Maria Goeppert Mayer's groundbreaking nuclear physics research at Argonne earned the lab a historic physics site designation. The 'shell' model of the atomic nucleus she developed remains the basis for modern understanding of nuclear structure.
Researchers at Northwestern University have confirmed that an electron's charge is perfectly spherical, strengthening the Standard Model of particle physics. The study excluded alternative models that predicted the electron's shape would be asymmetrically squished, potentially revealing unknown heavy particles.
Charles Kane and Eugene Mele have been recognized for their groundbreaking research on topological insulators, which exhibit unique properties making them ideal for ultra-efficient electronics. Their work may also enable super-fast quantum computing.
A team of physicists has achieved a groundbreaking experiment accelerating electrons to high energies using a new method called plasma wakefield acceleration. This technology has the potential to drastically reduce the size and cost of future particle accelerators.
Researchers build systems reproducing quantum predictions with classical models, suggesting a boundary for 'true' quantum phenomena beyond single-particle interactions. Quantum entanglement remains an unexplained mystery.
A physics model applied to a 'Super Court' of Supreme Justices found that consensus dominates the court's decisions, with strong correlations in voting persisting beyond individual justices' tenures. The study reveals that partisan issues are more complex than simple intuition suggests, and votes against prevailing opinions are probable.
Heusler compounds have been found to host non-trivial topological properties, including the discovery of Weyl fermions. The study also reveals the importance of Berry curvature in determining key effects like the anomalous Hall Effect. This research has significant implications for energy conversion and quantum electronic devices.
A new study by Indiana University found that online social forums for class networking improve physics students' success in calculus-based physics courses. The study analyzed data from a course where students participated in an online forum and found that those who were most central in the network achieved higher final grades.
A special issue of Health Physics journal highlights women's contributions to and experiences in radiation protection and safety. The articles showcase the historic roles of women pioneers and their diverse roles in health physics, including research on approaches in monitoring radiation exposure.
The National Solar Observatory (NSO) has received a supplemental grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to enhance its scientific output and foster collaboration in the field of solar physics. The new funding will support the development of advanced data products, engage graduate students, and nurture international expertise.
Physicist Boerge Hemmerling receives $1 million NSF grant to study nonlinear optical properties and novel quantum phases of polar molecules in optical lattices. The research aims to develop novel molecular materials with tunable parameters, enabling the control of complex quantum systems.
The Cluster of Excellence PoL aims to understand the organization of living matter and its mechanisms. The researchers hope to shed light on tissue formation and structure, which will provide solutions to pressing bioengineering and health issues.
Researchers develop new theory to explain how tumors spread, revealing competition between forces that shape their growth. The 'active wetting' model suggests tumors behave like active drops, with cells creating forces and moving on their own.
Researchers aim to improve theoretical and numerical models of intense laser-particle interactions to analyze experiments probing quantum effects. The new research will also help understand exotic phenomena in strong magnetic fields found in astrophysical objects like magnetars.
Researchers created innovative methods to leverage machine learning in data analysis for the LHC, improving discovery potential for new physics. The techniques build on simulations, enabling data scientists to extract insights from complex phenomena.
Researchers have discovered a quantum state of matter that can be tuned at will, opening possibilities for next-generation nanotechnologies and quantum computing. The discovery allows for the control of an exotic topological quantum magnet at the quantum level.
Researchers will continue work on the Higgs boson, Standard Model, and hunt for new phenomena in physics. They aim to understand mass as an 'agent of mass,' crucial for fundamental particles like electrons and quarks.
NYU is part of IRIS-HEP, a National Science Foundation-backed coalition developing next-generation cyberinfrastructure for high-energy physics research. The institute aims to drive innovations in data analysis and algorithms essential to handling massive LHC data.
Researchers observed anomalies in decays of beauty mesons, which may be signs of new physics beyond the Standard Model. The inclusion of long-distance effects increased the significance of these findings, reaching a 6.1 sigma value.
The High-Energy Physics Group at Syracuse University is developing a new tracking device called the Upstream Tracker (UT), which will significantly enhance the capabilities of the LHCb experiment. The UT, supported by a $3.7 million NSF grant, will increase data handling capacity by factors of five to 10.
Scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids discovered a magnetic Weyl semimetal in Co3Sn2S2, exhibiting a giant anomalous Hall effect. The material's unique properties make it an ideal candidate for realizing the quantum anomalous Hall effect at room temperature.
