Physicists discover mysterious new type of time crystal

Physicists discover mysterious new type of time crystal

Scientists at TU Wien have uncovered that quantum correlations can stabilize time crystals—structures that oscillate in time without an external driver. Contrary to previous assumptions, quantum fluctuations enhance rather than hinder their formation. Using a laser-trapped lattice, the team demonstrated self-organizing rhythmic behavior arising purely from particle interactions. The finding could revolutionize quantum technology design.

It actually rains on the Sun. Here’s the stunning reason

It actually rains on the Sun. Here’s the stunning reason

Scientists at the University of Hawaiʻi have discovered why it rains on the Sun. Solar rain, made of cooling plasma, forms rapidly during solar flares, a mystery now solved by modeling time-varying elements like iron. The finding upends long-held assumptions about the Sun’s atmosphere and could improve predictions of space weather events. It’s a breakthrough that forces a rewrite of how we understand the Sun’s outer layers.

These giant planets shouldn’t exist. But they do

These giant planets shouldn’t exist. But they do

Astronomers are investigating a strange class of exoplanets known as eccentric warm Jupiters — massive gas giants that orbit their stars in unexpected, elongated paths. Unlike their close-orbiting “hot Jupiter” cousins, these planets seem to follow mysterious rules, aligning neatly with their stars despite their bizarre trajectories. Theories suggest that companion planets, surrounding nebulas, or even stellar waves could be shaping these odd orbits in ways never seen before.

Astronomers detect a cosmic “heartbeat” in pulsar signals

Astronomers detect a cosmic “heartbeat” in pulsar signals

Researchers analyzing pulsar data have found tantalizing hints of ultra-slow gravitational waves. A team from Hirosaki University suggests these signals might carry “beats” — patterns formed by overlapping waves from supermassive black holes. This subtle modulation could help scientists tell whether the waves stem from ancient cosmic inflation or nearby black hole binaries, potentially identifying the true source of spacetime’s gentle vibrations.

The Sky Today on Wednesday, October 15: Check out Comet Lemmon

The Sky Today on Wednesday, October 15: Check out Comet Lemmon

Looking for a sky event this week? Check out our full Sky This Week column.  October 14: Look south for Pluto and M75 Comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) is currently making a splash across the sky, recently observed at magnitude 5.7 and visible in the predawn sky about an hour and a half before the Sun rises.  This Continue reading "The Sky Today on Wednesday, October 15: Check out Comet Lemmon" The post The Sky Today on Wednesday, October 15: Check out Comet Lemmon appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .

Waka-waka-waka…

Waka-waka-waka…

Andrew Stone The Pacman Nebula (NGC 281) in Cassiopeia glows at around magnitude 7, but that brightness is spread across an area slightly larger than the Full Moon. This image comprises around 28 hours of exposure in Hα/OIII and SII/OIII dual-band filters, taken with a 5.5-inch scope at f/4.3 and processed in the Hubble palette. The post Waka-waka-waka… appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .

Scientists grow mini human livers that predict toxic drug reactions

Scientists grow mini human livers that predict toxic drug reactions

A new human liver organoid microarray developed by Cincinnati Children’s and Roche recreates immune-driven liver injury in the lab. Built from patient-derived stem cells and immune cells, it accurately models how genetics influence drug reactions. The system replicated flucloxacillin-related toxicity seen only in people with a specific genetic variant, marking a major step toward predictive, patient-tailored drug safety testing.

Scientists unlock a 100-year-old quantum secret to supercharge solar power

Scientists unlock a 100-year-old quantum secret to supercharge solar power

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have uncovered a surprising quantum effect inside an organic material, something once thought impossible outside metals. The team found that a special molecule can turn light into electricity with incredible efficiency, using a hidden quantum behavior unseen in such materials before. This breakthrough could lead to simpler, lighter, and cheaper solar panels.

MIT scientists find metals hold secret atomic patterns

MIT scientists find metals hold secret atomic patterns

MIT researchers found that metals retain hidden atomic patterns once believed to vanish during manufacturing. These patterns arise from microscopic dislocations that guide atoms into preferred arrangements instead of random ones. The discovery introduces a new kind of physics in metals and suggests engineers can exploit these patterns to enhance material performance in demanding environments.