Scientists uncover hidden energy mechanism in M87 black hole

Astrophysicists at Goethe University Frankfurt have simulated how the supermassive black hole M87* powers its massive particle jet using a new numerical code. Their findings reveal that magnetic reconnection, alongside the traditional Blandford-Znajek mechanism, extracts rotational energy from the black hole. This discovery explains the immense jets that influence galaxy evolution.

Gaia mission reveals causes of tumbling asteroids

October 09, 2025 Reported by AI

Scientists using data from the European Space Agency's Gaia mission have explained why some asteroids tumble chaotically while others spin steadily, linking it to collision frequency. The findings, presented at the EPSC-DPS2025 Joint Meeting in Helsinki, show a gap in rotation speeds that divides asteroid populations and indicates most are loose rubble piles. This could improve strategies for deflecting hazardous asteroids.

Nobel prize awarded for developing metal-organic frameworks

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to three researchers for their pioneering work on metal-organic frameworks, or MOFs, structured polymers with precise geometries. Richard Robson, Susumu Kitagawa, and Omar Yaghi share the honor for creating materials that enable gas storage, filtration, and catalysis. Their innovations, starting around 1990, have opened new possibilities in chemistry and environmental applications.

Red Sea dried out and reflooded in catastrophic event 6.2 million years ago

Scientists at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology have confirmed that the Red Sea completely dried up about 6.2 million years ago, turning into a barren salt desert. A sudden flood from the Indian Ocean then refilled the basin in less than 100,000 years, carving deep channels and restoring marine life. This event, detailed through seismic imaging and other evidence, highlights the Red Sea's dramatic geological history.

Scientists prove moai statues walked using rocking motion

Researchers have confirmed that ancient Rapa Nui villagers moved massive moai statues upright using ropes and a rocking technique. Experiments with replicas and 3D models demonstrate the feasibility of this method, resolving a centuries-old mystery. The findings highlight the ingenuity of the island's people with limited resources.

Researchers create 10-atom-thick memory chips for devices

Scientists have developed a working memory chip just 10 atoms thick, integrated with conventional chips to potentially boost storage in smartphones and other electronics. The prototype, made from 2D materials, addresses limits in current chip stacking. While promising, experts note it is far from commercial readiness.

Trio awarded 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics for quantum tunneling work

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis for their pioneering research on quantum tunneling in superconducting circuits. Their 1985 experiments demonstrated how quantum effects apply to complex systems, laying the foundation for modern quantum computers. Clarke expressed surprise at the recognition, noting the unexpected impact of their discovery.

2025 Nobel Prize in Physics awarded for macroscopic quantum tunneling

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis for their discovery of macroscopic quantum tunneling and energy quantization in an electrical circuit. Their work, conducted in the 1980s at the University of California, Berkeley, demonstrated quantum effects on a macroscale using a Josephson junction. The laureates will share $1.1 million, with the ceremony set for December 10, 2025, in Stockholm.

EeroQ traps single electrons on liquid helium for qubits

October 09, 2025 Reported by AI

A startup called EeroQ has published research demonstrating how to trap individual electrons floating on liquid helium, proposing it as a foundation for scalable quantum computing qubits. The technique leverages old physics to create isolated electron spins with potentially excellent coherence. Experts suggest this could enable rapid scaling using standard manufacturing processes.