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Laboratory Experiments

All articles tagged with #laboratory experiments

science-and-astronomy2 years ago•4 min saved

Cosmic Clouds: The Origins of Life's Building Blocks

Laboratory experiments have shown that amino acids, the building blocks of life, can form in the frigid conditions of interstellar molecular gas clouds. By mimicking the conditions of these clouds, scientists were able to create carbamic acid, a simple amino acid. This finding strengthens the theory that the basic building blocks of life on Earth were formed in space before being delivered to our planet. The study also suggests that amino acids can form even without ionizing radiation and sets lower limits for the temperature at which amino acids can form. The next steps for researchers are to synthesize the formation of other organic compounds in conditions mimicking interstellar clouds and star-forming regions.

via Space.com|

#amino-acids #building-blocks-of-life #interstellar-molecular-clouds

science2 years ago•5 min saved

"Testing a Groundbreaking Theory: Bridging the Gap Between Physics and Life in the Lab"

Researchers are testing a groundbreaking theory called assembly theory, which aims to explain the emergence of life from non-living matter. The theory proposes that complexity and information are key factors in understanding life, and it introduces the concept of an "assembly index" to quantify the minimal steps required to build an object. Laboratory experiments have been conducted to determine the assembly index of various molecules, showing that molecules associated with life require more complexity and information to assemble. The theory also offers insights into the origin of life and may have broader applications in understanding hierarchical construction and evolution.

via Phys.org|

#assembly-theory #emergence #laboratory-experiments

science2 years ago•4 min saved

Unveiling Neutron Star Secrets through an Unexpected Earthly Comparison

Researchers are using an earthly analog to study the mysteries of neutron stars, which are superdense remnants of stellar explosions. By creating clouds of ultracold atoms in laboratories, scientists can study the behavior of matter in extreme conditions similar to those found inside neutron stars. This approach allows researchers to gain insights into the inner workings of neutron stars and address longstanding questions about these enigmatic objects. The behavior of matter below its Fermi temperature, which can be observed in ultracold gases, follows universal laws that can provide valuable information about neutron star matter.

via Ars Technica|

#astrophysics #laboratory-experiments #matter

science2 years ago•3 min saved

Pressure-Driven Ionization Explored in Experiments and Laser Demonstrations

Scientists have conducted laboratory experiments at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) that provide new insights on the complex process of pressure-driven ionization in giant planets and stars. The international research team utilized the world's largest and most energetic laser, the National Ignition Facility (NIF), to generate the extreme conditions necessary for pressure-driven ionization. By recreating extreme conditions similar to those inside giant planets and stars, the team was able to observe changes in material properties and electron structure that are not captured by current models. The research also has significant implications for inertial confinement fusion experiments at NIF, where X-ray absorption and compressibility are key parameters for optimizing high-performance fusion experiments.

via Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (.gov)|

#astrophysics #laboratory-experiments #lawrence-livermore-national-laboratory