New research published by British theoretical physicist from the University of Portsmouth, Melvin Vopson, reveals a new role for gravity. His highly speculative and controversial idea is that “gravity reduces information entropy”, meaning that it helps in information processing, ie, organising, which is characteristic of a computational system. The paper has been peer reviewed and published by the American Institute of Physics in mid-2025.<h2>How did Vopson link gravity to information order?</h2>&nbsp;Vopson's hypothesis draws upon the concept of "Entropic Gravity", an idea first explored in 2011 by Dutch theoretical physicist Erik Verlinde. In Newtonian classical physics, mass attracts mass. Gravity is a force. In Einstein's general relativity, gravity is a space-time curvature caused by mass and energy. The concept is that gravity isn't a fundamental force, but an emergent phenomenon, something that appears from the collective behaviour of smaller components. Just as temperature, which emerges from the motion of molecules, similarly, gravity might emerge from the way information is organised in the universe.&nbsp;Melvin Vopson further built on the previous ideas of Claude Shannon and Rolf Landauer’s which suggest that information is not abstract. There is a relation between information and thermodynamics. That information has a physical cost, such as energy, heat, and entropy. From which he induces that information must then obey laws like matter and energy. In classical physics, the second law of thermodynamics posits that the total entropy (disorder) of an isolated system always increases.He proposes a new idea, which he calls the “Second Law of Infodynamics”, which is contrary to traditional thermodynamics, suggesting that information-entropy decreases over time. “The Second Law of Information Dynamics requires information entropy to decrease; it requires less computational power and less data storage,” said Vopson.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I was a bit too brave. I postulated with a collaborator of mine that this is a universal law, but I only gave two examples … since then, all my efforts were geared toward finding other systems where this is valid,” Vopson said ambitiously. As he was trying to find evidence for his presumptuously declared "law" of the universe, &nbsp;he took COVID-19 as a specimen.&nbsp;After analysing the readily available data related to the mutations of the SARS-CoV-2, the microscopic menace behind the pandemic, Vopson determined that when the virus mutated, information entropy decreased. According to Vopson, “if the universe were a super-sophisticated simulation, it would require built-in optimisation and compression to reduce complexity. So perhaps these genetic mutations are evidence of that optimisation at work, since mutations appeared to decrease information entropy.”&nbsp;He admits that the idea is speculative and in the realm of hypothesis. Despite six years of these kinds of rapid-fire bold claims, they are very far from certain. But he also acknowledges that he faced very little pushback from the scientific community. “We have a public duty to publish results, publish ideas, bring them into the public domain so we can debate them, so we can disprove them,” said Melvin Vopson.&nbsp;

British physicist Melvin Vopson proposes that gravity reduces information entropy, hinting that the universe may function like a computational system.

New research published by British theoretical physicist from the University of Portsmouth, Melvin Vopson, reveals a new role for gravity. His highly speculative and controversial idea is that “gravity reduces information entropy”, meaning that it helps in information processing, ie, organising, which is characteristic of a computational system. The paper has been peer reviewed and published by the American Institute of Physics in mid-2025. How did Vopson link gravity to information order? Vopson's hypothesis draws upon the concept of "Entropic Gravity", an idea first explored in 2011 by Dutch theoretical physicist Erik Verlinde. In Newtonian classical physics, mass attracts mass. Gravity is a force. In Einstein's general relativity, gravity is a space-time curvature caused by mass and energy. The concept is that gravity isn't a fundamental force, but an emergent phenomenon, something that appears from the collective behaviour of smaller components. Just as temperature, which emerges from the motion of molecules, similarly, gravity might emerge from the way information is organised in the universe. Melvin Vopson further built on the previous ideas of Claude Shannon and Rolf Landauer’s which suggest that information is not abstract. There is a relation between information and thermodynamics. That information has a physical cost, such as energy, heat, and entropy. From which he induces that information must then obey laws like matter and energy. In classical physics, the second law of thermodynamics posits that the total entropy (disorder) of an isolated system always increases. He proposes a new idea, which he calls the “Second Law of Infodynamics”, which is contrary to traditional thermodynamics, suggesting that information-entropy decreases over time. “The Second Law of Information Dynamics requires information entropy to decrease; it requires less computational power and less data storage,” said Vopson. “I was a bit too brave. I postulated with a collaborator of mine that this is a universal law, but I only gave two examples … since then, all my efforts were geared toward finding other systems where this is valid,” Vopson said ambitiously. As he was trying to find evidence for his presumptuously declared "law" of the universe, he took COVID-19 as a specimen. After analysing the readily available data related to the mutations of the SARS-CoV-2, the microscopic menace behind the pandemic, Vopson determined that when the virus mutated, information entropy decreased. According to Vopson, “if the universe were a super-sophisticated simulation, it would require built-in optimisation and compression to reduce complexity. So perhaps these genetic mutations are evidence of that optimisation at work, since mutations appeared to decrease information entropy.” He admits that the idea is speculative and in the realm of hypothesis. Despite six years of these kinds of rapid-fire bold claims, they are very far from certain. But he also acknowledges that he faced very little pushback from the scientific community. “We have a public duty to publish results, publish ideas, bring them into the public domain so we can debate them, so we can disprove them,” said Melvin Vopson.

British physicist Melvin Vopson proposes that gravity reduces information entropy, hinting that the universe may function like a computational system.

Is gravity a clue we live in a simulation? New theory links gravity to information processing

A new "gravity map" of Mars has revealed the mysteries hidden beneath the surface of Mars that were unknown to humankind till now,

On the map, dozens of mysteriously dense blobs were spotted - one of them being in the shape of a dog - below the ancient seabed around the north pole of the Red Planet.&nbsp;

The first-of-its-kind map further confirmed the existence of the tallest mountain on Mars.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mars-once-had-water-but-now-its-barren-heres-what-led-to-its-mysterious-disappearance-756902">Mars once had water but now it's barren. Here's what led to its mysterious disappearance</a>

The density map of Mars was created by the researchers by combining data about the crust of the planet from NASA's InSight lander along with records of fluctuations in the satellites' orbits.

<h2>Here's what the gravity map reveals about Mars&nbsp;</h2>

The new map brought into focus 20 underground blobs present in the Borealis Basin which is in the northern hemisphere of Mars and was an ancient seabed more than 3 billion years ago.

In a statement, the researchers said that the blobs were of all shapes and sizes and one of them "resembles the shape of a dog". The density of these blobs ranged between 300 and 400 kilograms per cubic meter.&nbsp;

However, the scientists were not able to confirm how these blobs were formed and why were they so dense.&nbsp;

"These dense structures could be volcanic in origin or could be compacted material due to ancient [meteor] impacts," said study lead author&nbsp;Bart Root, who is also a planetary scientist at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, in the statement.&nbsp;

And "there seems to be no trace of them at the surface," he said.

Watch:&nbsp;China advances deadline for launch of Mars mission by two years

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The findings were presented by the research team at the Europlanet Science Congress in Berlin between September 8-13.

The map revealed that the northern polar formations are nearly 300-400 kg/m³ denser in comparison to their surroundings.

“Through gravity data, we have a tantalizing glimpse into the older history of the northern hemisphere of Mars,” said Dr. Root.

The enormous volcanic region of Tharsis Rise, which included Olympus Mons, was also revealed in the study.

“The NASA InSight mission has given us vital new information about the hard outer layer of Mars. This means we need to rethink how we understand the support for the Olympus Mons volcano and its surroundings,” Dr. Root added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A new "gravity map" of Mars has revealed the mysteries hidden beneath the surface of Mars that were unknown to humankind till now, On the map, dozens of mysteriously dense blobs were spotted - one of them being in the shape of a dog - below the ancient seabed around the north pole of the Red Planet.

