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Recent Additions: New and Updated Entries in the Past 60 Days
Displaying entries 16 through 30 of 57 found.
Animate Cosmos > cosmos
Roshan, Rishav and Graham White.
Using gravitational waves to see the first second of the Universe..
Reviews of Modern Physics.
97/015001,
2025.
We cite this entry by University of Southampton astronomers as another example of the seemingly infinite telescopic and microscopic extent and range of our Earthuman collaborative, instrumental, AI computational compass. How can a minute yet sentient neurosphere be able to view and learn all about the very origins of the multiUniVerse milieu that it has arisen from? One must then ask, what larger ecosmic purpose can these quantified representations serve?
Gravitational waves are a unique probe of the early Universe when it is transparent to gravitational radiation all the way back its original inflation. This review summarizes detection prospects and the wide scope of primordial events that could lead to a detectable stochastic gravitational wave background. The range of strategies for its detection is first overviewed before the review delves into major primordial events. (Abstract)
Animate Cosmos > cosmos
Teague, Richard.
Focus on exoALMA. Astrophysical Journal Letters. April 2025..
Astrophysical Journal Letters.
April,
2025.
This entry is meant to record a major release and posting of results from this large worldwide project which was just completed. Search the arXiv preprint site where this cover item and many specific reports such as I. Science Goals, Project Design, and Data Products, exoALMA. III. System Property Extraction from Protoplanetary Disks and exoALMA. XVI. Predicting Signatures of Large-scale Turbulence in Protoplanetary Disks are available.
Planet formation appears to be a ubiquitous process which takes place in the gas- and dust-rich protoplanetary disks that encircle newly formed stars. Detailing these physical and chemical processes is vital to understand the diversity of mature planetary systems that we (Earthumanity) have found. The goal of the exoALMA program was to conduct deep spatial and spectral observations of fifteen sources to map out the gas distribution and dynamical state of the disks with the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA). The following Letters describe the developments in methodology and analysis necessary to interpret these data and consequent findings.
The Atacama Large Millimeter Array is an astronomical interferometer of 66 radio telescopes in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile, which observe electromagnetic radiation. ALMA provides insight on star birth during the early Stelliferous era, along with local star and planet formation. The project is an international partnership amongst Europe, the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Chile.
Animate Cosmos > cosmos > exouniverse
Trivedi, Oem and Robert Scherrer.
The long freeze: an asymptotically static universe from holographic dark energy..
arXiv:2409.11420.
Ahmedabad University, India and Vanderbilt University, USA astroscientists conceive another instance whereby our collective human intellect is presently able to explore, quantify and imagine an entire multiversal scenario. Yet again though an ecosmo sapiens identity is ap, we peoples are not factored in as a phenomenal, cocreative, pivotal phase.
We show that some holographic dark energy models can lead to a future evolution of the universe in which the scale factor is asymptotically constant and the corresponding energy and pressure densities vanish. We provide examples of such models and general conditions that can lead to an asymptotically static universe, which we have called the “long freeze." (Abstract)
Animate Cosmos > Information
Aerts, Diederik, et al.
From Quantum Cognition to Conceptuality Interpretation II.
arXiv:2412.19809.
Vrije Universiteit Brussels and University of Udine, Italy continue to finesse their innovative theories as by which quantum-like phenomena is seen in effect in psychological, social and literary domains. See also The physics and metaphysics of the conceptuality interpretation of quantum mechanics by Aerts, D. and Sassoli de Bianchi, M. at arXiv:2310.10684 for an earlier edition and The cognitive triple-slit experiment at arXiv:2505.05497 for a latest version.
An overview of the conceptuality interpretation of quantum mechanics is presented, along with how it sheds light on key quantum and relativistic phenomena. We propose that it clarifies Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, entanglement-based nonlocality, superposition, delayed choice experiments, quantum measurements and more. Finally, we suggest that it outlines the intellectual trajectory leading from applications of quantum notions to human cognition. This article is the second in a two-part series whereof the first is 2412.06799. (Excerpt)
Animate Cosmos > Information > Quant Info
Elshatlawy, Hatem, et al.
