Earth's gold came from colliding dead stars
Scientists found gold in a short gamma-ray burst caused by the collision of two neutron stars. The team estimates that up to 10 moon masses of gold were created and ejected during this event.
Universe
Articles tagged with Universe
Life Sciences
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
447,757
articles
2542
topics
Health and Medicine
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
431,843
articles
751
topics
Social Sciences
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
260,756
articles
745
topics
Physical Sciences
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
257,913
articles
1552
topics
Applied Sciences and Engineering
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
225,386
articles
998
topics
Scientific Community
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
193,043
articles
157
topics
Space Sciences
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
29,662
articles
175
topics
Research Methods
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
21,889
articles
139
topics
Mathematics
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
3,023
articles
113
topics
Deep-space flashes light up a new face of nature
Scientists have discovered brief, intense radio bursts from the distant Universe using CSIRO's Parkes telescope. The flashes are believed to originate from up to 11 billion light-years away and could be detected every ten seconds.
Unusual supernova is doubly unusual for being perfectly normal
Researchers have released a unique dataset based on 32 nights of repeated observations of SN 2011fe, providing unprecedented detail and a solid point of reference for Type Ia physics. The data reveals that the supernova is remarkably normal, passing important tests but not matching leading computational models.
University of Tennessee professor finds prehistoric rock art connected; maps cosmological belief
Research by Jan Simek and team finds strategic placement of rock art to reveal a cosmological puzzle mapping the prehistoric people's universe. The 'upper world' features celestial bodies, while 'middle world' represents nature, and 'lower world' is associated with darkness and death.
Stacking up a clearer picture of the universe
Astronomers use a new stacking technique to detect faint signals from distant galaxies, revealing crucial information about the amount of hydrogen they contain. This technique allows for the detection of ancient galaxies and provides insights into the evolution of the Universe.
UCI scientists size up universe's most lightweight dwarf galaxy
Researchers have discovered a tiny dwarf galaxy, Segue 2, with only 1,000 stars, offering insights into the formation of iron and other elements crucial for human life. The galaxy's size and weight are its most striking features, challenging astronomers' understanding of structure formation in the universe.
NASA Chandra, Spitzer study suggests black holes abundant among the earliest stars
A study using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and Spitzer Space Telescope data suggests that black holes are responsible for at least 20% of the cosmic infrared background. This finding indicates intense activity from black holes feeding on gas during the epoch of the first stars.
New mathematical model links space-time theories
The new mathematical model by Professor Kostas Skenderis links flat space-time to negatively curved space-time, governed by laws similar to electromagnetism. The research aims to find a combined understanding of the Universe, combining individual theories to describe its nature.
Low-sodium 'diet' key to a stellar old age
A study published in Nature found that 70% of stars with high sodium content fail to reach the final red giant phase. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the life cycle of low-mass stars, including our Sun.
New method proposed for detecting gravitational waves from ends of universe
Researchers at University of Nevada, Reno propose a new method to detect gravitational waves from the far reaches of the universe. The device, which uses optically levitated sensors, has the potential to exceed existing detectors' sensitivity by an order of magnitude.
NASA completes first part of Webb Telescope's 'eye surgery' operation
Engineers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center performed delicate 'eye surgery' to implant the MIRI instrument, weighing 181 pounds, into the ISIM module. The precise operation requires coordination among multiple team members to avoid disturbing the critical science instruments.
Using black holes to measure the universe's rate of expansion
A team of researchers has developed a method using black holes to measure the universe's rate of expansion with high accuracy. The method uses radiation emitted by material surrounding black holes, allowing for distance measurements of billions of light years and providing insights into the universe's past.
Scientists map all possible drug-like chemical compounds
Researchers have developed a computer algorithm that can model and catalogue the entire set of lightweight, carbon-containing molecules that chemists could feasibly create in a lab. The map helps scientists identify unexplored regions of the chemical space where new compounds may hold solutions to some of the world's most vexing challe...
Shape from sound: New methods to probe the universe
Researchers developed a new mathematical tool to determine spacetime's shape from 'sound' pulses caused by quantum fluctuations. This technique connects quantum theory and general relativity via vibrational wavelengths, enabling novel probing of the universe.
