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Growing the perfect diamond: Simulations reveal interesting geometric patterns

Scientists have simulated the growth of ultra-thin polycrystalline diamond films with promising results. The two-dimensional simulations revealed interesting geometric structures and shed light on how to create robust materials. The research has implications for biomedical science, quantum devices, and other applications.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalActa Materialia·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 14, 2022

Three magnetic states for each hole

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have developed cobalt grids that can be reliably programmed at room temperature. Three distinct magnetic states, denoted as G, C, and Q, were found around each hole in the grid. This discovery could lead to more efficient computing using spin-waves instead of electric current.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 2, 2017

Answering the mystery of turquoise provenance

Researchers Alyson M. Thibodeau and colleagues used lead and strontium isotopic ratios to distinguish geological sources of turquoise, shedding light on pre-Hispanic mining practices in the region. The study provides a new approach to investigate turquoise provenance, enabling scientists to better understand ancient mining activities.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateJun 11, 2015

Penrose's and Hawking's early math award revisited

In 1966, Roger Penrose won the prestigious Adams Prize for his essay on space-time structure, while Steven Hawking received an auxiliary prize for his essay on singularities and spacetime geometry. These early awards laid the foundation for their later work on cosmology and black holes.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateNov 18, 2014

Your smartphone as a 3D scanner

ETH-scientists develop software to scan 3D models using smartphone technology, allowing users to capture objects easily and efficiently. The app uses inertial sensors and graphics processing power to enable faster reconstruction and increased interactivity.

Gap geometry grasped

A new algorithm analyzes void space in sphere packing to study the geometry of liquids and their flow through porous media. The method can also be applied to protein structure analysis, revealing key quantities such as buried cavity sizes and solvent accessibility.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateFeb 1, 2013

Choreographing light

Researchers at EPFL's Computer Graphics and Geometry Laboratory have created an algorithm to control the 'caustic' effect, a natural optical phenomenon that generates clear images on transparent surfaces. The technique allows for the creation of complex representations such as faces or landscapes from simple forms like stars.

May GSA Bulletin postings take global geology tour

Researchers studied geological formations across the globe, including the Coast Range basalt province and the Faroe Islands. They discovered evidence of plume-influenced magmatism and fault rock types that can help model fluid migration and distribution. Additionally, a study on the Wairarapa fault in New Zealand investigated the geome...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateMay 18, 2012

Geometry, not gender

A recent study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that women and some men with non-contact ACL injuries share a common geometry on their knee joints, which may explain why women are at greater risk for ACL injuries. The study suggests that this geometry, characterized by a shorter and more rounded tibial plateau, ...

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateFeb 6, 2012

New seismology research on Haiti, slow earthquakes and the southern San Andreas Fault

Researchers explore scaling relationships of slow slip events and compare them to similar laws for earthquakes, highlighting the need for further study to understand fault mechanics. A newly defined propeller-like geometry of southern San Andreas Fault may require re-thinking ground motion assessments.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateJan 26, 2012

Polymer passage takes time

Researchers at Rice University have developed a theoretical method to calculate the time it takes for long-chain polymers to translocate through nanopore geometries, shedding new light on their transport. The study found that polymers pass more quickly when entering a composite pore through its wide end.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJul 29, 2010

Gymnastic training improves bone health in girls

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that long-term elite rhythmic gymnastics significantly improves bone health in adolescent girls. The research measured volumetric bone density and bone geometry, showing increased cortical thickness and bone strength.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 5, 2010

Cosmic heavyweights in free-for-all

Astronomers have identified a triple merger of four separate galaxy clusters, the first time such a phenomenon has been documented. The galaxy clusters are involved in a cosmic free-for-all, with one collision after another occurring as galaxies pour into a region already full of galaxies.

SourceChandra X-ray Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 16, 2009

Ship-in-a-bottle kit on a microchip

Researchers have developed a new method to equip miniaturized laboratories with moving parts using magnetic colloidal particles. The technique allows for the creation of complex networks of individual components driven by a single magnetic field.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 2, 2008

BSSA tipsheet for October 2007

Researchers identify correlation between 3D basin geometry and observed shaking in previous earthquakes, leading to improved construction and seismic hazard assessments. A new tool for evaluating site conditions is also proposed, which could aid in risk assessment for earthquake-prone regions worldwide.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateOct 5, 2007