jwst dark dwarfs dark matter stars

JWST May Unveil 'Dark Dwarfs': First Stars Powered by Dark Matter at Our Galaxy's Core

Celestial bodies termed "Dark Dwarfs" may lie concealed at the heart of our galaxy, potentially offering crucial insights into one of cosmology's greatest enigmas—dark matter.

A New Class of Celestial Bodies: Dark Dwarfs

Discovery and Terminology

A team of researchers from the UK and Hawaii has, for the first time, described these objects in a paper published in the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics. The study outline how their existence might be confirmed using current instruments such as the James Webb Space Telescope. The paper is entitled "Dark Dwarfs: Dark Matter-Powered Sub-Stellar Objects Awaiting Discovery at the Galactic Centre."

The Anglo-American research team coined the term "Dark Dwarfs"—not due to the objects lack of luminosity, but owing to their unique association with dark matter, a central focus in modern cosmology and astrophysics.

Understanding Dark Matter and Its Elusive Nature

What is Dark Matter?

"We believe that around 25% of the universe consists of a form of matter that emits no light, rendering it invisible to both our eyes and telescopes. Its presence is inferred solely through its gravitational influence. That's why we refer to it as dark matter," explains Professor Jeremy Sakstein, a physicist at the University of Hawaii and co-author of the study.

Experimental Challenges and Hypotheses

What we currently understand about dark matter relates to its existence and behaviour, yet its true nature remains elusive. Over the past five decades, numerous theories have emerged, but none have been substantiated with sufficient experimental evidence. Studies such as that of Sakstein and his team are crucial, as they provide tangible means to help resolve this scientific impasse.

The Role of WIMPs in Dark Dwarf Formation

Among the leading contenders for dark matter are Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs)—extremely heavy particles that engage only faintly with ordinary matter. They glide through substances undetected, emit no light and remain unaffected by electromagnetic forces, rendering them invisible except for their gravitational influence. Such dark matter would be essential for dark dwarfs to form.

Dark Dwarfs vs. Traditional Stars

How Dark Dwarfs Generate Energy

"Dark matter interacts through gravity, meaning it could be drawn into stars and gather within them. Should this occur, it might also self-interact and annihilate, releasing energy that heats the star," explains Sakestein.

Ordinary stars—such as our own Sun—emit light due to nuclear fusion occurring in their cores, which produces vast quantities of heat and energy. Fusion arises when a star's mass is sufficient for gravity to compress its core, initiating reactions between atomic nuclei. This process releases immense energy, visible as starlight. Dark dwarfs also shine, though not as a result of fusion.

Comparison with Brown Dwarfs

"Dark dwarfs are objects of very low mass—approximately 8% that of the Sun," explains Sakstein. This minimal mass is insufficient to initiate nuclear fusion.

Because of this, such objects—though widespread across the universe—typically emit only a dim light, arising from the limited energy generated by their modest gravitational contraction. Scientists refer to them as brown dwarfs.

Transformation Driven by Dark Matter Density

However, should brown dwarfs reside in regions rich in dark matter—such as the heart of our galaxy—they may undergo a transformation into something quite different.

"These objects accumulate dark matter, which enables their transformation into dark dwarfs," explains Sakstein. "The greater the surrounding dark matter, the more they can absorb—and the more energy is relased it annihilates within the star."

The Physics Behind the Hypothesis

Dark Matter Annihilation as a Power Source

However, all of this depends on a particular kind of dark matter. "For dark dwarfs to exist, dark matter must consist of WIMPs —or any massive particle that interacts strongly enough with itself to generate visible matter," says Sakstein.

Limitations of Alternative Dark Matter Models

Alternative dark-matter candidates—such as axions, fuzzy ultra-light particles, or sterile neutrinos—are far too light to generate the requisite effect within these objects. Only hefty particles that can collide, annihilate and release visible energy are capable of powering a dark dwarf.

Detecting the Undetectable

Searching for Lithium-7 as a Signature

Of course, the hypothesis is of little consequence unless a dark dwarf can actually be identified. To that end, Sakstein and his colleagues propose a tell-tale signature. "We considered several indicators, but chose lithium-7, as its presence would be genuinely distinctive," he explains.

Lithium-7 is readily destroyed and rapidly depleted in ordinary stars. "Thus, if you encounter an object resembling a dark dwarf, you could test for lithium-7; its presence would rule out a brown dwarf or similar body," he says.

The Role of James Webb Space Telescope

Instruments such as the James Webb Space Telescope may already be capable of detecting ultra-cold celestial bodies like dark dwarfs. However, as Sakstein suggests, there's another approach: "One could examine a broader population of objects and statistically determine whether a subset might be better explained as dark dwarfs."

Implications for the Future of Dark Matter Research

Supporting Evidence for the WIMP Hypothesis

If, in the year ahead, we are able to detect one or more dark dwarfs, how compelling would that evidence be in favour of the hypothesis that dark matter consists of WIMPs?

