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Penn State researchers look beyond the birth of the universe

A team of researchers at Penn State has discovered a mathematical description of a contracting universe that existed before the Big Bang, with space-time geometry and gravity exhibiting unique properties. The findings rely on loop quantum gravity theory, which proposes a discrete 'atomic' structure to space-time.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 15, 2006

Cut global warming by becoming vegetarian

A study suggests that abandoning livestock can significantly reduce global warming, with animal agriculture emitting 21% of all human-caused carbon dioxide. This shift in diet would have no adverse effects on health and could potentially meet Kyoto treaty targets for reducing emissions.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateJul 6, 2005

Answer from 'dusty shelf' aids quest to see matter as it was just after big bang

Researchers dust off dusty shelf by applying Hanbury Brown-Twiss Interferometry to high-energy gold nucleus collisions, reconciling experimental data with theoretical expectations. They found that pions in the plasma have a low mass inside but a higher mass outside, helping create quark-gluon plasma conditions similar to those just aft...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 15, 2005

FUSE satellite 'go' for launch June 23

The Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) will test the Big Bang theory and collect comprehensive observations of the Milky Way's star-forming regions. Launched on June 23 from Cape Canaveral Air Station, the three-year mission marks a first for an academic department in managing a satellite.

FUSE Satellite Will Test Big Bang Theory

The FUSE Satellite will observe wavelengths of light inaccessible to other telescopes, testing models of chemical evolution and determining the primordial abundance of deuterium. This will help scientists understand the origins of the universe, galaxy evolution, and chemical mixing and distribution.

Big Bang Theory Challenged

An Australian-led team of astronomers has discovered a significant number of stray stars, potentially altering our understanding of the universe's composition. These findings suggest that there may be as many stars living in intergalactic space as those within galaxy clusters.

Was The Universe In A Spin Before It Began Expanding?

Astronomers believe the Universe has expanded since the big bang about 15 billion years ago, but a new theory proposes that it may have rotated like a merry-go-round for an indefinitely long period. If true, this rotation could have suddenly changed into expansion thanks to a 'vacuum phase transition.'

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateDec 16, 1998