Articles tagged with Applied Physics
According to Professor Andrew Hamilton, the core of a black hole is not a singular point of infinite density but rather a hot, dense plasma that siphons matter into itself. This plasma could be the cause of a space traveller's demise in larger black holes.
Termite guts have been found to convert cellulose into ethanol, a potential solution for the world's energy supply and storage problems. Chu believes that biology can be used as a solution to pressing environmental issues.
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.
Researchers have isolated embryo-quality stem cells from adult blood for the first time using a physical characteristic of each cell's stretchiness. This breakthrough technique could revolutionize medical research and treatment by providing an alternative to embryonic stem cells.
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.
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.
Researchers studied the plant's leaves, discovering an 'active snap-buckling instability' that controls rapid closure. The study reveals key mechanisms for the plant's trap-like movement, with implications for biomimetic systems and tiny artificial devices.
A team of mathematicians, led by University of Georgia Professor Dino Lorenzini, have solved a four-decade-old math problem involving groups A and B. They demonstrated that the number of elements in group B is always a perfect square under certain conditions.
Stanford University has established a new center to develop novel nanoprobes for advancing nanoscale science and technology. The center aims to create revolutionary tools for observing, manipulating, measuring, imaging, and controlling nanoscale phenomena.
T.P. Ma, a Yale University professor, is honored with the 2005 IEEE Andrew S. Grove Award for his groundbreaking research on complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) gate dielectrics. His work has focused on microelectronics, semiconductors, and memory applications.
A team of researchers has developed an implantable electronic device that can help doctors monitor heart rhythms and prevent atrial fibrillation (AF) attacks. The device uses lower energy shocks to terminate AF episodes, reducing pain and risk of complications.
A new paper by Chris Phoenix and K. Eric Drexler argues that self-replication is not necessary for building an efficient molecular manufacturing system, contrary to previous understanding. Instead, simple robot-arms in larger factories are a more practical solution.
Researchers found that soft flaky skin helps reduce drag caused by friction and shedding of the skin disturbs whirlpools of water called vortices, reducing drag. The study could help build faster boats and submarines using natural dolphin-inspired solutions.
Researchers have discovered a molecular force used by spiders to attach themselves to surfaces, which could be the key to creating super-strong adhesive Post-it notes. The van der Waals force is so strong that it allows spiders to carry their own body weight on their feet while standing on ceilings.
These materials have potential uses in lasers, drug detection, and sensors, offering new possibilities for applications with minimal energy cost. Professor Warner's research has increased interest in liquid crystal elastomers, which could lead to further discoveries.
A new method for determining protein structure uses a supercomputer chip to analyze forces between atoms, reducing computation time by a factor of 1000. This technique is particularly useful for studying proteins that are difficult to crystallize, allowing scientists to gain more insights into their functions.
Researchers developed a system using a tri-axial accelerometer and fractal analysis to study Parkinson's patients' walking patterns. The study reveals the complexity of body motion in both healthy elderly subjects and Parkinson's disease patients, with the latter exhibiting higher fractal measures indicating more complex symptoms.
The Cornell center will focus on high-energy density plasmas, developing diagnostic devices and studying extreme conditions such as plasma jets and X-pinch point imaging sources. The research aims to create hot, dense plasmas that can produce neutrons associated with nuclear fusion.
Physicists Wolfgang Knoll and Shigemasa Suga have been recognized for their contributions to German-Japanese cooperation. The Eugen and Ilse Seibold Prize, awarded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, honors their collaborative research in exotic nano materials.
Researchers at Purdue University are conducting an experiment to measure the Casimir effect, which could reveal new forces beyond the three spatial dimensions of length, width, and height. The study uses plates made of isotopes of nickel to test for a potential 'fifth force' that could interact with extra dimensions.
The NASA spacecraft TIMED observes the global reaction of the upper atmosphere to solar activity, helping scientists understand why some solar events have significant geospace impact. Preliminary data from TIMED will be featured at the Spring 2002 American Geophysical Union meeting, May 31, in Washington, D.C.
The CONTOUR spacecraft is set to launch on July 1, capturing the sharpest pictures yet of a comet's nucleus, mapping rock and ice surfaces, and analyzing surrounding gas and dust. The mission aims to provide detailed data on ancient comets, assessing their diversity and clarifying how comets evolve.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new type of epoxy that is three times harder and conducts heat significantly better than regular epoxy. The addition of carbon nanotubes to the adhesive yields enhanced thermal conductivity and mechanical strength.
The TIMED spacecraft is beginning its two-year science mission to study the influences of the sun and humans on the least explored portion of Earth's atmosphere. The mission will provide a global picture of this critical region, enabling future 'space weather' predictions.
The TIMED mission aims to study the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere/Ionosphere (MLTI), a gateway between Earth's environment and space. The 2-year mission will gather comprehensive global measurements of temperature, pressure, wind, chemical composition, and energy inputs and outputs in this region.
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) has been selected by NASA to develop the first mission to explore Pluto and the Kuiper Belt region. The New Horizons: Shedding Light on Frontier Worlds mission will use a team of scientists and engineers from various institutions to design, build, and operate the spacecraft.
The E-Screening Pilot Program uses electronic screening to check a moving vehicle's weight, height, safety history and tax/registration status. Cleared vehicles bypass weigh stations while those flagged 'at risk' are directed in for closer inspection.
Physicists at UC Berkeley have created minuscule bearings and springs made from carbon nanotubes, which can reduce friction in microscopic machines. The bearings and springs, which appear to move with no wear and tear, could be crucial components of MEMS devices and NEMS systems.
Two new journals, New Journal of Physics and Internet Journal of Chemistry, have received SPARC's Leading Edge program endorsement. These peer-reviewed electronic journals offer wide dissemination of top-quality research at zero cost, improving accessibility for scientists and libraries.
Researchers discovered a new class of microstructured materials that self-assemble into flat, two-dimensional crystallites made from tiny plastic beads. Under the right conditions, these beads seem to defy the basic physical principle of oppositely charged objects attracting.
JHU/APL's MESSENGER spacecraft will be the first to visit Mercury in over three decades, gathering data on the planet's density, atmosphere, and magnetosphere. The $286 million mission has potential applications in industry beyond scientific research.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara discovered a unique protein-based adhesive that explains the abalone shell's exceptional fracture resistance. This 'biological rubber' helps maintain its structure by releasing sacrificial links that break before the whole molecule, providing both strength and elasticity.
Rocky Kolb will discuss the first second in the life of the universe, describing a hot primordial soup of 'elementary' particles. He explores how this soup has cooled and condensed into the cosmic structure we see today. Kolb's work is praised for its clarity and insight.
The new wall chart graphically illustrates the basic structure of the nucleus, recent discoveries, and future directions in nuclear science. It includes sections on the expansion of the universe, nuclear matter phases, radio-active decay, controlled nuclear energy, and applications of nuclear science.
The American Institute of Physics announces a new award for broadcast media, recognizing distinguished writing that improves public understanding of physics and astronomy. The winning author will receive $3,000 and a certificate.
Dr. Daniel C. Ralph has made significant contributions to the development of experimental techniques for studying nanoscale structures. He was awarded the 1997 McMillan Award for outstanding work in condensed matter physics.