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Discovery paves way for improved quantum devices

Physicists have developed a new method to identify and address imperfections in materials for quantum computing. The technique, terahertz scanning near-field optical microscopy, has been used to optimize fabrication protocols and reduce decoherence.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 1, 2021

Neurons in visual cortex of the brain ‘drift’ over time

Researchers at Washington University found that neurons in the primary visual cortex exhibit 'drift' over time, changing their responses to the same stimulus even without learning or experience. This discovery challenges the notion of stable neural activity in sensory cortices.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 27, 2021

Partition function zeros are ‘shortcut’ to thermodynamic calculations on quantum computers

Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a new method to calculate thermodynamic properties using partition function zeros on quantum computers. By calculating the zeros of the partition function, they can determine free energy, entropy, and other properties without necessitating huge numbers of quantum computations.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 19, 2021

Breathe easy: New research to improve inhaler effectiveness

Researchers have modelled how drugs are delivered to the respiratory tract via an inhaler to better treat lung diseases. Finer drug particles of around one micron are better able to travel further into the lungs.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 10, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Learning more about particle collisions with machine learning

The Argonne team has created a machine learning algorithm that approximates how the present detector would respond to the greatly increased data expected with the LHC upgrade. This algorithm simulates detector responses and reconstructs objects from physical processes, enabling faster and more accurate analysis of particle collisions.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Instrumentation·DateJul 8, 2020
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Anomalies in structure of polyvalent metal melts explained

Scientists have revealed that gallium melt lacks stable crystalline domains and molecule-like Ga2 dimers, offering a fresh perspective on melt formation processes. Experimental data from neutron diffraction provided critical evidence to support this finding.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateFeb 28, 2020

Researchers uncover a new obstacle to effective accelerator beams

Researchers have found a new obstacle to effective accelerator beam pulses by forming 'electrostatic solitary waves' that reduce neutralization. Widening the filament injecting electrons into the beam can improve neutralization rates.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateJun 6, 2019

From a model of fluids to the birth of a new field in computational physics

Computational statistical mechanics was born from numerical models of fluids developed in the 1950s, initially as a pet project by physicists. These Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics simulations were later confirmed through clever applications of importance sampling, proving reliable evidence for describing matter.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateMay 22, 2018
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

First signs of self-interacting dark matter?

Researchers observed four colliding galaxies and found a lag between dark matter and its associated galaxy, suggesting that dark matter interacts with forces other than gravity. This discovery could be the first evidence for rich physics in the dark sector, helping scientists better understand dark matter's nature.

SourceESO·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateApr 14, 2015

Soft Lego built in the computer

A team of researchers has developed novel self-assembling materials, known as 'Soft Lego', which can form complex crystal structures with specific properties. These materials have potential applications in photonics and light guides, offering a new approach to the construction of materials at the macroscopic scale.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 17, 2013

New insights into membrane-assisted self-assembly

Researchers explore how membranes influence self-assembly and structure formation in cells, revealing that membranes promote self-assembly and reproduce structures similar to those found in nature.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 24, 2012
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Chaos=Order: Physicists make baffling discovery

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis used a network of interconnected pendulums to demonstrate that introducing disorder can lead to order and synchronization in chaotic systems. The findings have potential applications in understanding neuronal activity and may help explain previously unexplained observations.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 4, 2006

$10 Million center for theoretical biological physics created at UCSD by NSF

The Center for Theoretical Biological Physics at UCSD combines theoreticians and experimentalists to advance research in understanding complex biological systems. The interdisciplinary approach will provide insights into fundamental laws governing biological systems, enabling predictions and breakthroughs in biology and physics.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateSep 25, 2002

The largest physics meeting of the year

The American Physical Society's largest physics meeting will feature over 5000 speakers presenting on topics including nanotechnology, MEMS innovations, cancer detection, and cardiac disorders. Researchers will also discuss pseudoscience and superstition in science.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateMar 19, 2000

Physicists contribute to cutting edge computing technology

The Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics has released the public beta of the Cactus Computational Toolkit 4.0, a collaborative environment for solving partial differential equations in physics and engineering. The toolkit allows individual scientists to plug their own computing applications into a modular framework, enabling ...

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·DateSep 27, 1999
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

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'Hard' NP-complete computer problems explained

The article explains that 'hard' NP-complete problems are difficult due to discontinuous phase transitions, making them impractical to solve even with moderate-sized inputs. The research suggests exploiting certain properties of these abrupt transitions to make the problems easier by nailing down critical variables.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateAug 12, 1999