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One of physicist Stephen Hawking’s most famous paradoxes may finally be solved: Black holes may in fact hang onto information about the massive stars that created them, new research indicates. 

This information may lurk in the radiation around black holes – colloquially known as “quantum hair” – and could, in theory, be retrieved to retell the origins of those black holes, the research suggests. 

These findings, published March 6 in the journal Physics Letters B. (opens in new tab) , may finally resolve a thorny problem that Hawking was working on in his last years. 

Related: Stephen Hawking’s final book says there’s ‘no possibility’ of God in our universe

According to Hawking’s work, radiation slowly “leaks” out of black holes in the form of thermal energy, which has come to be known as “Hawking radiation.” But because of its thermal nature, this radiation can’t carry information. That means that as black holes evaporate, they methodically destroy all information about the stars that created them. This is contrary to the laws of quantum mechanics, which say that information cannot be destroyed and that an object’s final state can reveal clues about its initial state. This problem has troubled cosmologists for decades and is known as the “Hawking information paradox.” 

“[This research] is the final nail in the coffin for the paradox because we now understand the exact physical phenomenon by which information escapes a decaying black hole,” lead study author Xavier Calmet (opens in new tab) , a professor of physics at the University of Sussex, told Live Science via email. He suggests a modification to Hawking radiation that makes it “non-thermal” and thus capable of carrying information with it away from the final fate of the black hole. 

Physicist Stephen Hawking in his office in 1989. (Image credit: Jean-Regis Rouston/Roger Viollet via Getty Images) The black hole problem

Black holes are objects so massive that nothing can escape the pull of their gravity, not even light. They form when enormous stars run out of fuel and collapse in on themselves.

In classical physics, black holes are “very simple objects,” Calmet said. “So simple that they can be characterized by three numbers: their mass, angular momentum, and electric charge.”

Famous physicist John Wheeler described this lack of distinguishing characteristics by saying “black holes have no hair.” But, Calmet explained, while the final black hole is very simple, the original star that birthed it is a complex astrophysical object, consisting of a complicated amalgam of protons, electrons, and neutrons which come together to form the elements that build the chemical composition of that star. 

While black holes carry no “memory” of the stars they once were, the rules of quantum physics say that information can’t simply be erased from the universe. In 1976, Hawking introduced a fly to this cosmic ointment by showing this information couldn’t dwell indefinitely within black holes sealed away from the outside universe either. Applying the rules of quantum mechanics to black holes, Hawking suggested they emit a type of thermal radiation, later called Hawking radiation. Over immense periods of time, the leaking of this radiation causes black holes to completely evaporate, leaving only a vacuum behind. In this way, information is irretrievably lost.

“This is however not allowed by quantum physics, which posits that the movie of this black hole’s ‘life’ could be rewound,” Calmet said. “Starting from the radiation we should be able to rebuild the original black hole and then eventually the star.”Finding the black hole’s ‘hair’

Along with his colleague Steve Hsu (opens in new tab) , a professor of theoretical physics at Michigan State University, Calmet has been working since 2021 to crack Hawking’s paradox. In a previous study, published in March 2022, the team argued that black holes do indeed have “quantum hair,” in the form of a unique quantum imprint in the gravitational fields that surround them

In their new research, the team reassessed Hawking’s 1976 calculations, but this time accounted for the effects of “quantum gravity”  —  the description of gravity according to the principles of quantum mechanics  —  something Hawking hadn’t done. Related stories— The 12 Strangest Objects in the Universe

— The 18 Biggest Unsolved Mysteries in Physics 

— 11 Fascinating Facts About Our Milky Way Galaxy 

“While these quantum gravitational corrections are minuscule, they are crucial for black hole evaporation,” Calmet said. “We were able to show that these effects modify Hawking radiation in such a way that this radiation becomes non-thermal. In other words, factoring in quantum gravity the radiation can contain information.”

While the quantum hair suggested in Calmetand Hsu’s previous work was an abstract mathematical concept, the team has now identified the exact physical phenomenon by which information escapes the black hole via Hawking radiation, and how it could be retrieved by an outside observer. This is currently not possible, as it would require an instrument sensitive enough to measure Hawking radiation, which currently is purely theoretical. 

Currently there is no real way for astrophysicists to measure the effect the researchers propose, as it is minuscule, Calmet acknowledged. Instead, he suggests one way to progress this theory would be by studying simulations of black holes in labs on Earth. The team’s mathematical modeling of Hawking radiation and black holes could prove invaluable in these simulations. 

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The GENIUS Act passed and DePIN should be next

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July 29, 2025

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The GENIUS Act passed and DePIN should be next

The GENIUS Act passed and DePIN should be next

The next frontier for crypto innovation is clear: Decentralized physical infrastructure networks need a tailored legal framework to unlock their full potential. It’s time for lawmakers to provide regulatory clarity for DePIN.