A new "gravity map" of Mars has revealed the mysteries hidden beneath the surface of Mars that were unknown to humankind till now, On the map, dozens of mysteriously dense blobs were spotted - one of them being in the shape of a dog - below the ancient seabed around the north pole of the Red Planet. The first-of-its-kind map further confirmed the existence of the tallest mountain on Mars. Also Read: Mars once had water but now it's barren. Here's what led to its mysterious disappearance The density map of Mars was created by the researchers by combining data about the crust of the planet from NASA's InSight lander along with records of fluctuations in the satellites' orbits. Here's what the gravity map reveals about Mars The new map brought into focus 20 underground blobs present in the Borealis Basin which is in the northern hemisphere of Mars and was an ancient seabed more than 3 billion years ago. In a statement, the researchers said that the blobs were of all shapes and sizes and one of them "resembles the shape of a dog". The density of these blobs ranged between 300 and 400 kilograms per cubic meter. However, the scientists were not able to confirm how these blobs were formed and why were they so dense. "These dense structures could be volcanic in origin or could be compacted material due to ancient [meteor] impacts," said study lead author Bart Root, who is also a planetary scientist at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, in the statement. And "there seems to be no trace of them at the surface," he said. Watch: China advances deadline for launch of Mars mission by two years The findings were presented by the research team at the Europlanet Science Congress in Berlin between September 8-13. The map revealed that the northern polar formations are nearly 300-400 kg/m³ denser in comparison to their surroundings. “Through gravity data, we have a tantalizing glimpse into the older history of the northern hemisphere of Mars,” said Dr. Root. The enormous volcanic region of Tharsis Rise, which included Olympus Mons, was also revealed in the study. “The NASA InSight mission has given us vital new information about the hard outer layer of Mars. This means we need to rethink how we understand the support for the Olympus Mons volcano and its surroundings,” Dr. Root added. (With inputs from agencies)

Mars' gravity map finds mysterious blobs, 'Martian dog' beneath its seabed

It has been always known that there are gravity and magnetic fields present on planet Earth.&nbsp;

However, an international team of scientists, with the help of a NASA suborbital rocket, was able to measure a planet-wide electric field successfully, which has been found to be as fundamental to planet Earth as are magnetic and gravity fields.&nbsp;

The ambipolar&nbsp;electric field was first hypothesized more than 60 years ago by scientists based on how the atmosphere&nbsp;of our planet can escape above the North and South Poles of the Earth.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-rotated-dramatically-slowly-when-life-exploded-and-vanished-on-planet-study-753989">Earth rotated 'dramatically slowly' when life exploded and vanished on planet: Study</a>

NASA's Endurance mission rocket's measurements have now confirmed that the ambipolar field exists and its strength was also quantified, which revealed the field's role in pushing atmospheric escape and giving shape to the ionosphere, which is a layer of the upper atmosphere.

<h2>Earth's electric field pushes particles out of atmosphere: Study</h2>

Scientists have tried to understand the evolution and complex movements of the atmosphere of our planet because it gives clues regarding the history of Earth and also gives insight into the mysteries of different planets and helps them understand which of them has the potential of becoming hospitable to life.

The experts have already published a research paper on this topic in the journal&nbsp;Nature.

The spacecraft, which has been flying over the poles of Earth since the late 1960s, detected a stream of particles that was spotted flowing from our atmosphere into space.&nbsp;

The outflow was predicted by the theorists, which they called the "polar wind" as the researchers tried to understand its causes.

In this polar wind, a lot of particles were cold and had no signs of getting heated but were still travelling at&nbsp;supersonic speeds.

Watch:&nbsp;Earth slows down by 1.33 milliseconds

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"Something had to be drawing these particles out of the atmosphere," said Glyn Collinson, who is the lead author of the paper and principal investigator of Endurance at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

The scientists suspected that a yet-to-be-discovered electric field may have caused this polar wind.

The hypothesized electric field, which was generated at the subatomic scale, was predicted to be very weak since effects were felt only across hundreds of miles.&nbsp;

In 2016, Collinson and his team invented a new instrument, which was then used to measure the ambipolar field of Earth.

"Any planet with an atmosphere should have an ambipolar field. Now that we've finally measured it, we can begin learning how it's shaped our planet as well as others over time," Collinson said.

(With inputs from agencies)

It has been always known that there are gravity and magnetic fields present on planet Earth. However, an international team of scientists, with the help of a NASA suborbital rocket, was able to measure a planet-wide electric field successfully, which has been found to be as fundamental to planet Earth as are magnetic and gravity fields.

It has been always known that there are gravity and magnetic fields present on planet Earth. However, an international team of scientists, with the help of a NASA suborbital rocket, was able to measure a planet-wide electric field successfully, which has been found to be as fundamental to planet Earth as are magnetic and gravity fields. The ambipolar electric field was first hypothesized more than 60 years ago by scientists based on how the atmosphere of our planet can escape above the North and South Poles of the Earth. Also Read: Earth rotated 'dramatically slowly' when life exploded and vanished on planet: Study NASA's Endurance mission rocket's measurements have now confirmed that the ambipolar field exists and its strength was also quantified, which revealed the field's role in pushing atmospheric escape and giving shape to the ionosphere, which is a layer of the upper atmosphere. Earth's electric field pushes particles out of atmosphere: Study Scientists have tried to understand the evolution and complex movements of the atmosphere of our planet because it gives clues regarding the history of Earth and also gives insight into the mysteries of different planets and helps them understand which of them has the potential of becoming hospitable to life. The experts have already published a research paper on this topic in the journal Nature. The spacecraft, which has been flying over the poles of Earth since the late 1960s, detected a stream of particles that was spotted flowing from our atmosphere into space. The outflow was predicted by the theorists, which they called the "polar wind" as the researchers tried to understand its causes. In this polar wind, a lot of particles were cold and had no signs of getting heated but were still travelling at supersonic speeds. Watch: Earth slows down by 1.33 milliseconds "Something had to be drawing these particles out of the atmosphere," said Glyn Collinson, who is the lead author of the paper and principal investigator of Endurance at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The scientists suspected that a yet-to-be-discovered electric field may have caused this polar wind. The hypothesized electric field, which was generated at the subatomic scale, was predicted to be very weak since effects were felt only across hundreds of miles. In 2016, Collinson and his team invented a new instrument, which was then used to measure the ambipolar field of Earth. "Any planet with an atmosphere should have an ambipolar field. Now that we've finally measured it, we can begin learning how it's shaped our planet as well as others over time," Collinson said. (With inputs from agencies)

There is an electric field on Earth, apart from gravity and magnetic fields, NASA confirms

Scientists have successfully detected the pull of gravity on the microscopic scale, setting the foundation for further exploration of its nature within the interesting quantum realm.

In a recent study, scientists from Leiden University in the Netherlands and the Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnologies in Italy devised a method to measure subtle gravitational forces between minuscule objects.

The experiment, meticulously shielded against vibrations, involved levitating a magnetic particle above a superconductor at near absolute zero.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Scientists claim superconductor breakthrough

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The gravitational force on the levitated particle was measured as a brass-weighted electrical bicycle wheel revolved about a meter away, altering the proximity of the weights to the particle.&nbsp;The gravitational force, contingent on the masses and distance between two objects, was observed in the experiment, where a half-milligram particle experienced a 30-attonewton force. An attonewton is one billionth of a billionth of a newton.

