Latest news with #JohnsHopkinsUniversity
Sustainability Times
a day ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'They Finally Saw It!': James Webb Captures 14 Herculis c, the Mysterious Exoplanet Hidden in Darkness for Over Two Decades
IN A NUTSHELL 🌌 The James Webb Space Telescope has imaged 14 Herculis c, the coldest exoplanet ever captured. has imaged 14 Herculis c, the coldest exoplanet ever captured. 🔭 Located 60 light-years away, this exoplanet challenges our understanding with its unique orbital dynamics . . 🪐 The planet's orbit is highly elliptical, providing insights into planetary evolution and gravitational interactions. and gravitational interactions. 🌍 Webb's observations reveal unusual atmospheric chemistry, broadening our knowledge of distant worlds. The James Webb Space Telescope has once again pushed the boundaries of our understanding of the cosmos by capturing an image of one of the strangest exoplanets known to date. Located 60 light-years away, the exoplanet, 14 Herculis c, orbits a star similar to our Sun. What makes this discovery particularly remarkable is that 14 Herculis c is the coldest exoplanet ever directly imaged, offering astronomers a unique opportunity to study a new class of planetary bodies. This discovery not only expands our catalog of exoplanets but also opens new avenues in our quest to understand distant worlds. Expanding Our Catalog of Alien Worlds The James Webb Space Telescope has unlocked a new realm of exoplanet research with its ability to image colder planets. According to William Balmer, a graduate student at Johns Hopkins University and co-first author of the study, 'The colder an exoplanet, the harder it is to image, so this is a totally new regime of study that Webb has unlocked with its extreme sensitivity in the infrared.' Webb's image of 14 Herculis c reveals a world unlike those previously studied, broadening our understanding of the diversity among exoplanets. The central star, 14 Herculis, shares similarities with our Sun in age and temperature but is slightly less massive and cooler. This system contains two known planets, with 14 Herculis c being the focus of Webb's latest observations. The telescope's capabilities allow astronomers to observe not just hot, young exoplanets but also older, colder ones, providing a more comprehensive view of planetary evolution. 'I'm Almost Certain There Are Inhabited Planets': Astrophysicist Drops Chilling Statement That Shakes Our Place in the Universe Webb's groundbreaking observation capabilities have added invaluable data to our growing catalog of exoplanets, enhancing our ability to understand their formation and characteristics. As Balmer notes, 'We are now able to add to the catalog not just hot, young exoplanets imaged, but older exoplanets that are far colder than we've directly seen before Webb.' Weird Worlds Around 14 Herculis The 14 Herculis system presents a fascinating case study for astronomers due to its unusual planetary orbits. Unlike the orderly, flat plane of planets in our Solar System, the two exoplanets around 14 Herculis exhibit an unusual and chaotic orbital pattern. Their paths cross each other at an angle of about 40 degrees, resembling an 'X' in space. This gravitational dance suggests a tumultuous past, possibly involving the ejection of a third planet. 'NASA Unveils Cosmic Spectacle': Stunning New Images and Sounds of Andromeda Galaxy Leave Astronomers in Absolute Awe Such erratic orbits offer insights into the early formation and evolution of planetary systems. William Balmer comments, 'The early evolution of our own Solar System was dominated by the movement and pull of our own gas giants.' The gravitational interactions in the 14 Herculis system remind us of the chaotic forces that might have shaped our own cosmic neighborhood. These findings prompt astronomers to consider how similar gravitational interactions might have influenced the development of our Solar System. This intriguing system stands as a natural laboratory for studying the complex dynamics that govern planetary motion, offering a glimpse into the possible fates of nascent planetary systems. 'I Was Convinced We'd Found Aliens': Scientists Backtrack on K2-18b Breakthrough Before Revealing the Devastating Truth Webb's Investigations of 14 Herculis c Webb's observations of 14 Herculis c have revealed critical details about the planet's orbit and atmospheric composition. The planet follows a highly elliptical orbit, swinging out 1.4 billion miles from its host star. This distance positions 14 Herculis c between Saturn and Uranus in our Solar System, providing a unique opportunity for comparative analysis. Through precise measurements of the planet's brightness at 4.4 microns, Webb has allowed astronomers to infer details about its atmosphere. Daniella C. Bardalez Gagliuffi of Amherst College explains, 'If a planet of a certain mass formed 4 billion years ago, then cooled over time because it doesn't have a source of energy keeping it warm, we can predict how hot it should be today.' Interestingly, 14 Herculis c's brightness is fainter than expected, a phenomenon attributed to 'carbon disequilibrium chemistry.' In this process, molecules formed at warmer temperatures in the lower atmosphere are rapidly transported to the colder upper layers, defying conventional expectations. This unique atmospheric trait offers a valuable comparison to the coldest brown dwarfs, furthering our understanding of planetary atmospheres. Unveiling the Mysteries of 14 Herculis c The discovery of 14 Herculis c marks a remarkable milestone in our exploration of distant worlds. As the coldest exoplanet ever directly imaged, it challenges our preconceptions and expands our knowledge of planetary diversity. The unusual orbital dynamics and atmospheric characteristics of 14 Herculis c provide a rare opportunity to study the forces shaping planetary systems. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of this intriguing exoplanet, questions arise about the potential for other cold exoplanets waiting to be discovered. What other secrets do these distant worlds hold, and how might they reshape our understanding of planetary formation and evolution? The James Webb Space Telescope's ongoing exploration promises to unlock new frontiers and inspire further inquiry into the enigmatic nature of our universe. This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (28)