"Fairly convincing," Sakstein concludes. "Lighter dark matter candidates like axions are unlikely to produce dark dwarfs, as they don't accumulate within stars. Discovering a dark dwarf would point strongly towards dark matter being heavy and self-interacting—albeit weakly coupled to the Standard Model. That would include WIMPs, but also potentially more exotic scenarios."

A Step Toward Unraveling the Dark Matter Mystery

Detecting a dark dwarf wouldn't definitively confirm that dark matter is a WIMP, but it would imply that it is either a WIMP or behaves much like one in practice.

Source

Explore the Frontier of Cosmic Discovery!

Scientists may be on the verge of detecting dark matter-powered stars—a breakthrough that could change our understanding of the universe forever.

Uncover the Universe's Dark Secrets—Start Your Journey Here!

• Dive into medical and neurological breakthrough at Human Health Issues — your go-to source for cutting-edge health science.
• Stay ahead of space-tech discoveries at FSNews365 — bringing you the latest in astrophysics and cosmic exploration.
• Explore the planet's environmental challenges at Earth Day Harsh Reality — highlighting urgent sustainability science.

Don't just read—engage with the future of science! Visit, bookmark and subscribe today.

second law reversible entanglement battery

Quantum Entanglement Gets Its Own Second Law—Two Centuries After Carnot

Establishing a Second Law for Quantum Systems

Just over two centuries after the French physicist Sadi Carnot laid down the second law of thermodynamics, an international research team has now revealed an equivalent principle for quantum systems. This newly established second law of entanglement manipulation shows that, akin to heat or energy in classical thermodynamics, quantum entanglement can be reversibly manipulated—an idea that had long remained contentious.

The research, appearing in Physical Review Letters on 2 July 2025, advances our understanding of the fundamentals of entanglement and delivers key guidance on how best to handle entanglement and related quantum phenomena in real-world settings.

Entanglement—A Hallmark and Resource of Quantum Mechanics

Defining Entanglement and Its Historical Context

Entanglement is widely regarded as the defining hallmark of quantum mechanics. When two microscopic particles become entangled, measuring a quantum property of one and then examining the other will always reveal a perfect correlation, even if the pair is separated by enormous distances. Thus, knowledge of one particle's state instantly disclose the state of its partner.

Entanglement was proposed nearly 90 years ago as a means of highlighting the perceived absurdity of quantum theory if taken as a complete description of nature. Yet today, it is no longer viewed as absurd.

Modern Applications in Quantum Information Science

Following extensive verification of entanglement's existence in the real world, it has become a foundational resource in quantum information science—enabling quantum teleportation, secure quantum cryptography and delivering clear advantages in computing, communication and precision metrology.

Thermodynamic Parallels and the Quest for Reversibility

Entanglement Entropy Mirrors Thermodynamic Entropy

Although entanglement remains at odds with our everyday understanding of reality, researchers have uncovered compelling parallels with a far more familiar domain: thermodynamics. Indeed, numerous similarities now link the frameworks of entanglement and thermodynamic theory. One such example is "Entanglement Entropy", a property of idealized, noiseless quantum systems that mirrors the function of thermodynamic entropy.

The Challenge of a Quantum Second Law

The second law of thermodynamics tells us that systems progress towards higher entropy, with true reversibility being both efficient and exceptionally rare. A corresponding principle within quantum theory has, however, remained frustratingly out of grasp. Crucially, this notion of reversibility involves the ability of an external agent to  change and then exactly restore a system's state without incurring any loss—not a literal reversal of time.

"Identifying a second law akin to that of thermodynamics has long been an open question in quantum information science," explains study co-author Tulja Varun Kondra. "This challenge has served as our principal motivation."

Surpassing LOCC Limits with an Entanglement Battery

The Alice-and Bob LOCC Scenario

A great deal of research on this problem has centred around a scenario where two distant parties—commonly referred to as Alice and Bob—wish to exchange quantum information but are limited to performing local operations on their respective systems and communicating via classical means, such as telephone or the internet. This restriction, known as local operations and classical communication (LOCC), ensures that they cannot influence the inherently nonlocal aspects of entanglement between their quantum systems.

Introducing the Entanglement Battery

"it is well established that under LOCC operations, entanglement is an irreversible resource," notes senior author Alexander Streltsov. "This led us to ask whether it might be possible to surpass LOCC constraints and restore reversibility." The team found that the answer is yes —provided Alice and Bob are equipped with an additional entangled system, known as an entanglement battery.

Much like a conventional battery stores energy for performing work in thermodynamic processes, an entanglement battery stores and supplies entanglement. It may be employed during quantum state transformations, with its own state adjusted as part of the operation. The one constraint: Alice and Bob must ensure the battery's level of entanglement is never diminished.

Rendering Mixed-State Transformations Reversible

Just as an ordinary battery enables processes that would otherwise be unachievable, an entanglement battery offers the same advantage. By supplementing standard LOCC operations with this hypothetical device, the team showed that any transformation between mixed entangled states could, in fact, be rendered fully reversible.

