Latest news with #RaúlJiménez
Gizmodo
21-07-2025
- Science
- Gizmodo
Radical New Theory Rewrites the Story of the Earliest Universe
Following the Big Bang, our universe expanded at an exponential rate. According to this theory, known as cosmic inflation, the explosive growth produced tiny quantum fluctuations that later evolved into galaxies. Cosmic inflation neatly explains how our universe got so large and mostly homogenous, and that's why it's remained a strong theory in cosmology for decades. But it's far from perfect. Cosmic inflation depends on certain theoretical assumptions that can get rather arbitrary—not ideal for a theory that's supposed to explain why our universe appears the way it does. It's this shortcoming that motivated theoretical physicist Raúl Jiménez from the University of Barcelona in Spain to devise an alternative approach to decoding the dynamics of the very early universe. The resulting proposal, published earlier this month in Physical Review Research, seeks to eliminate the excessive, circumstantial parameters in traditional models that have made it difficult for physicists to agree on a single theory. The proposal, developed by Jiménez and colleagues, is a relatively simple paradigm founded mostly on well-understood principles of quantum mechanics and general relativity. It starts with the assumption that the very early universe existed in what's called a De Sitter space, which sees the universe as a flat-shaped vacuum governed by general relativity. According to quantum mechanics, applying some energy to this—namely the Big Bang—generates quantum fluctuations that give rise to tensor modes, or gravitational waves. These waves organically seeded small bits of density throughout the universe, and those little bits eventually evolved into galaxies, stars, and planets, according to the theory. Critics of traditional inflationary theory argue that it has too many adjustable parameters. One such parameter is the inflaton—hypothetical scalar fields that physicists believe drove rapid expansion in the early universe. But the new theory removes the inflaton from the picture, substituting it with a de Sitter space rocked by gravitational waves. That the new theory removes many adjustable parameters is a big bonus. 'There is no general principle that determines these things, so basically you need to put them in by hand,' explained Arthur Kosowsky, a cosmologist at the University of Pittsburgh not involved in the new work, in an email to Gizmodo. 'Physicists always strive to make models and theories which are in some sense as simple as possible, meaning that the number of arbitrary things you need to put in by hand is as small as possible.' In an ideal world, a solid theory or model shouldn't require so many adjustable variables. A similar problem exists with the all-encompassing Standard Model, which features a whopping 18 free parameters that need to be sorted out every single time. Physicists 'expend lots of blood, sweat, and tears (and money) because most people are convinced that there must be a better, more powerful model which has two or three parameters instead of 18,' Kosowsky said. And indeed, finding a simple, compelling explanation for early cosmic inflation is what motivated the new work, Jiménez told Gizmodo during a video call. The strength of this theory is that it is 'fully falsifiable' in the sense that it either can or cannot explain observational data, he said. However, this is also the theory's weakness, which Jiménez acknowledged: 'Maybe nature didn't choose this theory as the way things work.' Of course, the most valuable thing about falsifiable theories is that they tell us what doesn't work, he added. (While this might seem sketchy, physicists often employ something akin to a process of elimination for unknown phenomena, such as dark matter.) As for Jiménez's newly proposed theory, it's fair to ask whether it will hold up to observational data and survive further mathematical scrutiny. What Is Dark Matter and Why Hasn't Anyone Found It Yet? 'I like the overall philosophy driving this paper, [which is] 'let's see if we can come up with a situation where inflation arises naturally out of some basic physics,'' Kosowsky said. 'If we can, this is both more elegant than adding some speculative and, in some sense, arbitrary physical elements and also is likely to make more specific predictions, which can then hopefully be compared with observations.' 'I believe it's an interesting and novel proposal—it's something that's well worth a closer look,' commented Andrew Liddle, a theoretical cosmologist at the Institute of Astrophysics and Space Sciences (IA) at the University of Lisbon in Portugal, during a video call with Gizmodo. At the same time, its simplicity could also be its biggest flaw, but only time will tell if more mathematically minded cosmologists take a liking to it, he said. 'There have always been cosmologists who are uncomfortable with inflation [theory]. I'm one of them—and I work on it,' said Marina Cortês, also with the IA, in the same call. 'One of the most uncomfortable things about inflation is that physicists understand everything from the Big Bang onwards, but not the Big Bang and the earliest stages.' Liddle and Cortês, both uninvolved in the new work, said that while cosmologists (including themselves) often disagree on how to best interpret cosmic inflation, the evidence seems to support the notion that inflation did in fact take place. Many physicists have devised alternative explanations, but practically everything has ended up in a 'dustbin' of discarded ideas, Liddle explained. 'But there's no limit to people's imagination,' Liddle said. And the next few decades should see no shortage of new ideas and models—just like this one, according to the two cosmologists. 'Cosmology right now is mostly about these things called tensions, or hints that things are not quite well aligned with the standard cosmological model,' Liddle said. Several questions threatening to usurp what we know about the physical universe—dark energy, the Hubble tension—appear to be coming together in one paradoxical package for scientists, and inflation could be a part of that, Cortês added. No matter what happens, it goes without saying that we're witnessing a time of excitement, chaos, and discovery for cosmology—a sentiment that all the scientists agreed on. 'Not only is the data growing at exponential amounts, but the quality of the analysis is also growing at an exponential quality,' Jiménez said. 'I think that we are living a golden age of cosmology.' 'When we are thinking about inflation, we are trying to take the next step and answer the question of why the universe looks the way it does, and not just describe how it looks,' Kosowsky said. 'Is this due to some deep physics principle yet undiscovered? It could be, and this is what keeps us working hard to push back the boundaries of our understanding.'
