Physics
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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- 			 Physics PhysicsSmashing gold ions creates most swirly fluid everCollisions of gold ions create a fluid with more vorticity than any other known. 
- 			 Astronomy AstronomyWhen a nearby star goes supernova, scientists will be readyScientists hope to detect neutrinos and gravitational waves from a nearby supernova. 
- 			 Cosmology CosmologyNew data fuel debate on universe’s expansion rateQuasar observations add to discrepancy in measurements of the universe’s expansion speed. 
- 			 Astronomy AstronomyFive gamma-ray blazars set new distance recordIntensely bright galaxies are the farthest blazars ever detected in gamma rays. 
- 			 Physics PhysicsPhysicists seek neutron lifetime’s secretUpdated experiments hope to resolve neutron lifetime discrepancy. 
- 			 Physics PhysicsPossible sign of dark matter shows up againExcess of X-rays could indicate decaying sterile neutrinos. 
- 			 Physics PhysicsNew claim staked for metallic hydrogenScientists report transforming hydrogen into a metal at high pressure, but some experts dispute the claim. 
- 			 Tech TechLegos inspire versatile fluid-filled devicesTiny devices shuttle fluid around using reconfigurable Lego-like bricks. 
- 			 Physics PhysicsConstruction of tiny, fluid-filled devices inspired by LegosTiny devices shuttle fluid around using reconfigurable Lego-like bricks. 
- 			 Physics PhysicsChemists strike gold, solve mystery about precious metal’s propertiesA longstanding puzzle about gold’s properties has been solved with more complex theoretical calculations. 
- 			 Materials Science Materials ScienceNew ‘smart’ fibers curb fires in lithium-ion batteriesTo stifle battery fires, scientists create component with heat-release flame retardant. 
- 			 Chemistry ChemistryNew molecular knot is most complex yetThe knot is woven from 192 atoms of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen and forms a triple braid with eight crossing points. By Meghan Rosen