<h2>How the experiment was conducted?</h2>

Conducted with sophisticated superconducting equipment cooled to near absolute zero, physicists recorded a minute gravitational force of 30 quintillionths of a newton acting on a particle less than a millimeter wide, which had brass weights attached to an electrical bicycle wheel.

<h2>What does it mean?</h2>

The achievement opens the door for future investigations, as researchers plan to measure gravity generated by increasingly smaller particles to understand its behaviour in the subatomic world dominated by quantum rules.

Such experiments bridge the gap between quantum mechanics and general relativity.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/quantum-leap-indian-scientists-pioneer-breakthrough-algorithm-for-studying-ultracold-atoms-688154">Quantum leap! Indian scientists pioneer breakthrough algorithm for studying ultracold atoms</a>

For over a century, physicists have grappled with the challenge of theoretically merging gravity, describing how mass bends space-time, with quantum theory, governing the subatomic realm.

Understanding gravity at the quantum scale holds the potential to unravel profound mysteries of the universe, including its origin and the intricacies within black holes.

<h2>What next?</h2>

With the successful demonstration of their equipment, the researchers now aim to investigate how gravity behaves between progressively smaller particles influenced by quantum mechanics. However, this endeavour is expected to take five to 10 years to yield the first measurements.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have successfully detected the pull of gravity on the microscopic scale, setting the foundation for further exploration of its nature within the interesting quantum realm.

Scientists have successfully detected the pull of gravity on the microscopic scale, setting the foundation for further exploration of its nature within the interesting quantum realm. In a recent study, scientists from Leiden University in the Netherlands and the Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnologies in Italy devised a method to measure subtle gravitational forces between minuscule objects. The experiment, meticulously shielded against vibrations, involved levitating a magnetic particle above a superconductor at near absolute zero. Also watch | Gravitas: Scientists claim superconductor breakthrough × The gravitational force on the levitated particle was measured as a brass-weighted electrical bicycle wheel revolved about a meter away, altering the proximity of the weights to the particle. The gravitational force, contingent on the masses and distance between two objects, was observed in the experiment, where a half-milligram particle experienced a 30-attonewton force. An attonewton is one billionth of a billionth of a newton. How the experiment was conducted? Conducted with sophisticated superconducting equipment cooled to near absolute zero, physicists recorded a minute gravitational force of 30 quintillionths of a newton acting on a particle less than a millimeter wide, which had brass weights attached to an electrical bicycle wheel. What does it mean? The achievement opens the door for future investigations, as researchers plan to measure gravity generated by increasingly smaller particles to understand its behaviour in the subatomic world dominated by quantum rules. Such experiments bridge the gap between quantum mechanics and general relativity. Also read | Quantum leap! Indian scientists pioneer breakthrough algorithm for studying ultracold atoms For over a century, physicists have grappled with the challenge of theoretically merging gravity, describing how mass bends space-time, with quantum theory, governing the subatomic realm. Understanding gravity at the quantum scale holds the potential to unravel profound mysteries of the universe, including its origin and the intricacies within black holes. What next? With the successful demonstration of their equipment, the researchers now aim to investigate how gravity behaves between progressively smaller particles influenced by quantum mechanics. However, this endeavour is expected to take five to 10 years to yield the first measurements. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists measure gravity in Attonewton — up to one billionth of a billionth of a Newton

Physicists have achieved a groundbreaking feat by successfully measuring the gravitational pull at the smallest&nbsp;mass ever by acting on a minuscule particle suspended in a magnetic trap. The particle, weighing a mere 0.43 grams, was subjected to the faint force of gravity, measured at the scale of attonewtons (10-18 newtons).&nbsp;

"For a century, scientists have tried and failed to understand how gravity and quantum mechanics work together," remarked physicist Tim Fuchs of Leiden University and the University of Southampton, who spearheaded the research. "Now we have successfully measured gravitational signals at the smallest mass ever recorded, it means we are one step closer to finally realizing how it works in tandem."

Classical physics elucidates the behavior of macroscopic objects, while quantum mechanics governs the realm of the infinitesimally small. Yet, reconciling these disparate realms remains a formidable task.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-silent-warning-microplastics-is-found-in-every-human-placenta-a-new-study-reveals-693332">A silent warning? Microplastics is found in every human placenta, a new study reveals</a>

To tackle this challenge, Fuchs and his team devised an ingenious approach involving a superconducting magnetic trap. Within this setup, a particle of around 0.43 grams in mass was suspended and its gravitational interaction was meticulously probed.

The experimental apparatus, meticulously engineered, comprised a tantalum trap cooled to a critical temperature, housing a particle constructed from neodymium magnet spheres and a glass sphere.

Shielded from external disturbances, the experiment operated within a controlled environment, facilitated by sophisticated dampening mechanisms.

By employing an electrically driven wheel to generate a precise gravity gradient, the researchers achieved a remarkable feat – measuring a gravitational force as minute as 30 attonewtons, surpassing previous records.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/us-spaceship-odysseus-may-have-tipped-over-on-moon-surface-likely-fractured-landing-equipment-693303">US spaceship Odysseus may have 'tipped over' on Moon surface, likely 'fractured' landing equipment</a>

The implications of this research extend far beyond fundamental physics, with potential ramifications for understanding cosmic phenomena such as the origin of the universe and the enigmatic nature of black holes.

Watch | Choose EVs to boost children's health, says study

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"From here we will start scaling the source down using this technique until we reach the quantum world on both sides," Fuchs says. "By understanding quantum gravity, we could solve some of the mysteries of our universe – like how it began, what happens inside black holes, or uniting all forces into one big theory."

The findings of the study have been published in Science Advances, an important milestone in the pursuit of unraveling the mysteries of gravity at the quantum scale.

(With inputs from agencies)

Physicists have achieved a groundbreaking feat by successfully measuring the gravitational pull at the smallest mass ever by acting on a minuscule particle suspended in a magnetic trap.

Physicists have achieved a groundbreaking feat by successfully measuring the gravitational pull at the smallest mass ever by acting on a minuscule particle suspended in a magnetic trap. The particle, weighing a mere 0.43 grams, was subjected to the faint force of gravity, measured at the scale of attonewtons (10-18 newtons). "For a century, scientists have tried and failed to understand how gravity and quantum mechanics work together," remarked physicist Tim Fuchs of Leiden University and the University of Southampton, who spearheaded the research. "Now we have successfully measured gravitational signals at the smallest mass ever recorded, it means we are one step closer to finally realizing how it works in tandem." Classical physics elucidates the behavior of macroscopic objects, while quantum mechanics governs the realm of the infinitesimally small. Yet, reconciling these disparate realms remains a formidable task. Also Read | A silent warning? Microplastics is found in every human placenta, a new study reveals To tackle this challenge, Fuchs and his team devised an ingenious approach involving a superconducting magnetic trap. Within this setup, a particle of around 0.43 grams in mass was suspended and its gravitational interaction was meticulously probed. The experimental apparatus, meticulously engineered, comprised a tantalum trap cooled to a critical temperature, housing a particle constructed from neodymium magnet spheres and a glass sphere. Shielded from external disturbances, the experiment operated within a controlled environment, facilitated by sophisticated dampening mechanisms. By employing an electrically driven wheel to generate a precise gravity gradient, the researchers achieved a remarkable feat – measuring a gravitational force as minute as 30 attonewtons, surpassing previous records. Also Read | US spaceship Odysseus may have 'tipped over' on Moon surface, likely 'fractured' landing equipment The implications of this research extend far beyond fundamental physics, with potential ramifications for understanding cosmic phenomena such as the origin of the universe and the enigmatic nature of black holes. Watch | Choose EVs to boost children's health, says study × "From here we will start scaling the source down using this technique until we reach the quantum world on both sides," Fuchs says. "By understanding quantum gravity, we could solve some of the mysteries of our universe – like how it began, what happens inside black holes, or uniting all forces into one big theory." The findings of the study have been published in Science Advances, an important milestone in the pursuit of unraveling the mysteries of gravity at the quantum scale. (With inputs from agencies)

Physicists achieve breakthrough as gravity recorded at smallest mass ever

There's a giant gravity hole in the Indian Ocean. It is about three million square kilometres in size roughly where the seafloor sinks into a vast depression. And we may finally know why There is a mysterious giant 'gravity hole'.

