Latest news with #Joshua
Daily Maverick
an hour ago
- Science
- Daily Maverick
The building blocks of life — how atoms form in extreme heat
Most of the universe is made up of hydrogen and helium atoms, which came into being after the Big Bang cooled down a little. Heavier atoms are formed during high-energy collisions in stars. How do atoms form? – Joshua (7), Shoreview, Minnesota, US Richard Feynman, a famous theoretical physicist who won the Nobel Prize, said that if he could pass on only one piece of scientific information to future generations, it would be that all things are made of atoms. Understanding how atoms form is a fundamental and important question, since they make up everything with mass. The question of where atoms come from requires a lot of physics to be answered completely – and even then, physicists like me only have good guesses to explain how some atoms are formed. What is an atom? An atom consists of a heavy centre, called the nucleus, made of particles called protons and neutrons. An atom has lighter particles called electrons that you can think of as orbiting the nucleus. The electrons each carry one unit of negative charge, the protons each carry one unit of positive charge, and the neutrons have no charge. An atom has the same number of protons as electrons, so it is neutral − it has no overall charge. Now, most of the atoms in the universe are the two simplest kinds: hydrogen, which has one proton, zero neutrons and one electron; and helium, which has two protons, two neutrons and two electrons. Of course, on Earth there are lots of atoms besides these that are just as common, such as carbon and oxygen, but I'll talk about those soon. An element is what scientists call a group of atoms that are all the same, because they all have the same number of protons. The first atoms form Most of the universe's hydrogen and helium atoms formed about 400,000 years after the Big Bang, which is the name for when scientists think the universe began, about 14 billion years ago. Why did they form at that time? Astronomers know from observing distant exploding stars that the size of the universe has been getting bigger since the Big Bang. When the hydrogen and helium atoms first formed, the universe was about 1,000 times smaller than it is now. Before this time, the electrons had too much energy to settle into orbits around the hydrogen and helium nuclei. So, the hydrogen and helium atoms could form only once the universe cooled down to something like 2,760 degrees Celsius. For historical reasons, this process is misleadingly called recombination, but combination would be more descriptive. The helium and deuterium − a heavier form of hydrogen − nuclei formed even earlier, just a few minutes after the Big Bang, when the temperature was above 556 million degrees Celsius. Protons and neutrons can collide and form nuclei like these only at very high temperatures. Scientists believe that almost all the ordinary matter in the universe is made of about 90% hydrogen atoms and 8% helium atoms. How do more massive atoms form? So, the hydrogen and helium atoms formed during recombination, when the cooler temperature allowed electrons to fall into orbits. But you, I and almost everything on Earth is made of many more massive atoms than just hydrogen and helium. How were these atoms made? The surprising answer is that more massive atoms are made in stars. To make atoms with several protons and neutrons stuck together in the nucleus requires the type of high-energy collisions that occur in very hot places. The energy needed to form a heavier nucleus needs to be large enough to overcome the repulsive electric force that positive charges, like two protons, feel. Protons and neutrons also have another property – kind of like a different type of charge – that is strong enough to bind them together once they are able to get very close together. This property is called the strong force, and the process that sticks these particles together is called fusion. Scientists believe that most of the elements from carbon up to iron are fused in stars heavier than our sun, where the temperature can exceed 556 million degrees Celsius – the same temperature that the universe was when it was a few minutes old. But even in hot stars, elements heavier than iron and nickel won't form. These require extra energy, because the heavier elements can more easily break into pieces. In a dramatic event called a supernova, the inner core of a heavy star suddenly collapses after it runs out of fuel to burn. During the powerful explosion this collapse triggers, elements that are heavier than iron can form and get ejected into the universe. Astronomers are still figuring out the details of other fantastic stellar events that form larger atoms. For example, colliding neutron stars can release enormous amounts of energy – and elements such as gold – on their way to forming black holes. Understanding how atoms are made requires learning a little general relativity, plus some nuclear, particle and atomic physics. But to complicate matters, there is other stuff in the universe that doesn't appear to be made from normal atoms at all, called dark matter. Scientists are investigating what dark matter is and how it forms. DM First published by The Conversation. Stephen L Levy is associate professor of physics, applied physics and astronomy at the State University of New York at Binghamton. This story first appeared in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper, which is available countrywide for R35.
