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Grasp of SQUIDs dynamics facilitates eavesdropping

Researchers have developed an analytical approximation to study SQUID dynamics, enabling faster computation and evaluation of sensitivity in magnetometers. The technique, used for low-noise amplifiers and antennas, reduces simulation time to practically zero.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateApr 22, 2014

Brainy courage of the rainbowfish

A study published in Springer's journal Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology found that rainbowfish born in the wild are braver than those bred in captivity. The researchers suggest that fear is heightened when primarily processed by a single brain hemisphere, making lateralized fish less bold.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateApr 10, 2014

Love is a many-faceted thing

Researchers found that regular churchgoers, married people, and those with harmonious social ties are most satisfied with their love lives. The study also revealed that education does not impact love life satisfaction but religious involvement does, with believers having positive attitudes towards their relationships.

SourceSpringer·JournalApplied Research in Quality of Life·DateApr 9, 2014

Graphene nanoribbons as electronic switches

Researchers have discovered conditions under which graphene nanoribbons can function as electronic switches. The study reveals that the transport gap, a critical factor for switch functionality, is inversely proportional to the ribbon's width and independent of crystallographic orientation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateApr 8, 2014

Making the most of carbon nanotube-liquid crystal combos

Researchers found temperature and concentration effects on physical properties of combined materials, including tilt angle, polarisation, response time, and dielectric relaxation. Increasing nanotube concentration enhances certain properties but slows down others.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateApr 2, 2014

Plasma tool for destroying cancer cells

Researchers use atmospheric pressure plasma jets to induce biological tissue damage and study DNA damage. The findings suggest that adding gases like oxygen can increase radical species and potentially destroy cancerous tumour cells.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateMar 25, 2014

Football displays fractal dynamics

Researchers found fractal nature in football dynamics, with ball and player positions exhibiting self-similarity. The study suggests the superiority of one team persists for only 30 seconds before changing hands.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateMar 19, 2014

What's so bad about feeling happy?

Research reveals that various cultures have differing attitudes towards happiness, with some valuing it as a supreme goal while others avoid it due to superstition or fear of negative consequences. The study highlights the complexities of cultural differences in happiness aversion.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·DateMar 17, 2014

Wishing to be another gender: Links to ADHD and autism spectrum disorders

A study found that children with autism spectrum disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are 7.59 times and 6.64 times more likely to express gender variance than their peers without these conditions. Participants with gender variance also experienced elevated anxiety and depression symptoms, but to a lesser extent among...

SourceSpringer·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateMar 12, 2014

Timid jumping spider uses ant as bodyguard

A timid jumping spider uses the scent of ants as a defense mechanism against spitting spiders, positioning itself near ant nests for protection. However, this protection also comes with a cost, as jumping spiders are preyed upon by their savior species, the weaver ant.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateMar 11, 2014

All paths lead to Rome, even the path to condensed matter theory

Carlo Di Castro reflects on the development of theoretical condensed matter physics in Rome, highlighting key areas like superfluid helium, quantum systems, and high-temperature superconductors. He shares personal anecdotes about his research policy experiences and the evolution of his field.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateMar 10, 2014

Barbie could dampen a young girl's career dreams

A study published in Springer's journal Sex Roles found that playing with Barbie dolls can restrict girls' career aspirations compared to playing with more neutral toys. The researchers suggest that the doll's unrealistic appearance and objectification may contribute to this effect.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateMar 5, 2014

Patterns of interfering massive particles

Researchers found that identical particles, such as bosons, exhibit overlapping patterns instead of interfering due to exchange effects. This challenges current understanding of quantum optics and has potential applications in precision tests.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateMar 3, 2014

Probing the edge of chaos

Researchers find fractal distribution of physical characteristics at edge of chaos, deviating from previously reported bell-curve shape. This discovery could improve understanding of chaotic natural phenomena.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateFeb 27, 2014

Carbon dating uncovers forged Cubist painting

Physicists used accelerator mass spectrometry to analyze the canvas, revealing a level of radioactive carbon found in 1959, years after Léger's death. This study provides conclusive evidence that the painting is a forgery.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateFeb 25, 2014

Tip to dieters: Beware of friends and late night cravings

A study published in the Springer journal Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that diet dieters give in to temptations 50% of the time, with alcohol being a stronger trigger than sugary snacks. Mobile phone applications and coping mechanisms can help support weight management programs.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateFeb 24, 2014

