Astronomers Seek Binary Supermassive Black Holes in Galactic Centers

Supermassive black holes are believed to exist at the centre of most galaxies, including our Milky Way. However, in certain cases, two such black holes are thought to orbit one another, forming binary systems. These gravitationally bound pairs could provide significant insights into the dynamics of galaxy formation and the behaviour of space-time. Detecting them, however, presents challenges due to their nature, as they cannot be observed directly using traditional telescopes.

Gravitational Waves and Galactic Collisions

According to research, as reported by The Conversation, binary black holes can form when galaxies merge. During such collisions, the black holes from the merging galaxies are brought closer by gravitational forces. Eventually, they may create a binary system before combining into one larger black hole over millions of years.

These systems emit gravitational waves, ripples in space-time predicted by Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity. Observatories like the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) detect these waves, though pinpointing individual binaries remains elusive.

Evidence from Active Galactic Nuclei

Researchers have identified a potential binary black hole system in an active galaxy, PG 1553+153, as reported by The Conversation. Observations have revealed periodic light variations approximately every 2.2 years, which could indicate the presence of two orbiting black holes.

Active galactic nuclei, which emit immense energy due to gas accretion, often display such cyclical patterns. These patterns, however, might also result from other phenomena like jet wobbles, requiring further investigation.

Historical Data and Findings

As reported by The Conversation, they used archival data spanning over a century, a secondary 20-year light variation pattern was identified in PG 1553+153. This additional evidence supports the binary black hole hypothesis, suggesting the system includes two black holes with masses in a 2.5:1 ratio. Final confirmation, however, may depend on advancements in pulsar timing arrays to detect specific gravitational waves.

The study highlights how historical data and modern simulations contribute to understanding complex cosmic events. The findings advance knowledge of galactic evolution and black hole behaviour, with future technological improvements expected to refine these discoveries.

 

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Bird-Inspired Wing Design Could Boost Performance of Aeroplanes, Claims Study

The flight dynamics of birds have inspired researchers to explore innovative enhancements for aeroplane wings. Featherlike flaps, designed to resemble the covert feathers seen on bird wings, have demonstrated the potential to improve lift, reduce drag, and prevent stalls. These advancements, inspired by avian flight mechanisms, aim to enhance the efficiency and safety of aircraft, particularly during challenging manoeuvres such as landings or flights through turbulent conditions. The findings suggest promising applications for both commercial and specialised aviation.

Findings from Recent Research

According to a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, lightweight flaps mimicking covert feathers were tested on model airplane wings in a wind tunnel. It was observed that these flaps improved airflow around the wings, resulting in a significant increase in lift by up to 45 percent and a reduction in drag by 31 percent.

Unlike conventional wing flaps operated manually by pilots, these bird-inspired components automatically adjust when the wings encounter a high angle of attack, a situation often associated with sudden loss of lift.

Insights from Experts

Aimy Wissa, an engineer at Princeton University, told Science News Explores that the design of these flaps does not rely on mechanical controls but rather responds naturally to aerodynamic conditions. Multiple rows of flaps positioned across the wing, not limited to its front or rear, contributed to enhanced lift by maintaining a steady airflow and blocking high-pressure air from disrupting lift production at critical points.

Applications for Aircraft Stability

Testing on remote-controlled aircraft revealed improved flight stability, particularly under gusty weather or during operations on short runways. Researchers have highlighted the potential of this design to address challenges in aviation, where precise control and efficiency are critical as per the publication.

By adapting concepts from bird flight, engineers aim to develop planes capable of smoother, more reliable performance in demanding scenarios. These developments underscore the potential for bio-inspired innovations in advancing aviation technology.

 

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iQOO Z9 Turbo Long Battery Life Edition Launched: Price, Specifications

iQOO Z9 Turbo Long Battery Life Edition was launched in China as an upgraded variant of the iQoo Z9 Turbo. The latest Turbo series handset has a 6,400mAh battery and it runs on the OriginOS 5 skin based on Android 14. The iQOO Z9 Turbo Long Battery Life Edition features a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset under the hood and it boasts a 50-megapixel dual rear camera unit. The standard variant was unveiled in April last year with a 6,000mAh battery. 

iQOO Z9 Turbo Long Battery Life Edition Price

Price of iQOO Z9 Turbo Long Battery Life Edition starts at CNY 1,899 (roughly Rs. 21,000) for the 12GB+ 256GB model. The 12GB+ 512GB, 16GB+256GB, and 16GB+512GB variants are priced at CNY 2,199 (roughly Rs. 25,000), CNY 2,099 (roughly Rs. 24,000), and CNY 2,399 (roughly Rs. 30,000), respectively.

The brand launched the vanilla iQoo Z9 Turbo in April last year with an initial price tag of CNY 1,999 (roughly Rs. 23,000).

iQOO Z9 Turbo Long Battery Life Edition

The dual-SIM (Nano) iQOO Z9 Turbo Long Battery Life Edition runs on OriginOS 5 based on Android 14 and features a 6.78-inch full-HD+ (1,080x2,400 pixels) AMOLED display with up to 144Hz refresh rate. It has a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset under the hood paired with up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, and up to 512GB UFS 4.0 storage.

