve as a paved surface on the Moon. They achieved spot sizes of 5 to 10 cm in their trials. By utilizing a 4.5 cm diameter laser beam, they developed a strategy to produce a triangular hollow-centered geometry of about 20 cm in diameter. This approach allowed them to create solid surfaces over large areas of lunar soil suitable for roads or landing pads.

The project’s materials engineer, Advenit Makaya, explained that the current laser used in their experiment functions as a light source instead of lunar sunlight. To achieve equivalent melting on the lunar surface, the laser light would be focused using a Fresnel lens with a diameter of several meters.

The PAVER consortium’s methodology involved trial and error to determine the optimal laser beam size and geometry. They found that larger spot sizes were easier to work with, as heating on a millimeter scale produced challenging agglomeration due to surface tension. With their approach, they were able to create a stable layer of molten regolith, which could be better controlled. The resulting material is glassy and brittle but can withstand primarily downward compressive forces, potentially being repaired if needed.

The research team discovered that reheating a cooled track could cause cracks, leading them to minimize crossover in the geometry. The depth of a single melt layer achieved was approximately 1.8 cm. Depending on the required loads, the constructed structures and roads could consist of multiple layers.

The PAVER consortium estimated that a 100 square meter landing pad with a 2 cm thick high-density material could be constructed in 115 days using their approach.

The PAVER project originated from a call for ideas conducted by ESA’s Basic Activities Discovery Division through the Open Space Innovation Platform (OSIP). Out of 69 submissions, 23 ideas were implemented, including the PAVER project. The project has opened up promising avenues for future research in extraterrestrial manufacturing and construction.

Overall, the successful use of lasers to melt lunar dust represents a significant advancement towards the construction of roads and landing pads on the lunar surface, addressing the challenges posed by lunar dust in future lunar missions.

Source: scitechdaily.com