Optimizing custody is child's play for physicists

Researchers used physical models to tackle the challenge of finding a suitable weekend for both parents in a recomposed family to see all their children at the same time. They found that minimizing energy in a material model is equivalent to maximizing parent-child time, and developed an algorithm to achieve this.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateFeb 21, 2014

A forgotten model of the universe

A 1931 paper by Albert Einstein featuring a dynamic model of the universe has been re-examined, highlighting numerical errors and questionable calculations. The model, which includes a contraction phase, contrasts with the widely known expanding Einstein-de Sitter model.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateFeb 19, 2014

Study points out inequalities in prescribing blood pressure meds

A study by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health found that young adults with hypertension are less likely to be prescribed antihypertensive medication, even when they have regular primary care visits. This delay can increase the risk of future cardiovascular events.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2014

Is an earthquake behind the Shroud of Turin image?

Researchers propose that a 33 A.D. Old Jerusalem earthquake triggered neutron radiation, causing the Shroud's distinctive image and potentially leading to incorrect radiocarbon dating results. The theory is based on piezonuclear fission reactions and suggests that neutron emissions from earthquakes could have imprinted the image onto t...

SourceSpringer·JournalMeccanica·DateFeb 11, 2014

Bottom-up insight into crowd dynamics

Researchers developed a procedure for comparing different crowd models and evaluating their accuracy using real-world data. A bottom-up model focused on individual behavior was found to best match real-world evacuation data, providing insights into safety planning and crowd dynamics.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateFeb 7, 2014

Towards tailor-made adhesives

French scientists studied soft adhesive materials' inner structure and response to traction during the debonding process. Their findings aim to improve models of adhesive performance by understanding energy dissipation and material deformation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateFeb 5, 2014

Quasi-particle swap between graphene layers

Belgian scientists applied a particle physics analogy to describe exciton behaviour in two graphene layers, mimicking parallel worlds. The approach reveals swapping effects between layers under specific electromagnetic conditions, similar to brane theory predictions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateFeb 3, 2014

Lighting up in uniform

A new study published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that smoking behavior in soldiers is linked to war zone stress and unit support. The study, which examined data from over 1,000 US Army soldiers, found that soldiers who started smoking while in war zones were more likely to consume alcohol and hold junior ranks.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateJan 29, 2014

Hospitals and nursing homes can learn much from hospice care

A study found that training hospital staff in basic hospice strategies led to improved end-of-life care, including more orders for pain medication and the removal of nasogastric tubes. The intervention also increased the presence of advance directives, reducing distress for patients and families.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJan 21, 2014

Younger people have 'high definition' memories

Researchers found that younger adults outperform older adults in visual working memory tasks, with a higher capacity for 'high definition' recall. This suggests that while older adults may store similar amounts of information, their memories are less detailed and impaired in recollection.

Think you're an expert bettor? You're probably wrong

A study by Matthew Browne found that to demonstrate skill at horserace handicapping, bettors would need to place over 10,000 bets with net returns exceeding nine percent. This high standard of proof highlights the challenge of objectively evaluating one's own performance in highly volatile games.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Gambling Studies·DateJan 2, 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

How hypergravity impacts electric arcs

A new study reveals that hypergravity significantly affects the dynamic changes of electric discharges, causing the plasma channel to move due to external forces. The research has potential applications in improved safety precautions for manned space flights and ion thruster design.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateDec 18, 2013

Social network spying could lead to low returns

Using social networks for pre-employment screening can create a negative impression of the company, leading to lower attractiveness and potential lawsuits. Applicants perceive this practice as an invasion of privacy, which can discourage them from accepting job offers.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Business and Psychology·DateDec 17, 2013

Sharpening the focus in quantum photolithography

A new quantum lithography protocol developed by George Miroshnichenko improves the resolution of photolithography technology. The protocol addresses physical limitations caused by light diffraction, allowing for narrower stripes and higher-contrast edges on semiconductors.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateDec 17, 2013

Magpie parents know a baby cuckoo when they see one

Research by Manuel Soler and team found that magpie foster parents are more likely to feed cuckoo fledglings in nests with only cuckoos, compared to those with magpie nestlings. This ability allows magpies to discriminate between host and parasite chicks.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateDec 11, 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