Virtual Content Has No Border

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Insights into Early Universe: Mapping Temperature Changes in Ancient Galaxies

Astronomers used a powerful telescope called ALMA to create a temperature map of an old galaxy’s dust. This map showed differences in temperature between the central supermassive black hole and the cooler areas where stars form. The study helps us understand how galaxies and their black holes grow in the early Universe.

The researchers found that the temperature of the dust in the galaxy can vary depending on where it is located. They were able to measure the temperature in different regions, which was challenging before because of limited instrument resolution. This new map provided clear evidence of temperature variations, suggesting two sources of heat: the black hole at the center of the galaxy and the heat from newly-formed stars in the surrounding rotating disk.

Dr. Takafumi Tsukui from the Australian National University led the study. He explained that most distant galaxies’ dust temperatures were measured as a whole, but they wanted to measure temperature region by region to understand individual heat sources. Previous temperature mapping was mostly limited to nearby galaxies.

The research revealed that the central region of the galaxy had warm dust, heated by the supermassive black hole. In contrast, the outer region had colder dust, likely heated by star formation. It’s common for galaxies to have a supermassive black hole in the center, and as the galaxy grows, the black hole also increases in mass. When gas accretes to the black hole, collisions with fast-moving particles heat it up, sometimes making it shine brighter than the rest of the galaxy.

The heating energy from the black hole reveals how much gas is being fed into it and thus its growth rate. On the other hand, the heating energy from star formation indicates how many new stars are forming in the galaxy, reflecting the galaxy’s growth rate.

This discovery gives us a clearer understanding of how galaxies and their central black holes form and grow in the early Universe.

The researchers were able to conduct this study thanks to the ALMA telescope operated by the European Southern Observatory in Chile. ALMA is a powerful telescope for measuring millimeter and submillimeter radiation. It allowed them to look at a 12-billion-year-old galaxy and separate the image into two components: one with dust heated from the central supermassive hole and the other with dust from the underlying host galaxy.

The detailed temperature map provided by ALMA helps scientists gain insights into the galaxy’s evolution. Prior to this study, they could only measure the temperature of distant galaxies in broad terms. Now, with this advanced technology, they can understand temperature variations in individual areas, which gives a better understanding of how galaxies evolve over time.

July 31, 2023
The Art of Illusion: Exploring the World of Optical Tricks

Have you ever seen those fascinating pictures that play tricks on your mind? Well, there’s one going viral on Twitter! People are buzzing about an optical illusion shared on the Crazy Optical Illusion page. It’s an image of blocks arranged in a tricky way to mess with your eyes and brain!

Posted on July 13, this picture has already received over 43,000 likes and lots of comments. People can’t stop talking about it! Some say they see four blocks, while others insist there are only three. It’s like a puzzle that changes depending on how you look at it.

One person mentioned that the number of blocks they see depends on the angle they view the picture. Another said it took them a while, but they finally saw three blocks. Optical illusions like this are real mind-benders, leaving everyone puzzled and amazed.

One user even confessed to staring at it for 30 whole minutes and still only saw three blocks! They wondered if they were doing something wrong. But don’t worry; these illusions are designed to make us scratch our heads.

It’s fascinating to see how everyone is confused, not knowing the true original image. That’s the beauty of optical illusions – they challenge our perception and make us question what’s really there.

So, how many blocks did you spot in the picture? Take a look and see if you can figure it out! Remember, sometimes it just takes a bit of patience and a different perspective to crack these mind-bending illusions.

If you’re a fan of optical illusions, this Twitter page is the place to be. They share all kinds of mind-boggling images that will keep you entertained for hours. These illusions have a special power to capture people’s attention and spark curiosity.

So, whether you see three blocks or four blocks, don’t worry – you’re not alone! These illusions are meant to trick even the sharpest minds. The important thing is to have fun with it and appreciate the wonders of how our brain can play tricks on us.

Next time you come across an optical illusion, take a moment to marvel at how our eyes and brain work together to make sense of the world. It’s a reminder of the incredible complexity of our minds and the joy of discovery when we solve these puzzling illusions. Happy illusion-hunting!

July 30, 2023
Optical Illusion Insights: Revealing Your Personality

Optical illusion enthusiasts have discovered that the way they approach brainteasers can reveal insights into their personalities. A TikToker named @itsme.fuzz shared mind-bending images to demonstrate this.

The first image shows either a cartoon man playing the saxophone or a woman’s face. If you saw the musician first, it means you’re more left-brained, focusing on logic and analytical thinking. On the other hand, if you saw the woman first, it indicates that your right brain is more developed, making you naturally creative and artistic.

