From First Principles FFP EP. 6 | New Supernova, Virus+Bacteria vs Cancer, Electron Spin, Bee Superfood
Sep 2, 2025
Discover the unveiling of a unique 'naked' supernova, shedding light on the mysteries of dying stars. Explore an innovative therapy where viruses and bacteria unite to attack cancer cells. Learn how scientists are harnessing electron spin to revolutionize energy efficiency in technology. Finally, dive into a groundbreaking CRISPR-based superfood designed for honeybees, aiming to combat pollinator decline and enhance agricultural ecosystems. These fascinating topics showcase the forefront of scientific discovery.
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Naked Supernova Validates Onion Model
- Observing a "naked" supernova gave astronomers a rare, direct look into a star's inner silicon layers before explosion.
- That confirmation strengthens the onion-skin model and explains where elements heavier than iron form.
Explosions Make Heavy Elements
- Elements heavier than iron form only during explosive events because fusion past iron requires injecting energy.
- Supernovas act as the crucible that creates gold, uranium and other heavy elements humans rely on.
How A ZTF Discovery Sparked Worldwide Follow‑Up
- The Zwicky Transient Facility caught SN2021yfj in 2021 and triggered follow-up spectroscopy by Keck the same night.
- Rapid coordination across telescopes made spotting this rare event possible.