Implications and Future Directions

Toward Universal Second Laws for All Quantum States

This breakthrough marks a major step forward in the ongoing debate regarding the general reversibility of entanglement manipulation. More crucially, the researchers have demonstrated that their methods extend beyond mixed-state transformations, employing the entanglement battery to test reversibility in broader contexts. Such findings pave the way for a set of second laws applicable to all quantum states.

Potential Impact on Quantum Technologies

The entanglement battery could prove valuable beyond the scope of entanglement theory itself. Notably, its principles extend to multi-particle systems, offering new insights into complex quantum networks and the potential development of next-generation quantum technologies.

Source

Discover more cutting-edge science and health insights:

• Stay updated on crucial global health topics at Human Health Issues, your trusted source for wellness and medical breakthroughs.
• Explore the latest technological advancements and scientific discoveries at FSNews365, your daily dose of future-focused news.
• Learn about pressing environmental challenges and sustainable solutions at Earth Day Harsh Reality, raising awareness for our planet's future.

Dive deeper into science and innovation—visit these blogs now!

new horizons deep space stellar navigation

New Horizons Demonstrates First Deep-Space Stellar Navigation via Parallax 5.5 Billion Miles from Earth

A Historic First in Deep-Space Navigation

Proof-of-Concept from the Kuiper Belt

NASA's New Horizons spacecraft journeyed through the Kuiper Belt over 5.5 billion miles from Earth, an international team of astronomers carried out a landmark experiment—successfully demonstrating deep-space stellar navigation for the first time.

Publication and Documentation

The team's findings have been documented in a paper accepted for publication by The Astronomical Journal, with a preliminary version available via arXiv.

Observing Stellar Parallax from Interstellar Frontiers

Capturing Proxima Centauri and Wolf 359

As a proof-of-concept, the researchers utilized the spacecraft's distinctive position on its journey toward interstellar space to capture images of two nearby stars:

1. Proxima Centauri, located 4.2 light-years from Earth.
2. Wolf 359, situated 7.86 light-years away.

Measuring with 3D Stellar Models

From the vantage point of New Horizons, the two nearby stars appeared to shift their positions in the sky relative to how they are seen from Earth—a phenomenon referred to as stellar parallax.

Navigation Accuracy Achieved

By using the star's positions alongside a three-dimensional model of the local solar environment, the team determined the spacecraft's location relative to nearby stars with an accuracy of approximately 4.1 million miles—equivalent to pinpointing a spot within 26 inches on a journey from New York to Los Angeles.

Educational Insights over Research Precision

The Value of Visual Learning

Although the experiment fell short of yielding data suitable for formal research, the team highlight the clear educational benefit of observing significant stellar parallax from widely separated vantage points.

A Firsthand Experience of Space Physics

Tod Lauer, an astronomer at NSF's NOIRLab in Tucson, Arizona and lead author of the study, explained: "By capturing simultaneous images from Earth and the spacecraft, we aimed to make the concept of stellar parallax immediately and strikingly clear."

"Knowing something abstractly is all well and good—but witnessing it firsthand and saying, 'Look at that —it actually works!' is quite different."

New Horizons Past and Future Missions

Pluto and Charon Exploration

New Horizons is the fifth robotic probe launched from Earth destined to enter interstellar space. Its principal mission was to explore Pluto and its largest moon, Charon.

Ongoing Study of the Hellopause

After travelling over 3 billion miles across nine and a half years, the probe captured breathtaking initial images of these frozen worlds, greatly enhancing our knowledge of their structure, makeup and thin atmospheric layers.

Approaching the Termination Shock

As part of its extended mission, New Horizons is set to continue its study of the hellosphere and is likely to traverse the "termination shock", the boundary marking the edge of interstellar space, in the near future.

Source

Explore the Frontier of Space Science with New Horizons!

NASA's New Horizons spacecraft has made history by proving stellar navigation deep beyond Pluto—offering a glimpse into the future of interstellar exploration. Witness how scientists used stellar parallax to track position billions of miles away.

Want more insights into science and technology shaping our world? Check out:

• Human Health Issues — Exploring cutting-edge breakthrough in medicine, neuroscience and well-being.
• FSNews365 — Your daily dose of scientific discovery, tech innovation and futuristic research.
• Earth Day Harsh Reality — Uncover the truth about climate change, sustainability and out planet's urgent challenges.

Don't just read — engage, explore and share the journey beyond our solar system!

zero temperature symmetry breaking quantum chip

Quantum Leap: Zero-Temperature Symmetry Breaking Simulated on a Superconducting Quantum Chip

Landmark Quantum Experiment at Absolute Zero

For the first occasion, an international consortium of scientists has successfully replicated spontaneous symmetry breaking (SSB) at absolute zero on a superconducting quantum processor—achieving a fidelity exceeding 80% and marking a landmark in both quantum computing and condensed-matter physics.

The findings have been published in the journal Nature Communications.

A Collaborative Breakthrough in Quantum Computing

Beginning in a classical antiferromagnetic phase—with alternating spin orientations—the system later transformed into a ferromagnetic quantum phase, marked by uniformly aligned spins and the formation of quantum correlations.