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Vaidyaratnam's collaboration with foreign universities will benefit Ayurveda: Balagopal
Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal underscored the growing global presence of Ayurveda and pointed out that securing international certification remains one of the major challenges facing the traditional medical system. He was speaking after inaugurating the Vaidyaratnam Founder's Day celebrations here recently. 'Ayurveda must focus on scientific manufacturing of medicines and greater integration with modern science,' stated Mr. Balagopal. He noted that Vaidyaratnam's collaboration with the US-based Johns Hopkins University will significantly enhance the global stature of Ayurveda. The Minister also reiterated the State government's support for such initiatives and praised Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala, founded in 1941, for its pivotal role in popularising Ayurveda. Prof. Dr. B. Ananthakrishnan, Vice Chancellor of Kalamandalam, delivered the Ashtavaidyan E.T. Neelakandhan Mooss commemorative address, emphasising the historic connection between art and healing in Kerala. He remarked that both fields share well-defined methodologies and advocated for Ayurveda to be recognised as a viable alternative to dominant Western medical practices, commending Vaidyaratnam's efforts in this direction. Ashtavaidyan Dr. E.T. Neelakandhan Mooss, Managing Director of Vaidyaratnam Group, highlighted the resurgence of Marma Chikitsa and Yoga Therapy, once considered lost traditions. He encouraged experts and students to recognise the contemporary relevance of Marma Chikitsa, noting its potential to further invigorate Ayurveda. The programme also featured a panel discussion on 'Marma and Orthopaedics: Exploring the Intersection of Traditional and Modern Practices.'
Sustainability Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Sustainability Times
'Not a Single Mistake': World's First Autonomous Surgical Robot Completes Complex Procedure With 100% Accuracy and Zero Human Intervention
IN A NUTSHELL 🤖 The SRT-H robot, developed at Johns Hopkins University, performed a successful gallbladder surgery with human-like precision. robot, developed at Johns Hopkins University, performed a successful gallbladder surgery with human-like precision. 📚 Trained on surgical videos, the robot can learn and adapt in real-time, enhancing its ability to handle complex procedures. in real-time, enhancing its ability to handle complex procedures. 🛠️ Equipped with machine learning technology similar to ChatGPT, SRT-H responds to voice commands and adjusts based on feedback. technology similar to ChatGPT, SRT-H responds to voice commands and adjusts based on feedback. 🔍 While not yet used on human patients, the robot's success in trials points to a future of autonomous surgery with minimal human oversight. In a groundbreaking development, an autonomous robot has performed a surgery with remarkable precision, moving us closer to an era where the only human presence in the operating room might be the patient. This achievement marks a significant milestone in medical robotics, showcasing the potential for machines to conduct complex procedures independently. The robot, trained by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, has demonstrated its ability to perform a gallbladder removal surgery with a level of skill comparable to experienced surgeons. This not only underscores the robot's capabilities but also highlights the transformative impact of artificial intelligence in healthcare. The Rise of SRT-H: A New Era in Surgical Robotics Named SRT-H (Surgical Robot Transformer-Hierarchy), this robot represents a leap beyond traditional surgical robots. Unlike its predecessors, SRT-H is not limited to executing pre-programmed tasks. Instead, it can respond and learn in real-time, adapting to the unpredictable nature of surgical procedures. This ability is a game-changer, as it allows the robot to navigate the complexities of surgery with a level of autonomy previously unattainable. The robot's training involved analyzing videos of surgical operations, enabling it to internalize and replicate the steps involved in a gallbladder removal procedure. During its trials, SRT-H successfully completed the surgery multiple times on a realistic human-like model, closely mimicking the intricacies of human tissue. This accomplishment is a testament to the robot's ability to perform tasks such as identifying ducts and arteries, applying clips, and using scissors with surgical precision. 'This Solar Ship Is the Future of River Travel,' Declares Visionary Engineer as 192 Sun-Powered Panels Drive the World's First Inland Marvel Understanding the Technology Behind SRT-H At the core of SRT-H's capabilities lies an advanced machine learning architecture, akin to the technology that powers AI systems like ChatGPT. This allows the robot to process voice commands from medical staff, making it a valuable assistant in the operating room. The robot's ability to adjust its actions based on real-time feedback is crucial for addressing unexpected challenges during surgery. The significance of this advancement is underscored by comments from medical roboticist Azwl Krieger, who highlighted the robot's transition from performing isolated tasks to truly understanding surgical procedures. This transformation is pivotal in creating autonomous surgical systems that are viable in real-world clinical settings, where unpredictability is the norm. 