Newly born stars have “surprisingly frequent” feeding frenzies where they consume material at a furious rate and grow larger, according to new research published in the journal Astrophysical Journal Letters. Until recently, the formation and development of the youngest stars have been difficult to study because there are hidden from view inside the nebulas from which they form, according to NASA.

Studying cosmic infants

Stars which are less than 100,000 years old, a category known as “class 0 protostars,” are quite challenging to observe using ground-based telescopes. These stars are the cosmic equivalent of a 7-hour-old infant.NASA says such an outburst was first detected nearly a century ago and that they have been rare since then. But analysis has found that these feeding outbursts happen roughly every 400 years. These outbursts are a signal of feeding bursts when the young growing star swallows material from the disks of gas and dust that surround them.

Using Spitzer data to detect star feeding

While these outbursts are difficult to observe, data from the Spitzer telescope, which ended its 16-year-long run of observations in 2020, was uniquely suited to help scientists peer through the thick dusts of dust and gas and look at the stars inside. This is because of the combination of Spitzer’s infrared capabilities and its long-lasting gaze.

The researchers used Spitzer data of the star-forming clouds of the Orion constellation, taken between 2004 and 2017. After analysing the data, they found three feeding outbursts, with two of them being previously unknown.

They then compared Spitzer data with data from other telescopes, including the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) and the retired Herschel Space Telescope and the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). With this, they were able to estimate that these feeding bursts last for about 15 years. Half or more than half the infant star’s bulk is added during this early period in its life.

These new findings will help researchers understand better about star formation and growth. In fact, according to NASA, it is even possible that even our Sun once fed with such outbursts to grow larger. The Sun is bigger than the stars that were observed but according to the researchers, there is “no reason to believe” that it did not go through outbursts.

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Following is a summary of current science news briefs.

Uganda says its debut satellite launched into orbit

Uganda’s first satellite has been successfully launched into orbit from the International Space Station (ISS) and the East African nation’s ground controllers were in contact with the device, the government said on Friday. The PearlAfricaSat-1 spacecraft was rocketed to the ISS by NASA on Nov. 7, alongside Zimbabwe’s ZimSat-1, with officials saying it will help Uganda monitor weather and disasters, map its mineral wealth and generate other crucial data.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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We expect to see brands pursue simplification across all aspects of operations, from how they manage payment processing to how they manage their digital expansion.12.2.2022

The following are five predictions, ranging from the growth of the restaurant anywhere trend to the continued evolution of loyalty programs and self-service offerings, that restaurant owners and operators should keep in mind as move into the new year.

A tightly integrated technology strategy will be key to workplace satisfaction and profitability 

Restaurants will increasingly become more reliant on using their transaction data to inform and automate their businesses. This will manifest itself in several ways, such as informing robotics in the kitchen for food preparation, in addition to kitchen display systems (KDS) as restaurants kitchens seek to improve efficiency and better optimize for enhance prep station capacity management. This will enable brands to better manage off-premises orders and balance their hybrid operating models.

Operations will continue to be simplified despite digital experiences expansion

In a similar vein to tightly integrated systems across the business, we expect to see brands pursue simplification across all aspects of operations, from how they manage payment processing to how they manage their digital expansion. End-to-end payment processing removes complexity and PCI compliance demands for operators.

Having a single supplier and point of support for all the store technology and payment processing functions also reduces administrative burden and risk. In addition, we see the point of sales platform as taking on more of the master data management role of the business, and configuring all the content needed for any digital experience from a single platform.

The “restaurant anywhere” experience will expand

Restauranteurs will continue to experiment with the fundamental meaning of restaurant, and non-traditional competitors will simultaneously expand. From grocery to retail; offering an opportunity for consumers to linger or pop in to pick up a meal not only adds revenue opportunities but also foot traffic and consumer preference data.

As mentioned, this expands the need for loyalty programs, and also demands an agile technology stack that can go where customers are, as well as bring customers in. Restaurateurs may very well look to expand beyond the typical pop up, food truck, festival or off-premises event to more interesting, intimate venues like social influencer kitchens, dining rooms and gardens. Ghost kitchen and virtual brands are prime strategies for this growth strategy, both of which require a thoughtful approach to menu design, production and fulfillment.

Loyalty will continue to get more personal and less transactional

The evolution of loyalty will continue to unfold as platforms like the metaverse gain popularity. Cultivating an authentic relationship demands an emotional connection that goes beyond transactional rewards. The objective for restaurants is to create more engagement and stay top of mind with customers, including when they’re not hungry.

