Scientists have successfully fabricated a photosensor using single layers of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), which converts light into electricity at an extremely efficient rate. The material's large energy gap enables it to achieve high on/off ratios, making it suitable for future electronic devices.
A new study published in Environmental Research Letters has found that a warm North Atlantic Ocean can promote extreme winters in the US and Europe. The research suggests that natural variations in sea surface temperatures, such as the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, can affect atmospheric circulation patterns like the North Atlanti...
Senior lecturer Felicity Mellor highlights the role of silence in physics history, citing Newton's isolated work and Heisenberg's retreat to Heligoland. She questions whether modern-day scientists have control over communication levels, arguing that a balance between silence and collaboration is key.
Researchers have developed a novel method to distinguish between different types of bowel disease using stool samples, with an overall accuracy of 76%. The technique uses volatile organic compounds emitted from the samples to provide a unique profile for each condition, offering a cheaper and quicker alternative to current methods.
A team of researchers from South Korea has developed a novel technique to authenticate goods by creating unique patterns made from tiny, randomly scattered silver nanowires. The 'fingerprints' are almost impossible to replicate due to their natural randomness and difficulty in manipulating the tiny materials.
A new study estimates that future heat waves could double crop yield losses, particularly for maize, and offset positive CO2 fertilisation effects on wheat and soybean yields. Climate mitigation policies can help reduce risks of negative impacts on global food supply.
A new study predicts that most of Europe will experience higher warming than the global average if surface temperatures rise to 2 °C above pre-industrial levels. This could lead to increased evaporation and drought in regions like Spain, Portugal, and France, as well as more frequent extreme precipitation events and flood risks.
The study found that seven per cent of the current global population would be living on land that would be below sea level if temperatures increased above pre-industrial levels by 3°C in the next 2000 years. The impact on cultural heritage sites, including iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Sydney Opera House, is severe.
A new study published in IOP Publishing's journal Environmental Research Letters warns that abrupt stopping of the geoengineering method could lead to rapid and extensive warming. The researchers found that global temperatures could more than double if the method is implemented for a multi-decadal period and then suddenly stopped.
Researchers have developed 'smart' gold nanoshells that target cancer cells specifically, delivering anticancer drugs and converting near-infrared light into heat. This breakthrough could lead to more effective cancer treatments by overcoming the limitation of traditional chemotherapy techniques.
A paper-based device replicating human brain's electrochemical signalling has been created by Chinese researchers. The thin-film transistor (TFT) can mimic the biological synapse and could be used to build lightweight and biologically friendly artificial neural networks.
The NSA is developing quantum computers to factorize large numbers and decipher encryption keys, posing a threat to modern internet security. The $79.7m project aims to break banking transactions, private messages, and government files.
A new study presents a carbon nanotube sponge that can absorb water contaminants, such as fertilizers, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals, with improved efficiency. The sponge's porous structure and rough surface enable it to absorb oils and solvents up to 150 times its initial weight.
A new study reveals a significant increase in intense tropical cyclones hitting East Asia over the past 30 years. The researchers attribute this trend to rising sea surface temperatures and changes in atmospheric circulation patterns, which lead to more powerful cyclones making landfall.
A new 'fluid biopsy' technique identifies circulating endothelial cells as markers in the bloodstream to predict early onset of heart attacks. The test distinguishes patients undergoing treatment for a recent heart attack from healthy controls, offering a potential solution for clinical use.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in printing cells from the human retina using piezoelectric inkjet technology, opening up new possibilities for treating blindness. The study successfully printed two types of cells, ganglion cells and glial cells, which remained healthy and retained their ability to survive and grow in culture.
A mathematical model recreated the positions and movements of individual emperor penguins in a huddle, showing that an individual penguin only needs to move 2 cm for its neighbor to react. The model revealed how travelling waves propagate through the entire huddle, keeping it dense and protecting the birds from the cold.
Researchers have successfully demonstrated how complex theoretical physics can be transformed into a physical object using a 3D printer. They created an 8 cm3 object based on a mathematical model describing forest fires, which could be used to produce works of art or transform scientific discussions.
Researchers have developed a new sea coral-based material that considerably improves the outcome of bone grafts in 16 patients. The material, called coralline hydroxyapatite/calcium carbonate (CHACC), has been shown to biodegrade after two years and promote natural bone healing.
Researchers have created a way to measure Bose-Einstein condensates, the coldest objects in the universe, by canceling out light damage. This allows for longer imaging and potentially indefinite measurement, enabling further study of BECs.
Researchers find Coriolis force crucial for creating hypnotic patterns on Dervish skirts, reproducing sharp peaks and gentle troughs. The study uses simple equations to govern cone-shaped structures' behavior when rotating.
A new study warns that Brazil's oil palm expansion could lead to extremely high emissions of carbon dioxide if not strictly controlled. The researchers found that if plantations spill over into conservation or indigenous areas, the total amount of CO2 emissions may exceed the carbon intensity of petroleum diesel.
A new study by Professor Terry Sloan and Professor Sir Arnold Wolfendale found that changes in solar activity had a negligible impact on global temperatures. The researchers compared data on cosmic rays entering the atmosphere with global temperature records, concluding that less than 14% of the twentieth century's warming was attribut...
Researchers have created an artificial heart that can pump human waste into future robots, powering eco-friendly systems. The device uses shape memory alloys to mimic the human heart's pumping action and is more mechanically simpler than conventional pumps.
French researchers' oil-bath experiments provide evidence of wave-particle duality on a macroscopic scale. However, the phenomenon fails to explain entanglement, a key aspect of quantum theory.
