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Astronomers have identified a significant population of previously undetected asteroids in the main belt between Mars and Jupiter, according to research published on December 9, 2024, in Nature. This discovery was made through analysis of archival images from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Among these asteroids, some have been found on trajectories that could bring them close to Earth, as per the findings. The detected asteroids, ranging from the size of a bus to that of multiple stadiums, represent the smallest known objects within the main asteroid belt.

Although smaller than the asteroid linked to the extinction of the dinosaurs, these space rocks carry potential risks due to their capacity for destruction. For instance, a decametre-sized asteroid exploded above Chelyabinsk, Russia, a decade ago, releasing energy equivalent to 30 Hiroshima bombs.

A Computational Breakthrough in Asteroid Detection

As per reports, Julien de Wit, Associate Professor of Planetary Science at MIT, and his team have employed a computationally intensive technique to identify these space rocks. The approach, applied to JWST images originally focused on the TRAPPIST-1 system, allowed for the discovery of 138 new asteroids. Six of these appear to have been influenced by planetary gravitational forces, potentially positioning them near Earth in the future. De Wit described the unexpected volume of detections as indicative of a “new population regime”.

Advantages of Infrared Detection

The telescope’s infrared capabilities were key to this achievement, as they captured thermal emissions from the asteroids more effectively than traditional visible-light methods. Artem Burdanov, a research scientist at MIT, noted this as an example of how revisiting data with modern technology can yield substantial discoveries.

Upcoming observations using JWST and other telescopes, such as the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, are expected to identify thousands more small asteroids, advancing planetary defence and orbital tracking.

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New Study Finds Axons May Resemble ‘Strings of Beads’ Instead of Smooth Lines

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December 18, 2024

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New Study Finds Axons May Resemble 'Strings of Beads' Instead of Smooth Lines

Recent research has called into question the traditional understanding of axons, the message-sending fibres of neurons, suggesting that these structures may not always be smooth and cylindrical. A study published on December 2 in Nature Neuroscience observed that axons can resemble strings of beads rather than uniform lines. This discovery was made by researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine using a high-pressure freezing method for imaging axons from mouse brains.

According to Dr Shigeki Watanabe, a cell biologist and neuroscientist at Johns Hopkins, traditional preservation techniques often alter the shape of tissues, leading to discrepancies in observations. As per a report by ScienceNews, he explained that the freezing method they employed better preserves the natural structure, likening the process to freezing grapes instead of drying them into raisins. Electron microscopy revealed rotund blobs connected by thin tubes, a feature not previously studied systematically.

Physical Mechanics Behind Axonal Pearling

Reportedly, the beaded structure of axons, also known as nanoscopic varicosities, was explained by Watanabe as a result of physical mechanics. Creating this shape requires less energy than maintaining a smooth cylindrical structure. The researchers believe that the shape of axons might influence the speed of signal transmission and vice versa. Preliminary data also suggest that myelinated axons, which are coated in insulating material, may exhibit similar patterns.

Scepticism and Future Investigations

Pramod Pullarkat, a physicist from the Raman Research Institute in Bengaluru, expressed caution regarding these findings. In his statement, he emphasised that while the data is compelling, more evidence is needed to confirm this phenomenon across different conditions. He highlighted that axons grown in laboratory settings often appear smooth, which raises questions about whether the observed structures are a subset or artefacts of the imaging process.

Further studies are planned to investigate whether these beaded axons are influenced by factors such as sleep or other changes in the brain’s environment. Researchers aim to explore axonal structures in living brains to verify these findings and understand their broader implications.

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Do Atoms Really Touch? Science Explains Their Complex Interactions



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Do Atoms Really Touch? Science Explains Their Complex Interactions

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December 18, 2024

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Do Atoms Really Touch? Science Explains Their Complex Interactions

The question of whether atoms ever touch remains complex, with reports highlighting that the lack of defined boundaries around atoms makes the concept unclear. Everything, from the strongest metals to delicate clouds, is composed of atoms. However, the atomic level introduces a much different understanding of contact compared to human perception, where “touching” involves the physical interaction of surfaces.