Scientists unravel the mystery of Indian Ocean

The Earth’s gravitational pull is weakest somewhere around the middle of the Indian Ocean. And that’s because there is a giant “hole” on that spot.

The hole being referred to here is not a typical hole where water will drain. Instead, the geologists say that there is less mass under that spot, making the gravitational pull weaker than any other place on the planet.

Scientists have for years tried to figure out the origins of such geological phenomena until now.

Two leading geologists—Debanjan Pal and Attreyee Ghosh—from the Centre for Earth Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru city of India's southern state Karnataka, have put forward a compelling explanation.

They argue that it has origins to an ancient ocean bed that sank due to plate tectonic movements.

<h2>Origins in ancient ocean</h2>

By reconstructing the last 140 million years of tectonic plate movements and underlying mantle that accompanied the rearrangement of Earth’s crust, they say that it may have been caused by plumes of molten rock rising from deep beneath Africa at the edges of the sinking remnants of an ancient ocean bed.

Earth is not a perfect sphere. Had it been the&nbsp;case, then gravity would have been the same at every point on its surface.

But in reality, the blue planet is flatter than a true sphere around the North and South Poles, and it bulges out near the equator.

Furthermore, different regions exert different gravitational pull depending on the mass of Earth’s crust, mantle and core beneath them.

In the Indian Ocean, there is a pronounced dip in the geoid, which is called the Indian Ocean geoid low (IOGL). It is the planet’s most prominent gravitational anomaly.

It covers more than three million square kilometres and is centered about 1,200 km southwest of the southern tip of India.

Given the fact that the ocean looks relatively flat at any given point, it means that the dip isn’t visible at the surface. As a result of the low gravitational pull there, coupled with the higher gravitational pull from the surrounding areas, the sea level of the Indian Ocean over the hole is a whopping 106 metres lower than the global average, says the new study.

<h2>Indian Ocean geoid low&nbsp;</h2>

According to the study’s lead author Debanjan Pal, the IOGL was discovered in 1948 during a ship-based gravity survey by Dutch geophysicist Felix Andries Vening Meinesz.

Since then, numerous ship expeditions were undertaken and satellites used to measure the hole, but scientists could find why it was there until now.

They argue that it is present because of a distinctive mantle structure, combined with an adjacent disturbance under Africa called a large low shear velocity province (LLSVP) that is more commonly known as the “African blob.”

“What we’re seeing is that hot, low-density material coming from this LLSVP underneath Africa is sitting underneath the Indian Ocean and creating this geoid low,” Ghosh says, according to Scientific American magazine.

Pal says that the African blob, which largely causes the IOGL, is probably formed by “Tethyan slabs” deep in the mantle.

Geologists think these slabs are ancient remnants of seafloor from the&nbsp;Tethys Ocean, which was located between the&nbsp;supercontinents&nbsp;of Laurasia and Gondwana more than 200 million years ago.

Both Africa and India were part of Gondwana, but what is now India slowly moved north into the Tethys Ocean, creating the Indian Ocean behind it about 120 million years ago.

“Plumes [of molten rock] arise when subducted slabs belonging to the old Tethys Ocean sink inside the mantle and reach the core-mantle boundary,” he said.

“We also show that the surrounding mantle structures play a role in giving rise to this low, in addition to these plumes.”

(With inputs from agencies) 
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The Earth’s gravitational pull is weakest somewhere around the middle of the Indian Ocean. And that’s because there is a giant “hole” on that spot. The hole being referred to here is not a typical hole where water will drain.

The Earth’s gravitational pull is weakest somewhere around the middle of the Indian Ocean. And that’s because there is a giant “hole” on that spot. The hole being referred to here is not a typical hole where water will drain. Instead, the geologists say that there is less mass under that spot, making the gravitational pull weaker than any other place on the planet. Scientists have for years tried to figure out the origins of such geological phenomena until now. Two leading geologists—Debanjan Pal and Attreyee Ghosh—from the Centre for Earth Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru city of India's southern state Karnataka, have put forward a compelling explanation. They argue that it has origins to an ancient ocean bed that sank due to plate tectonic movements. Origins in ancient ocean By reconstructing the last 140 million years of tectonic plate movements and underlying mantle that accompanied the rearrangement of Earth’s crust, they say that it may have been caused by plumes of molten rock rising from deep beneath Africa at the edges of the sinking remnants of an ancient ocean bed. Earth is not a perfect sphere. Had it been the case, then gravity would have been the same at every point on its surface. But in reality, the blue planet is flatter than a true sphere around the North and South Poles, and it bulges out near the equator. Furthermore, different regions exert different gravitational pull depending on the mass of Earth’s crust, mantle and core beneath them. In the Indian Ocean, there is a pronounced dip in the geoid, which is called the Indian Ocean geoid low (IOGL). It is the planet’s most prominent gravitational anomaly. It covers more than three million square kilometres and is centered about 1,200 km southwest of the southern tip of India. Given the fact that the ocean looks relatively flat at any given point, it means that the dip isn’t visible at the surface. As a result of the low gravitational pull there, coupled with the higher gravitational pull from the surrounding areas, the sea level of the Indian Ocean over the hole is a whopping 106 metres lower than the global average, says the new study. Indian Ocean geoid low According to the study’s lead author Debanjan Pal, the IOGL was discovered in 1948 during a ship-based gravity survey by Dutch geophysicist Felix Andries Vening Meinesz. Since then, numerous ship expeditions were undertaken and satellites used to measure the hole, but scientists could find why it was there until now. They argue that it is present because of a distinctive mantle structure, combined with an adjacent disturbance under Africa called a large low shear velocity province (LLSVP) that is more commonly known as the “African blob.” “What we’re seeing is that hot, low-density material coming from this LLSVP underneath Africa is sitting underneath the Indian Ocean and creating this geoid low,” Ghosh says, according to Scientific American magazine. Pal says that the African blob, which largely causes the IOGL, is probably formed by “Tethyan slabs” deep in the mantle. Geologists think these slabs are ancient remnants of seafloor from the Tethys Ocean, which was located between the supercontinents of Laurasia and Gondwana more than 200 million years ago. Both Africa and India were part of Gondwana, but what is now India slowly moved north into the Tethys Ocean, creating the Indian Ocean behind it about 120 million years ago. “Plumes [of molten rock] arise when subducted slabs belonging to the old Tethys Ocean sink inside the mantle and reach the core-mantle boundary,” he said. “We also show that the surrounding mantle structures play a role in giving rise to this low, in addition to these plumes.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Scientists find why there is giant ‘hole' in Indian Ocean, where Earth’s gravity is at weakest

A new study published in the american journal of gastroenterology claims that irritable bowel syndrome is triggered by our body's inability to manage gravity. It also shows the linkage between our nervous system and gravity pull.

What triggers irresistible bowel movement?

