The LSD Stokes I, N and Stokes V profiles of 19 Aur and HR 3042. Credit: Martin et al., 2017

Astronomers have presented the initial results of the Large Impact of Magnetic Fields on the Evolution of Hot Stars (LIFE) project. Among determining fundamental parameters of 15 stars, they found that two of them have magnetic fields. LIFE’s main goal is to search for magnetic fields in hot post-main sequence stars. The project also aims to evaluate the model of magnetic flux conservation and to investigate the impact of magnetic fields on stellar evolution, and vice versa. In order to achieve its scientific goals, LIFE utilizes the Echelle SpectroPolarimetric Device for the Observation of Stars (ESPaDOnS) at the Canada France Hawaii Telescope (CFHT) in Hawaii.

During the observations, the team wa...

A glimpse into the heart: Artist’s impression of the interior of the star, which was studied through its surface oscillations. Credit: Earl Bellinger / ESA

At first glance, it would seem to be impossible to look inside a star. An international team has, for the first time, determined the deep inner structure of two stars based on their oscillations. Our sun, and most other stars, experience pulsations that spread through the star’s interior as sound waves. The frequencies of these waves are imprinted on the light of the star, and can be later seen by astronomers here on Earth.

Astronomers determine the properties of stars from their pulsations—a field called asteroseismology...

The Human Connectome

A new and relatively simple technique for mapping the wiring of the brain has shown a correlation between how well connected an individual’s brain regions are and their intelligence, say researchers at the University of Cambridge. In recent years, there has been a concerted effort among scientists to map the connections in the brain – connectome’ – and to understand how this relates to human behaviours, such as intelligence and mental health disorders.

Now, in research published in the journal Neuron, an international team led by scientists at the University of Cambridge and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA, has shown that it is possible to build up a map of the connectome by analysing conventional brain scans taken using an MRI scanner...

Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboraotry are creating double-pane solar windows that generate electricity with greater efficiency and also create shading and insulation. It’s all made possible by a new window architecture which utilizes two different layers of low-cost quantum dots tuned to absorb different parts of the solar spectrum. The approach complements existing photovoltaic technology by adding high-efficiency sunlight collectors to existing solar panels or integrating them as semitransparent windows into a building’s architecture.

Using two types of “designer” quantum dots, researchers are creating double-pane solar windows that generate electricity with greater efficiency and create shading and insulation for good measure...