The hungriest black holes in the universe are running out of food, survey of 8,000 cosmic monsters reveals

For years, astronomers have been puzzled by why the biggest black holes in the universe have been growing much more slowly over the past 10 billion years. Now, a new study offers a potential solution to this astrophysical enigma: They’re starved for gas.Supermassive black holes (SMBHs) have immense gravitational appetites that allowed them to grow to many millions or billions of times the mass of the sun at surprisingly rapid rates in the first few billion years after the Big Bang. However, SMBHs have been growing ever more slowly since the period known as “cosmic noon,” when the universe was…

We went to Finland to hear about the new ‘sand battery’ that will turn stored renewable energy back into power for the electrical grid

PORNAINEN, Finland ‪—‬ Engineers will soon begin testing a new “sand battery” that will convert energy stored as heat back into power that can be fed into the electricity grid. However, they say challenges lie ahead, with investment cost potentially putting customers off.Polar Night Energy’s existing sand battery model stores…

5 key factors may predict stroke risk years after first event, study finds

After a minor stroke, there are several risk factors that can predict another event, according to new research. A study published in the journal Circulation by the American Heart Association investigated what happens after someone has a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a “mini-stroke.” This was a follow-up to…

Starbucks revamps loyalty program with three tiers: Here are all the new perks

Starbucks will introduce a new three-tiered system to its US loyalty program on March 10, chief brand officer Tressie Lieberman announced at the coffee chain’s investor day on Thursday. Starbucks’ reward program, which launched in 2009, is one of the oldest and largest in the restaurant industry, consultants say. The company…

Sean McDermott draws interest from Buccaneers after shocking Bills firing

Sean McDermott to Tampa Bay? That was the hope of the Buccaneers this offseason after Fox Sports reported Wednesday that the team connected with the fired Bills coach about potentially joining head coach Todd Bowles’ staff. Despite the interest from the Buccaneers — the first team linked to McDermott following…

Senate demands answers from Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer over bombshell allegations of ‘inappropriate’ relationship with staffer

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is demanding information from Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer amid a sprawling internal investigation into the Cabinet official’s alleged misuse of official travel and “inappropriate” relationship with a subordinate. The powerful Senate Judiciary Committee chairman wrote to Chavez-DeRemer Wednesday asking for a response to allegations that she…

February 2026 night sky: What to see and what you need

February’s night sky has a lot to offer for anyone who enjoys looking up at the stars. From the changing phases of the moon to conjunctions and even a planetary lineup, there’s plenty to spot if you know when and where to look. We’ve put together a simple calendar of…

Markets

More
More forecasts: Weather 30 days Sydney