Researchers developed a new model to understand the impact of urbanization on human health and comfort. By analyzing the urban boundary layer in Phoenix, Arizona, they created a framework to predict periods of high particulate pollution and extreme temperature fluctuations.
Researchers introduced quantum dots into fully epitaxial nitride laser structures, eliminating the need for hybrid systems. This advancement paves the way to further optimization of lasers and single photon emitters in the visible spectrum region.
Research in particle diffusion reveals that periodic constrictions slow down drift and diffusion under weak driving forces. In contrast, strong driving forces induce intermittent transitions between compartments, increasing the diffusion coefficient.
Researchers have created a low-cost, human-focused land mine detection system using microwave-based sensors to detect vibrations remotely. The system costs around $10,000, compared to $1 million for laser-based Doppler remote detection systems.
University of Utah chemists confirm the coexistence of ice and liquid water after crystallization at very low temperatures. They found that rapid ice crystallization makes it difficult to follow the process, but computer simulations revealed a critical temperature zone that may be important for understanding cloud formations.
A team from Dalian Polytechnic University and City University of Hong Kong developed an experimental glass with heavy metals, which amplifies light signals at a wavelength of 1185 nanometers. The results indicate the potential for this material in both fiber optic networks and lasers.
Researchers at UCSD and Stanford University developed a computational tool to simulate blood flow on computers, optimizing surgical designs for the Fontan surgery. This tool allows doctors to test plans and evaluate blood flow patterns before operating, potentially reducing risks associated with the procedure.
A mechanical model of vocalization has been developed to study the phonation process and combat voice disorders. The model, which mimics the airflow and vibrations within the vocal folds, aims to improve surgical assessments for patients undergoing vocal tract surgery.
Researchers at MIT developed a new modeling methodology to determine the capacity and assess risks of leakage in potential underground carbon-dioxide reservoirs. The tool can quickly predict how carbon dioxide will migrate through subsurface, reducing hours or days of computational time required.
Stiffer and stickier red blood cells cause anemia and joint pain in malaria patients. Researchers developed models to predict the disease's progression by analyzing temperature fluctuations and cell stiffness.
A group of researchers at City College of New York is developing a new way to generate power for planes and automobiles based on piezoelectrics, which convert kinetic energy into electricity. The devices might be mounted on cars or airplanes and would produce an output voltage that could run small electronic devices.
Researchers estimate that swimming animals generate extensive 'biogenic' mixing in the ocean, which may impact climate models. The effect is primarily due to animal displacement, not turbulence, and affects even deep-sea creatures.
Researchers Konstantin Kornev of Clemson University have developed artificial probes inspired by the butterfly's proboscis to sample fluid inside cells. The probes use capillary action, similar to a paper towel, to draw up viscous liquid, overcoming pressure limitations.
Researchers at MIT have created a simple robot that can dig into mudflats at a rate of 1 cm per second, inspired by the burrowing mechanisms of Atlantic razor clams. The robotic clam is small, lightweight, and energy-efficient, making it suitable for underwater applications.
Researchers have developed thin films of silver and copper that can kill bacteria, potentially helping to reduce hospital infections. The antimicrobial properties of these metals have been known for centuries, and a recent study found that combining them may work synergistically to better eliminate microbes.
Researchers at Southwest Research Institute have created a new proof-of-concept dental restorative material made with zirconia nanoplatelets, which are super hard due to the arrangement of atoms in the material. The new fillings aim to replace amalgam, containing mercury, and offer improved durability and ease of use.
Researchers found that surfboard-shaped nanoparticles stay closest to blood vessel walls, offering a potential solution for targeted cancer therapy. The study suggests that current transfusion techniques may not be ideal, and alternative methods could establish proper blood arrangement faster.
Norbert Koster and colleagues have developed a way to sterilize medical tools by sealing them in vacuum bags and then using electromagnetic fields to remotely ignite plasma inside the bag, killing bacteria and viruses. This technique could replace traditional autoclave methods for certain instruments.
Researchers design nanowire-based beads that release drugs in the gut, improving absorption and reducing degradation. The technology may also be used for delivering drugs to mucosal tissues like the nose, lungs, or vagina.
Robert Street has been recognized by the American Institute of Physics (AIP) with a $10,000 Prize for Industrial Applications of Physics. He developed flat-panel digital X-ray detectors, which have replaced traditional film X-ray machines in many medical applications.
Researchers have developed a tool to analyze marine mammal calls, finding that whales adjust click intervals to prevent cluttering echoes. This strategy enables groups of whales to explore more efficiently, suggesting a 'polite listener' behavior.
A team of scientists developed a computer model that predicts cancer recurrence in an individual based on how their tumor changes size in response to the first rounds of radiation therapy. The study found that tumors with higher resistance to radiotherapy had a lower chance of reappearing years later.
A team of researchers at the University of Chicago has designed a computer program that uses artificial intelligence to analyze ultrasound images and predict whether a woman's breast cancer has metastasized. The pilot study, which analyzed 50 women with suspected breast cancer, found that the AI tool accurately identified 20 cases of m...
A new hybrid Linac-MR system has been developed to integrate medical linear accelerators and magnetic resonance imagers for treating certain types of cancer. The system promises to help doctors monitor moving tumors in real-time during radiation treatment, improving precision and reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Research on proton therapy, including proton CT, aims to improve effectiveness and reduce costs. Protons deposit more energy inside cancerous tissue than neighboring healthy tissue, making them a targeted treatment option. New technologies, such as laser-driven acceleration, are being explored to make proton therapy more accessible.
