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NASA team studies middle-aged sun by tracking motion of Mercury

A NASA team studied the motion of Mercury to indirectly measure the Sun's mass loss and solar parameters. The research improved upon earlier predictions, reducing uncertainty and providing a more accurate estimate of the rate of solar mass loss.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 18, 2018

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
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Scaling to new heights with gecko-inspired adhesive

Scientists have developed a dry adhesive with ultra-sticky properties, comparable to that of a gecko's toe pads. The adhesive was made using a nanoimprinting technique and showed remarkable durability in repetitive attachment and detachment tests.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 10, 2018

Star mergers: A new test of gravity, dark energy theories

The neutron star collision has challenged existing theories of dark energy and gravity, ruling out a class of dark energy theories that modify gravity. The observation also supports the simplest theories, suggesting that the timing between gravitational waves and light is crucial in understanding these phenomena.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 18, 2017

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

Graphene in zero G promises success in space

The Graphene Flagship has successfully tested graphene for two space-related applications: loop heat pipes and solar sails. The experiments, conducted in microgravity, showed excellent thermal properties and radiation pressure behavior, paving the way for a commercial product.

SourceGraphene Flagship·DateDec 15, 2017
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

UCI scientists unveil new satellite-based global drought severity index

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have developed a new satellite-based drought severity index that incorporates groundwater storage. This tool provides reliable information on drought conditions, enabling effective water management and impact assessment.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalJournal of Hydrometeorology·DateDec 11, 2017

Model of galaxy and star cluster formation is rectified

A new study by Brazilian researchers resolves the 'fundamental paradox of stellar dynamics', describing galaxy clusters' violent relaxation as displaying unique behavior with entropy oscillation. Entropy increases at the end of the process, but fluctuates in the initial stage, contrary to conventional understanding.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateDec 1, 2017

Gravity: A faster method for gauging the size of great quakes

Researchers have discovered a faster method for estimating large earthquake magnitudes by analyzing 'elasto-gravity' signals, which travel at the speed of light. These signals consistently arrive before seismic wave counterparts, allowing for near-real-time magnitude detection and more accurate estimates.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 30, 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
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Russian scientists have found flaws in popular theories of gravity

Researchers at Ural Federal University found that a popular theory of gravity is flawed when applied to real-world astrophysical conditions. They propose new Horndeski models to stabilize black holes, addressing modern physics prerequisites and inconsistencies. The study aims to develop a new theory of gravity meeting all requirements.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalClassical and Quantum Gravity·DateOct 26, 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
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Astronomers detect colliding neutron stars for first time

For the first time, scientists have detected the collision of two neutron stars using both gravitational waves and light. The historic discovery ushers in a new era in astronomy with multi-messenger astronomy, confirming theoretical predictions and providing new mysteries to understand.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 16, 2017

LIGO and Virgo observatories jointly detect black hole collision

The LIGO and Virgo observatories have jointly detected a black hole collision, emitting ripples in space and time. The event, located 1.8 billion light-years away, resulted in a spinning black hole with about 53 times the mass of our sun.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 27, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

New gravity map suggests Mars has a porous crust

Researchers found a lower density in Mars' crust, indicating possible porosity, which could impact the planet's formation and evolution. The new gravity map reveals variations in crust thickness beneath volcanoes.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 13, 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
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

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

Scientists discovered one of the brightest galaxies known

A team of scientists from Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias discovered a very distant galaxy, some 10 thousand million light years away, about a thousand times brighter than the Milky Way. The galaxy is notable for having a high rate of star formation, forming stars at a rate of 1000 solar masses per year.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 14, 2017

First look at gravitational dance that drives stellar formation

Researchers observe intense gas motions at filament junctions, indicating strong acceleration gradients and massive core formation. The study reveals that interstellar filaments and hub systems are privileged locations for forming the most massive stars in the Galaxy.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·DateJul 5, 2017
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Study calls into question theories on pulsar phenomena

Mathematicians used complex modeling to study a specific pulsar exhibiting 'glitching' and 'wobbling' behaviors. They found accepted theories conflict with each other, suggesting errors in current explanations.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 3, 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.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·DateJun 30, 2017

Why don't my document photos rotate correctly?

