Astronomers Baffled By Mysterious Object Emitting X-Rays And Radio Waves In Milky Way
According to the study published in the journal Nature, this unprecedented observation has led scientists to classify the object as unlike any known entity within our galaxy. Located 15,000 light-years away in a star-rich region of the Milky Way, this enigmatic object, dubbed ASKAP J1832-0911, could potentially be a highly magnetised remnant of a dead star, such as a neutron star or white dwarf. However, the possibility of it being an entirely new and exotic phenomenon remains on the table.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by NASA Chandra X-ray Observatory (@nasachandraxray)
"This object is unlike anything we have seen before," team leader and Curtin University researcher Zieng (Andy) Wang said in a statement.
The serendipitous discovery occurred during a routine observation of a supernova remnant by NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory. Researchers were taken aback when they detected X-ray emissions emanating from the same source as previously observed long-period radio transients, which are rare objects that cycle through radio signals over extended periods.
The correlation between the X-ray and radio wave emissions, coupled with other unusual characteristics, has deepened the mystery surrounding ASKAP J1832-0911. The object's hyperactive phase, during which it emits noticeable X-rays, appears to last for about a month, followed by a period of quiescence. This intermittent behavior suggests that similar objects might be lurking undetected in other parts of the galaxy, waiting to be discovered.
While astronomers have pinpointed the object's location, its association with the nearby supernova remnant remains uncertain due to the vast distances involved. Further investigations are underway to unravel the true nature of ASKAP J1832-0911 and to explore the possibility of uncovering more of these enigmatic objects scattered across the cosmos.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
40 minutes ago
- Time of India
Dormant Cancer: COVID, flu viruses can awaken dormant cancer cells, finds US study: Know what it means and how serious it is
Scientists at the University of Colorado set out to crack the mystery of why some cancer survivors suddenly face their cancer coming back (metastasis), sometimes years after treatment. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The culprit, it turns out, might be infections from respiratory viruses like influenza and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). These common bugs, which most of us get at least occasionally, can spark inflammation throughout the body. And for dormant cancer cells—called disseminated cancer cells or DCCs—this inflammation is a loud wake-up call. Here's what they did: Researchers used mouse models of breast cancer to see how infections affected these sleeping cancer cells. They infected the mice with either influenza or SARS-CoV-2. What happened next was jaw-dropping: Within just three days, the number of DCCs in the lungs shot up. Not only that, these cells were way more likely to 'wake up' and grow. In fact, the number remained high for months after infection. So, those cancer cells that had almost disappeared quietly multiplied again, due to the infection. The findings of the study have been published in Nature journal. Digging deeper, the team found a key player: an inflammatory molecule called IL-6. Mice that couldn't make IL-6 didn't see the same explosion of DCCs after infection. This means IL-6 acts like a middleman, triggering dormant cancer cells to get back into action. Even the immune system wasn't off the hook. They spotted that CD4+ T cells—a type of immune cell—were actually helping these newly active cancer cells by holding back another part of the immune system, the CD8+ T cells, which would normally hunt and destroy cancer cells. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now When researchers zapped the CD4+ T cells, more CD8+ T cells got to work and wiped out more cancer. But that's mice. What about people? The researchers checked large health record databases in the UK, looking at people who had been in cancer remission. Those who got COVID-19 had nearly double the risk of dying from cancer than those who didn't get the virus. In another large group of women with breast cancer, getting COVID increased the risk of the cancer spreading to the lungs by about 40%. That's a serious bump. So, what does it mean for cancer survivors? This study suggests that respiratory viruses—including those we might take for granted—could play a hidden role in cancer coming back, especially in the lungs. It doesn't mean every cold or bout of flu will trigger a problem, but for people who've beaten cancer once, it's one more reason to take infections seriously and consider preventive steps when possible. Doctors and scientists are now on the lookout for ways to block this process—perhaps by targeting that IL-6 molecule or tweaking the immune response—to help keep those cancer 'embers' from getting fanned into flames again. If you're a cancer survivor, staying up to date with vaccinations, practicing good hygiene, and talking to your doctor about risk during cold, flu, and COVID seasons could be even more important than you realized. It's not just about dodging a tough week in bed—it's about keeping those lurking cancer cells asleep, for good.