Researchers from the Institute of Nuclear Physics found no anomalies in a rare decay of charmed baryons, potentially indicating 'new physics' is not present. They improved an upper limit on frequency by up to 100 times, but are still far from detecting any inconsistencies with predictions.
A new algorithm developed by University of Illinois researchers enables condensed matter physicists to find interesting properties in materials. The algorithm starts with the desired type of physics and works backward to generate Hamiltonians, which can predict or explain material behaviors.
Researchers at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have discovered a mechanism called magnetic flux pumping that stabilizes plasma in tokamaks, preventing sawtooth gyrations and halting fusion reactions. This breakthrough could lead to the development of fusion energy by regulating plasma current and pressure.
Davidovits won the award for his outstanding thesis research on turbulence in compressing fluids and plasma, with a focus on novel mechanisms and applications in inertial-confinement-fusion and astrophysical plasmas. His work has significant implications for plasma physics research.
Jaideep Singh, an MSU assistant professor, received funding for his proposal to search for time-reversal violation using optically addressable nuclei in cryogenic solids. The award will accelerate his research program by about 15 years, recognizing the world-class scientific support at FRIB.
The CREDO Detector app allows users to contribute to the largest particle detector in history, exploring fundamental physics questions like dark matter and spacetime nature. By registering and initiating particle detection, users can gain co-authorship and membership in the international collaboration.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have detected electrical dipole fluctuations in a quantum material at extremely low temperatures, revealing a new property of quantum matter. The study uses Raman spectroscopy to observe the irregular oscillations of tiny charged poles on the material.
Researchers have developed a new model that challenges long-held assumptions about magnetic islands in fusion plasas. The study found that turbulence can penetrate into islands and plasma flow across them can be strongly sheared, allowing for sustained plasma confinement despite island growth.
Researchers calculate fundamental property of protons and neutrons with unprecedented 1 percent precision, matching long-standing experimental results. The new calculation provides a critical benchmark for applying lattice QCD to nuclear physics problems, which could aid in dark matter searches and answer outstanding questions about th...
Scientists have calculated the axial coupling of neutrons with unprecedented precision using supercomputers, paving the way for more accurate nuclear physics predictions. This breakthrough has significant implications for fields like nuclear energy and nuclear weapon detection research.
Researchers at DOE's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory discovered a way to more accurately measure the electrical properties of plasma. They found that a positive charge can sometimes surround probes, contradicting long-held assumptions about the plasma-wall sheath.
A Drexel University study found that new parts of the brain become active when students learn physics, suggesting that learning is an imaginative process. The study used fMRI to measure blood flow in the brain and found increased activity in areas linked to problem-solving and memory.
Researchers have devised a new diagnostic tool to measure the brightness and size of high-brightness beams at particle accelerators. The 'charge density monitor' can accurately measure micron-sized beams with femtosecond pulses, enabling precise measurements of fundamental physics in high-energy beam experiments.
The Big Bell Test successfully validated Bell inequalities using a participatory science experiment, where 100,000 people generated random bits via a video game. The results confirm the violation of Bell inequalities, opening new avenues for quantum physics applications.
Guus Rijnders has been awarded the Julius Springer Prize for Applied Physics for his pioneering research on pulsed laser deposition and its applications in interface engineering. His work focuses on creating complex materials with novel functionalities, including brain-inspired electronics and sensors.
Researchers have uncovered behavior in ultracold atoms that resembles the universe in microcosm, with potential implications for cosmology and the early universe's rapid expansion. The study reveals analogies to Hubble friction and provides new insights into energy conversion during inflation.
Researchers developed a machine-learning algorithm that identifies relevant degrees of freedom in physical systems, revolutionizing the field. The approach provides fundamental physical insight and raises the prospect of combining human creativity with machine learning.
The partnership combines two leading institutes dedicated to theoretical physics, aiming to tackle the hardest questions in physics. Researchers will work together to explore quantum phenomena, reconcile Einstein's theory of gravity with quantum theory, and develop practical technologies.
Researchers developed machine learning software that allows computers to learn the quantum state of complex systems based on experimental observations. This approach enables faster tomography for quantum states and has implications for testing quantum computers with many qubits.