From Anti-ferromagnetism to Quantum Ferromagnetism

"The system initially exhibited a flip-flop spin arrangement, which spontaneously evolved into a state where all spins aligned in the same direction. This transition, driven by symmetry breaking," was explained by Alan Santos—a physicist at the Institute of Fundamental Physics, CSIC and a co-leader of the theoretical team.

Alan Santos Explains the Transition Mechanism

At the time this work was carried out, Santos held a FAPESP postdoctoral fellowship at the Department of Physics, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Paulo Brazil. The research was a collaborative effort involving scientists from UFSCar, the Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, China and Aarhus University in Denmark.

Theoretical Insights and Zero Temperature Modeling

Why Absolute Zero Cannot Be Physically Achieved

"The key breakthrough lay in simulating the dynamics at absolute zero," Santos explains. "Although similar transitions had been studied previously, they were always at non-zero temperatures. What we demonstrated is that, at zero temperature, symmetry breaking can occur even in local interactions between neighbouring particles."

It bears recalling that absolute zero is unattainable in practice, as it would require every particle in a material to be perfectly motionless. Instead, the team modelled the system's behaviour at this limit using quantum computing.

The Seven-Qubit Circuit Design and Experiment Execution

Their experiment deployed a seven-qubit circuit arranged so that only nearest-neighbour interactions occurred and an algorithm was run to emulate adiabatic evolution at zero temperature.

"We developed the circuit conceptually and it was the researchers in China who brought it to life in the laboratory," say Santos.

Detecting Quantum Phase Transition

The Role of Correlation Functions and Rényi Entropy

The phase transition was detected through correlation functions and Rényi entropy, which indicated the emergence of ordered structures and quantum entanglement.

Understanding Quantum Entanglement

Entanglement, a hallmark of quantum mechanics, describes a condition where two particles remain linked in such a way that the state of one immediately determines the state of the order, irrespective of the distance between them.

Rényi Entropy as a Diagnostic Tool

Rényi entropy, first proposed in the 1960s by Hungarian mathematician Alfréd R ényi (1921-1970), serves as a tool to assess the extent and distribution of entanglement within a quantum system. It enables us to gauge how strongly subsystems are entangled.

Superposition and Entanglement in Quantum Computing

Comparing Classical vs Quantum performance

According to Santos, the twin pillars of quantum computing are superposition and entanglement: "Superposition permits a quantum system to exist in multiple states at the same time, a property referred to as quantum parallelism. Entanglement represents a kind of correlation unattainable by classical machines."

Santos explains: "Think of having a number of keys and trying to discover which unlocks a door. A conventional computer would test each one in turn. A quantum computer, however, can try multiple keys at once, making the search far quicker."

Simulating Quantum Systems with Quantum Hardware

the practical difference between classical and quantum computers is primarily one of performance. Though both are theoretically capable of solving the same types of mathematical problems, the time required can differ dramatically. For instance, factoring large numbers into primes may take a classical computer millions of years, whereas a quantum system could achieve it far more swiftly.

Using a classical computer to simulate quantum systems can seem counter-intuitive and in some cases, it is entirely unfeasible. The study demonstrated, however, that such simulations can be effectively performed using quantum computing resources.

Significance of the Research Location and Qubit Implementation

Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen

The experiment took place at the Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen—now regarded as one of the world's foremost centres of science, technology and industry. Designated China's first "special economic zone" in 1980, the city has transformed from a modest fishing village of 30,000 into a thriving metropolis or more than 17 million and hosts global market-leading firms.

Scalability of Superconducting Qubits

Superconducting qubits, composed of aluminium and niobium alloys and operating at roughly one millikelvin, were employed the implementation. "Their key advantage is scalability. In principle, we can manufactures chips containing hundreds," says Santos.

Symmetry and Its Foundational Role in Physics

How Symmetry and Its Breaking Shape Physical Laws

The notion of symmetry breaking is fundamental across every branch of physics. In fact, the entire framework of physics is built upon symmetries and the ways in which they are broken.

"Symmetry underpins the laws of conservation, while symmetry breaking enables the emergence of complex structures," explains Santos.

Source

Ready to unlock the quantum frontier?

Dive deeper into trans-formative discoveries and complementary insights at our sites:

FSNews365 — Your go-to source for cutting-edge science news and breakthrough in quantum and condensed-matter research.

Human Health Issues — Explore the latest in health innovation and how advanced technologies are reshaping medicine.

Earth Day Harsh Reality — Stay informed on environmental challenges and sustainability science that impact our planet.

Subscribe now and be first in line for daily updates on technology, space, physics, health and environmental research!

lost babylonian hymn rediscovered using AI

AI and Archaeology Reunite to Rediscover Lost Babylonian Hymn After 1,000 Years

Discovery of a Forgotten Babylonian Text

During a collaborative project with the University of Baghdad, LMU's Enrique Jiménez uncovered a text thought lost for a millennium. The findings appear in the journal Iraq.

"This remarkable hymn paints Babylon in majestic detail while shedding light on the everyday lives of its people, both male and female," says Jiménez.