Hindustan Times
19 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Anaesthesiologist explains if receipts are ‘new-age Ebola,' loaded with toxic chemicals; shows how to handle them
That small strip of paper you get after every purchase feels like the most ordinary thing in the world. We fold it, crumple it, or stash it away without giving it a second glance. However, receipts, despite looking so harmless, may not be as safe as they appear. Doctor warn frequent receipt handling may pose health threats. (Freepik) Anesthesiologist Myro Figura explains in his August 18 Instagram post how handling them too often could expose you to harmful chemicals that may affect your health in the long run. Why receipts are more harmful than you think Myro says in his post, 'Receipts are like the new-age Ebola. They're coated with a ton of BPA, sometimes up to a thousand times more than what you'd find in a can of food. And BPA is a hormone disruptor because it mimics estrogen, and trust me, none of you need more of that.' (For those unfamiliar, BPA or Bisphenol A is a chemical widely used in plastics and thermal paper, and it's been linked to hormone imbalance and other health risks.) How BPA affects your body He continues, 'When you consume BPA, which you really shouldn't, your liver actually breaks it down and clears it from your system within a few hours. But if it's absorbed through your skin, like from a receipt, it bypasses the liver completely and can stay in your system for several days.' Myro concludes, 'One receipt, you're gonna be fine. But if you're handling them all the time, you'd better be wearing gloves.' What study reveals According to the Ecology Centre's study, while many retailers are phasing out BPA in receipt paper, its common replacement, BPS, is no safer. Both chemicals are endocrine disruptors linked to reproductive, neurological, and hormonal risks, and they can transfer quickly from paper to skin. The findings emphasise the need for businesses to adopt safer alternatives, such as digital receipts or non-bisphenol paper, to reduce everyday exposure. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
News18
a day ago
- News18
Sleeping In 2 Shifts Did Humans Historically Rest This Way What Changed Video
Last Updated: For thousands of years, people across the world followed a two-shift pattern. It is said that humans need seven to eight hours of sound sleep to stay healthy and active. But centuries ago, the idea of sleeping through the night in one go didn't really exist. People followed a very different sleep cycle that split the night into two parts. Recently, an Instagram post by History Season shed light on this old practice. It explained how our ancestors lived with it and what finally led to its decline. Sleeping In Two Shifts 'Humans used to sleep in a totally different way than we do now. But why did it change?" the post asked. For thousands of years, people across the world followed a two-shift pattern, as per the post. They went to bed soon after sunset, usually around 9 PM and slept for three to four hours. Around midnight, they naturally woke up and stayed active for an hour or two. During this time, people did various things like feeding animals, reading, praying, sewing, or even just chatting in bed. While doing these tasks, they used to rely on the light of the moon or oil lamps. Once done, they went back to sleep until dawn. This cycle, often called 'first sleep" and 'second sleep," was considered completely normal. 'Nights were no longer dark, so people started staying up later. However, they still had to wake up early for work," the post continued. At the same time, society's attitude toward sleep changed. Continuous rest became the standard, while waking up in the middle of the night was seen as 'lazy and self-indulgent." By the 20th century, the concept of two-part sleep had almost disappeared. What History Says According to Science Alert, anthropologists found strong evidence that this bi-modal sleep was once the norm, especially in preindustrial Europe. Historian A. Roger Ekirch, in his book At Day's Close: Night in Times Past, described how households slept in two stages. They would retire a couple of hours after dusk, wake in the middle of the night for one to two hours and then return to sleep until sunrise. Ekirch found that references to 'first" and 'second" sleep started fading in the late 17th century. The change first appeared in Europe's upper classes and spread over the next 200 years. Split Sleep In the Modern World Most people today don't have the freedom to follow a split sleep pattern. With daily routines and work schedules, we usually try to get all our rest at night. Experts generally recommend about seven to nine hours of continuous sleep to feel well-rested. For some, a divided sleep schedule may feel more natural. If the timing is right, it can provide 'two periods of increased activity, creativity, and alertness across the day." Short naps are also known to boost memory, learning, alertness and mood. Some researchers even believe that sleep issues such as insomnia may be linked to the body's 'natural preference for split sleep." About the Author Buzz Staff A team of writers at bring you stories on what's creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture. view comments First Published: News viral Sleeping In 2 Shifts Did Humans Historically Rest This Way What Changed Video Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Loading comments...