The second photo initially appears to be a white tree on a black background, but some people can see the silhouette of two faces looking at each other.

If you saw the tree first, it suggests you have excellent attention to detail and are skilled at reading people’s moods. If you spotted the faces first, you are likely to be calm, friendly, and empathetic, capable of soothing nervous people.

People in the comments reported seeing other things like a cat looking at a fish, a skull, or a bear. As for those who couldn’t find the woman in the first image, they can focus on the black splodge separated from the saxophone player to see her face more clearly.

If you enjoyed this optical illusion experience, you might want to try another one to determine if you are straightforward or ambitious.

July 28, 2023
Self-Healing Metals: How Copper and Platinum Surprise Scientists

Some metals have surprised scientists by showing the ability to heal themselves, which is not something typically seen in metals. Usually, when metals break, they remain broken unless something external fixes them. However, recent research suggests that certain metals, like copper and platinum, can naturally mend on their own, a discovery that could have significant implications for engineering both on Earth and in space.

The discovery came about by accident when materials scientists from Sandia National Laboratories and Texas A&M University were studying copper and platinum at a very tiny scale. They used a special microscope to subject the metals to tiny proddings, similar to a mosquito’s legs walking, at a rate of 200 taps per second. Despite the small amount of pressure, the metals developed small cracks over time.

These kinds of cracks are common daily, leading to failures in structures like electronic devices, vehicle engines, and bridges. The failures result in replacement costs, lost time, and sometimes even injuries or loss of life. However, in this experiment, something remarkable happened—within 40 minutes, both the platinum and copper samples healed as if the cracks were never there.

This ability to heal contradicts what scientists previously thought about metals. Cracks were expected to grow larger, not smaller. The healing process was contrary to basic equations describing crack growth. The discovery confirmed a theory proposed a decade ago by Michael Demkowicz, a materials sciences and engineering professor at MIT. His computer simulations suggested that, under certain conditions, metals could hypothetically mend stress-induced cracks. The key to this ability lies in “cold welding,” where the sides of two cracks press into each other under specific conditions.

Although much more research is needed to understand this phenomenon fully, the implications could be significant. It might change how engineers design and construct buildings, vehicles, and other structures. The experiments were conducted in a vacuum, but scientists hope to determine if metal cold welding could occur in normal atmospheric conditions.

In any case, this discovery serves as a reminder that materials can behave unexpectedly under the right circumstances. As scientists continue to explore and understand these properties, we may unlock even more remarkable abilities in various materials.

July 26, 2023
YouTube vs. Traditional TV: The Evolution of Children’s Media Landscape

The world of children’s media has undergone a major transformation, with YouTube becoming a central hub for kids’ content, closely followed by gaming platforms. Content creators like Rachel Griffin-Accurso, also known as Ms. Rachel, have found great success on YouTube, catering to young children with interactive and educational shows.

Rachel Griffin-Accurso’s journey on YouTube started as an experiment. As a preschool teacher, she decided to create language-development-focused videos for her son, who had a speech delay. With no prior experience in content creation, she began recording videos with a simple setup and gradually improved her show over time. Her husband and other talented individuals joined the team, and they crafted an interactive, educational, and entertaining show for young kids.

YouTube’s popularity in children’s programming is due to its accessibility, vast content library, and algorithm that keeps viewers engaged with a constant stream of videos. It has overtaken traditional TV channels and streaming platforms in terms of time spent by children watching content. Children’s media has seen a massive influx of content on various streaming platforms, with over a third of Disney+ most in-demand shows being children’s programs.

Cocomelon is one of the most popular children’s programs on YouTube, amassing billions of views and millions of subscribers. Moonbug, a British media startup, has achieved great success by acquiring popular YouTube channels and turning them into multi-platform brands. YouTube’s dominance has led traditional media companies to embrace the platform, and some have even created exclusive spin-off programs based on YouTube content.

While YouTube’s popularity is undeniable, it also faces challenges with content moderation due to its open nature, as some users have posted inappropriate or disturbing videos targeting children. However, YouTube has made efforts to address this issue and improve content safety.

PBS, a long-standing player in children’s television, has also adapted to the digital era by embracing YouTube and incorporating gaming as an essential component of its programming. The blending of children’s television and gaming is becoming more prevalent, and experts predict it will play an even more prominent role in the future.

Overall, the category of “children’s television” is evolving as online platforms like YouTube and gaming platforms become kids’ go-to sources of entertainment. Despite the changing landscape, the fundamental aspects of captivating and educational content for children remain constant. Kids will always be drawn to engaging shows, regardless of their platform.

July 21, 2023
How you make your brain more creative?

