Diffuse inter-filament gas is likely a key fuel source for massive star formation

Inter-filamentary diffuse gas: Key fuel source for massive star formation
Illustration of the Monoceros R2 hub–filament system showing how the gas flows along the filaments (green arrows) and in the inter-filament regions (blue arrows) towards the central hub. The analysis showed that gas within dense filaments flows toward the hub much faster than gas in the surrounding inter-filament regions. At the same time, a fraction of the gas in the inter-filament regions moves sideways into nearby filaments, replenishing them with fresh material before continuing toward the hub, supporting star formation. Credit: Kyushu University

Researchers from Kyushu University have discovered that diffuse gas surrounding dense filaments in a nearby stellar nursery plays a much larger role in star formation than previously recognized. By tracking the movement of gas in the Monoceros R2 hub–filament system, the team found that low-density gas contributes to hub growth both through direct inflow and by replenishing nearby dense filaments. Their findings show that overlooking this diffuse gas could substantially underestimate the amount of material available to build massive stars.

Inside ‘Sterling Point’: Why Megan Park’s YA Series Trades Tired Tropes for a Refreshing Dose of Realism

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[This story contains some spoilers for Prime Video’s Sterling Point.]

Television’s experiencing a bit of a coming-of-age renaissance. It’s far from the first time, and it certainly won’t be the last, but between adaptions of beloved romance novels and teenaged prequels, it’s a good time for YA on TV screens.

Where to Watch 'The Shards,' Ryan Murphy's Adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis' Bestseller

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A few months after Love Story‘s inaugural season, Ryan Murphy returns with another buzzy series inspired by a best-selling book. The Shards, based on Bret Easton Ellis‘ loosely autobiographical novel of the same name, premieres with back-to-back episodes on Aug. 5 at 9 p.m. PT/ET on FX, which can be livestreamed on any service that carries said network, namely DirecTV (with a five-day free trial), Fubo, Sling and Hulu + Live TV. Episodes drop simultaneously on Hulu/Disney+, however the streamer does not offer a free trial.

Here's When ChatGPT Atlas Will Shut Down for Good

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Jake Peterson is Lifehacker’s Tech Editor, and has been covering tech news and how-tos for nearly a decade. His team covers all things technology, including AI, smartphones, computers, game consoles, and subscriptions.

'Spooky' particles transit DC suburbs, a step toward a quantum network

'Spooky' particles transit DC suburbs, a step toward a quantum network
NIST physicist Yicheng Shi displays the equipment used to distribute entangled photons. Credit: Megan King

In early 2025, special signals wended their way through a fiber-optic highway strung above the streets and sidewalks of the Maryland suburbs. The arrival of those signals at their destination marks a significant step toward a long-held dream of building a "quantum network." Researchers believe that this emerging technology could someday link quantum devices in ways that supercharge scientific research, enable ultrasecure communications and boost the power of future quantum computers.

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Trump’s Helicopter Was Briefly Too Close To Commercial Jet On Tuesday, FAA Says

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The Federal Aviation Administration is reviewing why a commercial plane was too close to a helicopter carrying President Donald Trump, the agency confirmed on Wednesday—an incident taking place as the presidential helicopter approached the same airport where an Army helicopter collided with a regional jet over the Potomac River in 2025.

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The trust holding President Donald Trump’s assets asked a federal judge Wednesday to pause an order forcing the trust to turn over Trump’s financial information to the BBC, making a last-ditch effort to keep the president’s personal finances under wraps as the BBC questions whether a 2024 documentary actually caused him $10 billion in damages.