Keivan Stassun, a renowned astrophysicist, has been awarded the 2018 AAAS Mentor Award for his dedication to mentoring underrepresented minority students. The award recognizes his innovative mentoring models that have led to the growth of numerous Ph.D. graduates in physics and astronomy.
Jefferson Lab's Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) successfully delivered beams to all four experimental halls for the first time. This milestone enables researchers to conduct more complex studies and maximize research output, potentially leading to breakthroughs in nuclear physics.
Researchers used condensed matter physics to characterize proteins as amorphous semiconductors. They found the Universal Dielectric Response (UDR) applies to three organic materials, including Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 bacterium.
A new study published in Physics Today found that traditional introductory physics laboratory courses fail to enhance student learning due to lack of active engagement. Researchers designed innovative lab alternatives that encourage iterative experimentation and critical thinking.
Researchers at Penn State and ETH Zurich have demonstrated the behavior of particles of light in a two-dimensional array of waveguides, matching predictions for the four-dimensional quantum Hall effect. This achievement provides evidence for higher-dimensional quantum Hall physics, with potential applications in novel photonic devices.
The GAMBIT Collaboration has developed software tools to analyze data from various experiments and compare them with predictions of new theories. This comprehensive analysis narrows the search areas for 'new physics' and eliminates models whose predictions have not been confirmed.
Researchers at Georgia Tech found that physical stress drove the evolution of multicellular bodies in yeast cells, allowing them to grow larger and more robust. This process was mainly driven by forces within the cells' physical structures, which pushed the snowflakes to evolve towards bigger, tougher bodies.
The MSU traineeship program will educate PhD and master's students in accelerator science and engineering, addressing four critical workforce needs. Students will be certified and ready for careers in DOE laboratory facilities and industry.
Brookhaven Lab scientists Anatoly Frenkel, Morgan May, Rachid Nouicer, Eric Stach, and Peter Steinberg were elected 2017 American Physical Society Fellows for their exceptional contributions to physics. The fellows were recognized for their innovative research in materials physics, astrophysics, and nuclear physics, including discoveri...
The IceCube Collaboration reports a critical measurement that shows energized neutrinos can be stopped cold as they pass through the Earth, exceeding previous expectations. The new study confirms the Standard Model of particle physics but also suggests potential for new physics beyond previously unknown spatial dimensions.
Researchers have discovered a new way to simulate Einstein's theory of general relativity in electronic systems, enabling the creation of 3D electron lenses and electronic invisibility devices. The discovery uses Weyl metamaterials, which combine ideas from solid-state physics, particle physics, and cosmology.
Physicists have successfully demonstrated the observation of wave properties in massive particles at room temperature. This breakthrough allows for the study of quantum effects in particle collisions that were previously unobservable.
The study used 3D models to simulate electron emissions from photocathodes with flat and varied surface roughness. The results improved understanding of how smooth surfaces must be and over what spatial scales, aiding in the design of ultra-bright photon and electron sources.
Barry Simon has made significant contributions to mathematical physics, including spectral theory, phase transitions, and geometric phases. His work has deeply influenced generations of researchers through his influential books, such as 'Methods of Modern Mathematical Physics'.
The University of California, Riverside team won the 'Best in Show' and 'Most Whimsical Hack' awards for their creative projects, including a hack that converted cat pictures into constellations. The team's work has the potential to educate and engage the community through interactive science experiences.
Researchers developed a method to extract Higgs boson signal from noise data using quantum-compatible machine learning techniques, outperforming standard counterparts even with small datasets. The new approach is expected to be useful for problems beyond high-energy physics.
Dr. Michael Keidar, a George Washington University professor, received the award for his groundbreaking research on cold plasma application in cancer therapy. His work demonstrated progress in creating cold plasmas and their applications to cancer therapy procedures.
Nathaniel Gabor, an assistant professor of physics at UC Riverside, has been awarded the prestigious 2017 CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar program. As a recipient, he will receive $100,000 in research support and join a global community of top researchers in his area of research on bio-inspired solar energy.
Researchers at Jefferson Lab lead development of next-generation software to benefit nuclear physics computation. The project aims to optimize calculations on future supercomputers, enabling better prediction and understanding of QCD at extreme temperatures and densities.
The NSF-funded Center for the Physics of Biological Function aims to bridge the gap between physics and biology by facilitating collaboration among theorists and experimentalists. The center will host a summer school for advanced undergraduates to introduce them to the field.