Latest news with #molecularhydrogen
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists recreate universe's first molecule to crack 13-billion-year-old mystery
Scientists have recreated the first molecule ever to form and found that it likely played a much bigger role in the birth of early stars than previously thought. The universe was unimaginably hot and dense immediately after it formed about 13.8 billion years ago, and cooled down seconds later to form the first elements, hydrogen and helium, albeit in a completely ionised form. It then took another 380,000 years for the temperature in the early universe to drop enough for neutral atoms to form by combining with free electrons to pave the way for the first chemical reactions. The first molecule created this way is thought to be helium hydride ion (HeH+), formed from a neutral helium atom and ionised hydrogen. Helium hydride's origin also marked the beginning of a chain reaction that led to the formation of molecular hydrogen (H2), which is by far the most common molecule in the universe, scientists say. Although the infant universe at this point was transparent due to the binding of free electrons, there were still no light-emitting objects, such as stars. Researchers found that this ancient helium hydride molecule helped cool the universe over a process lasting several hundred million years before the first stars ignited. Stars are powered by nuclear fusion in which light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a tremendous amount of energy. However, for any early contracting gas cloud of a protostar to collapse to the point where nuclear fusion can begin, heat must be dissipated via collisions between atoms and molecules, which then emit this energy in the form of photons. But below 10,000C, this process becomes ineffective for the dominant hydrogen atoms. So researchers have long considered helium hydride ions as a potentially important candidate for cooling in the formation of the first stars. These ancient molecules could facilitate further cooling by emitting additional energy through rotation and vibration, particularly at low temperatures. The concentration of helium hydride ions in the universe was likely key to the effectiveness of early star formation, the study found. New research, published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics, used a special ultra-cold lab setup to mimic conditions from over 13 billion years ago that led to the formation of these molecules. The study recreated conditions similar to those in the early universe for the first time at the Cryogenic Storage Ring (CSR) instrument at the Max-Planck-Institut fur Kernphysik – a globally unique lab set up for investigating molecular and atomic reactions under space-like conditions. In the research, scientists superimposed HeH⁺ ions stored in a 35-metre-diameter storage ring for up to just a minute at a few kelvins (-267C) with a beam of neutral hydrogen atoms. They studied how the collision rate varied with temperature and found that, contrary to earlier predictions, the rate at which this reaction proceeds does not slow down with decreasing temperature. 'Previous theories predicted a significant decrease in the reaction probability at low temperatures, but we were unable to verify this in either the experiment or new theoretical calculations by our colleagues,' said study co-author Holger Kreckel from the MPIK. The findings suggest the reactions of HeH⁺ with hydrogen were far more important for chemistry in the early universe than previously thought.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Echo Challenges Pharmaceutical Paradigm With Natural Hydrogen Water Therapy Backed by Over 1,500 Studies
Company offers a research-backed, natural alternative to pharmaceuticals for inflammation and energy through molecular hydrogen water SALT LAKE CITY, June 25, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As demand for drug-free wellness solutions grows, Echo is leading the charge with a bold message: effective, affordable alternatives to pharmaceutical solutions already exist—and molecular hydrogen is at the forefront. With its line of advanced hydrogen water products and devices, Echo is providing consumers with a safe, naturally occurring resource supported by over 1,500 peer-reviewed studies on its benefits for inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic recovery. For years, the pharmaceutical industry has had the lion's share of the conversation about health solutions. But according to Josh Carr, founder and CEO of Echo, that dominance may come at the expense of wider access to safer, science-backed alternatives. "Molecular hydrogen has shown great promise in supporting energy, reducing inflammation, and aiding recovery—without the side effects commonly associated with pharmaceuticals," said Carr. "Like many natural wellness therapies, it's gained faster adoption in parts of Asia where hydrogen water is widely embraced. In the U.S., awareness is growing more gradually, in part because naturally occurring molecules like hydrogen aren't patentable in the same way as pharmaceutical drugs, which can impact how quickly new wellness solutions enter the mainstream." However, this hasn't stopped a growing community of biohackers, athletes, and functional medicine professionals from integrating Echo's hydrogen water products into their daily health routines. Echo's flagship product, the Echo Flask, is the only hydrogen water bottle on the market with an integrated mobile app and real-time performance tracking. It produces the highest concentration of hydrogen of any portable unit available and is relied upon by elite athletes and wellness experts across the country. Echo's approach is based on more than trends—it's rooted in trust, transparency, and real-world results. From elite athletes to everyday wellness seekers, Echo customers value the company's commitment to providing clean, effective hydration free from additives and marketing gimmicks. This growing momentum is part of a larger shift toward intelligent self-care and functional performance. "We're not claiming hydrogen water is a cure-all," added Carr. "What we're offering is a scientifically backed wellness tool that deserves the same platform as any other natural, evidence-based therapy. We're giving people the opportunity to experience it for themselves." For more information, visit or to explore the global research on molecular hydrogen, visit About Echo Echo is a pioneer in hydrogen health, dedicated to helping people unlock and sustain peak performance by transforming water into a clean source of cellular support. From advanced home water systems to portable wellness solutions, Echo partners with the body to promote internal balance, resilience, and consistent energy. Backed by peer-reviewed science, trusted by health experts, and engineered for everyday living, Echo makes hydrogen health accessible, effective, and transformative. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts PR Contact Alex KoritzAlex.k@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
