Presupernova collapse models with improved weak-interaction rates

Improved values for stellar weak-interaction rates have been recently calculated based upon a large shell-model diagonalization. Using these new rates (for both beta decay and electron capture), we have examined the presupernova evolution of massive stars in the range (15-40)M.. Comparing our new models with a standard set of presupernova models by Woosley and Weaver. we find significantly larger values for the electron-to-baryon ratio at the onset of collapse and smaller iron core masses. These changes may have important consequences for nucleosynthesis and the supernova explosion mechanism.