We’ll see companies move away from points and promotions, and toward more impactful moments for customers such as experiential dining and exclusive offerings.  Gamification will play a larger role in driving brand loyalty. Loyalty will focus less on discounts and more on deepening the brand-customer relationship and creating positive brand associations, separate of deals and dollar figures.

Self-service and automation will be a major focus area for QSRs

Across the industry, brands will increasingly look to technology to automate business operations. Technology like AI-powered voice will optimize phone orders and the drive-thru experience, while self-service kiosks will help take pressure off staff and offer customers additional customization options and flexibility during the visual ordering experience.

The concept of self-service will continue to evolve as consumers become accustomed to placing orders with devices. For example, self-service technology could soon be integrated within in-car digital assistants, letting individuals place a room service order at their designated hotel long before they arrive. Regardless of where self-service kiosks are installed, they will provide restaurants with immediate and future advantages.

Chris Adams is the Vice President of Strategy at Oracle Food and Beverage. He has over 20 years’ experience in the hospitality technology industry. Following time with Marriott, Chris began his career at MICROS (now Oracle Food and Beverage) in 2000 and has worked across many positions throughout his tenure, including operations, customer success, consulting, and sales. Having worked in multiple countries and regions, Adams was Managing Director of Australia prior to the Oracle acquisition. Today, with his passion to see our customers succeed, Adams drives the strategy for Oracle Food and Beverage’s global portfolio as Global VP Strategy and Solutions. He is based in Maryland.

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Following is a summary of current science news briefs.

Elon Musk expects Neuralink’s brain chip to begin human trials in 6 months

Elon Musk said on Wednesday he expects a wireless brain chip developed by his company Neuralink to begin human clinical trials in six months, after the company missed earlier timelines set by him. The company is developing brain chip interfaces that it says could help disabled patients to move and communicate again, with Musk adding on Wednesday it will also target restoring vision.

‘Amazing’ goose-necked dinosaur was built like a diving bird

The expansive dinosaur group that included big predators such as T. rex also was populated by a number of oddballs, weirdos and outcasts. A newly described dinosaur from Mongolia – the size of a goose and looking a bit like one, too – fits that description. The dinosaur, called Natovenator polydontus, lived about 72 million years ago during the Cretaceous Period and was built like a diving bird with a streamlined body while possessing a goose-like elongated neck and a long flattened snout with a mouth bearing more than 100 small teeth, scientists said on Thursday. It almost surely was covered in feathers, they added.

Scientists build ‘baby’ wormhole as sci-fi moves closer to fact

In science fiction – think films and TV like “Interstellar” and “Star Trek” – wormholes in the cosmos serve as portals through space and time for spacecraft to traverse unimaginable distances with ease. If only it were that simple. Scientists have long pursued a deeper understanding of wormholes and now appear to be making progress. Researchers announced on Wednesday that they forged two miniscule simulated black holes – those extraordinarily dense celestial objects with gravity so powerful that not even light can escape – in a quantum computer and transmitted a message between them through what amounted to a tunnel in space-time.

Arianespace signs five satellites launches with European Commission

Arianespace has signed a deal with the European Commission for the purchase of five launches with the Vega C launcher, the company said on Tuesday. The French group said in a statement it will launch five Sentinel satellites between 2024 and 2026 for the Copernicus program to provide Europe with reliable access to earth observation data.

Distant black hole is caught in the act of annihilating a star

Astronomers have detected an act of extreme violence more than halfway across the known universe as a black hole shreds a star that wandered too close to this celestial savage. But this was no ordinary instance of a ravenous black hole. It was one of only four examples – and the first since 2011 – of a black hole observed in the act of tearing apart a passing star in what is called a tidal disruption event and then launching luminous jets of high-energy particles in opposite directions into space, researchers said. And it was both the furthest and brightest such event on record.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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Image Source : NINTENDO Nintendo

The Smash World Tour has announced that its next championship tournament and the 2023 World Tour have been cancelled after Japanese gaming giant Nintendo asked the event organisers to halt operations “without any warning.”

The Verge reports that the championship tournament was scheduled to take place between December 9-11.

“In 2022 alone, we connected over 6,400 live events worldwide, with over 325,000 in-person entrants, making the Smash World Tour (SWT) the largest esports tour in history, for any game title,” Smash World Tour was quoted as saying.

“The Championships would also have had the largest prize pool in Smash history at over $250,000,” it added.

The offer was made shortly after the Japanese gaming giant unveiled the Panda Cup, its only licensed tournament circuit for Super Smash Bros. in collaboration with esports company Panda.

