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A study led by the University at Buffalo has proposed that evidence of primordial black holes (PBHs), formed in the early universe, could be found in both cosmic and terrestrial objects. According to researchers, these small black holes may have left behind unique signatures, such as hollow planetoids in space or microscopic tunnels in materials on Earth. These findings, according to reports, suggest new avenues for exploring the elusive nature of PBHs, which remain unobserved despite their potential link to dark matter.

Primordial Black Holes and Their Possible Signatures

As per the study published in Physics of the Dark Universe, PBHs may form in regions of high density during the universe’s expansion after the Big Bang. Unlike stellar black holes, PBHs are believed to be much smaller, with the mass of a mountain compressed into an atomic-sized space. The researchers, led by Dr Dejan Stojkovic, a professor of physics at the University at Buffalo, suggest in their statements that PBHs trapped within celestial objects like asteroids or moons could consume their cores, leaving hollow shells.

Dr Stojkovic, as quoted by ScienceDaily, noted that hollow structures formed in this manner could be no larger than one-tenth of Earth’s radius. Larger hollow objects would collapse due to their own tension. Detecting such low-density celestial bodies through orbital studies could help identify these black hole remnants.

Microscopic Evidence in Earthly Materials

The study also proposes that PBHs passing through solid materials could create minute tunnels, visible under a microscope. Dr De-Chang Dai, co-author and physicist at National Dong Hwa University, highlighted that old materials, such as ancient rocks or historic building components, could be examined for such evidence.

While the probability of a PBH interacting with earthly objects is low—estimated at one in a million over a billion years—Stojkovic emphasised the minimal cost of such investigations compared to the potential scientific rewards.

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69-Year-Old Man with Paralysis Flies Virtual Drone Using Brain Implant

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January 22, 2025

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69-Year-Old Man with Paralysis Flies Virtual Drone Using Brain Implant

A paralysed individual, aged 69, has successfully piloted a virtual drone using a brain-computer interface (BCI) that interprets neural signals. This innovative achievement has enabled the participant to navigate a video-game obstacle course by imagining specific finger movements. The breakthrough device, which bridges brain activity and real-time control, demonstrates potential applications for assisting those with mobility challenges to engage in intricate tasks. These developments mark significant progress in the application of BCIs for enhancing motor functions.

Breakthrough Detailed in Nature Medicine

According to a study published in Nature Medicine, the man, who had been paralysed in all four limbs following a spinal cord injury, controlled the virtual drone using neural signals linked to imagined movements of specific finger groups. The research relied on electrodes implanted in the participant’s left motor cortex, which had been placed during a prior operation in 2016. Algorithms were trained to decode the brain’s signals when he visualised moving his right thumb, different finger pairs, or combinations of them.

The researchers reported that the participant initially practised synchronising imagined movements with a virtual hand displayed on a screen, achieving a high degree of accuracy by hitting up to 76 targets per minute. Subsequently, the signals were connected to the drone’s navigation system, allowing him to steer it through a virtual basketball court, manoeuvring rings with precision.

Expert Insights on Potential Applications

Matthew Willsey, a neurosurgeon at the University of Michigan and a co-author of the study, told Nature Medicine that the participant likened the experience to playing a musical instrument, requiring delicate adjustments to maintain control. Willsey noted that the research seeks to enable control of multiple movements simultaneously, potentially assisting activities such as typing or playing musical instruments.

John Downey, a BCI researcher from the University of Chicago, described the work as an important initial step in understanding hand control mechanisms. He highlighted the potential of this technology as a versatile tool for individuals with limited mobility. Researchers aim to enhance the system to decode signals for all ten fingers.

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Hubble Telescope Observes Two Young Stars in Orion Nebula

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January 22, 2025

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Hubble Telescope Observes Two Young Stars in Orion Nebula

Two young stars have been captured in a new image taken by the Hubble Space Telescope, located in the Orion Nebula, a well-known region for star formation. The stars, named HOPS 150 and HOPS 153, are situated approximately 1,300 light-years from Earth. The Orion Nebula is considered the closest massive star-forming region to Earth and contains hundreds of newly forming stars. The image provides insight into the ongoing process of star birth, showing the stars in their early stages as they gather material from their surrounding environment.

Protostars Observed in Orion Nebula

As reported by space.com, according to the European Space Agency’s (ESA) statement, the stars were identified through the Herschel Orion Protostar Survey conducted using the Herschel Space Observatory. HOPS 150, which consists of two stars, a forming a binary system, is seen glowing in bright golden red in the image’s upper-right corner. The binary stars are surrounded by a large cloud of gas and dust, which continues to provide material for their growth. The protostars are said to be midway in their developmental process, based on the light they emit in different wavelengths.

Stellar Jet Emission from HOPS 153

The statement also noted that HOPS 153, located on the left side of the image, exhibits a narrow jet of colorful gas extending outward. This jet is a byproduct of the star’s evolution, as it ejects material while feeding from its surrounding disk. The colorful jet, composed of high-speed matter, interacts with the surrounding gas and dust in the nebula, influencing the formation of new stars in the region.

Future Evolution of the Young Stars

ESA officials have stated that HOPS 153 is still deeply embedded in its birth cloud of cold, dense gas. While the protostar itself is not visible, the jet it emits can be clearly observed. As the star continues to develop, further material ejection is expected, which may impact the surrounding nebula and the formation of neighboring stars.

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New Lithium-Sulfur Battery Retains 80 Percent Capacity After 25,000 Cycles

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January 22, 2025

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New Lithium-Sulfur Battery Retains 80 Percent Capacity After 25,000 Cycles

Engineers and materials scientists have achieved a major advancement in battery technology, developing a lithium-sulfur battery that retains 80 percent of its charge capacity after 25,000 charging cycles. The new design, which uses a specially formulated electrode, represents a significant improvement over conventional lithium-ion batteries. The breakthrough could pave the way for smaller, lighter, and longer-lasting energy storage solutions, addressing critical demands in electronics and electric vehicles.

Key Innovations in the Study

According to a study published in Nature, sulfur was utilised as a core component for the battery’s solid electrode. Despite being abundant and cost-effective, sulfur has historically posed challenges due to issues such as ion loss and expansion during reactions with lithium. These problems were tackled by incorporating a glass-like mixture composed of sulfur, boron, lithium, phosphorus, and iodine. The iodine element was found to enhance electron movement during redox reactions, allowing for faster charging and improved performance.

As reported by Techxplore, the research demonstrated that the porous atomic structure of the electrode facilitated ion diffusion, eliminating the need for intermediary movements. This structural stability, combined with the chemical properties of the glass-phase electrolyte, contributed to the battery’s durability across an unprecedented number of cycles.

Performance and Potential Applications

The experimental lithium-sulfur battery maintained its capacity even under high temperatures, a notable advantage in demanding environments. Standard lithium-ion batteries typically degrade after approximately 1,000 cycles, making this new battery’s longevity a striking development. Despite its promise, the study’s authors acknowledged the need for further research to improve energy density and explore alternative materials that could reduce the battery’s overall weight.

Efforts are being directed at refining this technology to support the growing demand for energy storage in applications ranging from consumer electronics to renewable energy systems.

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