Historical and Cultural Significance of Babylon

Babylon was established in Mesopotamia circa 2000 BCE. Once the world's most populous city, it flourished as a cultural hub producing literary works now integral to global heritage.

The Sippar Library and Cuneiform Preservation

Babylonian texts, inscribed in cuneiform on clay tablets, have largely come down to us in fragmentary form. A key aim of the University of Baghdad collaboration is to decipher and safeguard hundreds of tablets from the renowned Sippar Library—rumoured in legend to have been hidden by Noah before the flood.

AI-Powered Restoration of the Hymn

Enrique Jiménez is working via the Electronic Babylonian Library Platform to digitize the world's known cuneiform fragments and harness AI to identify matching texts.

"Through our AI-assisted platform, we succeeded in identifying 30 further manuscripts belonging to the rediscovered hymn—a task that might once have required decades," remarked Jiménez. Professor of Ancient Near Eastern Literatures at LMU's Institute of Assyriology. With these sources, the team was able to reconstruct the fully hymn, previously incomplete.

Hymn Sheds Fresh Light on Babylonian Urban Life

Widespread Use and Educational Role

The abundance of surviving copies indicates that the text enjoyed wide circulation in its day.

"The hymn was evidently used in school settings, copied by children. It is quite remarkable that such a widely circulated text had eluded modern scholarship," remarks Jiménez.

Poetic Description of Babylon and the Euphrates

the paean is thought to date from the early first millennium BC and extends to some 250 lines in length.

"It was composed by a Babylonian intent on extolling his city. He details not only its architecture but also the life-giving role of the Euphrates, which ushers in spring and revitalizes the fields. This is particularly striking, given the general scarcity of nature depictions in Mesopotamian texts," notes Jiménez.

Surprising Insights into Babylonian Women

Details concerning the women of Babylon—their duties as priestesses and related responsibilities—have greatly surprised scholars, as no such accounts were previously recorded. The hymns also illuminate aspects of city life, portraying the populace as courteous towards outsiders.

Location and Legacy of Ancient Babylon

The ancient ruins of Babylon lie approximately 85 kilometers south of Baghdad, Iraq's capital, and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Passage from the Recently Unearthed Hymn

Excerpt Praising the River Euphrates

The excerpt below is taken from the newly unearthed hymn. It portrays the river Euphrates, alongside which Babylon once stood:

The Euphrates is her scared stream—set in place by the sagacious lord Nudimmud—

It quenches the lea, saturates the canebrake,

It pours forth its waters into both lagoon and sea,

its meadows flourish with fragrant herbs and blooming flowers,

Its blooming meadows yield fair shoots of barley,

From thence the harvest is gathered and sheaves are neatly stacked,

Herds and flocks rest upon the green and grassy meads,

Riches and glory—worthy of humankind—

Bestowed in plenty, multiplied and conferred with royal grace.

Source

Step into ancient Babylon with a modern twist!

Uncover how artificial intelligence helped decode a long-lost hymn that celebrates one of humanity's oldest cities. From poetic river odes to insights on female priesthood, explore history reborn through technology.

• Read more at FSNews365 —your source for ancient mysteries and futuristic breakthroughs.
• For science-backed cultural health insights, visit Human Health Issues.
• Discover how history and heritage connect with the planet at Earth Day Harsh Reality.

Don't miss out—subscribe and follow the story where archaeology meets AI!

new superheavy isotope nuclear stability

New Superheavy Isotope ²⁵⁷Sg Sheds Light on Nuclear Stability and K-Isomers

Unveiling ²⁵⁷Sg: A New Window into Nuclear Stability

A recent publication in Physical Review Letters details the discovery of a new superheavy isotope, ²⁵⁷Sg (seaborgium), by researchers at GSI Helmholtzzentrum, offering fresh perspectives on the nuclear stability and fission behaviour of the heaviest elements.

Superheavy elements occupy a finely tuned equilibrium between the nuclear force binding protons and neutrons and the electromagnetic force driving protons apart.

Were it not for quantum shell effects—akin to electron shells in atoms—these colossal nuclei would disintegrate in under a trillionth of a second.

Publisher website interviewed Dr. Pavol Mosat and Dr. J. Khuyagbaatar, co-authors of the study from GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung in Germany, regarding their research.

The findings highlight gaps in our understanding of extreme atomic nuclei, hinting that the quantum forces preventing their rapid disintegration may function in unexpected ways.

Exploring the Nature of Nuclear Stability

Synthesis of ²⁵⁷Sg Using Fusion Reactions

To create the isotope ²⁵⁷Sg, the international team utilized fusion reactions between chromium-52 and lead-206 within GSIs TASCA recoil separator.

The researchers discovered that the new isotope survives for 12.6 milliseconds—outlasting its even-even neighbour, ²⁵⁸Sg—and decays via both spontaneous fission and alpha emission.

Alpha Decay and Fission of Daughter Isotopes

The alpha decay route offered especially valuable insights. Following alpha emission, ²⁵⁷Sg becomes ²⁵³Rf (rutherfordium), which proceeds to fission in a mere 11 microseconds.