“They made it clear that Pandaa s partnership was not exclusive, and they said it had not gone unnoticed that we had not infringed on their IP regarding game modifications and had represented Nintendo’s values well,” said the open letter from SWT.

The statement goes on to charge Panda CEO and co-founder Alan Bunney with sabotage, accusing that he dissuaded Smash World Tour 2022 tournament organisers by misinforming them that the event was being cancelled and that any events that took part in the Panda Cup would not be permitted to be on the Smash World Tour.

In response to the SWT team’s open letter, Nintendo stated: “Unfortunately after continuous conversations with Smash World Tour, and after giving the same deep consideration we apply to any potential partner, we were unable to come to an agreement with SWT for a complete circuit in 2023.

“Nintendo did not request any changes to or cancellation of remaining events in 2022, including the 2022 Championship event, considering the negative impact on the players who were already planning to participate.”

The report said that the Smash World Tour estimates that the shutdown will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, but it assures all attendees of the cancelled events that they will receive full refunds.

Latest Technology News

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NEW YORK (AP) — For decades, Jackie Young had been searching.

Orphaned as an infant, he spent the first few years of his life in a Nazi internment camp in what is now the Czech Republic. After World War II he was taken to England, adopted and given a new name.

As an adult, he struggled to learn of his origins and his family. He had some scant information about his birth mother, who died in a concentration camp. But about his father? Nothing. Just a blank space on a birth certificate.

That changed earlier this year when genealogists were able to use a DNA sample to help find a name — and some relatives he never knew he had.

Having that answer to a lifelong question has been “amazing,” said Young, now 80 and living in London. It “opened the door that I thought would never get opened.”

Now there’s an effort underway to bring that possibility to other Holocaust survivors and their children.

The New York-based Center for Jewish History is launching the DNA Reunion Project, offering DNA testing kits for free through an application on its website. For those who use the kits it is also offering a chance to get some guidance on next steps from the genealogists who worked with Young.

Those genealogists, Jennifer Mendelsohn and Adina Newman, have been doing this kind of work over the last several years, and run a Facebook group about Jewish DNA and genetic genealogy.

The advent of DNA technology has opened up a new world of possibilities in addition to the paper trails and archives that Holocaust survivors and their descendants have used to learn about family connections severed by genocide, Newman said.

“There are times when people are separated and they don’t even realize they’re separated. Maybe a name change occurred so they didn’t know to look for the other person,” she said. “There are cases that simply cannot be solved without DNA.”

While interest in genealogy and family trees is widespread, there’s a particular poignancy in doing this work in a community where so many family ties have been ripped apart because of the Holocaust, Mendelsohn said.

Her earliest effort in this arena was for her husband’s grandmother, who had lost her mother in a concentration camp. That effort led to aunts and cousins that no one in her husband’s family had known about.

Her husband’s uncle, she said, called afterwards and said, “You know, I’ve never seen a photograph of my grandmother. Now that I see photographs of her sisters, it’s so comforting to me. I can imagine what she look like.”

“How do you explain why that’s powerful? It just is. People had nothing. Their families were erased. And now we can bring them back a little bit,” Mendelsohn said.

She and Newman take pains to emphasize that there are no guarantees. Doing the testing or searching archives doesn’t mean a guarantee of finding living relatives or new information. But it offers a chance.

They and the center are encouraging people to take that chance, especially as time passes and the number of living survivors declines.

“It really is the last moment where these survivors can be given some modicum of justice,” said Gavriel Rosenfeld, president of the center.

“We feel the urgency of this,” Newman said. “I wanted to start yesterday, and that’s why it’s like, no time like the present.”

Rosenfeld said the center had allocated an initial $15,000 for the DNA kits in this initial pilot effort, which would cover about 500 of them. He said they would look to scale up further if they see enough interest.

Ken Engel thinks there will be. He leads a group in Minnesota for the children of Holocaust survivors and has already told his membership about the program.

“This is an important effort,” Engel said. “It may reveal and disclose wonderful information for them that they never knew about, may make them feel more settled or more connected to the past.”

Young definitely feels that way.

“I’ve been wanting to know all my life,” he said. “If I hadn’t known what I do know now, I think I would still felt that my left arm or my right arm wasn’t fully formed. Family is everything, it’s the major pillar of life in humanity.”

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Sony has launched a set of wearable motion trackers that will bring users into the metaverse with their smartphones. The Mocopi system comprises six pucks worn around the user’s wrist, ankles, hands and hips. These sensors will work to animate avatars inside various metaverse apps on Android smartphones and iPhones. Sony said it would launch these motion trackers in Japan in January next year at a retail price of 49,500 Yen (or approx Rs 29,222).

