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The birth of massive stars is accompanied by strong luminosity bursts

Researchers modeled massive star formation using high-performance computers, discovering episodic luminosity bursts that outshine the collective effect of 100,000 Suns. These bursts are thought to be caused by the migration of dense clumps through accretion disks, offering new insights into the birth process of massive stars.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateNov 7, 2016

Scientists begin modeling universe with Einstein's full theory of general relativity

Researchers use new computer codes to create accurate models of the universe and its contents, shedding light on the evolution of the universe and the growth of structure within it. The study confirms that small-scale structures produce significant effects on larger distance scales, providing new insights into gravity and cosmology.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 24, 2016

Gravitational waves caught again

The second detection of gravitational waves from merging black holes is a significant milestone in the development of physics. Scientists have found that the observed gravity waves were generated by two black holes with masses of 14 and 8 solar masses, which merged to form a single rotating black hole.

Celestial bodies born like cracking paint

A Duke University theorist proposes that the universe's varied body sizes are a result of internal tension release through hierarchical formation. This concept is rooted in Bejan's constructal law, which states that flowing systems will tend towards easier architecture by releasing tension through smaller, more numerous bodies.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMar 1, 2016

'Cannibalism' between stars

Researchers discovered that stars undergo sharp stellar brightening caused by gravitational instabilities in massive gaseous disks, leading to a new understanding of star formation and evolution. The discovery may imply that our Sun experienced several such episodes, affecting the formation of giant planets.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 5, 2016

Neutral result charges up antimatter research

Researchers from the ALPHA Collaboration have made a breakthrough in studying antihydrogen, improving the measurement of its charge by a factor of 20. The study's results suggest that matter and antimatter may interact differently, with potential implications for our understanding of the universe.

SourceYork University·JournalNature·DateJan 20, 2016

Dark matter dominates in nearby dwarf galaxy

Astronomer Evan Kirby measures high concentration of dark matter in small dwarf galaxy Triangulum II, potentially making it a leading candidate for direct detection. The galaxy's unique characteristics and minimal background noise make it an ideal location to search for gamma-ray signals from colliding dark matter particles.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 18, 2015

May the 5th force be with you

Fischbach's work on the Eötvös Experiment led to a reevaluation of data suggesting a possible new force in the universe. Despite no experimental confirmation, his theory has stimulated novel experiments and theories, including the quest for new macroscopic fields of gravitational strength.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateOct 27, 2015

California rising

A study by UC Santa Barbara scientist Alex Simms has found that the Pacific coast of North America is not uplifting as rapidly as previously thought. The researchers recalculated uplift rates for California and other areas, applying a correction for glacio-isostatic adjustment, which affects ocean levels due to past ice sheets.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateSep 3, 2015

Protons and antiprotons appear to be true mirror images

The RIKEN collaboration has confirmed proton-antiproton symmetry through a high-precision experiment testing CPT invariance. The results show that charge-to-mass ratios are identical within 69 parts per trillion, constraining violations of the standard model and informing future research on antimatter and dark matter.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateAug 12, 2015