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University of Rochester


Pair plasmas found in deep space can now be generated in the lab

Researchers at University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics have developed a novel way to experimentally produce plasma 'fireballs' on Earth, generating high-density relativistic electron-positron pair plasmas. This breakthrough enables follow-up experiments that could yield fundamental discoveries about the universe.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2024

Why do we blink so much?

Researchers from the University of Rochester found that blinking allows brains to process visual information more effectively, providing a new understanding of how humans see. By modulating visual input, blinks reformulate visual signals, enabling better perception of big patterns and overall visual scenes.

Reshaping our understanding of granular systems

Scientists at the University of Rochester discovered that even small differences in grain shape can significantly alter grain segregation in dry and wet conditions. The study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research to better understand and predict geohazards and alleviate segregation issues in industrial flows.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2024

Scientists create effective ‘spark plug’ for direct-drive inertial confinement fusion experiments

Researchers from the University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics demonstrated an effective 'spark plug' for direct-drive methods of inertial confinement fusion (ICF), achieving a plasma hot enough to initiate fusion reactions. The successful experiments use the OMEGA laser system, with the goal of eventually producing fus...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 5, 2024

Is oxygen the cosmic key to alien technology?

A new study by Adam Frank and Amedeo Balbi suggests that high levels of atmospheric oxygen are necessary for the emergence of advanced technology on distant planets. They propose the concept of an 'oxygen bottleneck,' which implies that only planets with significant oxygen concentrations can develop technospheres, leaving detectable te...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJan 2, 2024

New strategy reveals ‘full chemical complexity’ of quantum decoherence

Researchers have developed a method to quantify the spectral density of molecules in solvent, allowing for the design of molecules with specific quantum coherence properties. This breakthrough enables the mapping of decoherence pathways in molecules, connecting chemical structure to quantum decoherence.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2023

Researchers have applied the theory of semantic information to a realistic model capturing attributes of living systems—and found the critical point where information matters for survival

Physicists and their coauthors apply semantic information theory to a model of an organism foraging for resources, revealing a semantic threshold where information is crucial for survival. The research helps quantify the role of information in living systems' ability to maintain existence.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPRX Life·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 28, 2023

Scientists edge toward scalable quantum simulations on a photonic chip

Researchers from the University of Rochester have made an important step toward developing computers advanced enough to simulate complex natural phenomena at the quantum level. They developed a new chip-scale optical quantum simulation system that could help make such a system feasible, using photonics-based synthetic dimensions.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Photonics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 29, 2023

AI helps show how the brain’s fluids flow

A new AI-based technique measures brain fluid flow with unprecedented accuracy, revealing pressures and three-dimensional flow rates. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for Alzheimer's, small vessel disease, strokes, and traumatic brain injuries.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 14, 2023

New models shed light on life’s origin

Researchers studied lithospheric fluids billions of years ago to infer the presence of metals that could have supported life. Manganese was found to be a likely candidate, while copper was not detected in high concentrations. The study provides new insights into the origin of life and will inform future experiments.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalScience·DateFeb 10, 2023

How to reduce the temptation to cheat

A team of psychologists found that adopting a partner's perspective reduces the likelihood of infidelity and other partnership-destroying behaviors. By putting themselves in their partner's shoes, individuals can increase commitment and desire for their current partner, while decreasing interest in alternative mates.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2023

How does radiation travel through dense plasma?

Researchers at the University of Rochester used x-ray spectroscopy to study radiation transport in dense plasmas. They found that atomic energy level changes do not follow conventional quantum mechanics theories, instead conforming to a self-consistent approach based on density-functional theory.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 17, 2022

Researchers develop laser that could ‘reshape the landscape of integrated photonics’ with applications in LiDAR, atomic physics, AR/VR

A new type of integrated semiconductor laser has been developed using the Pockels effect, integrating a lithium-niobate-on-insulator platform. This technology enables fast reconfigurability and narrow spectral window, paving the way for applications in LiDAR remote sensing, microwave photonics, atomic physics, and AR/VR.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

Novel 2-photon fluorescence microscopy imaging system developed by University of Rochester researchers could mean near-instant biopsy results

Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a novel 2-photon fluorescence microscopy imaging system that can detect basal cell carcinoma with perfect accuracy and squamous cell carcinoma with high accuracy. The system shortens the biopsy process to two minutes, enabling immediate treatment decisions for patients.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJAMA Dermatology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

What is the best way to group students?

A new mathematical approach to grouping theory uses math to determine the most effective way to organize individuals to maximize learning. The research found that like-skilled tiered grouping is better than cross-sectional or random grouping, when the end goal is improving learning for all individuals.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalEducational Practice and Theory·DateSep 7, 2022

Helping teens channel stress, grow in resilience

A new study teaches teenagers to reframe their stress responses from negative to positive driving forces. The intervention improves stress-linked health outcomes, including biological responses, psychological well-being, anxiety symptoms, and academic performance in high-stress environments.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 6, 2022

How the brain interprets motion while in motion

Researchers at the University of Rochester have discovered a novel neural mechanism involved in causal inference that helps the brain detect object motion during self-motion. This discovery may have applications in designing artificial intelligence devices and developing treatments for brain disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournaleLife·DateJun 21, 2022