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Caltech Astrophysicists Flip Black Hole Theories With Stunning New Simulations

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Astounding simulation shows magnetic fields create fluffy, not flat, accretion disks around supermassive black holes, altering our understanding of black hole dynamics. A team of astrophysicists from Caltech has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by simulating the journey of primordial gas from the early universe to its incorporation into a disk of material feeding a supermassive black hole. This innovative simulation challenges theories about these disks that have persisted since the 1970s and opens new doors for understanding the growth and evolution of black holes and galaxies.                                    “Our new simulation marks the culmination of several years of work from two large collaborations started here at Caltech,” says Phil Hopkins , the Ira S. Bowen Professor of Theoretical Astrophysics. Bridging the Scale Gap in Cosmic Simulations The first project, called FIRE (Feedback in Realistic Environments), investigates large-scale cosmic phenomena such as galaxy for
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Mysterious interstellar tunnel that likely connects two galaxies found

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In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have uncovered evidence of a mysterious interstellar tunnel that appears to connect two galaxies. This finding, revealed through advanced X-ray observations, sheds new light on the complex structure of the hot gas surrounding our galaxy and potentially beyond. The discovery was made by a team of researchers using data from the eROSITA X-ray telescope, which has provided unprecedented insights into the diffuse X-ray background of our cosmic neighbourhood. This background radiation has long been known to originate from the Local Hot Bubble (LHB), a vast region of hot gas enveloping our solar system.   The researchers suggest that this Centaurus tunnel might be just one example of a broader network of hot interstellar medium sustained by stellar feedback across the galaxy. This concept, first proposed in the 1970s, has been challenging to prove until now. The team's work goes beyond just identifying the tunnel. They've created a comprehen
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Energy Technology Perspectives 2024

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The deepening connections between energy, trade, manufacturing and climate are the focus of this latest edition of Energy Technology Perspectives (ETP), the IEA’s flagship technology publication. Building on the comprehensive assessment of clean energy technology supply chains set out in ETP-2023, this year’s edition offers cutting-edge analysis based on rich and detailed new data, granular surveys of industry, and a bottom-up approach to fresh modelling. Its significance is amplified by what has been, until now, a dearth of information in this space, and it will provide policymakers with an in-depth, quantified basis to inform their deliberations for years to come. The new energy economy that is emerging presents major opportunities for countries looking to manufacture clean technologies , their components and related materials. But it also presents challenging decisions for governments, which face tensions and trade-offs based on the industrial and trade policies they opt to pursue
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Understanding SERB's Role In India's Science Ecosystem

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The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, plays a pivotal role in fostering and nurturing a vibrant scientific ecosystem within the nation. Established in 2008 , SERB’s mandate is to promote basic research in science and engineering and encourage a culture of innovation.                           The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) is a cornerstone of India’s science and technology landscape, dedicated to advancing research across diverse scientific disciplines. Created to empower India’s scientific community, SERB offers an array of programs that cater to individual scientists, early-career researchers , and collaborative projects, emphasizing both foundational and applied research. Key initiatives include funding for young scientists, impactful partnerships with global institutions, and specialized grants that focus on areas of national priority like healthcare, sustaina
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Researchers explain the intricate interactions that shape DNA organization

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Imagine if understanding how DNA folds could unlock new breakthroughs in medicine — researchers have now developed a multilayer model that explains the intricate folding and packaging of chromatin, accounting for the complex physical, chemical, and structural constraints of chromosomes. DNA is packed into chromatin by wrapping around proteins called histones, forming small units called nucleosomes — like “beads on a string,” with the DNA as the string. These nucleosomes coil into thicker fibers, which then twist and fold into tightly packed chromosomes. In each human cell , the DNA stretches about two meters long, yet through this intricate compaction process, it fits neatly inside a nucleus that is much smaller than a strand of human hair. This efficient system allows the long strands of DNA to fit neatly inside the cell’s nucleus while keeping it organized and accessible for important tasks like gene expression and cell division. Over the years, researchers have developed many mode
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Quantum entanglement allows scientists to track time more accurately

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Scientists have built atomic clocks with unprecedented levels of precision by harnessing quantum entanglement. From ancient sundials to the most sophisticated watches, humankind’s efforts to keep track of time have driven scientific and technological development. Today, accurate timekeeping is critical to countless applications, including air-traffic controllers and GPS satellites. Now, scientists have found a way to achieve precision beyond the limits of current timekeeping technology thanks to the phenomenon of quantum entanglement. “What we’re able to do is divide the same length of time into smaller and smaller units,” said Adam Kaufman, senior author of the study and a fellow at JILA, a joint institute of the University of Colorado Boulder and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). “That acceleration could allow us to track time more precisely.” Beyond helping us make more accurate clocks, this research could contribute to the development of new quantum techno
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Oldest quasars ever observed in early universe are extremely lonely

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The oldest quasars ever observed in the early universe are not just incredibly distant but also extremely lonely. These ancient cosmic objects, which date back more than 13 billion years, formed when the universe was less than a billion years old. Powered by supermassive black holes, quasars emit immense energy, outshining entire galaxies. However, what makes these quasars particularly intriguing is their isolation—they are situated in vast cosmic voids, far from other galaxies, stars, and celestial structures. In contrast to the modern universe, which is teeming with galaxies and interconnected cosmic structures , these ancient quasars are surrounded by emptiness. Their solitary existence challenges current models of galaxy formation, which suggest that such massive black holes typically reside in dense environments. This discovery prompts scientists to reconsider how these quasars grew so massive in such sparse regions. The study of these lonely quasars offers valuable insights in
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