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Dark order in the universe

A team of scientists from Kyoto University has confirmed that galaxy alignments can be a powerful probe for dark matter and dark energy. The analysis of 1.2 million galaxy observations verified general theory of relativity at vast spatial scales, providing strong evidence for gravity's role in shaping the universe.

SourceKyoto University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 13, 2023

Researchers achieve the first observation of de Broglie-Mackinnon wave packets by exploiting loophole in 1980’s-era laser physics theorem

University of Central Florida researchers observed de Broglie-Mackinnon wave packets, a long-standing theoretical concept, by exploiting a loophole in 1980's-era laser physics theorem. The team's use of space-time wave packets, which resist stretching in dispersive media, verifies predicted properties and opens the path to studying top...

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2023

A step towards quantum gravity

Researchers build on Peter Bergmann and Arthur Komar's work using Hamilton-Jacobi techniques to resolve the ambiguity in time development, a key challenge in reconciling general relativity with quantum mechanics. This approach deserves more recognition for its potential to lead to an eventual theory of quantum gravity.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateAug 12, 2022

Using holograms to illuminate de Sitter space

Scientists at Kyoto University propose a novel approach using holograms to approximate the universe's expansion in de Sitter space. The model uses conformal field theory and a positive integer for the cosmological constant, enabling the identification of the first example of two-dimensional CFT.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 19, 2022

Astronomers snap first-ever image of supermassive black hole Sagitarrius A*

A team of astronomers, including those from MIT's Haystack Observatory, has captured the light around our own supermassive black hole, revealing for the first time an image of Sagitarrius A*, the black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy. The resulting image reveals SgrA* in a glowing, donut-shaped ring of light.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 12, 2022

Dark energy: Neutron stars will tell us if it’s only an illusion

Researchers used simulations to compare Einstein's theory and modified gravity, finding that 'dark gravity' may be equally good at explaining data from binary neutron star collisions. This could lead to the discovery of new phenomena detectable by next-generation gravitational interferometers.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 3, 2022

The uneven universe

Researchers develop new model using Mori-Zwanzig formalism to account for uneven matter distribution in the universe. The model predicts a deviation in cosmic expansion speed, offering an opportunity for experimental testing and resolving the enigma of dark energy.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeNews article·DateDec 3, 2021

Jet from giant galaxy M87: Computer modelling explains black hole observations

Theoretical physicists modelled the region around M87's supermassive black hole, confirming that gravity plays a key role in accelerating particles out to thousands of light years. The findings provide further evidence for Einstein's theory of general relativity and its application to astrophysical phenomena.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 4, 2021

Magnetic ‘balding’ of black holes saves general relativity prediction

A team of researchers from the Flatiron Institute and Princeton University has found that the magnetic field around a black hole quickly decays when surrounded by plasma. This process, known as 'magnetic reconnection,' rapidly drains the magnetic field and could explain flares seen near supermassive black holes.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 27, 2021

How to retard time for cells

Heavy water significantly reduces cellular dynamics without damaging cells, a finding with implications for organ transplants and tissue storage. The study's results suggest increased interaction between structural proteins and reversible effects, paving the way for further research into this phenomenon.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 4, 2021

Microscopic wormholes possible in theory

Researchers develop theoretical model suggesting microscopic wormholes could be traversable without exotic matter, using Dirac field to describe probability density function of particles. The model proposes that certain elementary particles like electrons and electromagnetic waves could traverse tiny tunnels in spacetime.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 9, 2021

Factoring in gravitomagnetism could do away with dark matter

A new general relativistic framework for models of galactic rotation curves alleviates the need for dark matter by incorporating gravitomagnetic fields. The theory proposes that these fields can explain the effects of dark matter, suggesting a possible elimination of this form of matter.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·DateMar 4, 2021

Black hole holograms

Japanese researchers propose a novel holographic framework to simulate black holes with a laboratory experiment. This setup can provide insight into the fundamental laws governing the cosmos at both tiny and vast scales.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 19, 2019

Beyond the black hole singularity

Loop quantum gravity allows physicists to extend gravitational physics beyond general relativity's limitations, enabling the analysis of black hole interiors. The theory predicts a repulsive force that can overwhelm classical gravity, potentially resolving the information paradox at black holes.

Einstein proved right in another galaxy

An international team confirms Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity by making the most precise test of gravity outside our solar system. By combining data from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope, the researchers found that gravity behaves as predicted by GR on galactic s...

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalScience·DateJun 21, 2018

Doing without dark energy

Three mathematicians argue that Einstein's General Relativity theory predicts cosmic acceleration due to an instability, contradicting the need for dark energy. The unstable Friedmann space-time exhibits accelerating local space-times with similar cosmic accelerations as dark energy theories.

Physicist assumes the possibility of vestiges of an Universe previous to the Big Bang

Brazilian researcher Juliano Cesar Silva Neves challenges the standard cosmological model by proposing the elimination of the spacetime singularity and the possibility of a prior contraction phase. The current expansion may be preceded by contraction, with potential vestiges still present in the universe.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalGeneral Relativity and Gravitation·DateNov 27, 2017