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Teenage sensation Gilberto Mora breaks record in Gold Cup final
Mexico retained their CONCACAF Gold Cup crown on Sunday night with a dramatic 2-1 win over the United States in Houston. While goals from Raúl Jiménez and Edson Álvarez secured a second consecutive title for El Tri, it was 16-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora who truly stole the spotlight. Advertisement The teenager not only started the final but also etched his name into the history books by becoming the youngest player ever to win a senior international tournament. At just 16 years and 265 days old, Mora's achievement surpasses that of Lamine Yamal, who only last summer helped Spain win Euro 2024 at the age of 17 years and 1 day. Before Yamal, the record had been held for decades by the legendary Pelé, who won the 1958 World Cup at 17 years and 249 days. Mora has now surpassed them both. The Club Tijuana prodigy first featured in the quarter-final against Saudi Arabia, before earning starts in both the semi-final and final. He registered an assist for Jiménez's winner against Honduras in the last four, and went on to play 75 composed minutes in the final against the U.S., showing a maturity well beyond his years. FIFA has now officially recognised Mora as the youngest player ever to feature in and win the final of a senior-level international competition. Advertisement His performances have not only cemented his place in Mexican football history but also attracted growing interest from major European clubs. However, any move abroad appears to be on hold for now, with his immediate future likely remaining in Liga MX. Just under a year ago, Yamal's triumph with Spain seemed destined to stand for some time. But Mora's rapid rise has rewritten the record books again, confirming the arrival of yet another teenage talent on the world stage.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mexico defeat the USA to win the Gold Cup
Despite falling behind early on, Mexico staged a comeback to defeat the United States 2-1. USA boss Mauricio Pochettino was hoping to win his first title since leaving PSG and his side took the lead early on. Advertisement Indeed, the hosts oopened the scoring in the fourth minute of the game. Sebastian Berhalter sent in a free kick into the box that Chris Richards headed home. However, Mexico's response was swift. Javier Aguirre's pushed forward, chased the deficit and quickly equalised through Fulham's Raúl Jiménez. In the 27th minute, the forward received the ball inside the box, turned and shot first-time, catching the opposing goalkeeper by surprise followed by a goal celebration in tribute to the late Diogo Jota. From that point on, the Mexicans had the majority of the chances with the USA looking to hit on the break. Advertisement After plenty of chances, Mexico finally took the lead in the 77th minute. Following a free kick crossing from the left, Johan Vásquez headed the ball inside the box, and captain Edson Álvarez appeared popped up to apply the finishing touch with a header of his own. Patrick Agyemang had a golden opportunity in the final moments of the match to level the score, but the cohesion of Mexico's defensive line held firm to secure the result and, consequently, lift the Gold Cup once again.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mexico defeats the US for the nation's 10th Gold Cup title
Mexico midfielder Edson Alvarez celebrates after scoring the go-ahead goal against the United States during the CONCACAF Gold Cup Final at NRG Stadium in Houston. - Thomas Shea/Imagn Images/Reuters Mexico defeated the United States Men's National Team by a score of 2-1 on Sunday to win the nation's 10th CONCACAF Gold Cup trophy as champions of North America, Central America and the Caribbean. The match was the most important match for either team until next year's FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the two fierce rivals, along with Canada. Advertisement The intensity of the occasion was evident from the opening kickoff in front of more than 70,000 screaming fans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The Americans seemed to catch Mexico off guard as Chris Richards scored the game's first goal with a scintillating header that ricocheted in off the crossbar on a set piece free kick from Sebastian Berhalter just four minutes into the match to give the USA an instant advantage. Mexico took command after the USMNT's fast start and dominated for long stretches of a first half in which Mexico enjoyed nearly double the time of possession of the Americans. El Tri finally found its equalizer in the 27th minute when Raúl Jiménez turned on a pass from Marcel Ruíz and sent it past American goalie Matthew Freese and into the roof of the netting from point blank range to tie the game 1-1. Advertisement After his heroics, Jiménez celebrated by mimicking the trademark celebration of recently deceased Portuguese star Diogo Jota, who was previously a teammate of Jiménez on the English professional team Wolverhampton Wanderers, while the Mexican striker held a Jota jersey across his lap. As the second half got underway, the two teams exchanged near goals in the early minutes as the momentum of the match teetered on a knife's edge. The tension continued to build until Mexico released the pressure with a set piece goal to break the deadlock in the 77th minute. The free kick deflected off the head of Johan Vásquez and a diving Edson Álvarez headed the ball into the corner of the USA goal to give El Tri a 2-1 lead. Advertisement The goal was initially flagged as offside, but a Video Assistant