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Search results for “Mechanics”

1,000+ results for "Mechanics"

Mutant models

Researchers develop mathematical toolkit that analyzes cancer mutation data, revealing common and rare mutations have equal impact on tumor behavior. The study also finds that mutations cause subtle, precise alterations in protein communication pathways, enabling targeted therapies.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 2, 2014

Why plants don't get sunburn

Researchers found that plants produce special molecules called sinapate esters to protect themselves from harsh ultraviolet-B radiation. These molecules appear to block UVB radiation from penetrating deeper into leaves, hindering plant growth. The study provides insight into the mechanics of how these natural plant sunscreens work.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 29, 2014

Can the wave function of an electron be divided and trapped?

Physicists at Brown University have successfully trapped parts of an electron's wave function in liquid helium, a phenomenon that could fundamentally change our understanding of quantum mechanics. The discovery raises questions about the measurement process and the nature of particles at the quantum level.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Low Temperature Physics·DateOct 28, 2014

How things coil

A team of researchers combined precision model experiments with computer simulations to study coiling patterns, discovering that natural curvature dramatically affects the process. The study has practical impacts on everyday life, including understanding transoceanic communication cables and rodlike structures.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2014

The mechanics of tissue growth

Carnegie Mellon researchers found that mechanical processes, not just chemical signaling, are essential for cell communication during tissue growth. The study used a microfluidic control system to analyze cellular mechanics and revealed that disabling these connections impairs cell communication.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2014

Duality principle is 'safe and sound'

A team led by Robert Boyd at the University of Rochester replicated a 2012 experiment that appeared to violate a fundamental law of quantum mechanics. By analyzing the data more subtly, they found that biased sampling was the cause of the anomaly, reaffirming the standard interpretation of quantum laws.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 25, 2014

Even geckos can lose their grip

Researchers at Linköping University have demonstrated that geckos and spiders lose grip due to the effect of heat on van der Waals forces. This phenomenon has significant industrial benefits, particularly in the production of graphene, where detachment from the substrate is crucial.

SourceLinköping University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateJul 9, 2014

Deeper insights into protein folding

Scientists develop a new statistical mechanics model to explain protein folding and unfolding in an aqueous environment. The study confirms the validity of their calculations using experimental measurements for two proteins, providing insights into high-energy ions therapy on biological cells.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateJun 26, 2014

New teaching approach touted for engineering education

Purdue researchers have developed a new approach to teach large numbers of engineering students, resulting in improved student performance and engagement. The Purdue Mechanics Freeform Classroom system allows students to interact online while accessing instructional videos and animations, reducing the number of students who receive a D...

Proteins 'ring like bells'

Researchers at the University of Glasgow discovered that proteins like lysozyme can vibrate at frequencies similar to a few terahertz, allowing for efficient biochemical reactions. This 'ringing' motion enables proteins to morph quickly and bind with other molecules, critical for life's biological functions.

SourceUniversity of Glasgow_·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 2014

Proving uncertainty: New insight into old problem

Researchers provide first rigorous formulation supporting Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, enabling precise characterization of information accessible in quantum experiments. The work highlights the fundamental limits of measurements in quantum physics and may corroborate the security of quantum cryptographic protocols.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Mathematical Physics·DateApr 29, 2014

Liquid spacetime

Researchers Stefano Liberati and Luca Maccione suggest spacetime is a fluid with extremely low viscosity, contradicting Einstein's special relativity. This emergent model predicts novel effects on photon propagation, which could be observable with future astrophysical studies.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 23, 2014

Researchers manipulate tiny objects with ultrasound

A team of researchers from China's State Key Lab of Mechanics and Control of Mechanical Structures introduced innovative strategies for ultrasonic manipulation by employing various acoustic streaming fields. This enables the diversification of manipulation functions and samples, widening the application range of the technique.

CCNY team models sudden thickening of complex fluids

The CCNY team created a model that predicts how resistance changes in relation to stirring speed, which can help improve the processing of materials in suspension. The model modifies classical fluid mechanics approaches to include forces resulting from friction, allowing for accurate reproduction of experimental observations.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 16, 2014

Elucidating biological cells' transport mechanisms

Researchers have calculated the force of molecular motors acting on organelles in biological cells, finding discrepancies with physical laws due to complex biological processes. The study used non-equilibrium statistical mechanics to analyze the motion of motor proteins in living cells, providing new insights into the transport mechanism.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateDec 20, 2013

May the cellular force be with you

A new technique developed by Otger Campas and Donald Ingber enables the measurement of mechanical forces cells generate while building tissues and organs. This breakthrough provides insights into the role of mechanics in morphogenesis and may lead to discoveries about birth defects, tumor growth, and tissue abnormalities.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Methods·DateDec 9, 2013

DNA helicity and elasticity explained on the nanoscale

Researchers developed a simple mechanical model to effectively explain DNA's double-stranded structure and elasticity at the nanoscale. The model shows how extreme conditions can cause DNA conformational changes, and its extension is used to study various phenomena such as sequence heterogeneity and protein-DNA interaction.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Biological Physics·DateDec 5, 2013

The reins of Casimir: Engineered nanostructures could offer way to control quantum effect

Scientists at NIST have observed that patterning one surface with nanoscale structures increases or decreases the Casimir effect, which is necessary for making small mechanical parts and studying gravity at the microscale. The discovery challenges existing theory and opens a new path for tuning these effects.