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When it comes to polymer fragility, size does matter

Researchers find that longer polymer chains exhibit higher fragility due to incomplete molecular scale relaxation, leading to new insights for material design. The study resolves a long-standing puzzle in polymeric materials, shedding light on their unique properties.

Tiniest imperfections make big impacts in nano-patterned materials

Researchers found that small imprecisions in surface lattice sites can affect the density of deposited particles, leading to less efficient deposition processes and lower ultimate coverage. This study suggests that a certain degree of relaxation may be more effective in improving dense structures.

Closing in on the elusive rotational-vibrational CH5+ spectra

A team of theoretical chemists at Queen's University compared experimental and theoretical methods for interpreting the rotational-vibrational CH5+ spectra. They were able to develop a new assignment of the experimental results, reducing errors from 30 cm-1 to 2 cm-1.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

The 2016 HFSP postdoctoral fellowship awards

A total of 697 applications were received for 75 HFSP postdoctoral fellowships, with 69 Long-Term Fellowships awarded to life scientists extending their expertise into another field and 6 Cross-Disciplinary Fellowships supporting young scientists from non-life science backgrounds

A new theory describes ice's slippery behavior

A new theory explains how ice becomes slippery when a hard material slides across it, improving ski design and understanding glacier movement. The study uses experimental data to connect temperature and sliding speed to friction on ice.

Extending a battery's lifetime with heat

Researchers from California Institute of Technology found that heat can shorten dendrites by up to 36% and possibly extend battery lifetimes. By analyzing the effect of temperature on individual lithium atoms, they discovered that increased temperatures trigger atomic motion, leading to the breakdown of dendrite structures.

Using ultrasound to clean medical instruments

A pioneering ultrasonic device called StarStream has been developed to improve the cleaning of medical instruments using cold water, eliminating biological contamination and bacterial biofilms. The device has shown significant effectiveness in removing complex contaminants such as brain tissue from surgical steel.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Nobel Laureates appeal for climate protection

The Mainau Declaration 2015 on Climate Change states that nations must limit future global emissions and approve a new international agreement. The declaration warns of the consequences of unchecked climate change, which will overwhelm the Earth's ability to satisfy humanity's needs, leading to wholesale human tragedy.

Next generation science: James Brogan of Boston College

James Brogan, a double major in physics and chemistry, has been awarded a Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship for his research on aerosol behavior and its effects on human health. He plans to combine physics and medicine to advance techniques in medical physics.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Disorder + disorder = more disorder?

Researchers discovered a counterintuitive effect where structural disorder counters thermal disorder in certain systems, leading to lower overall disorder. The study focused on charged fluids and found that disordered charges interact strongly with mobile ions to oppose the effects of thermal disorder.

Understanding DNA damage

Researchers have devised a model of DNA's close environment under threat from low-energy electrons, revealing their effects on DNA in natural conditions. The study aims to improve current uses of radiation, such as in cancer treatments and diagnostic procedures.

Low-priced plastic photovoltaics

Researchers have developed a new method for exerting control over the arrangement of polymer molecules in plastic solar cells, enabling them to produce more electrical current. This breakthrough could lead to cheaper and more efficient solar panels, making renewable energy more accessible.

Newly discovered mechanism propels micromotors

Researchers at Doshisha University have discovered a new mechanism to propel micromotors, which can move forward, spin, or circle depending on their shape. The discovery could lead to the creation of easily controllable machines with a versatile range of motions.

Geoscience Workforce Currents #77

The study analyzed over 400 geoscience student exit survey responses, identifying that 70% of participants took Calculus I and II, with a drop in further mathematics coursework after those classes. PhD candidates pursued multiple courses beyond Calculus II, while all three groups took at least one chemistry and physics course.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Osmosis is not driven by water dilution

A thermodynamic theory of osmosis was published in 1897, but its explanation has not been fully adopted by chemistry and biology. Key findings include the misconception that osmosis only applies to liquids, and the need for an attractive force to drive the process.

Origami meets chemistry in scholarly video-article

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University developed self-assembling particles inspired by origami that can be manipulated to fold and seal or open and close. These particles have potential applications in drug delivery, mechanical sensing, bio-sensing technologies, and more.

NSF gives UH $985K grant to boost science education in Houston

The National Science Foundation grant will support the teachHOUSTON program, which recruits and prepares physics and chemistry teachers for urban schools. The five-year grant aims to increase the number of qualified STEM teachers in Houston's school districts.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

A baby crystal is born

Researchers identified the 32-atom 'baby crystal' through computer simulations and experimentally confirmed its structure using scanning tunneling microscope images. The discovery provides insight into how small crystals form larger units.

A dash of physics thrown into the cocktail mix

Top bartenders are ditching trial and error for a more measured approach to cocktail making, inspired by physics techniques. Rotary evaporators and thermocouples help extract flavors and balance the taste of cocktails, such as martinis and manhattans.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Model unfolds proteins gently

A new theoretical model reported in the Journal of Chemical Physics investigates protein unfolding under smaller forces, revealing a previously uncharacterized sequential loss of structure involving fluctuation between two intermediates. The researchers discovered more steps and complexity compared to previous experiments and models.