As stated by Christopher Baird, Associate Professor of Physics at West Texas A&M University, in his communication to Live Science, touching at the atomic level is not the same as in everyday experience. Atoms lack distinct outer surfaces, unlike the objects they form. Descriptions of “touching” must account for the overlapping of electron orbitals, which signals the beginning of physical or chemical effects.

The Structure of Atoms and Their Boundaries

Atoms are composed of a nucleus, containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by an electron cloud. Sources indicate that this cloud complicates any attempt to establish a clear boundary for an atom. Reports describe the touching of atoms as an interaction where electron orbitals overlap sufficiently to create bonds or trigger other effects.

Chemical bonds typically represent atomic contact in solids and liquids, as outlined in various scientific studies. Gases, in contrast, experience atomic interactions through collisions where particles bounce off one another.

Interactions in High-Energy Conditions

It has been reported that extreme energy levels, such as those seen in particle accelerators like CERN’s Large Hadron Collider, allow for unique types of atomic interactions. Zhiquan Sun, a doctoral candidate at MIT’s Centre for Theoretical Physics, explained that collisions in such conditions involve overlapping electron clouds.

This can lead to elastic interactions, where atoms maintain their identity, or inelastic collisions, where atoms break into smaller particles and form entirely new nuclei. While atoms may not “touch” in the human sense, their interactions create the bonds and forces that hold matter together, shaping the world we see and experience daily.

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Nirangal Moondru OTT Release Date: When and Where to Watch it Online?

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December 18, 2024

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Nirangal Moondru OTT Release Date: When and Where to Watch it Online?

The Tamil thriller Nirangal Moondru, starring Atharvaa, R. Sarathkumar, and Rahman, is set for its digital release. Directed by Karthick Naren and produced under Ayngaran International, the film opened in theaters on November 22, 2024, and received a positive response from audiences. Featuring an intense narrative intertwining three lives over one night, the film’s music, composed by Jakes Bejoy, also gained significant attention. Fans of the genre can now look forward to its OTT debut, providing an opportunity to relive its gripping storyline.

When and Where to Watch Nirangal Moondru

Nirangal Moondru will be available for streaming on Aha starting December 20, 2024. The film will release in both Tamil and Telugu languages, catering to a broad audience base. The OTT release allows viewers to explore the intricacies of this hyperlink thriller from the comfort of their homes, expanding its reach beyond theaters.

Official Trailer and Plot of Nirangal Moondru

The official trailer of Nirangal Moondru hinted at an intense narrative packed with suspense and emotional depth. The film weaves together three interconnected stories happening over a single night.The first storyline revolves around Sri, portrayed by Dushyanth Jayaprakash, a high school student searching for his missing classmate Parvathy, played by Ammu Abhirami. The second plot follows Vetri, played by Atharvaa, a filmmaker striving to retrieve a stolen script while battling personal turmoil.

The third strand features Inspector Selvam, enacted by R. Sarathkumar, as he navigates a hit-and-run case with political connections. As the characters’ lives collide, hidden truths are uncovered, and critical choices shape their fates. This engaging premise, coupled with its emotional layers and twists, makes Nirangal Moondru a compelling watch.

Cast and Crew Behind Nirangal Moondru

The film features a strong ensemble cast, including Dushyanth Jayaprakash, Chinni Jayanth, John Vijay, Ammu Abhirami, Murali Radhakrishnan, Santhana Bharathi, Uma Padmanabhan, Bala Hasan, and Rethika Srinivas. Written and directed by Karthick Naren, Nirangal Moondru has been produced under Ayngaran International by K. Karunamoorthi. Cinematography has been handled by Tijo Tomy, while Sreejith Sarang has contributed as the editor.

Reception of Nirangal Moondru

The film was well-recieved by critics and audience due to its gripping narrative. The film currently has an IMDb rating of 6.3 / 10.

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