Toronto Sun
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Dakota Joshua takes fellow cancer survivor Phil Kessel's No. 81
Dakota Joshua was traded here a week ago for a fourth-round pick in 2028. He was briefly in the Leaf orbit as a 2014 draft selection at 128th overall, the year William Nylander went eighth. Frank Franklin II/The Associated Press Dakota Joshua knows taking number 81 on the Maple Leafs comes with a lot of history. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account But in asking for it, the new left winger isn't thinking of Phil Kessel the enigmatic scorer as much as a fellow testicular cancer survivor. 'I love the mojo there,' Joshua told the Sun on Tuesday when confirming he'll wear his familiar digits from the Vancouver Canucks. 'I knew his story and looking forward to playing a long time here like Kessel did.' Kessel's bout with the disease was with the Boston Bruins, before he led Toronto in points six consecutive seasons up to 2015. Joshua was diagnosed early last season, had a tumour removed and made it back to play 57 games. But it affected many aspects of his play and while his offensive numbers slipped, the Canucks missed the playoffs and the term and burden of Joshua's contract ($3.25 million for three more years) were part of a change in direction for that club. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'For sure it puts your life in perspective,' Joshua said of his serious medical issue. 'The biggest takeaway is that anything can happen to you, so make the most of (life). But after coming out the other side, I'm stronger as a person. It makes you confident you can get through anything.' Joshua was traded here a week ago for a fourth-round pick in 2028. He was briefly in the Leaf orbit as a 2014 draft selection at 128th overall, the year William Nylander went eighth. Joshua stayed at home at Dearborn, Mich., for that draft in Philadelphia, but did come to a couple of developmental camps where at 6-foot-3 and 206 pounds, he certainly garnered attention. But the Leafs were undergoing a huge changing of the guard and he didn't see a future in Hogtown – at least then. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Being drafted by the Leafs was very special, a big moment in my career. It didn't work out (the Ohio State grad was traded to St. Louis for future considerations), a mix of not being the right fit and a better opportunity with the Blues. 'But I had fun at Toronto's camps and coming here today (to the Ford Centre practice facility) it was a little familiar to me.' The 29-year-old met with general manager Brad Treliving, the training and equipment staff and caught up with some Leafs who are already busy with summer training. He says there was no discussion of exactly where he'll fit in on left wing, likely in the bottom six once September camp begins. 'Today was moreso an introduction, getting back in the building and Brad telling me to have a good summer so I can hit the ground running in a couple of months.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Since the trade, the sports networks have flooded their Leaf segments with Joshua's fights, including one with Ottawa's Brady Tkachuk, one of Toronto great nemeses, another a couple of years ago with Leaf defender Mark Giordano just before he turned 40. Giordano, now a member of the Leafs' development staff, said at the time he had second thoughts once he saw how big Joshua was. 'I didn't see Mark today, but I'm sure when I do, we'll have a few laughs about it,' Joshua said. Sportsnet also noted Joshua and Tkachuk are two of three NHLers with 35-plus goals and at least 650 hits since 2022-23. 'For sure, that's my game,' Joshua said. 'It's chip in offensively (18 goals the year before his cancer scare), play an up-and-down style. (Fighting) is part of the job. I Can't wait until we get started.' lhornby@ X: @sunhornby Canada Columnists Celebrity Entertainment Olympics
National Post
9 hours ago
- Sport
- National Post
Dakota Joshua takes fellow cancer survivor Phil Kessel's No. 81
