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Vertebrate jaw design locked early

A new study suggests that vertebrate jaws evolved relatively early, around 420 million years ago, and that the diversity of feeding mechanisms in these early animals had little impact on jawless fishes. The researchers used physics and engineering concepts to analyze the potential feeding functions of early vertebrate jaw designs.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·DateJul 6, 2011

More than 1 in 10 chance of colder UK winters

New research predicts that UK winters will become colder due to low solar activity, with a 10% chance of returning to Maunder minimum conditions within 50 years. This could lead to an average winter temperature below 2.5°C, with implications for national infrastructure planning.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 4, 2011

Virtual water cannot remedy freshwater shortage

A new study published in Environmental Research Letters found that virtual water transfers are unlikely to equalize water use among nations due to existing inequalities. The researchers concluded that the current amount of virtual water is insufficient to overcome these constraints.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 6, 2011

Measuring the temperature of nanoparticles

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed a technique to probe the temperature rise in the vicinity of RF-actuated nanoparticles. The study found that the measured temperature rise was consistent regardless of whether the sensors were mixed with or covalently bonded to the nanoparticles.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateNov 30, 2010

World's tiniest mirror

Researchers design and characterize a field-switchable nanomagnetic atom mirror, which can manipulate atoms by applying magnetic fields. The technology could be applied to devices that trap and confine atoms, potentially leading to breakthroughs in quantum computing.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateAug 10, 2010

Cheaper substrates made of oxide materials

Researchers at Taiwan's National Chiao Tung University have made a discovery that opens the door to building electronic components like diodes on various substrates, including plastic, paper, and fabric. They developed a new method to improve the rectification efficiency of oxide diodes by forming nanoscale current paths in oxides.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 27, 2010

Diamonds and the holy grail of quantum computing

Researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics have made a breakthrough in developing diamond nitrogen vacancy materials for room-temperature quantum computing. The team's discovery could lead to significant advances in condensed matter physics, quantum information science, and diamond making technology.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 29, 2010

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute develop new method for mass-producing graphene

A new technique enables large-scale production of high-quality graphene at room temperature using a molecular wedge, resulting in undamaged graphene dispersed in water. The researchers used the graphene to build chemical sensors and ultracapacitors with high-performance applications in environmental sensing and energy storage.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 21, 2010

Scientists create first electronic quantum processor

Researchers at Yale University have successfully created a rudimentary solid-state quantum processor, performing simple algorithms like a search and demonstrating quantum information processing with a solid-state device for the first time. The team's achievement marks a significant step towards building a practical quantum computer.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateJun 28, 2009

Study on cytotoxicity of carbon nanotubes

A systematic review of carbon nanotubes' cytotoxicity found that various factors affect CNTs' toxicity, including species, impurities, lengths, and assaying methods. The study emphasizes the need for more complete characterization and determination of cell viability to ensure safe application of CNTs.

LLNL researchers create tool to monitor nuclear reactors

Researchers have developed a cubic-meter-scale antineutrino detector that can quickly and precisely monitor the operational status and thermal power of nuclear reactors over hour-to-month-time scales. This new tool provides a direct measurement of reactor performance, enabling nonproliferation efforts by detecting fissile material inve...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMar 12, 2008

Scientists develop life-saving chrome

British scientists have developed a new method of coating metals using sol-gel technology, which offers improved corrosion resistance and reduced costs. The technique uses nanoparticles to form a gel-like layer on the metal's surface, providing a safer alternative to traditional chrome electroplating.

Diamonds are a doctor's best friend

Researchers have developed diamond-like carbon coatings for medical implants, reducing friction and corrosion while providing biocompatibility. The new method of coating plastics, metals, and collagen enables the production of harder-wearing implants and enhances patient outcomes.

Scientists harness the power of pee

Researchers have developed a paper battery that harnesses the power of urine to test for diseases, providing a cheap and efficient solution for healthcare diagnostics. The device can be integrated into biochip systems, enabling people to monitor their health at home without relying on external power sources.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Micromechanics and Microengineering·DateAug 15, 2005

Scientists create artificial cricket hairs

Researchers have developed artificial sensory hair systems inspired by crickets' cerci, which can detect low-frequency sound with high sensitivity and directivity. The artificial hairs are energy-efficient and show potential applications in various fields such as sensor networks and aerodynamics.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Micromechanics and Microengineering·DateJun 20, 2005

Photoemission 100 years after Einstein

The photoelectric effect, first explained by Einstein in 1905, has become a crucial tool for understanding the properties of matter. The new issue of New Journal of Physics features research on hot electrons and high-temperature superconductors, demonstrating its relevance to tailored electronic materials.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateApr 29, 2005

Early Universe was packed with mini black holes

Recent studies of the cosmic microwave background radiation suggest that small black holes were widespread in the early universe and merged to form larger black holes. This finding could indicate an era in which small black holes were commonplace, with potential telltale evidence in galaxies without a central supermassive black hole.

Scientists close in on 'superbrakes' for cars

Researchers create a new mathematical model that explains the relationship between friction and motion, suggesting that traditional braking methods may not be the most effective. The findings could lead to improved road safety by optimizing brake performance.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateJan 31, 2005

Please, do disturb

Researchers found that chaos and noise are essential for maintaining marine ecosystems, allowing plankton blooms to flourish even in suboptimal conditions. By adding noise to a system, it can become synchronized and sustained, contrary to previous assumptions.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateJan 31, 2005