Towards a Generalized Theory of Observers.
arXiv:2504.16225.
University of Sydney, Wolfram Institute for Computational Foundations of Science and the MPI History of Science including Dean Rickles and Xerxes Arsiwalla provide a most extensive historical and current survey to date of the effect that personal observers may have on the physical reality, broadly conceived, from which they arise and . In turn, they course from Wheelers’ participants, Varela’s autopoiesis, Zurek’s Darwinism, quantum Bayesism, Wolframs programs and more. It then becomes quite evident is that as entities witness, recognize and record, they actually can have a discernible influence. See also The Morphospace of Consciousness: Three Kinds of Complexity for Minds and Machines by Xerxes Arsiwalla, et al in NeuroSci (MDPI, 4/2, 2023).
We propose a formal basis for verifying the concept of observers across physics, computer science, and philosophy. Here we introduce an operational definition of minimal observers and explore their role in shaping basic concepts. Drawing upon insights from quantum gravity, digital physics, cybernetics, and ruliological pregeometries, we argue that observers serve as an indispensable function for measurement, reference frames, and the emergence of meaning. (Excerpt)
In sum, recognizing observation as a fundamental, feedback-driven process constrained by boundary definitions, state transitions, and sensor-actuator loops—offers a powerful lens for explaining measurement, emergent complexity, and the construction of meaning. We hope this work will inspire further efforts across disciplines to refine and adopt the minimal observer framework, illuminating the deep interweave of cognition, physics, computation, and philosophy in shaping our understanding of reality. (41)
Animate Cosmos > Thermodynamics
Zuchowski, Lena.
From Randomness and Entropy to the Arrow of Time.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press,
2024.
A University of Bristol theorist contributes a volume to the CUP Elements in the Philosophy of Physics series which provides some latest clarifications about how life, persons and bioplanet fly away from chaos toward open creativity.
This Element reconstructs, analyses and compares different routes to ground the Arrow of Time in entropy. Three main aspects are the Empirical Arrow of Time, the Universal Statistical Arrow of Time and the Local Statistical Arrow of Time. The text will demonstrate it is unlikely that high entropy states will always coincide with visible disorder. Therefore, it will dispute that there is a strong link between the Arrow of Time and visible disorder.
Animate Cosmos > Thermodynamics > quant therm
Campbell, Steve, et al..
Roadmap on Quantum Thermodynamics. arXiv:2504.20145..
arXiv:2504.20145.
This entry by some 80 authorities such as Janet Anders and Nicole Yunger Halpern has 24 comprehensive topical sections with 350 references. It is to appear as a "Focus on Thermodynamics in Quantum Coherent Platforms" in the Quantum Science and Technology journal.
The last two decades has seen quantum thermodynamics become an established field of research in its own right. In that time, it has demonstrated a broad applicability from foundational advances in how thermodynamic principles apply at the nano-scale and in the presence of quantum coherence, to a basic guide for the development of efficient quantum devices. This document provides an overview across many of the field's sub-disciplines, assessing the key challenges and a guide for its near term progress. (Abstract)
Animate Cosmos > Fractal > autocat
Parra, R. Gonzalo, et al.
Frustration in Physiology and Molecular Medicine. ..
arXiv:2502.03851.
As an example of worldwise autocatalysis studies this year, Barcelona Supercomputing Center, UC San Diego, Rice University, Houston and Universidad de Buenos Aires including Peter Wolynes identify and factor in this title condition which is now known to commonly occur during protein biochemical reactivities. Life’s amino acids affect every aspect of growth and metabolism through myriad forms and functions which are newly being quantified and created by Nobel worthy AlphaFold programs and other algorithms.
The integral veracity of these 2025 reports could be served by a retrospect of this collegial project, as these citations may convey: Spin glasses and the statistical mechanics of protein folding by J. Bryngelson and P. Wolynes, November 1987 and Optimal protein-folding codes from spin-glass theory by R. Goldstein, Z. Luthey-Schulz and P G Wolynes, June 1992, as they drew on statistical physics and complexity sciences at the time to quantify life’s proteinverse. See also Frustration, dynamics and catalysis by R. Gonzalo Parra and Diego Ferreiro at arXiv:2505.00600 for another version.
