Month: February 2024

Dieter Hartmann and an international team of astronomers “obtained observational evidence for the creation of rare heavy elements in the aftermath of a cataclysmic explosion triggered by the merger of two neutron stars.” They were studying a massive gamma-ray burst named GRB230307A, which was first detected on March 7, 2023. Scientists discovered that this burst resulted from two neutron stars merging in a distant galaxy. 

“The breakthrough discovery puts astronomers one step closer to solving the mystery of the origin of elements that are heavier than iron.”

Adapted from:
Astronomers discover heavy elements after bright gamma-ray burst from neutron star merger | Clemson News

Apparao Rao, Clemson University and Bingan Lu, Hunan University

“In a newly published study, we describe our design for a self-extinguishing rechargeable battery. It replaces the most commonly used electrolyte, which is highly combustible – a medium composed of a lithium salt and an organic solvent – with materials found in a commercial fire extinguisher.

An electrolyte allows lithium ions that carry an electric charge to move across a separator between the positive and negative terminals of a lithium-ion battery. By modifying affordable commercial coolants to function as battery electrolytes, we were able to produce a battery that puts out its own fire.”

Read more here: 
Self-extinguishing batteries could reduce the risk of deadly and costly battery fires | Clemson News