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Winner of Bernd T. Matthias Prize announced

Katsuya Shimizu received the prize for his discovery of superconductivity in non-superconducting elements under high pressures with a Tc up to 29K. The Texas Center for Superconductivity at the University of Houston sponsors the award, recognizing outstanding contributions to the field.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateSep 11, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Molecular evolution: How the building blocks of life may form in space

Researchers create glycine, an essential amino acid, from simple molecules in a laboratory experiment that mimics astrophysical conditions. The study suggests that the combination of star dust and radiation could have formed life's building blocks in space, leading to their arrival on Earth via comet or meteorite impact.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateApr 25, 2018

Life's building blocks observed in spacelike environment

Researchers create simulated space environments where small organic molecules form under radiation, potentially offering an alternative explanation for the origin of life. The study used advanced techniques to analyze icy films containing methane and oxygen, producing a variety of complex organic molecules.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateDec 12, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study reveals new threat to the ozone layer

Researchers discovered increasing emissions of short-lived ozone-depleting chemicals in East Asia, threatening the recovery of the ozone layer. The study found dichloromethane and 1,2-dichloroethane in large amounts, which can be carried up into the stratosphere and cause damage.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateOct 12, 2017

Understanding brittle crack behaviors to design stronger materials

A team of researchers from Northeastern University has discovered a new mechanism that causes cracks to behave strangely in brittle materials, leading to catastrophic failure. The study's findings have the potential to help designers create stronger materials by understanding how fragile materials like glass and bone break.

SourceNortheastern University College of Science·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 21, 2017

New algorithm finds the optimal bond breaking point for single molecules

Researchers developed an algorithm to identify the stress-induced breakdown of molecular bonds, enabling efficient chemical synthesis and catalysis. The algorithm can be applied to any molecule, including biological ones, and has implications for various applications such as molecular machines and catalyst design.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateAug 1, 2017

Giant charge reversal observed for the first time

Researchers have observed giant charge reversal for the first time, where excess counter ions adsorb to oppositely charged surfaces. The study suggests that dielectric response of the solvent enhances correlation of multivalent ions with surface groups, leading to the formation of Bjerrum pairs.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJul 12, 2017

Water exists as two different liquids

Researchers at Stockholm University have found that water can exist as two different liquids at low temperatures, with large differences in structure and density. The discovery was made possible through experimental studies using X-rays, which revealed the existence of these two liquid phases.

SourceStockholm University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2017
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

'Inverse designing' spontaneously self-assembling materials

Using molecular simulations, researchers have developed an approach called inverse design that allows them to identify simpler interactions between particles that can spontaneously self-assemble into complex structures. This method enables the discovery of new materials with desired properties, reducing the time and cost required for t...

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateMay 9, 2017
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

The inner lives of molecules

Researchers have developed a new experimental technique to take 3D images of molecules in action, combining two technologies to probe the structure and behavior of molecules. This tool enables experiments with larger molecules that were previously impossible, allowing for better understanding of quantum mechanics in complex systems.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateApr 4, 2017

New active filaments mimic biology to transport nano-cargo

A team of researchers has created a fully biocompatible motility engine using synthetic active filaments, outperforming conventional methods in transporting tiny cargo. The design's efficiency and speed capabilities have significant implications for targeted drug delivery, insemination, and therapeutic interventions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJan 10, 2017
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.

From champagne bubbles, dance parties and disease to new nanomaterials

Researchers discovered that a simple physical mechanism governs the formation of protein filaments, which are associated with diseases such as Alzheimer's and Type 2 diabetes. Understanding this process could lead to new therapies and materials for nanotechnology.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 22, 2016

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateOct 18, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJun 28, 2016

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateMay 24, 2016

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

SourceHuman Frontier Science Program·DateMar 18, 2016

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateDec 8, 2015
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.

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateOct 1, 2015

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.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateSep 16, 2015

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.

SourceLindau Nobel Laureate Meetings·DateJul 3, 2015

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.

SourceBoston College·DateMay 7, 2015
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 4, 2014
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateOct 25, 2013

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateOct 22, 2013

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateOct 15, 2013

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.

SourceAmerican Geosciences Institute·DateOct 8, 2013
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.

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.

SourceDick Jones Communications·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateApr 4, 2013

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.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateFeb 13, 2013

Physics and math shed new light on biology by mapping the landscape of evolution

A team of scientists proposes a new theory of evolution that combines emergent fitness landscape and curl flux to explain evolutionary dynamics. The theory provides a physical foundation for general evolution dynamics, offering insights into the Red Queen Hypothesis and the benefits of sexual reproduction.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateAug 8, 2012

JoVE expands scholarly video publication into physical sciences

JoVE launches a new section in physics and engineering, featuring experimental disciplines and interdisciplinary fields. The first article showcases a method to fabricate thin-film solar cells, increasing potential by 45% while reducing thickness.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateJul 2, 2012
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.

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJan 17, 2012

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.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateNov 30, 2011

Breakthrough scientific discoveries no longer dominated by the very young, study finds

A study of Nobel Laureates from 1901 to 2008 found that the majority of breakthroughs in chemistry and physics were made after age 40, with great achievements by age 30 nearly never occurring. The trend toward youthful achievement in early 20th century physics may be attributed to the development of quantum mechanics.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 2011
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateOct 5, 2010

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateSep 28, 2010

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateAug 3, 2010

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.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2010
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.

Artificially controlling water condensation leads to 'room-temperature ice'

Researchers at CIN2 have developed a way to make artificial materials that control water condensation, leading to the formation of 'room-temperature ice' at ambient conditions. This breakthrough has significant implications for snowmaking, improved freezer systems, and new coatings for skating rinks.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJul 27, 2010

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJul 13, 2010

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJul 13, 2010
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJun 29, 2010

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJun 22, 2010

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.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateApr 1, 2010

Chemists get custom-designed microscopic particles to self-assemble in liquid crystal

Chemists have successfully designed and observed custom-shaped microparticles interacting and self-assembling in a controlled manner within a liquid crystal. The discovery opens up possibilities for the creation of larger-scale assemblies with various applications in photonics, optical communication networks, and other fields.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateNov 24, 2009

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.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 24, 2009
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.