Ep. 276: Scientists May Have Seen A Star Collapse Into A Black Hole Without Exploding + Patient Is Kept Alive 48 Hours Without Lungs

In this episode of Well... That's Interesting, host Jill Chacha explores two groundbreaking scientific breakthroughs that defy conventional understanding. First, astronomers led by Kishalei D. of the Flatiron Institute and Columbia University have captured the most complete observational record of a star collapsing directly into a black hole without a supernova—what they describe as a 'poof' rather than a 'boom.' The star, M31-2014 DS1 in the Andromeda Galaxy, brightened dramatically in infrared light before vanishing entirely, leaving behind only a faint infrared glow from dust formed during its collapse. This discovery supports a long-standing 1970s theory that some massive stars may undergo direct collapse, with neutrino dynamics playing a key role in preventing a supernova. The findings were made possible by analyzing 13 years of infrared data from NASA’s NEOWISE mission, with follow-up confirmation from Hubble and Keck telescopes. The second story centers on a 33-year-old Missouri man who survived 48 hours without lungs after a catastrophic flu-induced infection liquefied his lungs. With antibiotics ineffective and ECMO insufficient, Northwestern Medicine surgeons removed both lungs and kept him alive using a prototype Total Artificial Lung System (TAL), which maintained both oxygenation and stable blood flow. The patient recovered well enough for a successful double lung transplant and returned to normal life. Researchers also conducted molecular analyses revealing irreversible lung damage, paving the way for better early detection tools. These stories highlight the universe’s endless surprises and medicine’s relentless innovation.