Referee review determined that it was a good goal to put Mexico in front for the first time in the game. In the second minute of stoppage time, the USMNT came agonizingly close to tying the game, but Mexican keeper Ángel Malagón was able to do just enough to keep Patrick Agyemang's shot out of the goal, and the Mexico defense cleared the ball away. The Americans were unable to generate another good scoring opportunity before referee Mario Escobar blew the final whistle. Sunday night's game marked the eighth time that the two neighboring countries have met in the final of this tournament, with Mexico now holding the 6-2 advantage in those games. Advertisement Mexico's second consecutive victory in the tournament extends its CONCACAF-leading tally to 10 Gold Cup crowns all-time, three more than the USMNT's second-place total of seven. For first-year USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino, there's less than a year until the 2026 World Cup, and the former Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea boss will be hoping that the return of some of the top US players will help his squad turn its fortunes. Christian Pulisic, arguably the best player in the team, drew the ire of Pochettino after he opted to sit out the Gold Cup to rest following a grueling season with Italian Serie A club AC Milan. Meanwhile, Weston McKennie and Tim Weah both missed the Gold Cup while playing in the Club World Cup with Juventus, while PSV defender Sergiño Dest pulled out of the squad to focus on fully recovering from an ACL injury. Advertisement The USMNT will launch its World Cup campaign on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, while Mexico will play in the first match of the tournament a day earlier at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at
CNN
07-07-2025
- Sport
- CNN
Mexico defeats the US for the nation's 10th Gold Cup title
Mexico defeated the United States Men's National Team by a score of 2-1 on Sunday to win the nation's 10th CONCACAF Gold Cup trophy as the champions of North America, Central America and the Caribbean. The match was the most important match for either team until next year's FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the two fierce rivals, along with Canada. The intensity of the occasion was evident from the opening kickoff in front of more than 70,000 screaming fans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The Americans seemed to catch Mexico off guard as Chris Richards scored the game's first goal with a scintillating header that ricocheted in off the crossbar on a set piece free kick from Sebastian Berhalter just four minutes into the match to give the USA an instant advantage. Mexico took command after the USMNT's fast start and dominated for long stretches of a first half in which Mexico enjoyed nearly double the time of possession of the Americans. El Tri finally found its equalizer in the 27th minute when Raúl Jiménez turned on a pass from Marcel Ruíz and sent it past American goalie Matthew Freese and into the roof of the netting from point blank range to tie the game 1-1. After his heroics, Jiménez celebrated by mimicking the trademark celebration of recently deceased Portuguese star Diogo Jota, who was previously a teammate of Jiménez on the English professional team Wolverhampton Wanderers, while the Mexican striker held a Jota jersey across his lap. As the second half got underway, the two teams exchanged near goals in the early minutes as the momentum of the match teetered on a knife's edge. The tension continued to build until Mexico released the pressure with a set piece goal to break the deadlock in the 77th minute. The free kick deflected off the head of Johan Vásquez and a diving Edson Álvarez headed the ball into the corner of the USA goal to give El Tri a 2-1 lead. The goal was initially flagged as offside, but a Video Assistant Referee review determined that it was a good goal to put Mexico in front for the first time in the game. In the second minute of stoppage time, the USMNT came agonizingly close to tying the game, but Mexican keeper Ángel Malagón was able to do just enough to keep Patrick Agyemang's shot out of the goal, and the Mexico defense cleared the ball away. The Americans were unable to generate another good scoring opportunity before referee Mario Escobar blew the final whistle. Sunday night's game marked the eighth time that the two neighboring countries have met in the final of this tournament, with Mexico now holding the 6-2 advantage in those games. Mexico's second consecutive victory in the tournament extends its CONCACAF-leading tally to 10 Gold Cup crowns all-time, three more than the USMNT's second-place total of seven. For first-year USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino, there's less than a year until the 2026 World Cup, and the former Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea boss will be hoping that the return of some of the top US players will help his squad turn its fortunes. Christian Pulisic, arguably the best player in the team, drew the ire of Pochettino after he opted to sit out the Gold Cup to rest following a grueling season with Italian Serie A club AC Milan. Meanwhile, Weston McKennie and Tim Weah both missed the Gold Cup while playing in the Club World Cup with Juventus, while PSV defender Sergiño Dest pulled out of the squad to focus on fully recovering from an ACL injury. The USMNT will launch its World Cup campaign on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, while Mexico will play in the first match of the tournament a day earlier at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
