The American Institute of Physics awarded prizes to four winners for their outstanding science writing. Quantum mechanics expert Tim Folger won for his article on the effect of gravity on a speck of dust, while physicist James Trefil received an award for explaining dark matter and dark energy in the universe's future.
Yu Lu receives the AIP Tate Medal for his four-decade-long efforts in bringing together world's condensed matter physics community and promoting international collaboration. He has authored nearly 200 research papers and three books, and played a key role in organizing scientific activities in developing countries.
The American Institute of Physics (AIP) has awarded the 2008 Dannie Heineman Prizes to Mitchell Feigenbaum for his work on deterministic chaos and Andrew Fabian for his pioneering research in X-ray astronomy. These awards recognize their significant contributions to their respective fields.
Larry Hornbeck invented Digital Micromirror Devices (DMDs), chip technology behind HDTV, for manipulating light digitally. He received the 2007-2008 Prize for Industrial Applications of Physics from the American Institute of Physics for his pioneering work.
Scientists have developed a method to rapidly separate blood plasma without moving parts, leveraging the phenomenon of tea leaves accumulating at the center of a stirred teacup. This technique could significantly speed up medical tests, such as cholesterol level checks and glucose testing for diabetics.
The number of US high school students taking physics has increased to a record high, with more than 30% of seniors enrolling in physics classes. Physics bachelor's degree recipients are also on the rise, with a 31% increase since 2000 and a significantly higher likelihood of pursuing advanced degrees.
Musical acousticians analyze Ray Charles' classic hits to identify precise timing and rhythm, shedding light on the physics of swing music. The research reveals the importance of micro-timing pulses and meter in creating the distinctive sound of swing.
Native languages influence how people group non-language sounds into rhythms, contradicting long-held beliefs. The study suggests exposure to certain patterns of speech can shape perceptions of musical rhythms.
Researchers developed an ultrasound-based stethoscope that can accurately read heart and lung sounds at high noise levels, revolutionizing medical auscultation for critically injured patients. The new device is expected to save lives by enabling doctors to diagnose conditions like collapsed lungs and asthma in noisy environments.
A new lab-on-a-chip technology can identify bacterial strains causing drug-resistant pneumonia in hours, cutting down the wait from days to hours. The technology also helps in developing new drugs and can test the efficacy of existing drugs on unknown strains.
Researchers have developed a method for wireless energy transfer that uses non-radiative electromagnetic fields to power devices. The technology has the potential to recharge laptops and cell phones without wires, with an object the size of a laptop able to be charged within a few meters of a power source.
Physicist Lawrence Schein's research uses nano-coating technology to reduce toner adhesion, enabling simplified and cheaper color laser printers. Current models are more expensive and up to three times larger than black-and-white models.
Researchers develop computer approach to precisely target breast tumors with electron and x-ray beams, reducing collateral skin damage. The technique helps send accurately targeted doses for 78 patients, providing benefits for shallow tumor treatments in the breast, chest wall, and head-and-neck region.
A radiation-armed robot, CyberKnife with Synchrony system, effectively treats lung tumors within a short treatment period of 1-3 sessions. This technology delivers intense focused x-ray beams, causing tumors to absorb more radiation than conventional radiotherapy, leading to rapid tumor destruction.
Researchers have developed a Google-like system to analyze mammogram images, using principles of information theory and entropy-based indexing. The system reduces processing time for computer-assisted detection systems by one-fourth, allowing for more efficient diagnosis.
A new study found that non-Hispanic blacks have the best hearing thresholds among three major ethnic groups in the US, with Mexican Americans falling in between. The median hearing levels of U.S. adults have not changed significantly since the early 1970s, despite increased noise sources.
The American Institute of Physics and Acoustical Society of America sponsor the 2006 Acoustics Writing Awards. The awards recognize outstanding popular works on acoustics by journalists or professionals. Entries must be published between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005.
Researchers create an optical vortex mask that eliminates starlight, allowing for direct observation of nearby planets. The device successfully images Saturn and its rings, paving the way for future exoplanet detection projects like the Terrestrial Planet Finder.
A mathematical model developed by Rhode Island College mathematicians correctly predicted the Cy Young winners in both leagues, except for a relief pitcher award. The model accurately forecasted Dontrelle Willis and Johann Santana as second-place finishers in their respective leagues.
Researchers Rebecca Sparks and David Abrahamson developed a formula predicting starting pitchers' top three finishes in Cy Young voting. Their analysis found that wins carry significant weight, while ERA and strikeouts have more importance than winning percentage or losses.
William Edelstein's contributions to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) led to the commercialization of high-resolution imaging technology. His work on the Spin Warp method and other innovations improved image quality and reduced noise, making MRI systems clinically useful.
Researchers have created a handheld device that uses two-photon microendoscopy to image individual cells in living subjects, enabling insights into cellular behavior and its impact on organisms. The technique has been successfully demonstrated using live mice, providing detailed images of blood vessels in the hippocampus.
Researchers developed a simplified formula to predict team winning percentages, using only addition, subtraction, and multiplication. The new linear function works almost as well as the original Pythagorean theorem in predicting team performance.
A recent study by mathematicians and economists found that National League pitchers are more likely to throw inside pitches, increasing the risk of hitting batters. This 'moral hazard' theory suggests that the rule's impact is not due to lower costs for NL pitchers, but rather their fear of retaliation when stepping up to bat.
The Acoustical Society of America sponsors two annual awards for outstanding popular works on acoustics. Entries must be published or broadcast between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2003, and meet criteria for accessibility, relevance, accuracy, and quality. The winners will receive a $1000 prize and an award certificate.