Measuring the magnetism of antimatter
A team of Harvard scientists has successfully measured the magnetic charge of single particles of matter and antimatter, achieving a significant increase in accuracy for antiprotons. This breakthrough could provide new insights into the nature of matter and help address fundamental questions about the universe.
Berkeley Lab scientists read the cosmic writing on the wall
The Planck observatory's first 15 months of data reveal that the universe is 100 million years older than previously thought, with more matter and less dark energy. Scientists used supercomputing at NERSC to create detailed maps of the relic radiation from the big bang.
Hubble finds birth certificate of oldest known star
Astronomers used NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to determine the age of the oldest known star, HD 140283, which could be as old as 14.5 billion years. The new age estimate reduces measurement uncertainty, overlapping with the universe's age, and provides a precise calculation of the star's intrinsic brightness.
CSIRO telescope takes temperature of Universe
Researchers used a CSIRO radio telescope to measure the temperature of an unnamed galaxy 7.2 billion light-years away, finding it was 5.08 Kelvin (-267.92 degrees Celsius). This confirms the Big Bang theory's prediction that the Universe's temperature drops smoothly as it expands.
Caltech-led astronomers discover galaxies near cosmic dawn
A team of Caltech astronomers used NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to discover seven primitive and distant galaxies, existing 13 billion years ago. The galaxies formed during the 'cosmic dawn' period, with their numbers steadily increasing over time, supporting the idea that first galaxies didn't form in a sudden burst.
Astronomers pin down origins of 'mile markers' for expansion of universe
Researchers use Multi-Object Double Spectrograph to determine composition of Type Ia supernovae, finding them likely caused by interaction between two white dwarfs. This discovery sheds light on the expansion and acceleration of the universe, opening new ideas in understanding.
Middle schoolers to explore sky with robotic telescopes
The Skynet Junior Scholars program will train middle school educators to engage youths in telescopic observations of planets, asteroids, and galaxies. The program aims to introduce students to potential STEM careers during the critical middle school years.
Super-rare, super-luminous supernovae are likely explosion of universe's earliest stars
Researchers find two super-luminous supernovae at high redshifts, consistent with pair-instability supernova mechanism. The explosions are thought to have occurred in massive stars that formed in the early universe.
The Generation X report
A University of Michigan report found that less than half of Generation X adults can identify the Milky Way galaxy. The study also discovered a link between knowledge about the universe and personal attitudes.
Disk galaxies formed gradually, astronomers find from images, computer simulations, and spectra
New observations of distant galaxies reveal that internal motions were more disordered in the past, and the Hubble sequence of well-ordered disk galaxies evolved from earlier chaotic forms. This challenges the long-held assumption about disk galaxy formation, finding they evolved gradually over 8 billion years.
Johns Hopkins astrophysicist spies ultra-distant galaxy amidst cosmic 'dark ages'
A team of astronomers has spotted a potentially most distant galaxy ever detected, which existed 500 million years after the Big Bang. The discovery opens up a window into the deepest, remotest epochs of cosmic history, providing insights into the universe's earliest objects and the Dark Ages.
Ultra-distant galaxy spied amidst cosmic 'Dark Ages'
Astronomers have detected a potentially most distant galaxy ever seen, offering a glimpse into the universe's earliest epochs. The galaxy, observed through gravitational lensing, has a redshift of 9.6 and is estimated to be less than 200 million years old.
World's most powerful digital camera opens eye, records first images in hunt for dark energy
The Dark Energy Camera, the most powerful sky-mapping machine ever created, has captured and recorded its first images in Chile. The camera will use data from the largest galaxy survey to study galaxy clusters, supernovae, and dark energy.
The Milky Way now has a twin (or 2)
Researchers discovered two galaxies identical to the Milky Way and its companion clouds, a rare occurrence. The Galaxy and Mass Assembly survey revealed these 'twin' galaxies, which are expected to be very rare due to complex cosmic interactions.
WiggleZ confirms the big picture of the Universe
New data from WiggleZ galaxy survey finds matter distributed evenly on scales over 350 million light years, contradicting fractal theories. The study's findings support the standard model of cosmology, confirming our understanding of space and time.
