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Astronomers probe the nature of a massive young stellar object

Astronomers from Argentina and Spain have performed near-infrared observations of a massive young stellar object known as MYSO G29.862−0.0044. The observational campaign sheds more light on the nature of this object and its unique morphology. The new findings are presented in a paper published August 13 on the arXiv preprint server.

Massive young stellar objects (MYSOs) are stars in the very early stage of formation and the progenitors of massive main-sequence stars. However, due to their short formation timescale (about 10,000–100,000 years) and the severe extinction by the surrounding gas and dust, observations of MYSOs remain challenging.

Located some 20,200 away, MYSO G29.862−0.0044 (YSO-G29 for short), is a massive young stellar object associated with the star-forming region G29.96–0.02. The object is likely embedded within a dense molecular core.

Nanodroplets could speed up the search for new medicine

Until now, the early phase of drug discovery for the development of new therapeutics has been both cost- and time-intensive. Researchers at KIT (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology) have now developed a platform on which extremely miniaturized nanodroplets with a volume of only 200 nanoliters per droplet—comparable to a grain of sand—and containing only 300 cells per test can be arranged.

Fossil-free plastics production to start with sustainable polymer tech

World’s first industrial-scale fossil-free plastics production complex to be built in Belgium.

The world’s first industrial-scale fossil-free plastics production facility is set to be established in Belgium. The facility will use Lummus’ proven sustainable polymer technology. Vioneo has Lummus as its facility’s polypropylene partner.

The complex will also be highly electrified using renewable electricity and use renewable hydrogen as key components to its operations.

The company claimed that plastics produced will be fully traceable and CO2 negative, allowing customers to reduce their Scope 3 emissions.

Apollo 17 samples reveal new clues to ancient lunar landslide mystery

Moon’s time capsule: Apollo-era rock core sample tells tale of ancient landslide.

NASA intentionally set aside a significant portion of this haul for future study, a decision now paying off.

The rock core was studied using advanced micro-CT scanning to analyze its contents in fine detail, an imaging technology that didn’t exist when the samples were first brought back.

The new research focused on clasts, fragments broken off from the mountain during the landslide.

US’ secret, unmanned military space plane to embark on new mission

US secret military space plane to embark on new mission with undisclosed goal.

Developed by Boeing, the uncrewed spacecraft is used by the U.S. military to conduct experiments in high and low Earth orbits.

Boeing earlier claimed that the space plane is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies that provide exceptional performance and durability. Its modular design allows for a wide range of experiments and missions, making it a versatile and valuable asset in space exploration.

While it looks like a smaller version of the now-retired space shuttle, the X-37B can’t get into orbit without a boost. For this upcoming mission, it’s hitching a ride on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket inside the rocket’s fairing, a protective enclosure made of carbon composite that keeps it safe during the launch until it’s ready to be released into orbit, reported ABC News.

Injection-based drug delivery may replace cancer infusion drips

New delivery method lets cancer patients skip IVs, self-inject protein drugs at home.

Patients with cancer, autoimmune diseases, and metabolic disorders often endure hours-long intravenous infusions.

These treatments involve protein-based drugs, which must be given in high doses but remain stable only at low concentrations. Until now, IV infusions were the only option.

A Stanford research team has developed a delivery platform that changes this. The method allows protein drugs to be concentrated at far higher levels without losing stability.

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