This observation aligns with recent studies that have cast doubt on the conventional view of angular momentum's role in fission. Although it was long thought that higher K quantum numbers would strongly hinder fission, new data point to a more intricate relationship.

"We examined the isotopes ²⁵⁷Sg and ²⁵³Rf and observed that K-quantum numbers generally impede fission," Mosat explained. "That said, the precise degree of this hindrance remains undermined."

Discovery of the First K-Isomer in Seaborgium

Arguably of even greater importance was the team's identification of the first K-isomeric state in a seaborgium isotope. These K-isomers are unusual nuclear arrangements with elevated angular momentum that exhibit a marked resistance to fission compared to typical nuclear states.

In the case of ²⁵⁹Sg, the researchers observed a conversion electron signal emerging 40 microseconds after the nucleus formed—clear evidence of a K-isomeric state potentially hundreds of times more stable against fission than the ground state.

"K-isomeric states have previously been observed in superheavy elements like ²⁵²⁻²⁵⁷Rf and ²⁷⁰Ds," remarked Khuyagbaatar. "However, this marks the first time such a state has been identified exclusively in isotopes of seaborgium, which contain 106 protons."

This discovery addresses a significant gap in our understanding of superheavy elements and may prove pivotal in guiding future element searches.

Towards Understanding the 'Island of Stability'

The discovery arrives at a pivotal moment for research into superheavy elements.

Scientists have long pursued the so-called "Island of Stability"—a hypothetical region where superheavy nuclei might enjoy extended lifetimes thanks to favourable shell structures. Yet the latest findings imply that this picture may be more intricate than previously believed.

"It is possible that a superheavy nucleus—say, an isotope of an as-yet-undiscovered element—may survive for less than a microsecond," said Khuyagbaatar.

In such a scenario, the path to discovering element 120 could be fraught with complications in terms of separation and detection. Nonetheless, the existence of a K-isomer in this nucleus might extend its longevity, as seen in our recent finding with ²⁵²Rf.

The researchers believe that the as-yet-undiscovered ²⁵⁶Sg may possess a half-life far shorter than current models predict —possibly falling from six microseconds to merely one nanosecond.

Such a marked difference in nuclear stability would offer a valuable new perspective within the field of nuclear physics.

Barriers to Implementation and Next Steps

Challenges in Detecting Millisecond-Lived Nuclei

Achieving this result entailed surmounting considerable technical hurdles. Detecting nuclei with lifespans of only milliseconds required exceptionally rapid systems and finely tuned timing.

"For short-lived nuclei, it is essential to employ a compact separator and more importantly, rapid digital electronics capable of resolving decay signals to around 100 nanoseconds," said Khuyagbaatar.

Future Plans for ²⁵⁶Sg and K-Isomeric States

The team at GSI developed bespoke digital electronics that have played a vital role in several superheavy element discoveries.

The researchers now aim to synthesize ²⁵⁶Sg in order to determine whether the anticipated sharp decline in stability truly manifests.

"Indeed, we intend to pursue further investigations into long-lived K-isomeric states in superheavy nuclei," Mosat stated. "Our immediate objective is to attempt the synthesis of the next unknown isotope, ²⁵⁶Sg."

Source

Ready to unlock the secrets of the universe?

Dive deeper into cutting-edge science and broaden your perspective with our  sites:

FSNews365 () — Your daily source for groundbreaking science and technology breakthroughs.

Human Health Issues () — In-depth coverage of the latest health innovations and research impacting lives.

Earth Day Harsh Reality — Urgent environmental news and insights on sustainability challenges.

Subscribe now to FSNews365 and be the first to explore new discoveries in nuclear physics, health science and our planet's future!

superconducting magnets gravitational wave detectors

Superconducting Magnets Could Detect Gravitational Waves in Unexplored Frequency Bands

Superconducting Magnets as Gravitational Wave Detectors

New findings reported in Physical Review Letters propose that superconducting magnets, typically employed in dark matter detection, could serve as exquisitely sensitive gravitational wave detectors—paving the way for exploring a previously inaccessible frequency band.

Revisiting the Weber Bar Concept

This idea builds upon the original Weber bar design of the 1960s, wherein Joseph Weber suggested detecting gravitational waves via the mechanical resonance of large metal cylinders.

While Weber's method proved effective at specific resonant frequencies, it suffered from diminished sensitivity beyond those limited ranges.

This research builds upon the concept, revealing that DC magnets may act as magnetic Weber bars capable of sensing gravitational waves within the kilohertz to megahertz band.

Expert Insights and Research Collaboration

Publishing website interviewed Dr. Sebastian Ellis of the University og Geneva, who co-authored the study alongside Valerie Domcke of CERN and Nicholas L. Rodd of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

"What we realized is that although the Weber Bar idea performs admirably when the gravitational wave frequency aligns closely with a resonant mode, it proves far less effective outside that range." Ellis told publishing website. "It's akin to an instrument that plays beautifully in tune, but dreadfully out of key."