Creativity is a natural part of who we are, but sometimes we lose touch with it because we treat our brains like machines, constantly focused on tasks and deadlines. Stress can actually block creativity. But when we let our minds wander and daydream, we tap into what scientists call the default mode network (DMN) in our brains, which is the root of creativity and introspection.

To foster creativity, it’s essential to pay attention to our surroundings and collect new information. Beholding beauty, savoring moments, and being mentally flexible all contribute to our creative thinking. These experiences give our brains the “dots” needed to connect ideas fresh and innovatively.

The magic of creative inspiration happens before we sit down to create. Just before that “Aha!” moment strikes, there’s a brain blink, and alpha waves rush in, quieting distractions, and allowing the DMN to thrive. So, what’s the secret to cultivating regular inspiration? It’s about finding time for active downtime, like daydreaming and mind-wandering. Researchers found that people who engaged in such activities performed 41% better on creative tasks.

Relaxation plays a crucial role in fostering creativity, and it’s not just for academics or artists. People from all walks of life can benefit from mental breaks. For example, Albert Einstein used to take long breaks to let his mind wander, and he came up with groundbreaking ideas during these “thought experiments.”

To make inspiration a regular thing, we need to be open to new experiences and ideas, and we should surround ourselves with beauty. Additionally, practicing relaxation techniques, like getting into a creative flow without worrying about the outcome, can give our brains the space they need to combine information in exciting ways.

So, next time you find yourself stuck in a creative block, remember the formula: explore, relax, daydream. Give yourself time to let your mind wander, and you’ll likely find that creativity flows more easily.

July 21, 2023
Speed and Power: The Amazing Abilities of Great White Sharks

Great white sharks are like the rock stars of the ocean! They are famous for their roles in movies and their huge size. They can be found in cool, coastal waters all around the world, showing off their sleek bodies and big, sharp teeth. But they are more than just scary creatures; they are actually very smart and have interesting social and hunting habits.

These sharks are really smart because they can sense electric currents in the water. They are also very curious and always looking for food. They are not mindless killers like some people think; they are just really good at catching their prey.

Great white sharks are fast swimmers, reaching speeds of up to 15 miles per hour. They have strong muscles and a well-designed body that helps them catch their prey. Their special fins and powerful tail allow them to move quickly and even jump out of the water, as you can see in the video.

Even though they might seem scary, great white sharks need our help to survive. They face many threats, like overfishing and the shark fin trade, where people kill sharks just for their fins. They also get caught in fishing nets by accident. Because of all these problems, they have been considered vulnerable since 1996.

Marine biologists all over the world are studying these amazing creatures to better understand them and find ways to protect them. We need to be careful and make sure we don’t harm them or their habitat. We can all play a part in conserving these fascinating giants of the sea. By learning more about them and spreading awareness, we can help ensure they don’t become even more endangered than they already are. Let’s work together to protect these wonderful, yet intimidating, fish for generations to come.

July 20, 2023
New Species of Giant Waterlily Is the Largest in the World!

Scientists have made an exciting discovery—a new type of giant water lily that was hiding in plain sight. This new species, named Victoria boliviana, was mistakenly identified as another species for many years at London’s Kew Gardens and in the National Herbarium of Bolivia. The revelation came after researchers from Kew collaborated with a team in Bolivia. Their findings were recently published in Frontiers in Plant Science.

Previously, experts at Kew believed the plant was Victoria amazonica, one of the two known types of colossal water lilies named after Queen Victoria in 1852. However, through their joint effort, they determined that it actually belonged to a new species. V. boliviana is now recognized as the largest water lily species in the world. In its natural habitat, its leaves can grow up to nearly ten feet wide and can support a weight of at least 176 pounds. The giant lily is found in freshwater rivers, ponds, and floodplains in northeastern Bolivia.

It produces various flowers throughout the year, with colors transitioning from white to pink, and its surface is covered in sharp prickles. Scientists believe the lily’s large size helps it compete with other plants for sunlight.

Seeds of the new giant water lily were donated to Kew Gardens in 2016 by horticulturalists from the Santa Cruz de La Sierra Botanic Garden and La Rinconada Gardens in Bolivia. As the seeds germinated and grew, Carlos Magdalena, one of the researchers at Kew, noticed that the plants looked different from the two known giant water lily species.

Magdalena was able to identify the distinctions because Kew Gardens is the only place where all three species are grown side by side. The newly discovered plant exhibited variations in prickles distribution and seed characteristics compared to the other Victoria species. To further investigate, Magdalena traveled to Bolivia to observe the plant in its natural environment.

The research team also conducted genetic analysis and discovered that V. boliviana was genetically distinct from the other known giant lily species, but most closely related to V. cruziana. They determined that the common ancestor between V. cruziana and V. boliviana diverged from V. amazonica five million years ago. Additionally, the common ancestor between V. boliviana and V. cruziana separated around a million years ago.