A new study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology claims that irritable bowel syndrome is triggered by our body's inability to manage gravity. It also shows the linkage between our nervous system and gravity pull.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Gravity may cause IBS symptoms

An Australian opposition leader's claim that scientists are not considering the role of gravity in the heating of Earth received massive flak from scientists worldwide. Queensland senator Gerard Rennick said that it is "categorically false" for scientists to argue that Carbon dioxide traps heat in the same way that a greenhouse.&nbsp;

Rennick posted a video in which he can be heard saying that, "scientists ignore the fact that gravity plays a role in heating the earth… That’s why ‘Net Zero’ CO2 emissions won’t stop ‘Climate Change’."

In an article linked to his tweet, Rennick asserted that CO2 was not responsible for heating of the plant. Climate Change was "junk science", he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-advertisers-promoted-false-claims-about-climate-change-during-cop26-summit-430321">Facebook advertisers promoted false claims about climate change during COP26 summit</a>

Dr Chris Colose, a climate scientist at NASA, replied on Twitter that Rennick’s question "do gases trap convection", "doesn’t even make sense as a statement. Nor does it discount the importance of [greenhouse gases]."

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;New IPCC report on climate change

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Mann described Rennick’s statement as "gibberish" and a "stringing together of scientific terms reminiscent of monkeys typing on a typewriter".

When Rennick accused Mann of "cancelling gravity" while describing the greenhouse effect, Mann showed a mathematical explanation of how air temperatures change with rise in altitude.&nbsp;

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p.s. "canceling gravity"? Given your extensive background in atmospheric physics, surely you're aware of what "g" stands for in this derivation? 😆<a href="https://t.co/vsPEMxko13">https://t.co/vsPEMxko13</a>
— Prof Michael E. Mann (@MichaelEMann) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelEMann/status/1642641142767386627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Another expert, Associate Prof Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, a climate scientist at the University of New South Wales Canberra, pointed to Rennick’s areas of expertise, which does not include climate science.

"He has got no expertise whatsoever. It’s a bit like me going and doing someone else’s taxes. I wouldn’t. There’s no point," she was quoted as saying by The Guardian.&nbsp;

The volume of greenhouse gases, causing the planet to heat up, has doubled between 2005 and 2019, according to a 2021 peer-reviewed study. Scientists also point to the "knowledge gap that exists currently in the world" over climate science, and have urged the authorities to take steps to rectify the same.&nbsp;

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An Australian opposition leader's claim that scientists are not considering the role of gravity in the heating of Earth received massive flak from scientists worldwide.

An Australian opposition leader's claim that scientists are not considering the role of gravity in the heating of Earth received massive flak from scientists worldwide. Queensland senator Gerard Rennick said that it is "categorically false" for scientists to argue that Carbon dioxide traps heat in the same way that a greenhouse. Rennick posted a video in which he can be heard saying that, "scientists ignore the fact that gravity plays a role in heating the earth… That’s why ‘Net Zero’ CO2 emissions won’t stop ‘Climate Change’." In an article linked to his tweet, Rennick asserted that CO2 was not responsible for heating of the plant. Climate Change was "junk science", he added. ALSO READ | Facebook advertisers promoted false claims about climate change during COP26 summit Dr Chris Colose, a climate scientist at NASA, replied on Twitter that Rennick’s question "do gases trap convection", "doesn’t even make sense as a statement. Nor does it discount the importance of [greenhouse gases]." ALSO WATCH | New IPCC report on climate change × Mann described Rennick’s statement as "gibberish" and a "stringing together of scientific terms reminiscent of monkeys typing on a typewriter". When Rennick accused Mann of "cancelling gravity" while describing the greenhouse effect, Mann showed a mathematical explanation of how air temperatures change with rise in altitude. p.s. "canceling gravity"? Given your extensive background in atmospheric physics, surely you're aware of what "g" stands for in this derivation? 😆https://t.co/vsPEMxko13 — Prof Michael E. Mann (@MichaelEMann) April 2, 2023 × Another expert, Associate Prof Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, a climate scientist at the University of New South Wales Canberra, pointed to Rennick’s areas of expertise, which does not include climate science. "He has got no expertise whatsoever. It’s a bit like me going and doing someone else’s taxes. I wouldn’t. There’s no point," she was quoted as saying by The Guardian. The volume of greenhouse gases, causing the planet to heat up, has doubled between 2005 and 2019, according to a 2021 peer-reviewed study. Scientists also point to the "knowledge gap that exists currently in the world" over climate science, and have urged the authorities to take steps to rectify the same. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Lawmaker says gravity has role in climate change, faces scorn from scientists

Russian space agency Roscosmos released a video on Thursday (December 29) of cosmonauts Sergey Prokopiev, Anna Kikina and Dmitry Petelin decorating the International Space Station for the New Year.

Russian cosmonauts put up New Year decorations in zero gravity

A 28-year-old woman from the United States claims that she is allergic to gravity and due to the rare condition, she loses consciousness up to 10 times every day. Lyndsi Johnson, who was working as an aviation diesel mechanic for the US&nbsp;navy, also has to spend almost 23 hours in bed due to the condition.&nbsp;

Johnson started having abdominal and back pain in 2015 and in the next few years, her situation got worse. reported&nbsp;the Independent. She was unable to get up from her bed and even had to sit with her legs crossed in order to stop herself from feeling sick and losing consciousness.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/californians-told-to-not-charge-evs-as-ageing-electricity-grid-struggles-in-heatwave-511900" hreflang="en">Californians told to not charge EVs as ageing electricity grid struggles in heatwave</a>

She was eventually released from the military on medical grounds in 2018.&nbsp;

"I'm allergic to gravity — it sounds crazy but it's true," she told the Independent. &nbsp;

"I can't stand up for longer than three minutes without feeling faint, being sick or passing out. I feel much better if I'm lying down."&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | Woman claims she is allergic to gravity

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"I'm in bed all day — for up to 23 hours a day. I never thought that at 28, I would have to use a shower chair. I can't leave my house anymore. There is no cure but I'm so grateful for what I do have," she added.&nbsp;

In 2022, she was finally diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) — a condition which results in an abnormal increase in heart rate when a person stands or sits up.&nbsp;

"It was so bad, I was screaming in pain and the vomiting was 'The Exorcist; style," Johnson said. &nbsp;

A 28-year-old woman from the United States claims that she is allergic to gravity and due to the rare condition, she loses consciousness up to 10 times every day.

A 28-year-old woman from the United States claims that she is allergic to gravity and due to the rare condition, she loses consciousness up to 10 times every day. Lyndsi Johnson, who was working as an aviation diesel mechanic for the US navy, also has to spend almost 23 hours in bed due to the condition. Johnson started having abdominal and back pain in 2015 and in the next few years, her situation got worse. reported the Independent. She was unable to get up from her bed and even had to sit with her legs crossed in order to stop herself from feeling sick and losing consciousness. Also read | Californians told to not charge EVs as ageing electricity grid struggles in heatwave She was eventually released from the military on medical grounds in 2018. "I'm allergic to gravity — it sounds crazy but it's true," she told the Independent. "I can't stand up for longer than three minutes without feeling faint, being sick or passing out. I feel much better if I'm lying down." WATCH | WION Fineprint | Woman claims she is allergic to gravity "I'm in bed all day — for up to 23 hours a day. I never thought that at 28, I would have to use a shower chair. I can't leave my house anymore. There is no cure but I'm so grateful for what I do have," she added. In 2022, she was finally diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) — a condition which results in an abnormal increase in heart rate when a person stands or sits up. "It was so bad, I was screaming in pain and the vomiting was 'The Exorcist; style," Johnson said.

