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Speeding up atomic force microscopy

Kanazawa University scientists design a zero-latency amplitude detector for high-speed atomic force microscopy, significantly improving temporal resolution. The new detector enables faster recording of biological processes with higher video frame rates and reduced invasiveness.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 4, 2022

A longstanding mystery in manufacturing has been solved

Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a simple analytical model to predict chip formation and optimize surface finish in manufacturing processes. The study reveals the critical cutting depth for almost every material, tool geometry, and running conditions, minimizing tool wear and improving product quality.

SourceAarhus University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 14, 2021

Smart transformable nanoparticles promise advances in tumor diagnoses, treatment

Researchers have developed smart transformable nanoparticles that can alter their size and shape in response to physiological conditions, improving particle circulation, biodistribution, and targeted therapy for cancer theranostics. These particles promise enhanced tumor diagnoses and treatment by adapting to the physiology of tumors.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2021

Drones show promise in speeding up communication with underwater robots for ocean surveys

Researchers from The University of Tokyo Institute of Industrial Science have found that drones can be used as communication bases with underwater robotic devices (AUVs) for ocean surveys. UAVs offer high-speed observations, mobility, and resistance to ocean currents, making them suitable candidates for this application.

Broadband spintronic-metasurface terahertz emitters with tunable chirality

Researchers developed a novel spintronic-metasurface terahertz emitter that generates broadband, circularly polarized, and coherent terahertz waves. The design offers flexible manipulation of the polarization state and helicity with magnetic fields, enabling efficient generation and control of chiral terahertz waves.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

Physics outreach programs benefit students’ scientific identities, career prospects

A Texas A&M University study found that physics outreach programs have a positive effect on both students and their audiences, boosting confidence, skills, and career readiness in STEM fields. The programs provide experiential learning opportunities beyond classrooms, promoting deeper understanding and enhanced job prospects.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalPhysical Review Physics Education Research·TypeNews article·DateOct 12, 2021

A computationally quick approach to predict molten droplet solidification on a solid surface

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed a computationally quick approach to predict molten droplet solidification on a solid surface. The model simulates the solidification process by considering the droplet behavior and heat transfer between the hotter droplet and cooler surface, replicating experiments with high accuracy.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 12, 2021

Light does the twist for quantum computing

Researchers generate circularly polarized light at room temperature, a breakthrough for optical quantum information processing. The device uses strained semiconductors to produce twisting 'chiral' valley-polarized light, promising vast data storage capabilities.

SourceNagoya University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2021

Mapping the evolution of materials

Lehigh University researchers are developing a model to understand the impact of grain growth on material properties. The project aims to create new materials informatics methods, innovative stochastic differential equations, and models of grain growth to improve material performance and reliability.

Best of both worlds: Updating the chemical process to remove organic pollutants from water

Researchers from India and Saudi Arabia have combined oxidation and photocatalysis to create a heterogeneous photo-Fenton system that degrades phenols at higher rates than individual approaches. The system is highly photostable and reusable, making it promising for practical applications in wastewater purification.

SourceShoolini University·JournalJournal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2021

Improved water splitting method: A green energy innovation by Pusan National University

Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a novel electrocatalyst that can effectively produce hydrogen and oxygen from water at low cost. The catalyst, composed of transition metal phosphates, achieves high surface area and fast charge transfer, making it suitable for commercial on-site production of hydrogen.

SourcePusan National University·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

Physicists make laser beams visible in vacuum

Researchers at the University of Bonn developed a method to visualize laser beams in a vacuum, allowing for precise alignment of individual atoms. This breakthrough enables faster and more accurate quantum optics experiments, potentially leading to advancements in computing and materials science.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateAug 25, 2021

Making patient care easier: Self-powered diaper sensors that monitor urine sugar levels

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed a self-powered diaper sensor that monitors urine sugar levels, providing an alternative biomarker for blood sugar monitoring. The sensor uses a biofuel cell powered by glucose in the urine, detecting sugar levels within 1 second and simplifying caretaking tasks.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalACS Sensors·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

It’s elementary: Visualizing molecular motion of substituted 9-phosphaanthracene

Scientists have successfully visualized the molecular motion of a highly unstable compound, 10-mesityl-1,8-bis(trifluoromethyl)-9-phosphaanthracene, using novel spectroscopic techniques. The study revealed unprecedented molecular motions and structure information, shedding light on its radical reactivity and potential applications.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2021

Novel molecular imaging technique casts complex coordination molecules in a new light!

A team of researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a novel imaging method using metal-atom tracers in HAADF-STEM to determine the conformational structures of complex polynuclear coordination compounds. The technique achieves accurate visualization of highly branched molecules, filling a gap in structural analysis.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2021

Adding antibodies to enhance photodynamic therapy for viral and bacterial disease

Photodynamic therapy has shown promising results in treating respiratory tract infections and some types of cancer. Adding antibodies to the treatment can increase its efficacy, making it an attractive option for rapid responses to pandemics. The new approach uses viral antibodies attached to light-absorbing molecules to target viruses...

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateMay 18, 2021