A KAIST research team identified a software glitch in smartphones' screen rotation-tracking algorithms as the cause of frequent document photo orientation errors. Their novel technique can correct phone orientation in document-capturing tasks at 93% accuracy and seamlessly work with existing methods.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Studies·DateJun 26, 2017

Einstein's 'impossible hope' comes true: Weighing a star with gravity

Scientists have successfully observed a white dwarf star using the bending of distant starlight by gravity, allowing them to determine its mass for the first time. This observation demonstrates a way to measure the masses of objects that cannot be easily measured by other means.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 7, 2017

UQ physicist builds on Einstein and Galileo's work

Researchers applied novel method to test 'Einstein's equivalence principle' using rubidium atoms in quantum superposition states, confirming its validity with high precision. The study has potential applications in navigation, time measurements, and searching for mineral deposits.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 2, 2017
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

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

A lot of galaxies need guarding in this NASA Hubble view

The Abell 370 galaxy cluster is a rich mix of various galaxy shapes, including massive elliptical and spiral galaxies. Nearly a hundred distant galaxies have multiple images caused by the lensing effect, with some featuring mysterious-looking arcs of blue light.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 4, 2017

Hubble observes first multiple images of explosive distance indicator

A team of astronomers used the Hubble Space Telescope to analyze four images of a gravitationally lensed Type Ia supernova, measuring the expansion of the Universe without theoretical assumptions. The discovery provides clues about the Universe's expansion rate and has implications for cosmology.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalScience·DateApr 20, 2017

Rare supernova discovery ushers in new era for cosmology

Astronomers have captured images of a Type Ia supernova appearing in four different locations on the sky due to gravitational lensing. This rare event has opened up new possibilities for measuring the rate of the Universe's expansion with unprecedented accuracy and understanding the distribution of matter.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateApr 20, 2017
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

UBC invention uses bacteria to purify water

The UBC-developed system uses a combination of fibre membranes and beneficial bacteria to remove contaminants from non-potable water. This innovative approach aims to provide an efficient and low-maintenance solution for communities with limited access to clean drinking water.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalWater Research·DateApr 4, 2017

Speeding star gives new clues to breakup of multi-star system

Astronomers have discovered three young stars that were ejected from an unstable multi-star system, providing new clues to the breakup of such systems. The stars are moving at speeds of up to nearly 30 times faster than most other stars in the same region.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 30, 2017

A stem's 'sense of self' contributes to shape

A new mathematical framework explains why plants have different shapes, attributing it to a 'sense of self' and its interaction with gravity and environment. The study uses simple ideas to quantify plant stem diversity.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateMar 23, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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

Mechanism underlying size-sorting of rubble on asteroid Itokawa revealed

Researchers propose 'ballistic sorting' as mechanism underlying size-sorting of particles on asteroid Itokawa. The theory suggests that small pebbles rebound from boulders but sink into pebble-rich regions, leading to lateral separation of particles.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·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
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

LIGO veteran to give talk about gravitational waves

Caltech's Stan Whitcomb, a key figure in LIGO's development, will share insights into the project's groundbreaking discovery. He'll discuss how the detection confirmed Einstein's general theory of relativity and opened up new avenues for astronomy. The talk also touches on the technical challenges faced by LIGO detectors.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateFeb 19, 2017

Intergalactic unions more devastating than we thought

Scientists estimate that solitary supermassive black holes in galactic centers may be responsible for fewer observed stars being captured by black holes. The researchers found that gravitational effects from merging galaxies can explain the discrepancy, suggesting that tidal disruption events occur without our knowledge.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateFeb 15, 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

Quest to settle riddle over Einstein's theory may soon be over

A new study suggests that determining the speed of gravity in the cosmos from gravitational waves could resolve the puzzle. If gravitational waves are found to travel at the speed of light, it would rule out alternative gravity theories and support Einstein's Cosmological Constant.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalPhysics Letters B·DateFeb 10, 2017
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

A middleweight black hole is hiding at the center of a giant star cluster

Astronomers have found strong evidence for an intermediate-mass black hole (IMBH) weighing 2,200 solar masses at the center of the globular star cluster 47 Tucanae. The IMBH is believed to be the missing link between stellar-mass and supermassive black holes, potentially providing insight into the formation of galaxies.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalNature·DateFeb 8, 2017

Hubble's front row seat when galaxies collide

Astronomers observe IRAS 14348-1447, a gas-rich spiral galaxy merger, showcasing intense gravitational interactions. The galaxy's extreme infrared emission is fueled by massive molecular gas reserves.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 10, 2017

Hubble captures 'shadow play' caused by possible planet

Astronomers have discovered a shadow sweeping across the face of a vast pancake-shaped gas-and-dust disk surrounding a young star, possibly caused by an unseen planet gravitationally pulling on material. The twisted inner disk is casting its shadow onto the outer region.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 10, 2017
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

New analysis adds to support for a subsurface ocean on Pluto

A liquid ocean beneath Pluto's surface is suggested as the best explanation for its unique features, including Sputnik Planitia. The study provides evidence for a subsurface ocean and challenges traditional theories about Pluto's composition.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature·DateNov 16, 2016

Atomic beltway could solve problems of cosmic gravity

Theoretical physicists suggest creating a ring of ultracold atoms to measure gravity at short distances, potentially clarifying the universe's accelerating expansion. This concept has practical applications in motion sensors and quantum computing.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 14, 2016