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University of Toronto physicists identify ‘octupolar’ magnetism, with implications for quantum technologies

Physicists at University of Toronto have identified 'octupolar' magnetism, a complex form of magnetism with eight poles, using light to probe atomic vibrations. This discovery opens up new avenues for quantum technology development, including controllable memory elements and computing devices.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 29, 2026

In the right place, even a less fit species can win

A mathematical model shows that greater fitness is not enough for a population to succeed; expansion speed and position also play crucial roles. Less fit species can win if they occupy favorable positions, such as peaks or protrusions.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Statistical Mechanics Theory and Experiment·DateAug 3, 2026

Scientists unveil technique to build ultra-thin material stacks that promise quantum breakthrough

Researchers unveiled a technique to build ultra-clean 2D heterostructures using muscovite crystals, eliminating microscopic residues that disrupt electronic device performance. This method enables precise stacking of atomic layers, leading to new properties and potential breakthroughs in quantum computing and nanoelectronics.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2026

Why dolphins swim so fast: the secrets of eddies

A team of researchers from The University of Osaka used supercomputer simulations to study how vortices generated by dolphin kicks power fast swimming. They found that large, powerful vortices created by the movement of the dolphin's tail are responsible for most of the propulsion, while smaller ones contribute little to forward motion.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 27, 2026

From springs and bolts, St. Olaf researchers built a computer that doesn’t require electricity

St. Olaf researchers create mechanical computers that can perform simple computations without a computer chip or power source, harnessing their power from physical force. The devices demonstrate proof of design for alternative computing in harsh settings, paving the way for smart materials and responsive artificial limbs.

SourceSt. Olaf College·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

New research brings machine‑learning‑based physics a step closer to solving real engineering challenges

A new machine-learning method detects sudden changes in fluid behavior, improving simulation capabilities for everyday applications like weather prediction and nuclear reactor safety. This enables faster design testing, real-time adjustments, and reduced computational burden.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Computational Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 9, 2026

SwRI, U-Michigan engineers create more effective burner to reduce methane emissions

Researchers at SwRI and U-M have created a new methane flare burner using additive manufacturing and machine learning that eliminates 98% of methane vented during oil production. The burner's design, with a complex nozzle base and impeller, allows for efficient combustion even in challenging crosswind conditions.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2025

Optical imaging technique offers more precise diagnosis of sleep apnea

A recent study has explored a new imaging approach that uses swept-source optical coherence tomography to visualize the upper airway with high precision. By integrating computational fluid dynamics, researchers were able to identify areas of turbulence and pinpoint obstruction sites, leading to more accurate diagnoses and treatment pla...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalBiophotonics Discovery·DateJan 7, 2025

Are birds flying atoms?

A new study by an international team, including MIT and CNRS, observed that similarities exist between the behavior of birds in flight and physical systems. The research suggests that the transition from disorder to coordination is not as different between particles and biological elements as previously thought.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Statistical Mechanics Theory and Experiment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 8, 2024

Learning the intrinsic dynamics of spatio-temporal processes through Latent Dynamics Networks

Politecnico researchers developed a new type of neural network called Latent Dynamics Network (LDNet) that can accurately predict the evolution of complex systems in low-dimensional spaces. This approach offers significant innovations over traditional methods, enabling up to 5 times more accurate results with a reduction of over 90% in...

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 6, 2024

CityU researchers tackle a century-old teletraffic challenge to enhance medical and public service efficiency

A research team at City University of Hong Kong has developed a novel performance evaluation method called Information Exchange Surrogate Approximation (IESA) to calculate blocking probabilities in queueing systems with overflow. IESA provides ways to allocate limited resources better, enhancing resource allocation and capacity plannin...

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalIEEE Access·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 30, 2023

Seeing cancer’s spread through a computational window

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new computational model called Adaptive Physics Refinement (APR) that can simulate the movement of individual cancer cells across long distances within the entire human body. This approach captures detailed cellular interactions and their effects on cellular trajectory, providing valuable...

SourceDuke University·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

Sophisticated fluid mechanics model is on a roll

The Rice-Waseda team created a computer simulation model that can accurately depict the complex aerodynamics around a moving car and its rolling tires. The model uses NURBS Surface-to-Volume Guided Mesh Generation method, which enables it to capture the deformation of tires as they roll on the road.

SourceRice University·JournalComputational Mechanics·DateMay 12, 2022

Creating cooler cities

Cities experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, caused by urban infrastructure absorbing heat. Researchers propose applying cooler surfaces to strategic locations to decrease cost and increase usage, offering an effective solution for resilient and sustainable infrastructure.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 21, 2021