The Mocopi system allows users to capture full-body motion capture without needing expensive equipment. YouTubers and people working in content development are the key target audiences for the Mocopi motion trackers. With the Mocopi system, Sony is essentially expanding the market for metaverse which is in its early stages. The low-cost accessory, which requires a phone, is a great way to experience metaverse, the 3D version of the web where you can interact with digital surroundings within your real-world surroundings.

Brands like Sony and Meta, formerly known as Facebook, are diving deeper into the metaverse. Both companies sell immersive virtual reality (VR) headsets in the market, with Sony specifically targeting gamers with its PlayStation VR device. The Japanese tech major recently announced it will begin selling the next-generation PlayStation VR 2 headset for $550 early next year.

Meta is investing heavily in virtual reality (VR ) and augmented reality (VR). It, in fact, has changed the direction of the company, from previously being a social media firm to a metaverse company. Meta has sold 14 million VR headsets, and it hopes these headsets will eventually replace smartphones in the future. Last year, alone Meta spent $10 billion in the “metaverse” business and it continues to pour billions into CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s pet project.

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New Delhi [India], November 28 (ANI): Mars, also known as the Red Planet due to its soil’s colour, is the fourth planet from the Sun and Earth’s neighbour which holds the potential to possibly host the humankind some day.

The humans have long tried to explore the mysteries of Mars, and Red Planet Day is annually celebrated to remember the launch of Mariner 4, the first spacecraft to arrive on Mars, on November 28, 1964.

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The Mariner 4 spacecraft was constructed to gather data during fly-bys and transmit that information back to Earth. The spacecraft completed a fly-by of the red planet after almost eight months of journey, on July 14, 1965.

Named after the Roman God of War, Mars, which even though has a thin atmosphere composed primarily of carbon dioxide, still holds humanity’s fascination centuries after its discovery. So, on this special day, let’s look at some interesting facts about the Red Planet.

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Tallest known mountain in the Solar System

Olympus Mons, the largest volcano on Mars is also the solar system’s tallest mountain. This enormous mountain is roughly 16 miles (25 km) tall and 373 miles (600 km) in diameter. Though it might have formed billions of years ago, evidence from its volcanic lava is so recent that many scientists believe it might still be active.

Could potentially have an orbiting ring in the future

Scientists speculate that Phobos, Mars’ largest and most enigmatic moon, will eventually be torn apart by gravitational forces. This will lead to the formation of a debris field that will eventually settle into a stable orbit and form a rocky ring around Mars similar to that of Saturn and Uranus.

Similar landmass to Earth

Interestingly, while Mars is about half the diameter of Earth, its surface has nearly the same area as Earth’s dry land. Also, Martian surface gravity is only 37 per cent of the Earth’s, meaning you could leap nearly three times higher on Mars.

Parts of Mars have reached Earth

Bits of planets are blasted off over time as celestial objects like large asteroids hit them. These impacts release a massive amount of ejecta that actually throw stuff off into space if the impact is significant enough. Hence, pieces of Mars have actually landed on Earth in the past. Called ‘Martian Meteorites’, these little pieces of rock have miraculously managed to make it to Earth.

Mars’ frozen ice could once have been liquid

One of the essential prerequisites for life is thought to be the presence of water on a planet. The findings published in the journal Nature Astronomy provide the first independent line of evidence, using data other than radar, that there is liquid water beneath Mars’ south pole. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

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Researchers have created a slime robot that can move, deform and reform itself and travel through narrow spaces. 

New Scientist

Also Read: Yikes! US Company Has Built A Killer Robot Dog With An Attached Rifle

The slime is controlled by magnets and also made of electrically conductive materials. It is made of a polymer dubbed polyvinyl, alcohol, borax as well as particles of neodymium magnets. In fact, the slime can connect to electrodes too. 

Developed by Professor Li Zhang of the University of Hong Kong, it consists of magnetic particles that can be manipulated to travel, rotate or form O and C shapes when they come in contact with external magnetic fields. 

The gooey blob actually has ‘visco-elastic properties’ — essentially sometimes it behaves like a solid object, and sometimes it behaves like a liquid. It’s like a non-Newtonian fluid — an oobleck that changes its density upon pressure. 

Zhang explains, “When you touch it very quickly it behaves like a solid. When you touch it gently and slowly it behaves like a liquid.”

Also Read: Watch Robot Peel A Banana Without Squishing It, Showing Off Improved Dexterity

New Scientist

Researchers envision that the slime could come in handy to help retrieve harmful objects swallowed by individuals or to cover something toxic to prevent its spreading in the body. 