Molecules provide the ultimate language to understand physiology and pathology. Myriad proteins perform chemical activities coordinating the life of cells as dynamic ensembles formed by folding the polypeptide chains. It is apparent that when folded, not all conflicting interactions have been resolved so the structure remains "locally frustrated". Over It has by now has clear that this state is not random but an essential factor. Here we review the physical origins of the frustration concept and evidence that this condition is vital for physiology, protein recognition, catalysis and allostery. Finally we explore extensions of frustration to higher systems including gene regulatory networks and the neural networks. (2502.03851)
The controlled dissipation of chemical potentials is the basic way that cells make a living. Enzyme-mediated catalysis allows the various transformations to proceed at relevant rates with precision and efficiency. Theory, experiments and computational studies show that local frustration is a useful concept to relate protein dynamics with catalytic power. These biological dynamics are then found to be tuned by the protein sequences that modulate the local frustration patterns. (2505.00600)
Peter Wolynes is an American theoretical chemist and physicist. Since 2011 he has been a Professor of Science and Chemistry at Rice University in Houston. He is widely recognized for significant lifetime contributions to understandings of complex protein folding, spin glasses, and gene networks.
Animate Cosmos > Fractal > autocat
Scrutton, Nigel, et al.
Transitioning enzyme catalysis towards photocatalysis.
Philosophical Transactions A.
May,
2025.
In a special Science into the next millennium: 25 years on’ issue which compares the state of 2025 research with earlier 2000 entries, veteran University of Manchester chemists record the broad extent that enzyme biocatalysis has been found to take in life’s metabolism. See also Fundamental physics, existential risks and human futures by Adrian Kent and Computational modelling of biological systems by Axel Loewe in this edition.
Enzyme biocatalysis offers routes to chemical transformations that avoid expensive metal catalysts, high temperatures and pressures, while providing enantio-, regio- and chemo-selectivities. Here, we review the emergence of photobiocatalysis as a new frontier of natural photoenzymes. We consider repurposing natural enzymes as photobiocatalysts and discuss their de novo design which as a general concept would transform catalysis science. (Excerpt)
Animate Cosmos > Astrobiology
Kwok, Sun.
Chemical Synthesis in the Circumstellar Environment.
Galaxies..
13/2,
2025.
The University of British Columbia astrochemist (search) continues his studies which by now well attest to nature’s innate fertile propensity to seed and spawn a conducive ecosmos with increasingly appropriate bioprecursor molecules on their evolutionary way wherever possible.
We discuss the spectral distinctions between stars and compact planetary nebulae. Infrared and millimeter-wave observations have identified many inorganic and organic molecules in the circumstellar environment. There is evidence that aromatic/aliphatic nanoparticles are synthesized during the proto-planetary nebulae phase of evolution. Their ejection into the interstellar medium may have enriched the primordial Solar System, along with comets, asteroids, and satellites.
Complex organics have been detected in a Galaxy dated 13 billion years ago suggesting that biosynthesis had started as early as 800 million years after the Big Bang. A better understanding of the origin of these organics is central to our picture of the chemical evolution of the Universe and may be relevant to the problem of the origin of life
Animate Cosmos > Astrobiology
Wordsworth, Robin, et al.
Applied Astrobiology: An Integrated Approach to the Future of Life in Space.
.
.
Astrobiology., 2025.
Some sixteen coauthors including Adam Frank, Esther Dyson, Peter Girguis, David Grinspoon, Sara Seager and Dimitri Sasselov propose a wnole spacescape which blends our potential human interstellar presence with a profusion of exoplanet biosigns.
Searching for extraterrestrial life and supporting human life in space are traditionally regarded as separate challenges. However, there are significant benefits to an approach that treats them as different aspects of the same essential problem: How can we conceptualize life beyond our home planet?
Animate Cosmos > exoearths
Arthur, Rudy, et al..
