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Sound evaluation of stiffness: Using acoustic tweezers to analyze biomolecular droplets

Researchers from the University of Osaka developed an analytical tool called acoustic tweezers to investigate the mechanical properties of biopolymer condensates. The study found that changes in the natural movement of a droplet in solution can provide information on the stiffness of the droplet and the state of the molecules inside.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalPRX Life·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2026

The hidden force of growth

Researchers found that self-propelled particles can spontaneously form clusters when navigating a dense colony of dividing cells. The growing medium creates an environment that transforms the particles' behavior, making them behave like active Brownian particles and attracting them to each other without explicit interaction.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateMay 14, 2026

Quantum sensors on the move

Researchers at IISc created a method to precisely steer quantum sensors through living cells, overcame challenges like viscous drag and brownian motion. This breakthrough enables real-time measurement of parameters such as local viscosity and temperature inside cells.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 24, 2026

Effective as a collective: Researchers investigate the swarming behavior of microrobots

A team of researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz studied the collective behavior of small robots and found that they can solve tasks that a single machine cannot. The study uses statistical physics to analyze how the robots interact and move, revealing potential applications in medical and pharmaceutical applications.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 26, 2023

Defying gravity

Researchers from University of Warsaw and Utrecht University observed the Brazil nut effect in a mixture of charged colloidal particles without external energy. The phenomenon involves heavier particles rising to the top due to repulsion forces, with potential applications in geology, soft matter physics, and industry.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2023

A surprising way to trap a microparticle

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a surprising way to trap microparticles using the combined effects of electrostatics, hydrodynamics, and random Brownian motion. This phenomenon enables the capture of particles in complex environments, such as winding channels, and could revolutionize microfluidic applications and...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2023

Tiny motors take a big step forward

Researchers have successfully created the first solid-state optical nanomotor, overcoming previous limitations in real-world applications. The new motor can rotate on a solid substrate under light illumination, enabling it to serve as a fuel-free engine for various micro-/nano-electro-mechanical systems.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 12, 2022

Physicists prove that 2D and 3D liquids are fundamentally different

Researchers discovered that two-dimensional liquids exhibit collective motion and long-wavelength fluctuations, which differ from the random Brownian motion seen in three-dimensional liquids. This finding helps explain puzzling differences in liquid dynamics and opens avenues for understanding complex fluid behavior.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 13, 2020

Army bio-inspired theoretical research may make robots more effective on the future battlefield

Researchers at U.S. Army Research Laboratory have made significant breakthroughs in developing artificial nanomotors inspired by biological molecules, which can harness Brownian motion for efficient energy production. These advancements aim to create faster, more versatile robots with improved autonomy and stealth capabilities.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalJournal of Biomechanical Engineering·DateOct 9, 2019

Jumping nanoparticles

The study confirms Einstein's theoretical analysis of Brownian motion by observing the Kramers turnover in levitated nanoparticles. The researchers found that the transition rate between states depends on friction and grows with decreasing friction before decreasing again at low friction levels.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 24, 2017

Rethinking Brownian motion with the 'Emperor's New Clothes'

Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that Brownian motion does not always follow a Gaussian curve, as previously thought. The study reveals extreme displacements that were not predicted by Einstein's statistical molecular theory, suggesting new design possibilities and potential corrections to textbooks.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2009

How do bacteria swim? Brown physicists explain

Researchers at Brown University have studied the swimming patterns of Caulobacter crescentus, a single-celled bacterium with a flagellum. The study reveals that drag and Brownian motion govern the circular swimming patterns of the microbe, which helps explain how bacteria scavenge for food and adhere to surfaces.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 19, 2008

From Quonset huts to ballerinas

Researchers discovered that surfactant micelles assemble into specific structures on a graphite surface due to van der Waals interactions, overcoming Brownian motion. The dynamic nature of these micelle structures opens new horizons for exploration and potential technological applications.

Optical tweezers prove Einstein right

Researchers have successfully measured the back-flow effect in Brownian motion, a phenomenon Einstein predicted but overlooked 100 years ago. The discovery uses optical tweezers technology to detect this effect, confirming a key aspect of Brownian motion theory.

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

Stanford scientists use noise to sort proteins

Researchers create device that harnesses thermal fluctuations to separate membrane-associated molecules, providing a novel approach for studying cellular processes. The invention builds upon previous work on Brownian ratchets and utilizes microfabrication techniques to manufacture the device at an affordable cost.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 1999