A new study by Canadian physicists reveals that small impurities in the water are a critical factor in the formation of icicle ripples. The researchers found that icicles grown from pure distilled water exhibited no ripples, but those grown with salt impurities developed characteristic ripples.
Researchers explore various applications of superconductivity in water purification, earthquake monitoring, high-speed rail travel, and renewable energy storage. The technology also enables the detection of unexploded ordnances and solar bursts, promoting a more sustainable future.
A new study warns that current global climate change pledges will lead to increased water scarcity, affecting 668 million people worldwide. The research also reveals that a further 11% of the global population will live in water-scarce river basins or experience aggravated effects in existing regions.
Researchers mapped carbon footprints of 434 UK municipalities, finding that lifestyle, education, and household cars significantly impact CO2 emissions. The study reveals the UK's municipalities have high territorial emissions, despite lower overall carbon footprint compared to global production.
A new study reveals that Pacific flights create the most amount of ozone, with the highest sensitivity in an area east of the Solomon Islands. Flights leaving and entering Australia and New Zealand result in the largest ozone production, with some flights producing up to 25,300 kg of ozone.
Laura Bassi was a renowned physicist in the 18th century, making groundbreaking contributions to experimental physics through conversation, demonstration, experimentation, and explanation. Her work and legacy were recognized with numerous professorships and academy memberships, despite facing controversy and restrictions on her career.
Researchers project heat waves will increase in frequency and severity, covering 85% of the global land area by 2100 under a high emission scenario. The study found that extreme heat waves will be more damaging to society and ecosystems, causing heat-related deaths, forest fires, and losses to agricultural production.
Researchers create metamaterials with unprecedented properties by mimicking the structures of geckoes' toes and mother of pearl. These materials could lead to improved aircraft coatings and other innovative applications.
Researchers from Mexico provide a mathematical model that accurately depicts Usain Bolt's record-breaking 100m sprint time, revealing a terminal velocity of 12.2 meters per second and average force of 815.8 newtons. The study highlights the challenges of overcoming air resistance and drag, showcasing Bolt's remarkable power output.
A new pocket-sized sensor can instantly measure acetone levels in exhaled breath to gauge fat burning progress. Developed for individualized dieting programs, the device is a practical alternative to standard methods, enabling users to monitor their own fat metabolism at home or outside.
A new study finds that atmospheric rivers are projected to increase in frequency and intensity under future climate change scenarios, leading to more severe and frequent winter floods in the UK. The research suggests that thermodynamic changes in the atmosphere, rather than natural climate variability, are driving these changes.
A new study estimates that human-caused outdoor air pollution causes around 470,000 premature deaths each year due to increased ozone levels. Additionally, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked to an estimated 2.1 million annual deaths. The effects of past climate change on air quality and health are found to be relatively small.
Researchers at the UK's National Physical Laboratory have performed the most accurate measurement yet of the Boltzmann constant, which could revolutionize the way we define temperature. The new definition directly links the unit of temperature to the basic physical reality of atomic vibrations.
Researchers developed an integrated global energy system to assess the cost-effectiveness of BECCS for meeting stringent temperature targets. They found that implementing BECCS on a large scale can reduce temperature increases to as low as 1.5°C by 2150.
Researchers developed equations governing trajectory of spinning ball as it moves through air in presence of wind. The study reveals how cross-wind affects spin-bowler's delivery, changing pitch point on wicket.
Cancer originates from a default genetic 'safe mode', where cells revert to an ancient programming, leading to uncontrolled proliferation. The theory suggests that cancer-causing genes are reactivated in adulthood due to triggers like chemicals or radiation, adding weight to the radical new idea.
Researchers have developed a novel vaccination method using gold nanoparticles that can deliver specific proteins to the body's immune cells. The technique mimics viruses and stimulates an immune response, offering significant safety advantages.
A new study linking medieval Irish chronicles with ice-core records shows that up to 48 explosive volcanic eruptions caused extreme cold events in Ireland from 431-1649. Volcanic sulfate deposits in ice cores matched written records of heavy snowfall, frost, and prolonged ice covering lakes and rivers.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers successfully controlled a remote-controlled helicopter using non-invasive brain waves. The experiment, published in IOP Publishing's Journal of Neural Engineering, demonstrates the potential for brain-computer interfaces to aid patients with disabilities or neurodegenerative disorders.
Europe's national R&D budgets have stalled, leading to a brain drain and stunted scientific growth. Portugal's former science minister calls for sustained investment to strengthen universities and research facilities, promoting collaboration across borders.
A study analyzing over 4000 summaries from peer-reviewed articles finds that 97% endorse the consensus that recent global warming is human-caused. The findings starkly contrast public perceptions, highlighting the need for increased awareness and action on climate change.
A new study finds that agricultural expansion in the Amazon will reduce the region's natural carbon sink and inflict climate feedbacks, leading to decreased productivity of pasture and soybeans. By 2050, precipitation decrease caused by deforestation could reduce pasture productivity by up to 30% and soybean yield by up to 28%.
Universal access to modern energy could be achieved with an estimated investment of $65-86 billion per year up until 2030. The proposed investments equate to just 3-4% of current global energy system investments. Improved access to clean-cooking fuels and stoves could avert between 0.6 and 1.8 million premature deaths in 2030.
A new semiconductor device has been created that can emit two distinct colors, opening up the possibility of using LEDs universally for cheap and efficient lighting. The device is more energy efficient than traditional LEDs as it emits light in a narrower spectral line.
A new wave bypass technique could divert vibrations away from load-bearing elements of bridges, reducing the risk of catastrophic collapses. Inspired by nature's structured mirrors and metamaterials, the method involves adding lightweight resonators to existing bridges to absorb specific vibrations.