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How massive can neutron stars be?

Astrophysicists have determined that the maximum mass of neutron stars cannot exceed 2.16 solar masses through a combination of theoretical and observational research. The result was achieved by applying universal relations to data on gravitational-wave signals and electromagnetic radiation from merging neutron star events.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 17, 2018

Black hole pair born inside a dying star?

Researchers at Kyoto University have proposed a new theory on the formation of binary black holes within collapsing stars. Their study suggests that these black holes could form through dynamical fragmentation of the star's inner core, leading to two fragments becoming black holes and orbiting each other.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 18, 2017

Spinning cylinders to recreate nature's patterns

Researchers at Institute for Basic Science developed a method to create dynamic tubular structures by exploiting centripetal force of rotating fluids, enabling self-assembly of particles under non-equilibrium conditions. This breakthrough could lead to creation of various shapes of microcomposites useful in photonics applications.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 15, 2017

Comet mission reveals 'missing link' in our understanding of planet formation

Researchers from Germany's Technische Universität Braunschweig uncovered a crucial link between the formation of cometary 'dust pebbles' and planet accretion. The study, based on Rosetta mission data, reveals that these pebbles are concentrated by solar instability, leading to collapse and the birth of comets.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 25, 2017

The sun's core makes a complete rotation in one week

Researchers have accurately measured the Sun's core rotation rate, discovering it takes just one week for the core to complete a full rotation. This groundbreaking finding has the potential to refine models of the Sun's birth, evolution, and structure, shedding new light on its internal dynamics.

SourceCNRS·DateAug 7, 2017

Cucumbers in space provide insights on root growth

Scientists have grown cucumbers in space to study the effects of water and gravity on plant roots. In their experiments, they found that water has a greater influence on controlling root growth than gravity, which will help inform future space farming strategies.

SourceWiley·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJul 20, 2017

A personalized rehabilitation algorithm helps stroke patients walk again

Scientists developed an algorithm for a robotic harness that provides personalized support to address motor defects in stroke and spinal cord injury patients. Wearing the harness allows participants to walk with abilities comparable to healthy individuals, offering a promising alternative to traditional rehabilitation programs.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 19, 2017

Pipetting in space

Astronauts are exposed to DNA damage due to zero gravity and cosmic radiation; an automated diagnostic procedure is being adapted for use in space, promising constant conditions for each sample. The device could also be used to evaluate the effects of radiotherapy.

Gravitational waves detected a third time

Physicists at the University of Maryland contribute to the detection of a third gravitational wave event, GW170104, using data from Advanced LIGO detectors. The merger occurred approximately 3 billion years ago and produced a single, more massive black hole.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 1, 2017

Iota Orionis: Pulsating beacon of a constellation

Researchers have discovered a repeating one-per-cent spike in the light of Iota Orionis, a binary star system with a mass 35 times that of the Sun. The unusual variation is caused by the gravitational interaction between the two stars, triggering quakes that allow astronomers to probe the star's inner workings.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 8, 2017

Cells adapt ultra-rapidly to zero gravity

Researchers found that mammalian cells can respond to changes in gravitational conditions extremely quickly, recovering full function within 42 seconds. This rapid adaptation challenges previous assumptions about cell behavior in space, providing good news for manned space flight.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 28, 2017

Team makes planet hunting a group effort, finds more than 100 candidates

The international team released a large dataset of exoplanet-detecting observations using the radial velocity method, identifying over 100 potential planets, including one orbiting the fourth-closest star to our Solar System. The data will enable astronomers around the globe to search for new planets and follow up on existing signals.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·DateFeb 13, 2017