The American Association of Physicists in Medicine meeting will explore ways to minimize radiation dosage in children, adults, and health professionals. Studies have shown that lower doses can be effective in detecting abnormalities, reducing the risk of cancer among medical professionals.
The Task Force on American Innovation presents its "Legislator of the Year" Award to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in recognition of her commitment to increasing federal funding of basic research in physical sciences. The award is a testament to her vision and leadership in promoting scientific innovation.
Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley and Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed a comprehensive numerical study of gene therapy. The research sheds light on the key factors that determine the success of dendrimers as gene delivery vehicles, including the charges of the dendrimers and their target cell membranes.
The 157th ASA Meeting explores various disciplines and unique sounds. Wimps hear dangerous noises differently due to physical fitness, while fish living in darkness have exceptionally sensitive ears. Researchers also study medical devices using sound to treat disease, a long-gone whale's comeback, and cowards' evolution.
The American Institute of Physics (AIP) awards the 2009 Dannie Heineman Prizes to Carlo Becchi, Alain Rouet, Raymond Stora, and Igor Tyutin for their discovery and exploitation of BRST symmetry in gauge theories. Lennox Cowie receives the astrophysics prize for his innovative observations of the distant universe.
Researchers discovered a new way to monitor sleep and potentially diagnose sleep disorders by analyzing heart rate, revealing significant relationships between cardio-respiratory synchronization patterns and sleep stages. This technique may help clinicians diagnose sleep disorders more easily and determine optimal treatments.
Scientists have developed a way to train proteins to line up neatly on the surface of water in thin layers called nanofilms. This technique should allow biochemists to better see and study the molecules, leading to new generations of molecular electronics and ultra-thin materials.
Dr. Neal F. Lane, a prominent physicist and former U.S. presidential science advisor, has been awarded the AIP's Karl T. Compton Medal for his outstanding contributions to physics through exceptional statesmanship. He is recognized for his advocacy of public understanding of science and technology, as well as his championship of scient...
Researchers at Chinese Academy of Sciences developed a new type of LED made from inexpensive organic materials, producing twice as much light as normal LEDs. Their tandem structure achieved a CRI rating of nearly 70, promising further reduction in price and expansion into home and office lighting.
Researchers have developed a new technology to detect explosives based on their unique thermal characteristics, enabling trace detection and differentiation between individual explosives. The system uses microfabricated bridges to probe thermal signatures of chemical vapors, allowing for high sensitivity and selectivity.
The American Institute of Physics has announced the winners of its 2008 Science Writing Awards, honoring four individuals who have improved the public's understanding of physics and related sciences through their creative endeavors. The award recipients include two scientists, a journalist, and a children's book author.
Researchers have developed a transparent resistive random access memory (TRRAM) chip, enabling see-through electronic systems. The technology may drive new directions in electronics, allowing for more compact devices and cheaper manufacturing.
Researchers have discovered a new mathematical framework, superadiabaticity, to optimize magnetic resonance pulse sequences in MRI scans. This breakthrough could lead to sharper images, more informative scans, and potentially even portable MRI machines.
Researchers use supercomputers to model air flow around golf balls, optimizing dimple size and pattern for lower drag. The study reveals the physics of a flying golf ball with unprecedented detail, paving the way for future improvements in ball design.
A new technology has successfully tested tiny solar cells that can power microscopic machines, detecting chemical leaks and toxins. The organic polymer-based solar cells provide a promising renewable energy source for various applications.
Advances in nerve repair, miniature implantable medical devices and proton therapy were showcased at the AVS 55th International Symposium. Researchers developed new technologies to print cells for artificial organs and created microscopic medical devices that can deliver drugs and monitor health.
A team of Chinese scientists has developed an 'anti-cloak' material that can partially cancel the effect of invisibility cloaks, enabling visibility in hostile environments. This breakthrough could have implications for survival and detection applications.
Medical physicists are developing new imaging technologies to improve breast cancer detection and treatment. Researchers have also identified ways to predict treatment success using oxygen levels within tumors, and are exploring innovative techniques such as modulated electron therapy for shallow tumor treatment.
Researchers have developed a novel method to kill tumor cells using nanoparticles and light. The technique employs quantum dots that emit light when exposed to megavoltage x-rays, which triggers the cancer-killing activity of Photofrin. This approach could be more effective in treating deeply seated tumors than current methods.
Researchers have developed a mobile lidar station that can measure wind fields more accurately, which could help world-class athletes compete in international competitions. The technology is being tested in conjunction with the XXIX Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Qingdao.
Researchers discuss how noise affects marine mammals, including beaked whales and killer whales, as well as the impact of urbanization on bird communication. The study highlights various mechanisms animals use to compensate for elevated noise and explores the effects of sonar and other human sounds on marine and land animals.
Scientists are exploring the use of sound waves to assess atherosclerotic plaques, monitor chronic liver disease, and deliver drugs to specific locations in the body. Researchers have also developed new techniques for treating cancer, including minimally invasive thermal ablation methods and microbubbles-based therapies.
The Acoustics '08 conference in Paris features a range of topics, including a clinical assessment of blood vessel ultrasound and its potential to detect vulnerable plaques. The conference also explores the acoustic properties of Stradivarius violins and their modifications for modern playing styles. Additionally, there will be presenta...
The American Association of Physicists in Medicine celebrates its 50th anniversary, highlighting key contributions of medical physicists to medicine. Medical physicists have developed technologies such as MRI, CT scanning, and PET scanning, which have transformed imaging and cancer treatment.
The American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) has issued a report recommending standardized ways to measure, manage, and prescribe radiation dosages for CT scans. The report aims to reduce radiation exposure while maintaining optimal image quality.