Depending on its initial mass, it might collapse to a compact hot star known as a white dwarf (when the star's mass is less than 1.4 times the mass of our sun) or to a neutron star (for stars 1.4 to about three times the mass of our sun) or to a black hole (for stars more massive than three times the mass of our sun).

CNN: Why gamma-ray burst shocked scientists

That programs gives the compact bulbs its "energy star" seal of approval.

NPR: CFL Bulbs Have One Hitch: Toxic Mercury

The Mexico-produced Nissan March compact sold in Latin America received a two-star rating from Latin NCAP, while the version sold for about the same price in Europe, called the Micra, scored four stars.

NPR: AP IMPACT: Cars Made In Brazil Are Deadly

Wireless connectivity and downloadable apps will likely lead the pack when it comes to brand-new features, and while Android may make an appearance in another compact or two, it won't be the star of the show.

ENGADGET: 's CES 2013 Preview: Digital Cameras

But the real star of this remake is its New Zealand-born director, Peter Jackson, a compact man with a history of taking glamorous scripts and running up huge profits.

ECONOMIST: Bigger is better

Dr Ardavan is confident that, if the machine can be coaxed into doing this, it will radiate in exactly the way he predicts, providing a tuneable and compact source of high-frequency microwaves in effect, a tabletop pulsar, without the neutron star.

ECONOMIST: Physics