Medieval Gamma Ray bursts

Summary: This article discusses recent finds that indicate that there may have been a gamma-ray burst in the 8th century. It would've been visible during the day, but would not have had an effect on everyday life. This is in contrast to scientists predicting massive everyday disturbances  if another were to occur in our times.



BBC News: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21082617

DNA x4?

Summary: Scientists at Cambridge have discovered a quadruple strand of DNA within the human body. This could be linked to cancer and allow medical professionals to fight cancer more effectively. 



BBC News: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21091066

Closing in on Dark Matter

Too exciting not to share before I write a summary though one will be coming.



** Dark matter hints 'to be chased' **
The team behind the Fermi telescope opens a call for changes to how it works - in a bid that could see hints of the mysterious "dark matter" confirmed.
< http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21043381 >


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-Jennifer

Upcoming Science news

Hank Green made a wonderful video outlining exciting space events in this upcoming year including new launches, rare eclipses, and comets. Check it out!

http://youtu.be/AfQdi07LNF8


(100 posts!)

New experiments planned for Fermilab

Summary: This upcoming spring Fermilab will begin building new facilities for a Muon Campus. Not much is know yet, but they hope to utilize muons to be extremely sensitive probes for physics that the Standard Model can't explain. (Yea!)


Fermilab: http://www.fnal.gov/pub/today/archive/archive_2013/today13-01-11.html


As always, if you ever have a question on one of the articles or space in general, let me know.

Largest Spiral galaxy

Summary: Astronomers have found the largest spiral galaxy quite by accident. It is big enough to contain five of our galaxy. NGC 6872 also had a collision with another galaxy in its history which can shine light on what happens in a galaxy collision.



BBC News: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20981994

Space X update

Summary: Space X expects to be able to ferry astronauts to the ISS by 2015.


BBC News: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20964826

New light to be shed on Dark Energy

Summary: Astronomers have spotted the most distant supernova yet and hope that it may be able to give more clues about Dark Energy.

Bonus fact: Supernovas are usually named for composers. This one is named for jazz musician Charles Mingus.


BBC News: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20968199
Berkeley Lab: http://newscenter.lbl.gov/news-releases/2013/01/09/scp0401-farthest-yet/

17 billion Earth sized planets

Summary: Kepler scientists have announced 461 new planet candidates, bringing the satellites' total haul to 2,740. Based on this updated data, astronomers estimate that for every six stars that astronomers find, at least one will have a earth-sized planet in a close orbit. This brings the potential for earth-sized planets up to about 17 billion in our galaxy.


BBC News: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20942440