Recreating a slice of the universe
Scientists have invented a new approach to simulate the birth and evolution of galaxies, creating a universe with spiral galaxies like Andromeda. The new software, Arepo, uses a flexible grid geometry to match the motions of gas, stars, dark matter, and dark energy.
Supernova progenitor found?
Researchers have discovered a binary star system, QU Carinae, which may produce a type Ia supernova. The system's white dwarf is accumulating mass from a giant star, producing sodium gas that could be detected after the explosion.
Turbulent relationship among massive stars
Researchers from University of Bonn discover most massive stars form double systems, with over three-quarters orbiting a companion. The study reveals material transfer and merging between stars, challenging previous assumptions about single stars.
RIT leads development of next-generation infrared detectors
Researchers at RIT and Raytheon are developing larger, cheaper infrared detectors grown on silicon wafers. This technology could enable more scientists to access infrared astronomy, find exoplanets, and study the universe's acceleration. The new detectors may also advance remote sensing and medical imaging.
Dark energy and fate of the Universe
Researchers explore dark energy's impact on the Universe's fate, citing a 'big rip' scenario as a possibility with predicted timelines for object destruction. The study uses the Ma-Zhang parameterization to forecast the evolution of the Universe.
Investing in karma by doing good deeds
New research suggests that doing good deeds can have a positive impact on life outcomes, such as job hunting and medical test results. Participants who reflected on uncontrollable outcomes were more likely to volunteer their time and make charitable donations.
Illuminating the dark: Ahead with the Euclid mission
The Euclid mission, a collaboration of nearly a thousand scientists, aims to study the distribution and evolution of dark matter and dark energy using state-of-the-art instruments. The UK Space Agency has funded £8.5M for the development of scientific instruments and the Science Ground Segment.
Euclid jumps final hurdle
The European Space Agency has adopted the largest astronomy collaboration to build the Euclid satellite, which will study the dark universe with great precision. The mission will trace the distribution and evolution of dark matter and dark energy throughout the Universe.
Physicists close in on a rare particle-decay process
Researchers narrow down possible masses for neutrino, a tiny particle that rarely interacts with matter, using sensitive detectors buried underground. The new data suggests a neutrino cannot be more massive than about 0.140 to 0.380 electron volts.
Arizona State University astronomers discover faintest distant galaxy
Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered a faint infant galaxy 13 billion light-years away, revealing insights into the early universe's formation. The team, led by Sangeeta Malhotra and James Rhoads, identified the galaxy using a unique technique that allows for sensitive searches in infrared wavelengths.
There's more star-stuff out there but it's not dark matter
Researchers have discovered an additional third of atomic hydrogen gas in galaxies, which could impact star formation rates. The findings suggest that galaxies are forming stars at 20 times the rate they did billions of years ago.
Nomads of the galaxy
A recent study proposes that up to 100,000 nomad planets might exist in the Milky Way Galaxy for every star, with an estimated quadrillion number of total nomads. If confirmed, this could mean nomad planets play a significant role in the universe.
OU astronomer and colleagues identify 12-billion-year-old white dwarf stars
Astronomers have identified two 11- to 12-billion-year-old white dwarf stars, the oldest and closest known to Earth. Located 100 light years away, these stars are believed to be among the first formed in the Universe soon after the Big Bang.
Experients may force revision of astrophysical models of the universe
Researchers found that current estimates of ice-giant planetary interiors overstate water's compressibility by as much as 30 percent. Accurate estimates are essential to calculate the evolution of the universe and model the composition of planets like Neptune and Uranus.
Getting a full picture of an elusive subject
Researchers used Chandra X-ray Observatory and other telescopes to map dark matter in galaxy cluster Abell 383. The study found a stretched-out, football-like shape of dark matter, with the point aligned close to the line of sight. The results challenge standard models and suggest further research is needed to resolve the discrepancy.
Experiment observes elusive neutrino transformation
An international team of physicists has detected and measured the transformation of one type of neutrino into another, a finding that may help explain the universe's matter-antimatter imbalance. The discovery was made using the Daya Bay Reactor Neutrino Experiment in southern China.
