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Deep in the Mediterranean, in search of quantum gravity

A study published in JCAP has established upper limits on the strength of quantum gravity effects on neutrino oscillations, providing valuable insights into the long-sought theory. The results show no signs of decoherence, a phenomenon that could be a key indicator of quantum gravity's presence.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2025

Deep dive into space turns up new Spitzer bubbles

Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University used a deep learning model to discover new bubble-like structures in the Milky Way galaxy, providing insights into star formation and galaxy evolution. The study also revealed shell-like structures formed by supernova explosions.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Japan·TypeObservational study·DateMar 17, 2025

Mysterious interstellar icy objects

Astronomers from Niigata University and The University of Tokyo discovered two enigmatic interstellar objects rich in interstellar ices containing water and organic molecules. The ALMA telescope revealed compact distributions of molecular emission lines, indicating kinematically independent objects at different distances. These unusual...

SourceNiigata University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateMar 2, 2025

Does the universe behave the same way everywhere? Gravitational lenses could help us find out

Researchers propose a new methodology to test the Universe's isotropy using Euclid space telescope data, aiming to detect potential anisotropies that challenge the Standard Model of Cosmology. If confirmed, these findings would open a new chapter in cosmology, potentially revising our understanding of the Universe's behavior.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 11, 2025

Small and yet so powerful

Scientists have discovered that even low-mass microquasars can accelerate particles to high energies, producing gamma-ray signals. This finding challenges the long-held belief that only high-mass systems are capable of particle acceleration.

SourceMax-Planck-Institut fur Kernphysik·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJan 29, 2025

A less ‘clumpy,’ more complex universe?

Combining data from two major surveys of the universe's evolutionary history reveals a small discrepancy between expected clumpiness and observed matter distribution. This deviation could suggest unaccounted-for physics influencing cosmic structure formation, such as dark energy.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics·TypeObservational study·DateJan 29, 2025

Singapore joins Worldwide Scientific Network, GNOME, to unearth dark matter and exotic particles

Singapore has joined the Global Network of Optical Magnetometers (GNOME) to search for signals of dark matter and exotic astrophysical fields. The Singapore station, hosted at A*STAR, will use advanced quantum sensors and machine learning algorithms to analyze magnetic field signals and potentially uncover dark matter's presence.

Astronomers observe real-time formation of black hole jets for the first time

Astronomers have observed a phenomenon where a supermassive black hole forms plasma jets in real-time, marking the first-ever observation of this process. The discovery provides new insights into how black holes interact with their host galaxies and could help scientists understand the evolution of the universe.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJan 16, 2025

NTU Singapore-led discovery poised to help detect dark matter and pave the way to unravel the universe’s secrets

Researchers from NTU Singapore have developed a new crystal structure that shows naturally existing particles can behave like axions, promising to detect dark matter. The findings could lay the groundwork for understanding cosmic phenomena and uncovering the universe's greatest mysteries.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2025

Falsifying anthropics

A new paper in JCAP proposes a way to test the anthropic principle, which suggests the universe is fine-tuned for life. The proposal involves confirming three conditions: cosmic inflation, axion existence, and dark matter not being made of axions.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 9, 2024

Long-sought measurement of exotic beta decay in thallium helps extract the timescale of the Sun’s birth

Researchers successfully measured the bound-state beta decay of fully-ionized thallium ions, revealing key information about AGB star production and the Sun's formation time. The discovery allows for accurate calculations of radioactive lead production in these stars, providing insights into the solar system's early history.

SourceGSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2024

Innovative model offers new way for astonomers to analyze powerful space explosions

Astronomers can now analyze powerful space explosions more efficiently using a novel model developed by Syracuse University physicist Eric Coughlin. The model helps track the evolution of shockwaves generated during these events, enabling researchers to infer properties such as energy. Coughlin's research will aid in the detection and ...

SourceSyracuse University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 29, 2024