Article content But in asking for it, the new left winger isn't thinking of Phil Kessel the enigmatic scorer as much as a fellow testicular cancer survivor. Article content Article content 'I love the mojo there,' Joshua told the Sun on Tuesday when confirming he'll wear his familiar digits from the Vancouver Canucks. 'I knew his story and looking forward to playing a long time here like Kessel did.' Article content Kessel's bout with the disease was with the Boston Bruins, before he led Toronto in points six consecutive seasons up to 2015. Joshua was diagnosed early last season, had a tumour removed and made it back to play 57 games. But it affected many aspects of his play and while his offensive numbers slipped, the Canucks missed the playoffs and the term and burden of Joshua's contract ($3.25 million for three more years) were part of a change in direction for that club. Article content 'For sure it puts your life in perspective,' Joshua said of his serious medical issue. 'The biggest takeaway is that anything can happen to you, so make the most of (life). But after coming out the other side, I'm stronger as a person. It makes you confident you can get through anything.' Article content Joshua was traded here a week ago for a fourth-round pick in 2028. He was briefly in the Leaf orbit as a 2014 draft selection at 128th overall, the year William Nylander went eighth. Article content Joshua stayed at home at Dearborn, Mich., for that draft in Philadelphia, but did come to a couple of developmental camps where at 6-foot-3 and 206 pounds, he certainly garnered attention. Article content But the Leafs were undergoing a huge changing of the guard and he didn't see a future in Hogtown – at least then. Article content 'Being drafted by the Leafs was very special, a big moment in my career. It didn't work out (the Ohio State grad was traded to St. Louis for future considerations), a mix of not being the right fit and a better opportunity with the Blues. Article content 'But I had fun at Toronto's camps and coming here today (to the Ford Centre practice facility) it was a little familiar to me.' Article content The 29-year-old met with general manager Brad Treliving, the training and equipment staff and caught up with some Leafs who are already busy with summer training. He says there was no discussion of exactly where he'll fit in on left wing, likely in the bottom six once September camp begins. Article content 'Today was moreso an introduction, getting back in the building and Brad telling me to have a good summer so I can hit the ground running in a couple of months.' Article content Since the trade, the sports networks have flooded their Leaf segments with Joshua's fights, including one with Ottawa's Brady Tkachuk, one of Toronto great nemeses, another a couple of years ago with Leaf defender Mark Giordano just before he turned 40. Article content Giordano, now a member of the Leafs' development staff, said at the time he had second thoughts once he saw how big Joshua was. Article content 'I didn't see Mark today, but I'm sure when I do, we'll have a few laughs about it,' Joshua said.
Cosmopolitan
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
‘Happy Hour' Movie News: Joshua Jackson and Katie Holmes Reunite
We are so back—back to the '90s, to be exact. Dawson's Creek fans, rise up because Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson are reuniting in a new movie, Happy Hour. Katie is writing, directing, and starring in the film, and that's not even the best part. Happy Hour is the first in a planned trilogy of films, which means we're about to get a whole lot more nostalgia coming our way. Don't wanna wait for more news? Say less. Here's everything we know about Happy Hour. On the off chance you don't know, Katie and Joshua famously worked together on Dawson's Creek for five seasons—from 1998-2003. They dated IRL off-screen and on-screen as Joey (Katie) and Pacey (Joshua) and became one of the most iconic TV couples of the late '90s and early aughts. So, yeah, seeing them finally reunite on screen is a pretty big deal. Katie announced the news on Instagram, writing in part, 'Working with Josh after so many years is a testament to friendship.' Fellow Dawson's Creek alum Busy Philipps commented on the post, 'we are seated. 👏👏👏.' According to Deadline, Happy Hour is a romantic dramedy about a couple—played by Katie and Joshua—who are 'navigating their relationship within the challenges of careers and family responsibilities and the pursuit of love, despite life's inevitable obstacles.' No, it's not an official Dawson's Creek sequel. But, the outlet did specify that the couple are 'young loves who reconnect as adults.' Sounds pretty Joey and Pacey coded to me! Katie and Joshua will be joined by Mary-Louise Parker, Constance Wu, Joe Tippett, John McGinty, Donald Webber Jr., Nathan Darrow, Johnna Dias-Watson, and Jack Martin. There's no word yet on when Happy Hour will hit theaters, but filming has officially begun, giving fans plenty of first look pics at Katie and Joshua walking through the streets of New York City, looking like Joey and Pacey together again. We'll be sure to update you when we have more news!