The US Physics Olympiad team consists of 24 high school students from 14 different states who were selected to compete in the International Physics Olympiad. The team will undergo a week-long physics 'boot camp' and attend lectures by prominent scientists before traveling to Taipei, Taiwan for the competition.
The American Institute of Physics and the Acoustical Society of America offer science writing awards in acoustics. The most recent winners include "Snap, Crackle and Pop" by Bennett Daviss and "Acoustic Surgery" by Shahram Vaezy et al.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a small 'thermoacoustic refrigerator' that uses sound energy to generate cooling, potentially replacing chemical refrigerants. The device operates near resonance frequencies and achieves efficiencies as high as 89% without lubricants or sliding seals.
The laser technique, called LIBS, can detect various explosives and identify close relatives of anthrax in instant detection. A portable LIBS system could continuously monitor air for signs of chemical or biological agents, alerting officials to potentially hazardous substances.
Researchers developed a model predicting increased cancer cure rates by 15-70% using genetic radiotherapy, combining radiation and viral infection. The technique makes tumor cells more sensitive to x-rays, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes.
Researchers have developed a new procedure that treats spinal tumors more effectively by using intensity modulated radiation and image-guided techniques. This allows for precise treatment with minimal exposure to healthy tissue, resulting in rapid symptom relief within two weeks.
Four students from Boston, Connecticut, Ohio and Minnesota are named as the US Physics Olympiad winners. The team members have demonstrated exceptional knowledge of physics through extremely challenging exams. They will be attending top universities next year.
Princeton students have created a comprehensive map of the US's natural hazard risks, revealing that large events like hurricanes and earthquakes drive costs. The data also suggests a 30-year east-to-west oscillation in hurricane tracks, potentially shifting their trajectory northward.
Researchers have developed a synthetic guide star system that can correct for atmospheric turbulence in about three fifths of the sky, opening up a much larger portion of the heavens for study. The system uses laser beams to create artificial stars, providing high-quality images of planets, galaxies, and other objects.
Emerging Generation IV machines will provide significant improvements in reactor design, economics, safety, and waste minimization. Advanced designs include high-temperature reactors that can produce hot water for communities or desalination energy.
Researchers from Agere Systems transmitted 3.2 terabits of information per second over a 1000km long fiber optic line using DWDM technology. A separate team from Mitsubishi Japan has made progress on transoceanic class transmissions, aiming to establish longer connections between countries.
The award honors entries that meet accessibility, relevance, accuracy, and quality criteria, from various media including video, books, newspapers, and audio broadcasts. Submissions must include author information and contact details.
Origami is being used to develop new techniques for solving complex mathematical and computer science problems. Researchers like Robert J. Lang, Jeremy Shafer, and Eric Demaine are applying origami principles to create innovative solutions for real-world challenges.
Researchers investigate how electrical impulses travel through cardiac tissue and how impaired cell communication affects heart health. They develop a computer model that shows how electrical activity spreads like a fire in a forest, and find that spiral waves breaking up into multiple spirals may be similar to the patterns that cause ...
Researchers are using fractal mathematics to measure past events and forecast future hurricane events with increased accuracy. The technique has been shown to provide a deeper level of understanding of complex systems in nature, enabling better forecasting of hazardous natural phenomena.
The Physics First movement seeks to create a science-literate population by introducing physics in high school, rather than later. Preliminary analysis from a study shows that while many teachers are skeptical about reversing the traditional sequence of sciences, those who already teach early physics are enthusiastic about teaching it.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in stopping internal bleeding without surgery, using traditional ultrasound to locate bleeding combined with HIFU. The technique has been shown to be effective in stopping bleeding in blood vessels and solid organs like the liver and spleen, offering new hope for emergency medical treatment.
A team of psychologists studied 1024 laughter episodes from young adults watching funny video clips. They found interesting sex differences in laugh types and pitches, with women producing more song-like laughs than men. Laughter is surprisingly high-pitched, with some laughs reaching frequencies of over 2,000 Hz.
K.C. Cole will be honored at the annual ACA meeting with the Elizabeth Wood Award for her contributions to science journalism. The award recognizes individuals who have effectively communicated complex scientific concepts to the general public.
The new imaging device provides a larger bore diameter, allowing patients with large or obese bodies to receive scans in treatment position. This enables oncologists to obtain more accurate views of the patient's body dimensions and calculate radiation doses for cancer treatment.
Researchers studied Naples Yellow samples from historical paintings and identified differences in physical structures using X-ray and synchrotron diffraction studies. This technique can help narrow down the origins of unidentified artworks and potentially verify their pedigrees.
Frank Shu, a renowned expert in theoretical astrophysics and star formation, received the Dannie Heinemann Prize for his groundbreaking research on various topics including spiral structure, stellar dynamics, and planetary rings. The award recognizes his significant contributions to the field of astrophysics.
Scientists warn that living near active volcanic systems poses a significant risk due to unpredictability. Researchers are working to develop predictive models to mitigate the threat of volcanic eruptions, with some areas like Yellowstone and Long Valley Caldera still considered active systems.
Researchers recorded tigers' growls and roars to analyze infrasound frequencies. The study suggests that infrasound may be the missing link in tiger communication and could have paralyzing effects on humans.
Fluoroscopy-guided intervention procedures can cause tissue damage due to continuous x-ray exposure. Guidelines aim to prevent this by modifying equipment and educating practitioners on efficient use.