. Life on the Edge: Using Planetary Context to Enhance Biosignatures and Avoid False Positives..
arXiv:2504.18431..
University of Exeter astroscholars including Arwin Nicholson (search RA) draw on their extensive Gaia-like Earth system studies to propose careful, specific ways of detecting and evaluating exoplanet bioatmospheres. See also Prospects for Detecting Signs of Life on Exoplanets in the JWST Era by Sara Seager et al at arXiv:2504.12946 and Comparative Biosignatures by Teraza, Constantinou, et al at arXiv:2505.01512 for more considerations.
We use a probability theory framework to discuss the search for biosignatures which allows us to analyse biosignatures to provide convincing evidence of extraterrestrial life. Our perspective of functional planetary views opens to a “peribiosignatures” concept, based on past Gaia studies, where life is unlikely. Finally, we discuss the implications of context dependence on observational strategy, suggesting that searching the edges of the habitable zone rather than the middle might be more likely to provide convincing evidence of life. (Abstract)
Animate Cosmos > exoearths
Vidotto, Aline.
Star–Planet Interactions: A Computational View.
Annual Review of Astronomy and Astrophysics..
Volume 63,
2025.
A Leiden Observatory professor and SPI group leader presents the latest evidential findings which convey and quantify how whole dynamic solar systems possess an overall physical identity. See also A Resonant Beginning for the Solar System Terrestrial Planets by this Leiden effort at arXiv:2506.04164.
There are several physical processes between an exoplanet and its host star such as magnetic forces, stellar outflow, radiative and tidal. Their strengths depend on the architecture of planetary systems, as well as the age and activity of the solar center. Here, I present an overview of star-planet interactions which vary in time from hours to giga-years related to planetary orbital motion, rotation and stellar flares, cycles and long-term evolution. I advocate that future 3D models should be informed by multi-wavelength, (near-)simultaneous observations. (Excerpt)
I covered three main SPI types which are mediated by stellar magnetism: radiative interactions expand exoplanetary atmospheres, particle flows are affected by the stellar wind and magnetic connections between stellar and planetary field lines. The strength of the SPI depends on the architecture of planetary systems, as well as the age and activity of the host stars. (36)
Animate Cosmos > Self-Selection
Cmiel, Jessica, et al.
Characterizing the Radiative-Convective Structure of Dense Rocky Planet Atmospheres..
arXiv:2505.00775.
This 2025 entry by Harvard astroscientists describes extensive quantifications of the early Earth crustal ground to gaseous envelope environment. As these findings attest, they identify another still more Goldilocks just-right conditions for living systems to appear, survive, evolve and reach their present retrospect. See also A cool runaway greenhouse without surface magma ocean by Franck Selsis, et al in Nature (620/287, 2023).
We use a radiative-convective model to simulate hot, dense terrestrial-planet atmospheres. We find that strong shortwave absorption by H2O and CO2 inhibits near-surface convection, which reduces surface temperatures compared to convective predictions. We also show that greenhouse gases such as SO2 and NH3 have a limited warming effect. Our results highlight the role of shortwave heating on magma ocean planets and the need for improved high-temperature spectroscopy. (Excerpt).
Animate Cosmos > Self-Selection
Mitrašinović, Ana, et al.
Revisiting the bimodality of galactic habitability in IllustrisTNG.
arXiv:2505.11048.
Astronomical Observatory, Belgrade, Serbia searchers including Branislav Vukotić, and Milan Ćirković describe the latest abilities by which a wide array of galaxy neighborhoods could be quantified as hospitable to animate, evolutionary systems.
The potential of galaxy-scale evolution and cosmological processes to host habitable planets is central to astrobiology. Using IllustrisTNG (a series of cosmological magneto-hydrodynamical simulations to illuminate the physical processes that drive galaxy formation) we revisit the mass-metallicity relation for small, metal-rich, star-forming galaxies as an indicator of enhanced galactic habitability. This research underscores the need for a holistic approach to studying habitability that moves beyond planetary and stellar-focused frameworks to incorporate the broader galactic environment. (Excerpt)
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