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Navee flagship ST3 Pro smart e-scooter at $684, Aiper HydroComm pool monitor $250 low, Heybike Back to School sale, more

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July 29, 2025

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Navee flagship ST3 Pro smart e-scooter at 4, Aiper HydroComm pool monitor 0 low, Heybike Back to School sale, more

Headlining today’s Green Deals is Navee’s new flagship ST3 Pro Electric Scooter that comes packed with an amazing array of features at $684 right now. We also have Aiper’s HydroComm Smart Solar Pool Monitor hitting a second-ever $250 low, as well as Heybike’s early access Back to School sale with up to $698 in e-bike savings starting from $999. We also have an 80V Greenworks mower deal, a one-day-only discount on Anker’s SOLIX C300X DC Power Station, and more waiting for you below. Plus, all the hangover savings at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Segway Xafari Red e-bike low price, the exclusive savings on a refurbished Anker SOLIX F3800 power station, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Navee’s ST3 Pro electric scooter with Find My, regen brakes, and more takes you 47 miles to class at $684

By way of its official Amazon storefront, Navee is offering its new ST3 Pro Electric Scooter at $683.99 shipped, after redeeming the on-page promo code for an additional 10% savings, which beats out the direct pricing by $77. This scooter launched in March with a $1,299 MSRP that has since fallen to $950 at full price in the time since. We’ve seen discounts mostly taking the costs down to $760, though during the brand’s direct Prime Day Sale we saw extra savings take things to a $660 low. If you missed out on that low rate, you can score it at the next best price here, with a combined 28% markdown giving you $266 in total savings. Head below to learn more about this model and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for our upcoming hands-on review.

Navee is really upping the ante with its new flagship ST3 Pro electric scooter that certainly stands up to many of Segway’s popular models both in performance and pricing. It’s been equipped with a 600W motor that peaks at 1,350W to better tackle up to 28% inclines while also providing faster acceleration to its max 25 MPH speeds, depending on which of its riding modes you’ve activated. The 597Wh battery gives it plenty of juice to carry you up to 46.6 miles, while the new damping arm suspension system smooths out rides on uneven pavement, as well as bumpy off-road terrain. The inclusion of an eABs brake (along with hydraulic and drum brakes) not only guarantees stopping power, but the regenerative capabilities help to extend travel times with recycled momentum up to its impressive maximum.

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It comes packed with quality features that you’d expect in a higher-priced model, including Apple Find My integration so you always know where your scooter is and can track it down in case of theft, though they’ll also have to get through the proximity locking features too, making it quite a secure ride. Your fun won’t be stopped prematurely thanks to the self-healing tires, and riding at night is all the safer thanks to the ambient lighting located under the footboard that sports 15 different modes. There’s plenty more too, like the traction control system, auto-on headlight, a taillight with brake lighting functionality, integrated turn signals in the handlebars, and much more.

Aiper HydroComm smart pool monitor floating in pool surrounded by bubbles

Streamline your pool testing with Aiper’s HydroComm smart 5-in-1 monitor at a second-ever $250 low

Through its official Amazon storefront, Aiper is offering its HydroComm Smart Pool Monitor at $249.99 shipped in both colorways, beating out its direct website pricing by $30. This newer device has only been on the market since mid-April when it launched at $300 before rising to its $500 full price tag, though lately, the MSRP has dropped to $400. Discounts at Amazon have mostly kept prices between $340 and $400 in the time since it launched, with Prime Day giving us the first drop to $250, which is coming back around for a second time here while the savings last. Taking advantage of this deal gives you Prime Day pricing once more, cutting $150 off the going rate for the best price we have tracked.

If you want to learn more about this device, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

man and woman riding down street on Heybike Ranger and Mars 2.0 e-bikes

Heybike’s early access Back to School sale takes $500 off e-bikes with up to $198 in free gear starting from $999

Heybike has launched an early access Back to School sale that will run through August 4 with up to $500 discounts across its e-bike lineup. One of the most popular models that makes a perfect companion for students on campus is the brand’s Mars 2.0 Fat-Tire Folding e-bike that is down at $999 shipped during this event and comes with a free front basket and rear large basket ($198 value). While it carries a $1,499 full price tag, discounts often see it down at this same rate during sales, with it only beaten out by the short-term $900 rate we saw from Best Buy earlier in the month and the $899 low that occasionally pops up in flash events. You’ll be saving $500 off the bike and $698 in total with the free gear, with the option to even upgrade to a more powerful motor for $100 more.

If you want to learn more about this model or the other Back to School deals, be sure to check out our original coverage of this sale here.

man mowing yard with Greenworks 80V 21-inch cordless push lawn mower

This 80V 21-inch Greenworks cordless mower brings 4-in-1 functionality for up to half an acre at $365

Amazon is offering the Greenworks 80V 21-inch Cordless Push Lawn Mower with 4.0Ah battery and rapid charger for $365.18 shipped, which beats out the brand’s direct website pricing by $33. Normally, you’d be paying $500 for this package at full price, with discounts in 2025 mostly keeping things between $380 and $400, though we have seen it go as low as $360 occasionally, which was last seen during Prime Day. You’re looking at the next best price here while the savings last, giving you a $135 markdown off the going rate while also upgrading your lawn care routine with a more environmentally friendly solution.

