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Some planetary systems just aren't into heavy metal

Researchers at Yale and the Flatiron Institute found that compact, multiple-planet systems are more likely to form around stars with lower amounts of heavy elements. This discovery suggests new insights into the formation of smaller planets and their potential for supporting life.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 24, 2018

Antennae help flies 'cruise' in gusty winds

A recent study by Caltech researchers found that fruit flies use their antennae to quickly sense changes in wind speed, helping them maintain a steady groundspeed. The findings suggest the antennae are responsible for initial deceleration in headwinds and provide critical information to help the fly regain its original speed.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 10, 2014

Bizarre alignment of planetary nebulae

A team of astronomers found that butterfly-shaped planetary nebulae are mysteriously aligned in the sky, with their long axes aligned along the plane of our galaxy. This surprising result hints at a more mysterious factor influencing the formation of these objects, possibly due to strong magnetic fields as the bulge formed.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateSep 4, 2013