For optics, the iQOO Z9 Turbo Long Battery Life Edition has a dual camera setup at the rear including a 50-megapixel new Sony LYT-600 sensor and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens. On the front, it has a 16-megapixel selfie shooter.

Connectivity options on the iQOO Z9 Turbo Long Battery Life Edition include 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, Beidou, GPS/AGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, NFC, and a USB Type-C port. Sensors on board include an e-compass, gravity sensor, light sensor, gyroscope, IR remote control, X-axis linear motor, and proximity sensor. The phones pack an in-display fingerprint sensor and offer facial recognition feature. It has IP64-rated protection against dust.

The iQOO Z9 Turbo Long Battery Life Edition is backed by a 6,400mAh battery with 80W fast charging and reverse charging (via OTG). It measures 163.72×75.88×7.98mm and weighs 196 grams.

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HMD Key With 6.52-Inch Screen, 4,000mAh Battery Launched: Price, Specifications

HMD Key was launched in select global markets on Thursday. The new phone comes as a budget offering with 4G connectivity. It is powered by a Unisoc 9832E chipset and runs on Android 14 Go edition out-of-the-box. The phone is equipped with an 8-megapixel rear camera sensor with support for autofocus alongside an LED flash unit and a 5-megapixel selfie shooter. The handset has an IP52 rating for dust and splash resistance. The company has yet to confirm if the phone will launch in India.

HMD Key Price, Availability, Colour Options

HMD Key price is set at GBP 59 (roughly Rs. 6,300) in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. The company has not yet detailed the handset's availability in other regions. The phone is available in two colourways — Icy Blue and Midnight Black.

HMD Key Specifications

The HMD Key sports a 6.52-inch display with a resolution of 576 x 1,280 pixels, a refresh rate of 60Hz, 460 nits peak brightness level, and a 20:9 aspect ratio. The phone is powered by a Unisoc 9832E chipset paired with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of onboard storage. It supports up to 2GB of additional virtual RAM and up to 128GB storage extension via a microSD card. The handset ships with the Android 14 Go edition. Users are confirmed to get two years of quarterly security updates.

For optics, the HMD Key carries an 8-megapixel autofocus-supported rear camera sensor alongside an LED flash unit. The front camera, placed within a centred waterdrop notch, has a 5-megapixel sensor. The main camera supports several imaging modes including Portrait, Night, Slow Motion, Time Lapse, and Panorama.

The HMD Key houses a 4,000mAh battery with 10W wired charging support via a USB Type-C port. Connectivity options include 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.4, FM, GPS, AGPS, Galileo and a 3.5mm audio jack. The handset has an IP52-rated build for dust and splash resistance. It measures 166.4 x 76.9 x 8.95mm in size and weighs 185.4g.

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Telegram Rolls Out Collectible Gifts, Message Search Filters, QR Code Scanner and More Features

Telegram is rolling out several new features with its first update of 2025, the company announced on Wednesday. As part of the changes, the instant messaging app gives users the ability to convert received gifts into collectibles which come with special attributes and can be transferred to others. Additionally, the update brings an in-app QR code scanner, service message reactions, emojis in folder names, extra message search filters, and more features.

The company says that this was meant to be the 17th major update of 2024 but could not meet the deadline due to a “lack of attention from Apple's review team”.

New Features on Telegram

Telegram detailed its new features in a blog post. As per the company, the gifts received on Telegram can now be upgraded to collectibles. They can be transferred to other users or auctioned on NFT marketplaces. Upgrading a gift into a collectible unlocks a new appearance with custom variations designed by Telegram artists. The instant messaging platform says collectibles also get background colour, icon and number as secondary traits, making sure each collectible is unique and some are rarer.

Following the update, service messages, such as someone joining a group or sending a gift, now support emoji reactions. Telegram also makes it easier to find messages from specific chats, courtesy of new extra filters for refining searches in private and group chats and channels.

Official third-party services can assign extra verification icons to user accounts and chats as a measure of improving transparency. A small logo appears next to the name if a user receives third-party verification. However, the company emphasises that third-party verification marks are completely separate from the verified checkmarks that Telegram provides for public figures and organisations.

Telegram's in-app camera on both Android and iOS now supports QR code scanning by default. With this, users can directly open links in their preferred browser without switching apps. Further, folders now support custom emojis, enabling Premium users to make their folders more expressive.

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12,000-Year-Old Wolf Remains in Alaska Show Early Signs of Human Interaction

A 12,000-year-old canine leg bone unearthed at the Swan Point archaeological site in Alaska has provided new insights into the early relationship between humans and wolves. The analysis of this ancient bone revealed a wolf-like animal with a fish-heavy diet, which researchers believe could have been influenced by human interaction. This discovery has raised intriguing questions about whether the animal was intentionally fed or if it scavenged from human settlements, offering a glimpse into the complex dynamics that may have led to domestication.