If you want to learn more about this mower, be sure to check out our original coverage here of this deal here.

man and woman laying in tent illuminated by Anker SOLIX C300 DC power station

For the rest of the day you can get Anker’s SOLIX C300X DC LiFePO4 power station at $180

As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the Anker SOLIX C300X DC Portable Power Station at $179.99 shipped, with the grey model matching at Amazon while it’s sitting full price directly from the brand’s website. While this model carries a $250 price tag directly from Anker, it’s more often seen at $200 at both Best Buy and Amazon, with discounts dropping costs in 2025 between $180 and $150, while things went lowest to $140 back during Christmas sales. You’re looking at a 28% markdown that will only last through the rest of the day, giving you $70 in total savings off the MSRP at the fourth-lowest price we have tracked.

If you want to learn more about this compact backup power solution, be sure to check out our original coverage of this one-day-only deal here.

Best Summer EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

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Environment

Trump’s EU trade deal is based on massive energy purchases that are unlikely to materialize, analysts say

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July 29, 2025

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Trump's EU trade deal is based on massive energy purchases that are unlikely to materialize, analysts say

U.S. President Donald Trump looks on, during a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (not pictured), after an announcement of a trade deal between the U.S. and EU, in Turnberry, Scotland, Britain, July 27, 2025.

Evelyn Hockstein | Reuters

President Donald Trump’s massive energy deal with the European Union will be difficult to implement, setting Washington and Brussels up for a potential future confrontation over tariffs and trade.

The EU has agreed to purchase $750 billion of U.S. energy and invest $600 billion in the U.S. by 2028, according to the White House. In exchange, Trump has agreed to a tariff of 15% on EU goods excluding steel and aluminum, which is half the 30% rate that he had threatened.

But the $600 billion investment in the U.S. is not binding on EU member states or companies. The European Commission, the bloc’s executive body, simply said that companies “have expressed interest in investing at least” that amount in the U.S by 2029.

The massive energy purchases in the deal are unrealistic due to market and political constraints, analysts said. The EU cannot force member states and companies to buy U.S. energy just as the Trump administration cannot force producers to sell to Europe, said Mathieu Utting, an analyst at Rystad Energy.

“This is non-binding. It’s a pledge,” said Erik Brattberg, an expert on Europe at the Atlantic Council, a think-tank with a focus on international affairs. “The EU itself doesn’t buy energy. It would be member states or companies from member states.”

A White House official told CNBC on Tuesday that Trump expects the EU to abide by its commitments under the deal.

“That is what the EU agreed to purchase,” the official said. “The President reserves the right to adjust tariff rates if any party reneges.”

The energy purchases are divided into $250 billion annual installments over the rest of Trump’s term, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told reporters Sunday. The EU is pledging significant purchases U.S. oil, liquified natural gas (LNG) and nuclear fuel to replace Russian fossil fuels, von der Leyen said.

But it is unclear how much EU member states and companies intend to buy of each fuel type. “Details have to be sorted out and that will happen over the next weeks,” von der Leyen told reporters.

Tripling U.S. exports unrealistic

EU member states bought about $80 billion U.S. oil, liquified natural gas, liquified petroleum gas and coal from the U.S. in 2024, according to data from Kpler. The bloc would have to triple its purchases of U.S. energy to meet the $250 billion annual purchase target laid out in the agreement.

“If this deal were to be realized, we’d be talking about the United States providing the lion’s share of European energy imports,” Helima Croft, head of global commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets, told CNBC on Monday. EU energy imports totaled $433 billion in 2024, according to Eurostat.

Increasing U.S. oil exports to the EU is difficult because production is flat and will likely decline in the coming months, said Svetlana Tretyakova, an oil analyst at Rystad.

U.S. companies would have to reroute exports from customers in Asia and Latin America to the EU, Tretyakova said. Importing more oil also does not align with the EU’s climate goals and the continent’s refining capacity is declining, she said.

Surging LNG exports is also tough, Utting said. U.S. terminals always run at full capacity so there isn’t slack capacity to increase shipments to the EU right now, he said. As in the case with oil, LNG would have to be diverted from other customers to Europe, he said.

More LNG capacity is coming online over the next two years that could be exported to Europe, he said. But the EU already receives more than half its imports from the U.S., Utting said.

“It’s very unrealistic that Europe would import exclusively from the U.S.,” he said. “They will want to diversify to some extent.”

While the headline $750 billion figure is unrealistic, the EU is showing that it is serious about expanding its energy trade with the U.S., said Alex Munton, director of global gas and LNG research at Rapidan Energy.

The EU was already planning to eliminate what remains of Russian LNG and pipeline gas imports to the bloc by 2028. This will create a supply gap of 25 million metric tons per year that the U.S. is perfectly positioned to fill, Munton said.

“The interests line up, they go hand in hand,” he said. “That’s why it’s essentially a convenient deal.”

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