Space reactors

The cooling system of a nuclear reactor with heat pipes can be used during space flight.

A group of researchers from LANL, NASA and NSTec (USA) established the use of heat pipes for cooling a small nuclear reactor that drives the Sterling engine. The system can be used as a dependable energy source for space vehicles.

The universe grows like a giant brain

The study, conducted by a team of scientists led by Dmitry Kryukov, a physicist from the University of California, San Diego, show that some as yet undiscovered, fundamental laws can control the growth of both small and large systems, from the transmission of nerve impulses between brain cells and the growth of social networks and to expanding galaxies.

Pluto's atmosphere was more than predictable

The new model, created by a group of scientists led by Justin Erwin, lead author of the study and a PhD from the University of Virginia, predicts that Pluto's atmosphere may reach nearly 10,390 miles into space, which is about 4.5 diameter of Pluto. This is more than half the distance from Pluto to Charon.