Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Electrons get confused

Researchers at HZB observed exotic behavior in beryllium oxide when bombarded with high-speed heavy ions, causing electrons to forget material properties. The results show changes in electronic structure and ultra-fast melting processes around the firing line of the heavy ions.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 3, 2010

Towards better explosives detectors

Researchers have developed a new technique using Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) to detect and differentiate explosives. This technology provides rapid identification of components in explosives like C4, including the explosive active components, additives, binders, and contaminants.

Sodium plays key role in tissue regeneration

Biologists at Tufts University have discovered that sodium plays a key role in initiating a regenerative response after severe injury, enabling the regeneration of injured spinal cord and muscle. A specific drug-based treatment triggers an influx of sodium ions into injured cells, breaking new ground in biomedicine.

Quantum physics: Flavors of entanglement

Physicists at University of Innsbruck successfully expose four entangled ions to a noisy environment, demonstrating the variety of flavors or properties in their entanglement. This study forms an important basis for understanding entanglement under environmental disturbances and the boundary between quantum and classical worlds.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 27, 2010

Graphene may hold key to speeding up DNA sequencing

Researchers at Harvard University have demonstrated that graphene can act as an artificial membrane separating two liquid reservoirs, enabling the measurement of ion exchange and the detection of single molecules of DNA. The graphene membrane's atomic thickness makes it a novel electrical device with potential applications in chemical ...

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateSep 10, 2010

AGU journal highlights

Scientists are studying how landmass shape affects Arctic sea ice extent, estimating rainfall interception in rainforests, and measuring mountain building rates. Landmass geometry influences Arctic sea ice growth, while forest canopy evaporation accounts for significant water resources loss. Researchers also investigate fault zone resp...

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 9, 2010

Impact sensor provides athletic support

Researchers developed a new type of wearable impact sensor based on composite materials that generate an electrical current when compressed. The sensors can measure the forces acting on athletes' bodies and provide data to improve performance and reduce injuries.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biomechatronics and Biomedical Robotics·DateMay 14, 2010

From a classical laser to a 'quantum laser'

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck successfully created a single-atom laser, demonstrating both classical and quantum mechanical properties. The experiment showed that by tuning the coupling between the atom and cavity mode, stimulated emission could be achieved despite the atom's weak amplification ability.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 31, 2010

New approach to water desalination

Researchers at MIT and Korea have developed a new approach to desalination called ion concentration polarization that can remove contaminants, viruses, and bacteria while producing fresh water. The system is small, portable, and efficient, making it suitable for disaster sites or remote locations.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 23, 2010

Quantum walk

A team of physicists at the University of Innsbruck successfully demonstrates a quantum walk in trapped ions, with up to 23 steps. This process differs from classical random walks, allowing quantum particles to spread faster and potentially aiding in understanding natural phenomena like energy transport in plants.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 10, 2010

You have your MoM's ions

A study presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons meeting found correlations between maternal and infant cobalt and chromium levels in patients with metal-on-metal hip implants. Elevated ion levels were detected in infants, suggesting the placenta modulates metal ion transfer to the fetus.

Setting out to discover new, long-lived elements

Researchers at GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research developed an ion trap device that measures atomic mass with unprecedented accuracy, enabling the discovery of long-lived elements on islands of stability. The team successfully trapped atoms of element 102, nobelium, and measured its atomic mass with a 0.000005% uncertainty.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateFeb 11, 2010

Plasma produces KO cocktail for MRSA

Researchers have developed two prototype devices to combat drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA. One device can disinfect human skin safely and quickly, while another can target infested chronic wounds for quicker healing.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateNov 26, 2009

New concept may enhance Earth-Mars communication

Researchers propose a solution to the crucial problem of ensuring reliable radio communication between Mars and Earth during solar alignments. A pair of communication relay satellites in B-orbits equipped with electric ion propulsion can 'hover' over points leading and trailing Mars' orbit, providing full-time communications.

Researchers pinpoint neural nanoblockers in carbon nanotubes

Brown University researchers have discovered that yttrium and nickel, two metal catalysts used to form carbon nanotubes, interfere with critical signaling transactions in neurons. Removing these metals can lead to the development of safe treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and paralysis.

SourceBrown University·JournalBiomaterials·DateAug 27, 2009

Ytterbium gains ground in quest for next-generation atomic clocks

A new experimental atomic clock using ytterbium atoms has achieved accuracy comparable to the nation's civilian time standard, while ongoing comparisons with other clocks will help determine the most accurate option for future time and frequency standards. This development supports advancements in technologies such as high data rate te...

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 11, 2009