Even though right now it’s donning the rather blackish-brown tone, researchers say that by using dye pigments, it can be given brighter colours for ease of visibility. 

Keep visiting Indiatimes.com for the latest science and technology news.

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Image Source : PIXABAY Gaming

Over the years, gaming has become one of the most popular forms of entertainment. While it began with gaming consoles and then moved to laptops/PC, however today it is mobile gaming that leads the e-gaming industry, both offline and online. To ensure the best possible gaming experience, from anywhere at any time one needs to have a phone with a great display and phenomenal performance.

Whether you’re playing your favourite games, streaming or watching videos and movies uninterruptedly, or just running errands on the go, smartphones keep up with you. Gaming requires an uninterrupted experience that you can enjoy without thinking about low battery or charging all the time.

So, we have shortlisted the best gaming smartphones with fast charging. Here are our Top 5 picks:

realme  GT Neo 3T – INR 29,999

The all-new realme GT neo 3T is the coolest addition to the GT series, its unique racing flag design represents the fast speed that you experience while gaming and streaming. Having a beautiful  6.62-inches AMOLED Display, it is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G Processor and houses a massive 5000mAh battery with 80W super dart fast charging allowing users to enjoy the nonstop gaming experience without thinking about low battery. What makes this phone a must-have option is the 64MP+8MP+2MP  triple camera and 16MP front camera setup. The realme GT neo 3T is available in three exciting colours – Dash Yellow, Drifting White and Shade Black and will come in three storage variants:

• 6+128GB priced at INR 29,999
• 8+128GB at INR 31,999
• 8+256GB at INR 33,999 on realme’s official website, Flipkart and Amazon. 

Vivo V25 5G – INR 27,999

The other exciting option we have brought you is Vivo V25 5G which has 6.44 inches beautiful FHD+ Display that lets you have an immersive gaming visual experience. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 900 and a whopping 4500mAh battery with a 44W strong charger that never lets you worry while gaming all day long.  Having a 64MP+8MP+2MP triple camera with a 50MP front camera, this amazing smartphone is available in two beautiful colours – Surfing Blue and Elegant Black which come in two storage variants:

• 8+128GB at INR 27,999
• 12+256GB at INR 31,999 on the Vivo’s official website and Amazon. 

Redmi K50i 5G- INR 26,999

Redmi K50i 5G is a powerful gaming smartphone, created for those who need strong battery support, as its huge 5080mAh battery with 67W turbo charging ensures uninterrupted gaming and streaming experience. With 6.6inches  Liquid FFS Display, you explore exciting visuals and experiences like never before.  As a cherry on top, it offers 64MP+8MP+2MP camera specifications that let you capture your memories. You can grab your Redmi K50i 5G  which is available in two exciting colour options i.e.  Stealth Black, Phantom Blue and Quick Silver that come in two storage variants:

• 6GB+128GB priced at INR 23,999
• 8GB+256GB at INR 26,999 on Redmi’s official website, Amazon and Flipkart.

iQOO Neo 6 5G – INR 29,999

The new iQOO Neo 6 5G is yet another solid option for all gamers, which houses a strong 4700mAh battery with 80W flash charging ensuring you uninterrupted gaming and streaming experience. This phone has a powerful Snapdragon 870 5G processor and a beautiful 6.62 inches AMOLED Display on which you can experience uninterrupted gaming like never before.  The smartphone also offers 64MP+8MP+2MP camera specifications that let you capture moments beautifully. You can grab your iQOO Neo 6 5G which is available in three all-new colour options i.e. Dark Nova, Cyber Rage and Maverick Orange come in two storage variants:

• 8GB+128GB priced at INR 29,999
• 12GB+256GB at INR 33,999 on iQOO’s official website, Amazon and Flipkart.

POCO F4 5G- INR 27,999

For the ones who love speed and performance, the new POCO F4 5G is an apt choice for them. The smartphone with an advanced 67W Sonic charger and massive 4500 mAh battery makes charging a worry of the past. The POCO F4 5G  houses a powerful Snapdragon 870 processor and comes with a 6.67 FHD+ E4 AMOLED Display with a 120Hz Smart refresh rate allowing you to have one of the best visual experiences while you game and stream on it. Not to forget, it offers 64MP AI Triple camera specifications that let you capture your best shots. The POCO F4 5G is available in two colours i.e. Neptune Green and Night Black that comes in three storage variants:

• 6GB+128GB priced at INR 27,999
• 8GB+128GB priced at INR 29,999
• 12GB+256GB at INR 33,999 on Flipkart.

Latest Technology News

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