'This Ship Shouldn't Exist': Japan's Shocking Launch of World's First Dual LCO2 and Methanol Supercarrier Redefines Everything Real-World Implications and Future Directions While the SRT-H robot has achieved remarkable success in controlled environments, it is not yet ready for use on actual human patients. Nonetheless, its performance in trials provides a glimpse into the future of surgery, where robots could perform procedures with minimal human intervention. The development team envisions a future where SRT-H and similar robots are trained to conduct a wide range of surgeries, further reducing the need for human oversight. As Ji Woong 'Brian' Kim, a key figure in the development of SRT-H, noted, the reliability of AI models for surgical autonomy is now demonstrable. This progress opens up new possibilities for enhancing surgical precision and safety, potentially revolutionizing patient care by minimizing human error and improving outcomes. 'This Defies Everything We Knew': Sun-Powered Sponge Turns Saltwater Into Freshwater Without Using a Single Watt of Electricity Challenges and Ethical Considerations Despite the promising advancements, several challenges and ethical considerations remain. The transition from controlled models to live human surgeries involves significant scrutiny and regulatory approvals. Moreover, the reliance on autonomous systems raises questions about accountability and the role of human surgeons in the decision-making process. As the field of surgical robotics continues to evolve, it is crucial to address these ethical complexities while ensuring that technological advancements align with the principles of patient safety and care. The journey toward fully autonomous surgical robots will require ongoing collaboration between engineers, medical professionals, and ethicists to navigate these challenges responsibly. As we stand on the brink of a new era in healthcare, the question remains: How will the integration of autonomous robots in surgery reshape the landscape of medical practice, and what implications will it have for the future of patient care? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.2/5 (24)
South China Morning Post
5 days ago
- Health
- South China Morning Post
How tests that detect cancer DNA fragments in blood can kickstart earlier treatment
Cancer doctor and researcher Siddhartha Mukherjee describes how surprised scientists were to discover DNA drifting freely in blood plasma almost 80 years ago. Advertisement 'The finding defied biological orthodoxy,' he writes in his Pulitzer Prize-winning 2010 book, The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer. 'DNA was thought to remain locked inside the nuclei of cells, and not float around on its own. Stranger still, these weren't whole genomes but broken pieces – genetic flotsam cast adrift from an unknown source.' That unknown source, it was later discovered, are genetic mutations and tumours, the fragments of which are known as circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA). CtDNA is seen in healthy individuals' blood too – due to normal cellular processes – but only at low levels. Higher ctDNA levels flag the likely presence of a tumour. This is why ctDNA tests are potentially so valuable as a diagnostic tool for cancer. Advertisement A study published in May by Johns Hopkins University in the US found that a new laboratory test in trial – multi-cancer early detection (MCED) – was able to identify ctDNA up to three years before traditional testing methods would have picked them up.
News18
5 days ago
- Science
- News18
NASA's Parker Probe Captures Closest-Ever Image Of The Sun
Last Updated: NASA's Parker Probe captured the first-ever images from inside a solar eruption, offering vital clues about space weather and its effects on Earth The Sun, Earth's most powerful energy source, has long been a subject of awe and concern due to its sheer scale and volatile nature. Now, NASA's Parker Solar Probe has delivered astonishing new images that provide a close-up look inside the Sun's atmosphere; images as mesmerising as they are menacing. Closest Flyby Reveals Intense Solar Activity On December 24, 2024, the Parker Solar Probe made its closest-ever approach to the Sun, reaching just 3.8 million miles from its surface. During this moment, the onboard WISPR camera (Wide-field Imager for Parker Solar Probe) captured a live eruption of a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME). This marks the first time scientists have directly recorded such a violent solar event from within, rather than simulating it through models. Deadly Solar Waves Observed First-Hand Within the CME, scientists observed Kelvin-Helmholtz Instabilities—swirling, wave-like patterns formed by the collision of solar flows. Once considered purely theoretical or seen only in simulations, these dangerous waveforms have now been witnessed in real solar conditions. Unprecedented Footage From Inside the Corona NASA released a video showing the Sun's corona from the probe's perspective. According to Angelos Vourlidas from Johns Hopkins University, USA, the footage shows CMEs colliding and merging, giving researchers insight into how space weather forms and evolves. NASA's Dr Nicky Fox added, 'We are finally seeing where Earth's space weather begins". Against All Odds: The Probe Survives Extreme Heat Despite temperatures above 1,300°C and intense radiation, the Parker Probe emerged undamaged. NASA engineers regard this survival as a historic feat in space engineering. What's Next For Parker? The probe's next flyby is set for September 15, 2025, where it will venture even closer to the Sun. Scientists are optimistic that this mission will help decode the origin of solar winds, which are critical in understanding and forecasting space weather. Why This Matters For Earth Space weather caused by CMEs can disrupt satellites, GPS systems, radio signals, and even power grids on Earth. These new findings will help scientists build better early-warning systems, protecting both astronauts and everyday technologies on Earth. view comments First Published: July 12, 2025, 14:06 IST 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.