Vancouver Sun
a day ago
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
Canucks: Who is the real Drew O'Connor? Dakota Joshua trade may provide answer
Is Drew O'Connor the new Dakota Joshua ? The Vancouver Canucks ' left-winger measures up in size, speed, smarts and willingness to engage. With Joshua dealt to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday for a 2028 fourth-round draft choice — it adds $US3.25 million in salary-cap space for the pursuit of a support centre — opportunity now awaits O'Connor. He could be a third-line fit because of lessons he learned from Sidney Crosby. The Pittsburgh Penguins are a shadow of their once dominant presence, but their captain always plays like he practises, which is very hard. 'He's so good at teaching you things on the ice with where he wants you to be,' O'Connor told Postmedia News. 'He likes to play close in the offensive zone and move the puck really quickly, work the down-low game. He explains the little details, like how to grab pucks off the wall and tight turns that he's really good at. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'It was awesome playing on a line with him because every time you come to the bench, he shows you different ways of learning new things.' Crosby turns 38 on Aug. 7 and remains a bull-like centre who is difficult to defend off the rush, hard to contain along the walls and almost impossible to deny at the net. He's built to hold his ground. For the undrafted O'Connor, it was a master class of top-flight tutelage. 'You notice it going in practice against him,' laughed O'Connor, who is 6-foot-4 and 209 pounds, and should be able to win his battles. 'It's hard to get the puck off him. And the one thing I got from him is he tries to get better at one specific thing every off-season and has done it for a while.' There is untapped potential in O'Connor, much like Joshua displayed in his 2023-24 breakout season. His 18 goals and 32 points plus a team-leading 244 hits, which ranked ninth overall in the NHL, earned a four-year contract extension that became a management problem last season. Joshua's testicular cancer diagnosis last summer and September surgery meant missing the first 14 games. Playing catch-up in the NHL is never easy, especially with physical and mental hurdles to clear. At age 29, he understandably lost his moxie and slumped to seven goals and 14 points in 57 games. Suddenly, that US$3.25 million in annual average value was perceived as an anchor. O'Connor is certainly more affordable following a two-year, US$5 million extension Feb. 18. But can he be more productive? O'Connor, 27, piqued the Canucks' interest after 16 goals and 33 points in 2023-24 because he played hard for the struggling Penguins. He dipped to six goals and 16 points in 53 games last season before being dealt to the Canucks in a multiplayer swap on Feb. 1. O'Connor's four goals and nine points in 31 games here in a season of transition didn't produce that 'wow' factor, but his first impression was favourable. He was visible and effective in a 3-0 win over the Colorado Avalanche on Feb. 4 that left former Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet gushing. 'I don't want to overstate it, but (Filip) Chytil and (Drew) O'Connor with their speed and willingness to take the puck to the middle on a rush is a little breath of fresh air,' he stressed. 'You see Chytil take the puck to the middle and that's when things happen. Just adding those two guys has helped our rush game. 'We're smiling. That's the stuff we need.' Fast-forward and the trade addition of Evander Kane on the left side makes the east Vancouver native a candidate to work with Elias Pettersson or Chytil. However, that depends on what pivot the Canucks do or don't acquire in free agency or trade. If it's a significant acquisition and Chytil slides down to the No. 3 hole, O'Connor won't complain. Conor Garland gave Chytil, who was shut down in March after a brutal hit and placed in concussion protocol, quite the initial compliment on his effectiveness. 'Fantastic speed, sees the ice well, makes a lot of plays,' said Garland. 'A real good pickup. Good zone entries and drive. He's a winger's dream.' As for O'Connor, the dream was to live up to his own hopes, which once seemed like a stretch for the Chatham, N.J., product. He was 5-foot-10 in Grade 12 and didn't initially attract collegiate interest. It was demoralizing but he pressed on. A growth spurt to 6-foot-3 when he arrived at Dartmouth College in the East Coast Athletic Conference made a difference. So did a dedication to diet and fitness. 'I've had a lot of stretches where things weren't going well and high school was a real struggle for me,' admitted O'Connor. 'I was always one of the better players growing up, but when I got to that point in high school, I was really kind of fading and dropping off. 'But I was a late bloomer. I was able to overcome and eventually get my way into college hockey because that was my goal growing up. I just learned how to deal with it all.' bkuzma@