Finding a buckyball in photovoltaic cell

Researchers have developed a new method to analyze neutron reflection to identify buckyballs within polymer-based photovoltaic cells. This breakthrough technique allows for more efficient and cost-effective production of solar cells, which could lead to widespread adoption.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Molecules delivering drugs as they walk

A theoretical model compares the transport characteristics of straight- and branched-chain polymers in channels, shedding light on how deformability affects their movement. The findings could aid in developing carrier molecules for targeted drug delivery.

Quantum fractals at the border of magnetism

Physicists at Rice University report a simple scaling behavior in electronic excitations of a related material, providing direct evidence of large-scale electronic consequences of quantum critical effects. The study reveals that variables from classical physics cannot explain all observed macroscopic properties at quantum critical points.

Moving polymers through pores

Researchers improved a theoretical model for polymer movement through nanopores, addressing the motion of polymers inside pores and introducing significant increases in total time in the pore. This improvement has potential technological applications in DNA sequencing and biosensors.

A simple quantum dynamics problem?

Scientists have observed the first real-time measurements of a rare gas atom and halogen molecule dissociation. The study found that adding vibrational energy to the bromine-stretching vibration led to rapid direct dissociation, while higher excitation resulted in a more complex mechanism.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Fast-tracking the manufacture of glasses

Researchers have developed a new method to manufacture highly stable glass films with properties equivalent to those of conventionally aged glasses. This breakthrough uses physical vapor deposition and alternating current nanocalorimetry, enabling the production of 'impossible materials' in a matter of minutes.

Report describes the physics of the 'bends'

A new study published in the Journal of Chemical Physics suggests that decompression sickness is caused by the formation and loss of small gas bubbles in soft tissues. The researchers propose a model where these bubbles are stabilized by pockets of reduced pressure, allowing them to persist despite their expected collapse.

NIST researchers holding steady in an atomic-scale tug-of-war

The NIST team has built an ultra-stable instrument for tugging on chains of atoms, achieving results that require heroic efforts at vibration isolation. The new instrument enables the direct measurement of force between two gold atoms, giving researchers a direct method to calibrate their equipment.

Rewriting general relativity?

Scientists investigate Hořava's quantum gravity model, which modifies Lorentz symmetry. The team finds that the modifications only reproduce general relativity on unobservable scales.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Pay it forward: UH prof helps advance science in developing countries

Carlos Ordonez, a UH professor, recruits up-and-coming scientists from Latin America for two-year fellowships at UH's top researchers. The program enhances scientific partnerships between the US and Latin America, empowering promising young scientists to tackle problems in their home countries.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Universities in £1.5M drive to cut cost of solar power

Researchers in Manchester and London are working on a £1.5m project to create more efficient solar cells using inexpensive materials and novel fabrication methods. The goal is to produce demonstration hybrid solar cells with the potential to be mass-produced and achieve an energy conversion efficiency of ten percent.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Quantum effects writ large

Researchers found telltale signs of a link between quantum effects and thermodynamic properties in YbRh2Si2, shedding light on collective organization of microscopic particles.

The point of icicles

Researchers from the University of Arizona found that the same mathematical equation describing stalactite shapes also applies to icicles, regardless of size or growth conditions. The discovery provides new insights into the physics of natural formations and their underlying math.

One small step for Soft Matter...

Soft Matter will separate from its host journal in January 2007, becoming an independent publication with a focus on interdisciplinary research. The move is expected to have far-reaching effects for the soft matter community.

Breaking news

Researchers create new method to analyze data from experiments in cracking, gaining deeper understanding of the process. The team's approach enables prediction of how cracks will advance in different materials under various stresses.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

More effective lasers

Photonic crystals provide ideal characteristics for the development of instruments with diverse applications. A multidisciplinary research effort at the University of Navarra has led to significant breakthroughs in manufacturing these crystals, paving the way for miniaturization and enhanced nanotechnology.

U of T team makes 'movie stars' of atoms

The U of T team has developed a technique to capture the atomic-level melting process of aluminum, revealing the solid's arrangement as it changes into a liquid. The researchers observed the transformation in real-time using laser and electron pulse technology, shedding light on the fundamental processes governing chemistry and biology.

Discovery could lead to new ways to create nano-fibers and wires

Researchers at Purdue University have made a groundbreaking discovery about the formation of drops from nozzles, which could lead to new methods for making threads, wires, and particles. The team found that when a nozzle is immersed into sticky liquids, such as honey or silicone oil, the drop forms differently, creating an extremely th...

First sightings of individual proteins as they fold

Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding how proteins fold by capturing single proteins in action. The study reveals that protein molecules vary in the routes they take to form the same folded shape and create numerous intermediate shapes along the way.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

New molecular template makes virtue of variation

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a novel molecular template that enables the creation of surfaces with varying particle concentrations. This innovation allows for the design of sensors, filters, and other devices that can be tailored for specific applications in electronics, chemistry, and life sciences.

Teaching physics first

The Physics First movement seeks to create a science-literate population by introducing physics in high school, rather than later. Preliminary analysis from a study shows that while many teachers are skeptical about reversing the traditional sequence of sciences, those who already teach early physics are enthusiastic about teaching it.

Research Uncovers Possible New Explanation For Sonoluminescence

Researchers have discovered a possible atomic process behind sonoluminescence, which could aid in the emerging field of sonochemistry. The study proposes that stimulated atoms decaying in unison emit light, explaining the short pulses observed in sonoluminescence.