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Dutch scientists have recalculated the universe's decay rate based on Hawking-like radiation, finding it significantly faster than previously thought. Their research, published in the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics, reveals that white dwarf stars, the most persistent celestial bodies, will decay in approximately 10⁷⁸ years, much shorter than the previously estimated 10¹¹⁰⁰ years. This calculation considers the 'evaporation' of objects through Hawking-like radiation, a process similar to that theorized for black holes. The study also calculated decay times for other objects, including neutron stars and even humans.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.