Announcing the first results from Daya Bay: Discovery of a new kind of neutrino transformation
The Daya Bay Reactor Neutrino Experiment detects a strong signal of a new type of neutrino oscillation, measuring the mixing angle theta one-three with unmatched precision. The results indicate that sin2 θ13 is equal to 0.092 plus or minus 0.017.
Queen's scientist to lead €2.3 million hunt for universe's first exploding star
Professor Stephen Smartt will lead a €2.3 million research project to discover how the first chemical elements were created in the Universe. The goal is to find the first ever supernovae, or exploding stars, in the Universe and understand their role in creating these elements.
Rare Earth element found far, far away
A team of researchers from MIT has detected tellurium, a rare Earth element, for the first time in three ancient stars. The finding supports the theory that tellurium and other heavy elements likely originated from a rare type of supernova during nuclear fusion.
Gamma-ray bursts' highest power side unveiled by Fermi telescope
Astrophysicists have uncovered new questions and clarified previous theories about gamma-ray bursts using the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope. The telescope's unique view allows it to capture the highest energy portion of these bursts, which are difficult to detect due to their brief duration and narrow radiation patterns.
'Beam me up, Scotty:' ASU professor uses Star Trek themes to communicate science
Using Star Trek's advanced technologies as a gateway to explore fundamental physics concepts, ASU Professor Lawrence Krauss engages lay audiences and sparks their interest in science. He examines the feasibility of phenomena like wormholes, warp drives, and time travel within our current understanding of physics.
From Earth's water to cosmic dawn: New tools unveiling astronomical mysteries
These powerful telescopes enable forefront research in astrophysics, unlocking the secrets of star- and planet-formation processes. The new facilities will study gas and dust motion around young stars, testing theories of planet formation.
El Gordo -- a 'fat' distant galaxy cluster
A team of astronomers has discovered the largest galaxy cluster ever seen in the distant Universe, nicknamed El Gordo. The cluster consists of two separate subclusters colliding at high speeds and is so far away that its light has travelled for seven billion years to reach Earth.
When galaxy clusters collide
Researchers studied a galaxy cluster 5 billion light years away, finding that it has passed through each other without collision. The study revealed that most of the dark matter had also passed through, but gas clouds collided, creating a huge cloud of superheated gas.
NIST physicists chip away at mystery of antimatter imbalance
Researchers analyzed neutron decay patterns, placing constraints on theories explaining the universe's matter-antimatter imbalance. While no clear answer emerged, improved detector sensitivity limited possible explanations, offering a fresh perspective for future investigations.
Astronomers discover complex organic matter in the universe
Complex organic compounds found throughout Universe contain aromatic and aliphatic components, resembling coal and petroleum. Stars produce these compounds on short time scales, ejecting them into interstellar space.
Survey gives clues to origin of Type Ia supernovae
A new survey suggests that many Type Ia supernovae result from the merger of two white dwarf stars, challenging previous theories about their origins. The study, which analyzed data from distant exploding stars, found that these events may be more common than previously thought and could provide insights into the history of the universe.
Most ancient supernovas are discovered
A team of researchers from Tel Aviv University has uncovered a record-breaking number of ancient supernovas in the Subaru Deep Field. These explosions are believed to be a major source of iron in the universe, including the Earth's core and blood.
Gravitational waves that are 'sounds of the universe'
Astronomers have discovered a correlation between gravitational wave events and radio flares, enabling them to pinpoint the source of these cosmic occurrences. By analyzing surrounding interstellar material, researchers can verify that detected gravitational waves come from specific regions of space.
Light from galaxy clusters confirm theory of relativity
Astrophysicists have measured how light is affected by gravity on its way out of galaxy clusters, confirming the general theory of relativity. The observations show that the gravitational redshift of light is proportionally offset in relation to the galaxy cluster's gravity.
Small distant galaxies host supermassive black holes
Astronomers have found supermassive black holes in small distant galaxies, suggesting that central black holes formed early in galaxy evolution. The study used the Hubble Space Telescope to probe the universe and identifies a connection between star formation and active galactic nuclei.