Woman 'allergic to gravity' spends 23 hours in bed due to rare condition

A 28-year-old woman in the United States, who describes herself as being "allergic to gravity", has revealed that she spends 23 hours in bed and can't stand for more than three minutes without passing out. Molly Gambhir tells you all about this bizarre syndrome.

WION Fineprint | Woman claims she is allergic to gravity

Gravity is something we take for granted here on Earth. It's an everyday phenomenon that doesn't dominate our daily calculus until we fall spread-eagled on the floor after a nasty slip. Astronauts may not 'fall' in the sense we do here on Earth but they are sure to sometimes wish there was a bit of gravity in space. For astronauts working aboard International Space Station (ISS) zero-gravity means anything that slips from hands goes in any direction it pleases. Besides, its hard to control stuff when you yourself have no weight and are floating inside the space station.

It may look fascinating to see astronauts floating around but zero-gravity has negative impact on human bodies. Prolonged effects include decrease in bone mass. Researchers and engineers from Japan's Kyoto University and Kajima Construction Co. are working on a system that will create 'artificial gravity' that will support human life in space.

Check out | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-joe-biden-reveals-first-image-from-james-webb-space-telescope-and-its-stunning-496510">James Webb telescope's first image: A never-before-seen view of the universe</a>

These experts are trying to harness Centrifugal Force to create artificial gravity. They are designing a craft that will have a component that will revolve while in space. Astronauts inside that component would experience Centrifugal Force which will keep them steady on surfaces like gravity does on Earth.

The architecture will be cylindrical, 100 metres wide and upto 400 metres tall (328 feet wide and 1,312 feet wide). In order to create artificial gravity, it will complete one revolution every 20 seconds. This will generate 1G of gravity which will be equivalent to that on Earth.

If Humankind is able to achieve creation of artificial gravity, it will open a new vista of space exploration. Currently, astronauts cannot live in space beyond a certain days as effect of zero gravity begins to kick-in. With artificial gravity, astronauts would be able to stay in space for longer periods. This would come in handy in case of space voyages that would require years of space travel.

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Gravity is something we take for granted here on Earth. It's an everyday phenomenon that doesn't dominate our daily calculus until we fall spread-eagled on the floor after a nasty slip.

Gravity is something we take for granted here on Earth. It's an everyday phenomenon that doesn't dominate our daily calculus until we fall spread-eagled on the floor after a nasty slip. Astronauts may not 'fall' in the sense we do here on Earth but they are sure to sometimes wish there was a bit of gravity in space. For astronauts working aboard International Space Station (ISS) zero-gravity means anything that slips from hands goes in any direction it pleases. Besides, its hard to control stuff when you yourself have no weight and are floating inside the space station. It may look fascinating to see astronauts floating around but zero-gravity has negative impact on human bodies. Prolonged effects include decrease in bone mass. Researchers and engineers from Japan's Kyoto University and Kajima Construction Co. are working on a system that will create 'artificial gravity' that will support human life in space. Check out | James Webb telescope's first image: A never-before-seen view of the universe These experts are trying to harness Centrifugal Force to create artificial gravity. They are designing a craft that will have a component that will revolve while in space. Astronauts inside that component would experience Centrifugal Force which will keep them steady on surfaces like gravity does on Earth. The architecture will be cylindrical, 100 metres wide and upto 400 metres tall (328 feet wide and 1,312 feet wide). In order to create artificial gravity, it will complete one revolution every 20 seconds. This will generate 1G of gravity which will be equivalent to that on Earth. If Humankind is able to achieve creation of artificial gravity, it will open a new vista of space exploration. Currently, astronauts cannot live in space beyond a certain days as effect of zero gravity begins to kick-in. With artificial gravity, astronauts would be able to stay in space for longer periods. This would come in handy in case of space voyages that would require years of space travel. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Japan: Research on for artificial gravity to aid astronauts in space

Astronaut Samantha Cristopforetti has posted an interesting tweet. What's more, the European Space Agency astronaut has even nudged Hollywood star Sandra Bullock while she was at it.

The tweet has a photo that shows Cristoforetti floating in weightless conditions aboard International Space Station (ISS). Pretty regular experience for those aboard the ISS.&nbsp;

But the photo is a collage of two photos and the other one is a screengrab from movie 'Gravity'. The movie, starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney saw Bullock inside a space station in a pretty similar pose to that struck by Cristoferetti.

"Hey, Dr. Stone! Quick question for you. How did you get your hair to stay put? #AskingForAFriend" says Cristoferetti in lighter vein in the tweet. Sandra Bullock played the role of Ryan Stone in the movie

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Hey, Dr. Stone! Quick question for you. How did you get your hair to stay put? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskingForAFriend?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AskingForAFriend</a> <a href="https://t.co/qztSWnKSfu">pic.twitter.com/qztSWnKSfu</a>
— Samantha Cristoforetti (@AstroSamantha) <a href="https://twitter.com/AstroSamantha/status/1538573563061538816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The Twitterati has certainly been amused. The image has got more than 14 thousand likes and nearly two thousand retweets

Samantha Cristoferetti is currently on a six-month mission aboard International Space Station (ISS). She was in news, not many days ago, for being the first TikToker in space. She also posts infotainment videos.&nbsp;

Sandra Bullock has not yet commented on Cristoferetti's tweet. If she does, it will be interesting to see what the real astronaut talks with one who meticulously tried to imbibe hardships of space travel and presented it on screen.

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Astronaut Samantha Cristopforetti has posted an interesting tweet. What's more, the European Space Agency astronaut has even nudged Hollywood star Sandra Bullock while she was at it.

Astronaut Samantha Cristopforetti has posted an interesting tweet. What's more, the European Space Agency astronaut has even nudged Hollywood star Sandra Bullock while she was at it. The tweet has a photo that shows Cristoforetti floating in weightless conditions aboard International Space Station (ISS). Pretty regular experience for those aboard the ISS. But the photo is a collage of two photos and the other one is a screengrab from movie 'Gravity'. The movie, starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney saw Bullock inside a space station in a pretty similar pose to that struck by Cristoferetti. "Hey, Dr. Stone! Quick question for you. How did you get your hair to stay put? #AskingForAFriend" says Cristoferetti in lighter vein in the tweet. Sandra Bullock played the role of Ryan Stone in the movie Hey, Dr. Stone! Quick question for you. How did you get your hair to stay put? #AskingForAFriend pic.twitter.com/qztSWnKSfu — Samantha Cristoforetti (@AstroSamantha) June 19, 2022 × The Twitterati has certainly been amused. The image has got more than 14 thousand likes and nearly two thousand retweets Samantha Cristoferetti is currently on a six-month mission aboard International Space Station (ISS). She was in news, not many days ago, for being the first TikToker in space. She also posts infotainment videos. Sandra Bullock has not yet commented on Cristoferetti's tweet. If she does, it will be interesting to see what the real astronaut talks with one who meticulously tried to imbibe hardships of space travel and presented it on screen. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Astronaut nudges Sandra Bullock while recreating 'Gravity' scene on ISS

Ever wondered if you can travel faster than light? It may not be too far from reality, after all. How, you wonder? It's simple - a warp drive!

Scientists have historically discouraged others from taking the idea of warp drives too seriously, but a new study suggests that travelling faster than light may be possible by taking advantage of a "loophole" in general relativity, which refers to laws of gravitation posited by Albert Einstein.

Basic laws of physics make warp drives impossible, which is why its common depiction has remained restricted to science fiction films and series. 
 