Harnessing Magnetic Energy for Detection

This novel magnetic technique tackles the core limitation by harnessing the vast magnetic energy stored within superconducting magnets—far surpassing the electrical energy used in conventional Weber bar readouts.

Exploring How Magnetic Fields Respond to Gravitational Wave Disturbances

The Mechanism Behind the Detection

The detection method is based on an ingenious two-stage interplay between gravitational waves and magnetic fields.

As a gravitational wave traverses a superconducting magnet, it triggers minuscule vibrations throughout the structure, much like the subtle shifts seen in LIGO's mirrors.

"As a gravitational wave traverses the magnet, it sets the entire structure vibrating, much like a mechanical force would," said Ellis.

"This vibration distorts the framework housing the current-carrying wire, thereby giving rise to a magnetic field."

Role of SQUIDs and Electromagnetic Readout

Such deformations give rise to a fluctuating magnetic field, which can be identified through exceptionally sensitive quantum sensors known as SQUIDs.

A pickup loop, functioning as a magnetic antenna and positioned near the end of the magnet, can detect the subtle magnetic fluctuations and convert gravitational wave signals into electromagnetic measurements.

Advantages Over Conventional Techniques

This method presents numerous significant benefits when compared with conventional techniques.

Magnetic Weber bars, unlike their conventional counterparts, generate purely electromagnetic signals without the need for complex mechanical conversion, reducing noise and offering wide-ranging frequency responsiveness.

Employing Dark Matter Experiments in the Search for Gravitational Waves

Researchers have drawn attention to potent magnets designed for axion dark matter investigations, notably DMRadio and the ADMX-EFR initiative.

These experiments employ vast superconducting magnets capable of probing both dark matter and gravitational waves at once.

"The chief merit of the magnets destined for axion dark matter experiments lies in their immense magnetic energy—they boast strong fields and considerable size," Ellis remarked.

"As we noted in our publication, it is the electromagnetic energy that chiefly governs the off-resonance sensitivity of a Weber bar—be it magnetic or conventional."

Sensitivity Compared to LIGO

According to the researchers, the sensitivity of these MRI magnets may not quite match LIGO at its best, yet they span a far more extensive frequency range, from a few kilohertz to nearly 10 megahertz.

Importantly, the system would exhibit superior sensitivity to LIGO above a few kilohertz, effectively carving out a new observational frequency band.

Expanding Our Cosmic Outlook

This frequency band remains largely unexplored within the realm of gravitational wave astronomy.

The study stemmed from the realization that current and forthcoming axion experiments already featured ideal infrastructure for detecting gravitational waves.

"It occurred to us that the sizable magnets employed in axion research—both ongoing and planned —might also serve in gravitational wave searches," said Ellis.

"We were hopeful that detecting two signals, rather than just one, would bolster the scientific justification for conducting these experiments."

Technical Challenges and Future Directions

Turning this concept into a functioning detector will demand surmounting notable technical challenges—chief among them, shielding the apparatus from ambient vibrations that could imitate gravitational wave signals.

"The apparatus must be exceptionally well shielded from ambient vibrations," Ellis remarked.

"This necessity closely mirrors the challenges encountered by LIGO and classical Weber Bars like the 2-tonne AURIGA. Their success in isolating these instruments gives us cause for optimism."

Toward Enhanced Sensitivity and Broader Collaboration

The researchers are broadening their collaborative efforts and focusing on particular gravitational wave signatures detectable by functioning magnetic Weber bars. They are also investigating cutting-edge quantum sensors beyond SQUIDs to boost sensitivity.

Source

Explore the cutting-edge of physics, space, AI, earth, environmental and health science today!

Discover how superconducting magnets could revolutionize gravitational wave detection and open new frontiers in cosmic exploration. Stay informed with the latest breakthroughs at FSNews365, where science meets innovation.

For insights into the intersection of technology and well-being, visit Human Health Issues—your go-to source for health and science advancements that impact lives worldwide.

Join the global conversation on environmental challenges and sustainability at Earth Day Harsh Reality, highlighting urgent scientific research to protect our planet.

Don't miss out—subscribe now and be at the forefront of scientific discovery!

zombie fungus fossils ophiocordyceps

Zombie Fungus Fossils Reveal 133-Million Evolutionary Secretes of Ophiocordyceps

Fossilized Fungi Provide Earliest Evidence of Insect-Fungal Interaction

Scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have uncovered fossilized parasitic fungi in mid-Cretaceous amber, providing some of the earliest known direct evidence of fungus-insect interactions and indicating that Ophiocordyceps may have emerged around 133 million years ago, adapting early to different hosts.

How Entomopathogenic Fungi Hijack Insect Behaviour

Zombie Ant Fungus: A Tale of Tropical Mind Control

Entomopathogenic fungi have developed remrkable strategies for manipulating insect hosts, effectively enlisting them in their own destruction. A notable example is Ophiocordyceps Unilateralis, known as the "Zombie Ant Fungus," which targets carpenter ants in tropical rain-forests. Upon infection, it take control of the ant's nervous system, forcing it to leave its colony's protection.

