Observations provide crucial insights into the nature of a white dwarf–brown dwarf binary

Observations provide crucial insights into the nature of a white dwarf–brown dwarf binary

Using the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), astronomers have performed spectrophotometric observations of an eclipsing white dwarf–brown dwarf binary known as WD1032+011. Results of their observational campaign, published September 10 on the preprint server arXiv, yield important information regarding the nature of this system. Using the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), astronomers have performed spectrophotometric observations of an…

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Microplastics: Meant to last, just not forever and not in our bodies

Microplastics: Meant to last, just not forever and not in our bodies

Megan Hill is an assistant professor of chemistry and leader of the Hill Lab in Colorado State University’s College of Natural Sciences. Her research leverages organic chemistry to design advanced polymeric materials for applications in sustainability, catalysis and soft materials. She recently sat down with SOURCE to answer some common questions. Megan Hill is an assistant…

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Could interstellar quantum communications involve Earth or solve the Fermi paradox?

Could interstellar quantum communications involve Earth or solve the Fermi paradox?

Thus far, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) has used strategies based on classical science—listening for radio waves, telescopes watching for optical signals, telescopes in orbit scouring light from the atmospheres of exoplanets, scanning for laser light that might come from aliens. Could a quantum mechanical approach do better? Thus far, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence…

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Beetles cooperate on tricky dung moves

Beetles cooperate on tricky dung moves

Dung beetles are among the strongest animals in the world. They also possess an exceptional ability to cooperate. Research shows that female and male spider dung beetles together are able to move large dung balls across difficult obstacles. However, same-sex attempts to do the same always ended in aggressive fights. Dung beetles are among the strongest…

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The memory in seeds: How plants carry environmental clues across generations

The memory in seeds: How plants carry environmental clues across generations

Phenotypic plasticity enables plants to adjust their physical traits in response to environmental variations, playing a vital role in their survival and adaptability. While past research has primarily focused on how these traits manifest within a single generation, the genetic basis of transgenerational inheritance remains largely unexplored. Addressing this gap is essential to fully understand…

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