What is a warp drive? 
A warp drive is a fairly simple concept. In space, everything falls secondary to the speed of light, and nothing can flourish over it except space-time. To achieve warp drive, scientists intend to warp spacetime surrounding an object.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/turns-out-mars-underwent-not-one-but-up-to-20-separate-ice-ages-367503" hreflang="en">Turns out Mars underwent not one, but up to 20 separate ice ages!</a> 
 
Essentially, to be able to travel faster than light, one needs to spiral the object into a contraption of negative energy. Due to this, space and time behind the ship would expand, while space and time ahead of the object would be compressed. This was first envisioned by Miguel Alcubierre, a Mexican scientist in 1994. 
 
But there's a catch - laws of physics don't make room for negative energy. Even then, it is not entirely impossible to conjure negative energy. Scientists believe that to achieve this, energy would need to be borrowed from a vacuum. In theory, this would open the gateway for negative mass and negative gravity - essentially the opposite of what we experience in our lives.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/why-scientists-believe-life-on-earth-will-perish-way-earlier-than-previously-thought-367457" hreflang="en">Why scientists believe life on Earth will perish way earlier than previously thought</a> 
 
Even then, the idea of successful warp drives remains fixated in theory. Many continue to believe that warp drives may never be physically possible.

“This, however, is no longer correct,” Alexey Bobrick, an astrophysicist at Lund University told ZME Science. Currently, a group of researchers in Sweden are working to make warp drives a reality! How, you say? By simply not requiring negative energy, and basing the science behind it "physical principles known to humanity today".

Ever wondered if you can travel faster than light? It may not be too far from reality, after all. How, you wonder? It's simple - a warp drive! Scientists have historically discouraged others from taking the idea of warp drives too seriously, but a new study suggests that travelling faster than light may be possible by taking advantage of a "loophole" in general relativity, which refers to laws of gravitation posited by Albert Einstein.

Ever wondered if you can travel faster than light? It may not be too far from reality, after all. How, you wonder? It's simple - a warp drive! Scientists have historically discouraged others from taking the idea of warp drives too seriously, but a new study suggests that travelling faster than light may be possible by taking advantage of a "loophole" in general relativity, which refers to laws of gravitation posited by Albert Einstein. Basic laws of physics make warp drives impossible, which is why its common depiction has remained restricted to science fiction films and series. What is a warp drive? A warp drive is a fairly simple concept. In space, everything falls secondary to the speed of light, and nothing can flourish over it except space-time. To achieve warp drive, scientists intend to warp spacetime surrounding an object. Also read: Turns out Mars underwent not one, but up to 20 separate ice ages! Essentially, to be able to travel faster than light, one needs to spiral the object into a contraption of negative energy. Due to this, space and time behind the ship would expand, while space and time ahead of the object would be compressed. This was first envisioned by Miguel Alcubierre, a Mexican scientist in 1994. But there's a catch - laws of physics don't make room for negative energy. Even then, it is not entirely impossible to conjure negative energy. Scientists believe that to achieve this, energy would need to be borrowed from a vacuum. In theory, this would open the gateway for negative mass and negative gravity - essentially the opposite of what we experience in our lives. Also read: Why scientists believe life on Earth will perish way earlier than previously thought Even then, the idea of successful warp drives remains fixated in theory. Many continue to believe that warp drives may never be physically possible. “This, however, is no longer correct,” Alexey Bobrick, an astrophysicist at Lund University told ZME Science. Currently, a group of researchers in Sweden are working to make warp drives a reality! How, you say? By simply not requiring negative energy, and basing the science behind it "physical principles known to humanity today".

Is it possible to travel faster than light? Scientists believe so!

Scientists announced Wednesday the discovery of a black hole -- the oldest ever detected -- that shouldn't even exist according to the current understanding of cosmic monsters so dense not even light can escape their gravitational pull.

Born of a merger between two other black holes, GW190521 weighs in at 142 times the mass of our Sun and is the first "intermediate mass" black hole ever observed, two consortiums of some 1,500 scientists reported in a pair of studies.

"This event is a door opening into the cosmic process for the formation of black holes," co-author Stavros Katsanevas, an astrophysicist at the European Gravitational Observatory, said in an online press conference.&nbsp;

"It is a whole new world."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-is-when-the-universe-will-end-321273">Also read:&nbsp;This is when the universe will end!</a>

A so-called stellar-class black hole forms when a dying star collapses, and is typically three to ten solar masses in size. &nbsp;

Supermassive black holes found at the centre of most galaxies, including the Milky Way, range from millions to billions of solar masses.

Up to now, black holes with mass 100 to 1,000 times that of our Sun had never been found.

"This is the first evidence of a black hole in this mass range," said co-author Michaela, an astrophysicist at the University of Padova and a member of the Europe-based Virgo Collaboration.&nbsp;

"It may lead to a paradigm shift in the astrophysics of black holes."&nbsp;

The findings, she added, support the idea that supermassive black holes could be formed through the repeated merger of these mid-sized bodies.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-a-rare-event-astronomers-discover-saturn-like-planet-orbiting-small-cool-star-318644">Also read:&nbsp;In a rare event, astronomers discover Saturn-like planet orbiting small cool star</a>

What scientists actually observed were gravitational waves produced more than seven billion years ago when GW190521 was formed by the collision of two smaller black holes of 85 and 65 solar masses.

When they smashed together, eight solar masses worth of energy was released, creating one of the most powerful events in the Universe since the Big Bang.&nbsp;

Gravitational waves were first measured in September 2015, earning the lead researchers a physics Nobel two years later.

Albert Einstein anticipated gravitational waves in his general theory of relativity, which theorised that they spread through the Universe at the speed of light.

Challenge to current models

GW190521 was detected on May 21, 2019 by three interferometers, which can measure a change thousands of times smaller than an atomic nucleus as gravitational waves pass Earth.

According to current knowledge, the gravitational collapse of a star cannot form black holes in the range of 60 to 120 solar masses because -- at that size -- the stars are completely blown apart by the supernova explosion that accompanies collapse.

And yet, the two black holes that gave rise to GW190521 were both in the range.

"This event is a challenge for the current models of black hole formation," said Mapelli.

It is also a hint of how much is still not known.

"This detection confirms that there is a vast universe that has remained invisible to us," said Karan Jani, an astrophysicist with the Nobel-winning LIGO gravitational wave experiment.

"We have very limited theoretical and observational understanding of this elusive class of intermediate black hole."

But the very fact it could be detected is itself remarkable.

"Our ability to find a black hole a few hundred kilometres-wide from half-way across the Universe is one of the most striking realisations of this discovery," Jani added.

The two studies were published in Physical Review Letters, and Astrophysical Journal Letters.

The LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) consortium is led by scientists at MIT and Caltech, while the Virgo collaboration includes more than 500 scientists across Europe.

Scientists announced Wednesday the discovery of a black hole -- the oldest ever detected -- that shouldn't even exist according to the current understanding of cosmic monsters so dense not even light can escape their gravitational pull.