Although V. boliviana was recently discovered, scientists have found that it faces a greater risk of extinction compared to the other two species in the Victoria genus due to its limited geographical range. All three species are under increased threat due to ongoing deforestation in the Amazon. Visitors to Kew Gardens have the opportunity to view all three Victoria species together in the Princess of Wales Conservatory.

July 18, 2023
Rare Discovery: Unusual 100-Pound Fish Washes Up on Oregon Beach

Last week, an unusual fish washed up on a beach in Seaside, Oregon. It was a 100-pound fish shaped like a manhole cover, with shiny silver and coral-orange scales. The fish is called an opah or moonfish, and it is not often seen so far north. The local Seaside Aquarium was alerted to the fish by people at the beach.

Opah are striking fish that usually live in warm waters, like off the coasts of California and Hawaii. They can grow to be more than six feet long and weigh over 600 pounds. However, it is rare to find them in Oregon waters. In 2009, a fisherman caught a 97-pound opah near Seaside.

Heidi Dewar, a fisheries biologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), says finding a 100-pound opah off the Oregon coast is unusual. The fish’s presence could be related to rising ocean temperatures, as some marine organisms are moving northward due to warmer waters.

Before the opah washed up, the Pacific Northwest experienced a severe heatwave that caused the death of many marine organisms. The heatwave was attributed to climate change. While no direct evidence links the fish stranding to the heatwave, rising ocean temperatures could have influenced its appearance.

The opah’s biology is not well understood, including its maximum age. The Seaside Aquarium preserved the fish’s body and plans to allow a school group to dissect it in the coming academic year. This will provide an opportunity for students to learn more about these unique fish and have a hands-on experience they may never encounter again.

Overall, the opah’s presence in Seaside, Oregon, is intriguing and offers a chance to gather more information about this beautiful fish.

July 18, 2023
James Webb Detects Universe’s Oldest Active Supermassive Black Hole

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has made an exciting discovery that could change our understanding of the early universe. It has found the most distant active supermassive black hole ever detected, located in a galaxy called CEERS 1019. This black hole existed about 570 million years after the Big Bang, and what makes it unique is that it is smaller than other black holes from that early period.

In addition to this remarkable finding, the JWST also detected two smaller black holes that existed around 1 billion years after the Big Bang. The telescope has also identified eleven galaxies from a time when the universe was between 470 million and 675 million years old. These discoveries were made possible through the Cosmic Evolution Early Release Science (CEERS) Survey, led by Steven Finkelstein from The University of Texas at Austin.

The team used the JWST’s high-resolution imagery and spectral data to analyze the black holes and galaxies. They were able to determine the emissions from the black holes and their host galaxies, estimate the rate at which the black holes were consuming gas, and measure the star-formation rate of the galaxies.

The galaxy containing the most distant black hole, CEERS 1019, appears as three bright clumps instead of a single circular disk. This unusual structure could be a result of a galaxy merger, which may have fueled the activity in the black hole and led to increased star formation.

The discovery of a relatively small black hole from the early universe raises intriguing questions about how it formed so rapidly after the Big Bang. Previous theories suggested the existence of smaller black holes during that time, but now there is solid evidence to support it.

The results of this study, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, are just the beginning of the CEERS Survey’s breakthroughs. The JWST’s powerful capabilities allow researchers to see and accurately measure black holes and galaxies at extreme distances. This opens up new possibilities for studying the formation and evolution of black holes in the early universe.

The CEERS Survey has also identified two more light-weight black holes in galaxies CEERS 2782 and CEERS 746, weighing about 10 million times the sun’s mass. These black holes were too faint to be detected by previous telescopes, highlighting the unique capabilities of the JWST.

Furthermore, the sensitivity of the JWST’s spectral analysis has enabled the precise measurement of distances and ages of galaxies in the early universe. The researchers identified 11 galaxies that existed between 470 million and 675 million years after the Big Bang. These galaxies are rapidly forming stars but have not yet developed the same chemical complexity as closer galaxies.

The findings from the CEERS Survey challenge existing theories and could significantly contribute to our understanding of black hole formation and the evolution of galaxies throughout cosmic history. The JWST, as an international program led by NASA in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency, holds tremendous potential for further discoveries.

The CEERS Survey data, published in a special edition of The Astrophysical Journal Letters, provides a wealth of information for future research. Scientists will continue to study these distant objects and analyze the detailed spectra captured by the JWST, which could lead to even more groundbreaking insights into the early universe and the processes that shaped it.

July 18, 2023