Physical Sciences

Is there life on other planets? Learn the latest research on February 3: "Choose Your Own Adventure: Planet Edition"
Sarah Ballard
"New Tools for Finding the Closest Earth-Like Planets" -- a free public lecture on January 27, 2018
Suvrath Mahadev
Three types of extreme-energy space particles may have unified origin
This image illustrates the "multi-messenger'' emission from a gigantic reservoir of cosmic rays that are accelerated by powerful jets from a supermassive black hole. Credit: Kanoko Horio
New neuron-like cells allow investigation into synthesis of vital cellular components
The enzyme called FGAMS (red) is expressed in human neuron-like cells, which suggests its involvement in the synthesis of purines, a component of DNA involved in many other cellular and metabolic processes. Using a new method to create synthetic neurons from a readily available cell line, a new study explores the role of FGAMS in creating a multi-enzyme complex called the purinosome, which enables faster production of purines. Credit: Colleen Mangold, Penn State
"How to Look for a Liveable Planet" is a free public lecture in a series that begins on January 20
John Johnson
How massive is supermassive? Astronomers measure more black holes, farther away
An artist's rendering of the inner regions of an active galaxy/quasar, with a supermassive black hole at the center surrounded by a disk of hot material falling in. Credit: Nahks Tr'Ehnl (www.nahks.com) and Catherine Grier (Penn State) and the SDSS collaboration
Four-dimensional physics in two dimensions
Illustration of light passing through a two-dimensional waveguide array. Each waveguide is essentially a tube, which behaves like a wire for light, inscribed through high-quality glass using a powerful laser. Many of these waveguides are inscribed closely spaced through a single piece of glass to form the array. Light that flows through the device behaves precisely according to the predictions of the four-dimensional quantum Hall effect. CREDIT: Rechtsman laboratory, Penn State University
Alien Megastructure not the cause of dimming of the 'Most Mysterious Star in the Universe'
This illustration depicts an uneven ring of dust orbiting KIC 8462852, also known as Boyajian’s Star or Tabby's Star. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
Raymond Schaak Named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science
Raymond E. Schaak
Understanding enzyme cascades key to understanding metabolism
Like ants, one enzyme follows the trail left behind by the previous one. In this case, the initial substrate is acted upon by enzyme A, leaving a substrate suitable for enzyme B and on down the line. Credit: Ayusman Sen
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