Under the fungus's control, the ant becomes a morbid marionette, compelled to scale vegetation and bite down on a leaf. It dies suspended in place as the fungus consumes it from within. Eventually, a fungal stalk, releasing spores onto the forest floor to continue the gruesome cycle.

Summit Disease: Grasshoppers and Crickets Under Fungal Influence

Ants are by no means the sole targets of fungal manipulation. In open meadows and grasslands, entomopathogenic fungi such as Entomophthora grylli infect grasshoppers and crickets, inducing a similarly eerie phenomenon known as "Summit Disease." As the infection advances, the insects forsake their normal behaviour, climbing to the tops of plants and adopting a characteristic splayed-legged pose.

When the fungus ruptures the host's exoskeleton, it emits a fine mist of spores that descent upon uninfected insects below. In certain instances, similar fungi have been seen to manipulate their hosts into wandering erratically before leading them into water, where they drown—providing the moist conditions the fungus requires to thrive.

Death in the Air: Houseflies and Entomophthora Muscae

Flies are not immune to fungal mind control. Entomophthora Muscae infects ordinary houseflies, compelling them to ascent to elevated spots—typically the upper corners of walls or windows—before death. The fly secures itself in place by extending its proboscis, offering and ideal launchpad for the fungus to burst from soft tissues. From the corpse, thread-like structures release spores into the air, ready to infect new hosts.

Spiders in the Web of Fungal Control

Even spiders are not exempt from fungal manipulation. Some Ophiocordyceps fungi drive their hosts to cling to vegetation—be it leaves or twigs—prior to death, allowing the parasite to safely sprout a fruiting structures and disperse spores across the surrounding area.

Evolutionary Engineering: Parasitic Adaptations for Survival

These extraordinary behaviours underscore the remarkable evolutionary adaptations of parasitic fungi. By hijacking their hosts instincts —such as climbing, grasping and movement—they engineer optimal conditions for reproduction. What seems like irrational self-destruction is, in truth, a calculated outcomes of fungal manipulation finely turned to its host.

Fossils in Amber: Unlocking the Fungal Past

Rare Glimpses of Parasitic Relationships in the Fossil Record

Direct fossil evidence of such parasitic relationships is rare, owing to the poor preservation of soft fungal tissues and the challenge of identifying pathogenic traits in ancient material. Earlier studies recorded only a few uncertain examples, with evolutionary timelines for Ophiocordyceps based largely on sparse calibration data and indirect inference.

New Species Identified in 99-Million-Year-Old Kachin Amber

In a study titled "Cretaceous entomopathogenic fungi illuminate the early evolution of insect-fungal associations," published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, researchers reported the discovery of two newly identified fungal species encased in 99-million-year-old Kachin amber.

Paleoophiocordyceps Gerontoformicae and Its Ant Host

Among the two fossil fungi detailed in the study, Paleoophiocordyceps Gerontoformicae was discovered in connection with an infected ant pupa preserved in mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber, approximately 99-million years old. The ant has been classified within the extinct genus Gerontoformica, part  of the subfamily Sphecomyrminae.

Nest Hygiene Behaviour Preserved in Fossil Evidence

It is probable that the infection began within the nest, as ant larvae typically remain inside. Worker ants may have introduced fungal spores into the nest, later removing the pupa to uphold colony hygiene, a behaviour observed in modern colonies. This fossilized pupa could represent an early example of such practices, with its removal and disposal outside the nest occurring before it was entombed in resin.

Fungal Form and Function: What Morphology Reveals

The morphology of P. gerontoformicae closely resembled traits found in modern ant-associated Ophiocordyceps species. The presence of laterally attached ascoma and asexual characteristics akin to the Hirsutella clade indicates its placements near the base of both the myrmecophilous hirsutelloid and O. sphecocephala line ages.

Ancestral Origins and Host Shifts Through Deep Time

Findings suggest that Ophiocordyceps likely originated in the Early Cretaceous, around 133.25 million years ago—significantly earlier than previous estimates of approximately 100 million years. Ancestral state reconstruction indicates the fungus initially parasitised beetles, later shifting to Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera as these insect groups diversified during the Cretaceous, providing fresh ecological niches for fungal adaptation.

Diversification in Tandem with Insect Hosts

The authors concluded that these fossils represent some of the earliest known evidence of insect pathogenic fungi and reinforce the notion that Ophiocordyceps diversified alongside its insect hosts.

Source

Enjoyed this deep dive into ancient fungal mind-control? Explore more fascinating insights and support our network of science and environment blogs:

Human Health Issues: Discover up-to-the-minute analyses of global health challenges at Human Health Issues — your source for expert commentary on disease, wellness and public health plicy.

FSNews365: Stay ahead of the curve with FSNews365 — delivering concise, SEO-optimized coverage of breakthroughs in technology, energy and material science.

Earth Day Harsh Reality: Learn how environmental pressures shape our world at Earth Day Harsh Reality — a candid look at climate change, biodiversity loss and sustainable solutions.

Don't miss out!

Subscribe now or follow us on social media to receive daily, weekly updates on the latest discoveries in palaeontology, mycology and beyond.