Scientists announced Wednesday the discovery of a black hole -- the oldest ever detected -- that shouldn't even exist according to the current understanding of cosmic monsters so dense not even light can escape their gravitational pull. Born of a merger between two other black holes, GW190521 weighs in at 142 times the mass of our Sun and is the first "intermediate mass" black hole ever observed, two consortiums of some 1,500 scientists reported in a pair of studies. "This event is a door opening into the cosmic process for the formation of black holes," co-author Stavros Katsanevas, an astrophysicist at the European Gravitational Observatory, said in an online press conference. "It is a whole new world." Also read: This is when the universe will end! A so-called stellar-class black hole forms when a dying star collapses, and is typically three to ten solar masses in size. Supermassive black holes found at the centre of most galaxies, including the Milky Way, range from millions to billions of solar masses. Up to now, black holes with mass 100 to 1,000 times that of our Sun had never been found. "This is the first evidence of a black hole in this mass range," said co-author Michaela, an astrophysicist at the University of Padova and a member of the Europe-based Virgo Collaboration. "It may lead to a paradigm shift in the astrophysics of black holes." The findings, she added, support the idea that supermassive black holes could be formed through the repeated merger of these mid-sized bodies. Also read: In a rare event, astronomers discover Saturn-like planet orbiting small cool star What scientists actually observed were gravitational waves produced more than seven billion years ago when GW190521 was formed by the collision of two smaller black holes of 85 and 65 solar masses. When they smashed together, eight solar masses worth of energy was released, creating one of the most powerful events in the Universe since the Big Bang. Gravitational waves were first measured in September 2015, earning the lead researchers a physics Nobel two years later. Albert Einstein anticipated gravitational waves in his general theory of relativity, which theorised that they spread through the Universe at the speed of light. Challenge to current models GW190521 was detected on May 21, 2019 by three interferometers, which can measure a change thousands of times smaller than an atomic nucleus as gravitational waves pass Earth. According to current knowledge, the gravitational collapse of a star cannot form black holes in the range of 60 to 120 solar masses because -- at that size -- the stars are completely blown apart by the supernova explosion that accompanies collapse. And yet, the two black holes that gave rise to GW190521 were both in the range. "This event is a challenge for the current models of black hole formation," said Mapelli. It is also a hint of how much is still not known. "This detection confirms that there is a vast universe that has remained invisible to us," said Karan Jani, an astrophysicist with the Nobel-winning LIGO gravitational wave experiment. "We have very limited theoretical and observational understanding of this elusive class of intermediate black hole." But the very fact it could be detected is itself remarkable. "Our ability to find a black hole a few hundred kilometres-wide from half-way across the Universe is one of the most striking realisations of this discovery," Jani added. The two studies were published in Physical Review Letters, and Astrophysical Journal Letters. The LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) consortium is led by scientists at MIT and Caltech, while the Virgo collaboration includes more than 500 scientists across Europe.

Scientists detect mysterious 'intermediate mass' black hole

Stretched above the teeming megalopolis of Sao Paulo, slackliners are defying gravity via a Highline connected across the city's abandoned buildings. Slacklining is a sport that involves walking and balancing on a suspected length of flat webbing strung between two anchors. It's normally practised just shy of a few metres off the ground in local parks, but these local enthusiasts have taken it to new heights. Slacklining groups have become popular in Sao Paulo, providing Paulistas with a bit of respite from their day-to-day jobs. Slackliner aficionados say the sport gives them peace and balance in their lives.

Brazilian slackliners defy gravity with Sao Paulo's abandoned buildings

Black holes may be a portal that can transfer matter to another part of the universe, rather than destroying it, a new study has claimed. 
 
One of the biggest problems when studying black holes is that the laws of physics as we know them cease to apply in their deepest regions. 
 
Large quantities of matter and energy concentrate in an infinitely small space, the gravitational singularity, where space-time curves towards infinity and all matter is destroyed. 
 
However, a new study at the Institute of Corpuscular Physics (IFIC) in Spain suggests that matter might, in fact, survive its foray into these space objects and come out the other side. 
 
Scientists propose considering the singularity as if it were an imperfection in the geometric structure of space-time. 
 
By doing so they resolve the problem of the infinite, space-deforming gravitational pull. 
 
Black holes- a theoretical laboratory 
 
&quot;Black holes are a theoretical laboratory for trying out new ideas about gravity,&quot; said Gonzalo Olmo, a researcher at the University of Valencia (UV) in Spain. 
 
Specifically, in this work he has applied geometric structures similar to those of a crystal or graphene layer, not typically used to describe black holes, since these geometries better match what happens inside a black hole. 
 
&quot;Just as crystals have imperfections in their microscopic structure, the central region of a black hole can be interpreted as an anomaly in space-time, which requires new geometric elements in order to be able to describe them more precisely,&quot; said Olmo. 
 
Using these new geometries, the researchers obtained a description of black holes whereby the centre point becomes a very small spherical surface.geometries, the researchers obtained a description of black holes whereby the centre point becomes a very small spherical surface. 
 
This surface is interpreted as the existence of a wormhole within the black hole. 
 
&quot;In the first instance we resolve the problem of the singularity, since there is a door at the centre of the black hole, the wormhole, through which space and time can continue,&quot; Olmo said. 
 
The wormhole predicted by the equations is smaller than an atomic nucleus, but gets bigger with the charge stored in the black hole. 
 
So, a hypothetical traveller entering a black hole of this kind would be stretched to the extreme, or &quot;spaghettified,&quot; and would be able to enter the wormhole. Upon exiting they would be compacted back to their normal size. 
 
Seen from outside, these forces of stretching and compaction would seem infinite, but the traveller himself, living it first-hand, would experience only extremely intense, and not infinite, forces. 
 
The model proposed by the researchers posits that matter would not be lost inside the singularity, but rather would be expelled out from the other side through the wormhole at its centre to another region of the universe. 
 
The study was published in the journal Classical and Quantum Gravity. 
 
(PTI) 
 
 
&nbsp;

One of the biggest problems when studying black holes is that the laws of physics as we know them cease to apply in their deepest regions ?

Black holes may be a portal that can transfer matter to another part of the universe, rather than destroying it, a new study has claimed. One of the biggest problems when studying black holes is that the laws of physics as we know them cease to apply in their deepest regions. Large quantities of matter and energy concentrate in an infinitely small space, the gravitational singularity, where space-time curves towards infinity and all matter is destroyed. However, a new study at the Institute of Corpuscular Physics (IFIC) in Spain suggests that matter might, in fact, survive its foray into these space objects and come out the other side. Scientists propose considering the singularity as if it were an imperfection in the geometric structure of space-time. By doing so they resolve the problem of the infinite, space-deforming gravitational pull. Black holes- a theoretical laboratory "Black holes are a theoretical laboratory for trying out new ideas about gravity," said Gonzalo Olmo, a researcher at the University of Valencia (UV) in Spain. Specifically, in this work he has applied geometric structures similar to those of a crystal or graphene layer, not typically used to describe black holes, since these geometries better match what happens inside a black hole. "Just as crystals have imperfections in their microscopic structure, the central region of a black hole can be interpreted as an anomaly in space-time, which requires new geometric elements in order to be able to describe them more precisely," said Olmo. Using these new geometries, the researchers obtained a description of black holes whereby the centre point becomes a very small spherical surface.geometries, the researchers obtained a description of black holes whereby the centre point becomes a very small spherical surface. This surface is interpreted as the existence of a wormhole within the black hole. "In the first instance we resolve the problem of the singularity, since there is a door at the centre of the black hole, the wormhole, through which space and time can continue," Olmo said. The wormhole predicted by the equations is smaller than an atomic nucleus, but gets bigger with the charge stored in the black hole. So, a hypothetical traveller entering a black hole of this kind would be stretched to the extreme, or "spaghettified," and would be able to enter the wormhole. Upon exiting they would be compacted back to their normal size. Seen from outside, these forces of stretching and compaction would seem infinite, but the traveller himself, living it first-hand, would experience only extremely intense, and not infinite, forces. The model proposed by the researchers posits that matter would not be lost inside the singularity, but rather would be expelled out from the other side through the wormhole at its centre to another region of the universe. The study was published in the journal Classical and Quantum Gravity. (PTI)

Are black holes hiding secret portals to other parts of the universe?

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