Analysis and Findings from the Study

According to a study published in Science Advances, the DNA analysis confirmed the animal's mother was a wolf. However, chemical isotope testing of the remains indicated that more than half of the animal's diet consisted of salmon, an unusual finding for wild wolves typically reliant on land-based prey such as bison or rodents. Researchers, including Dr. Joshua Reuther, an archaeologist at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, suggested this dietary shift may point to a closer relationship with local human populations.

Similar findings were reported from another nearby site, Hollembaek Hill, where remains of a mother and her fetus showed evidence of salmon consumption. Dr. François Lanoë, an anthropologist at the University of Arizona, noted to New York Times that this diet likely reflected a human influence, as salmon would not have been naturally available during winter months when the fetus was conceived.

Debates on Early Domestication

While the findings suggest human involvement, researchers remain divided on whether the interaction represented early domestication. While talking to the New York Times, Dr. Angela Perri, a specialist in human-animal relationships at Chronicle Heritage, linked the discovery to the “trash heap hypothesis,” proposing wolves may have scavenged human food waste. Others, such as Dr. Reuther and Dr. Ben Potter, contested this theory, arguing the isotopic evidence points to intentional feeding by humans.
Cultural Context of Canine Partnerships

From the perspective of Indigenous peoples, dogs were seen as partners and spiritual allies, with their roles deeply integrated into survival in harsh environments.

 

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Top Series and Movies to Watch on Apple TV+ for Free This Weekend

Apple TV+ will be available for free streaming from January 4 to January 5, 2025, giving viewers a chance to explore its critically acclaimed library of movies and series at no cost. Known for its emphasis on high-quality, original content, Apple TV+ has gained recognition for its limited but excellent catalog. This weekend provides a perfect opportunity for new viewers to experience the platform's standout films and shows. Here are the top five movies and series you should binge-watch, with details about their release dates, genres, casts, and compelling plots.

Ted Lasso

• Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sports
• Cast: Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Brett Goldstein, Juno Temple

Ted Lasso follows the story of an optimistic American football coach, played by Jason Sudeikis, who is hired to manage a struggling English soccer team despite having no experience with the sport. What begins as a cynical ploy by the team's owner soon transforms into a heartwarming tale of perseverance, friendship, and personal growth. The show is celebrated for its sharp humor, heartfelt moments, and lovable characters. Over three seasons, Ted Lasso explores themes of mental health, teamwork, and resilience, making it a must-watch feel-good series for viewers of all ages.

 

Severance

• Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller
• Cast: Adam Scott, Patricia Clarkson, John Turturro, Christopher Walken

Severance is a mind-bending thriller that imagines a world where employees at Lumon Industries undergo a procedure to separate their work and personal memories. Adam Scott plays Mark, a team leader who begins to question the ethics of the procedure as strange events unfold. The show masterfully blends corporate satire with psychological suspense, creating an unsettling yet captivating atmosphere. With its high production value and stellar cast, Severance has been hailed as one of the most innovative shows of recent years.

 

Greyhound

• Genre: War, Action, Drama
• Cast: Tom Hanks, Stephen Graham, Rob Morgan, Elisabeth Shue

Greyhound is an intense World War II drama following U.S. Navy Captain Ernest Krause (Tom Hanks) as he leads a convoy of Allied ships across the Atlantic, facing relentless attacks by German U-boats. The film offers a gripping portrayal of naval warfare, emphasizing strategy, courage, and leadership under pressure. With tight pacing and breathtaking visuals, Greyhound immerses viewers in the harrowing realities of wartime decision-making. Based on true events, the movie has been praised for its authenticity and Hanks' compelling performance.

 

For All Mankind

• Genre: Sci-Fi, Alternate History
• Cast: Joel Kinnaman, Michael Dorman, Sarah Jones, Shantel VanSanten

What if the Soviet Union had landed on the moon before the United States? This alternate history series explores a world where the space race never ended. For All Mankind reimagines key historical moments, focusing on the astronauts, engineers, and their families as they navigate personal and professional challenges. The series delves into themes of ambition, sacrifice, and technological innovation, offering a fascinating blend of drama and speculative fiction. With four seasons available, this epic tale provides plenty of material for a weekend binge.

 

Shrinking

• Genre: Comedy, Drama
• Cast: Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, Jessica Williams

Shrinking is a heartfelt comedy-drama about a grieving therapist, Jimmy (Jason Segel), who starts breaking professional boundaries by giving brutally honest advice to his patients. Harrison Ford co-stars as his mentor, bringing humor and wisdom to the narrative. The series explores themes of loss, healing, and human connection, offering both laughs and poignant moments. Its relatable characters and witty dialogue make it a standout series.

 

This free weekend on Apple TV+ offers a unique opportunity to dive into the platform's top-tier content. With a mix of heartwarming dramas, thrilling series, and action-packed movies, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss the chance to explore these cinematic and storytelling gems!

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