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Novel theory of entropy may solve materials design issues

Researchers at Penn State have developed Zentropy theory, a new approach to understanding entropy that can predict anomalies in physical properties like volume. The theory may lead to breakthroughs in designing superconducting materials and structural materials that withstand higher temperatures.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Phase Equilibria and Diffusion·DateMar 16, 2022

Three-channel Kondo effect discovered in cubic holmium compound

Researchers have discovered a three-channel Kondo effect in a cubic holmium compound using numerical methods, predicting an exotic quantum ground state and potential applications. The study found a residual entropy value at ultra-low temperatures, matching the predicted value by the three-channel Kondo effect.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of the Physical Society of Japan·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 30, 2021

Partition function zeros are ‘shortcut’ to thermodynamic calculations on quantum computers

Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a new method to calculate thermodynamic properties using partition function zeros on quantum computers. By calculating the zeros of the partition function, they can determine free energy, entropy, and other properties without necessitating huge numbers of quantum computations.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 19, 2021

Building blocks: New evidence-based system predicts element combination forming high entropy alloy

Researchers developed a novel evidence-based material recommender system that predicts high entropy alloy formation without data descriptors, overcomes data bias and poor availability. The method recommends an FeMnCoNi alloy as the most probable HEA and successfully synthesizes it, confirming its validity.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalNature Computational Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2021

Researchers propose a method of magnetizing a material without applying an external magnetic field

Scientists at São Paulo State University discovered that compressing paramagnetic salts adiabatically can produce magnetization. The process aligns the particles' spins, resulting in a constant total entropy and magnetized system. This method has potential applications in investigating other interacting systems.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2021

Study reveals roadmap of muscle decline with age

A comprehensive study in mice reveals a roadmap of muscle decline with age, identifying key molecular mechanisms and potential new treatments. Klotho supplementation improved muscle strength in old but not oldest-old mice, suggesting earlier intervention may prevent declines.

SourceeLife·DateApr 20, 2021

Scientists develop approach to synthesize unconventional nanoalloys for electrocatalytic application

Researchers developed a new method to synthesize unconventional nanoalloys composed of immiscible metals, which showed superior performances in electrocatalytic reactions. The approach uses vapor-source technology and allows for control over composition and size, enabling the creation of cost-effective, highly active, and durable elect...

New artificial neural network model bests MaxEnt in inverse problem example

A new artificial neural network model has been developed to solve inverse problems, demonstrating accuracy comparable to the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) approach. The model's versatility and robustness against noisy data have been showcased in various tests, including recovering electron single-particle spectral densities.

Tracking thermodynamic fundamentals

Researchers at Kiel University successfully measured entropy in complex plasmas using video microscopy and laser technology. They found that the thermodynamic fundamentals are fulfilled, leading to new insights into strongly coupled systems.

SourceKiel University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 18, 2019

Entropy explains RNA diffusion rates in cells

Researchers have discovered exponential patterns in RNA diffusion rates within cells, displaying the highest possible degree of disorder or entropy. This pattern is linked to small-scale diffusive behaviors and can be compared to thermodynamic behaviors in larger systems.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateAug 7, 2019

No assumptions needed to simulate petroleum reservoirs

Researchers found that by making the right choices in modeling, temperature gradients can accurately predict pressure and composition changes without assumptions. The study developed an equation to express pressure gradient, which revealed special cases where residual entropy affects pressure gradients.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJun 5, 2019

Could a demon help to create a quantum computer?

Researchers at Penn State successfully organized atoms in a lattice to lower entropy, which could aid in creating a quantum computer. This achievement uses uncharged atoms as qubits, enabling multiple states simultaneously and making computation more efficient.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateSep 5, 2018

Illuminated: The mechanism behind shear thinning in supercooled liquids

Two researchers at The University of Tokyo's Institute of Industrial Science have revealed new insights into the behavior of supercooled liquids when they are made to flow by shearing. They found that the two-body structural entropy is the key quantity to understanding shear thinning, which is an industrially very important process.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2017

Electronic entropy enhances water splitting

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered that cerium's electronic entropy is the underlying reason for its success in water-splitting technologies. Cerium's large entropy makes it ideal for hydrogen production, opening up possibilities for future work in creating a more efficient and environmentally friendly energy system.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 24, 2017

Entropy landscape sheds light on quantum mystery

Researchers precisely measured the entropy of a cerium copper gold alloy to shed light on high-temperature superconductivity and similar phenomena. The study provides new evidence about the possible causes of these phenomena near a quantum critical point, where electrons fluctuate between two different quantum states.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 15, 2017

Research pushes concept of entropy out of kilter

New research at Brown University finds that a non-equilibrium phenomenon relies on entropy to emerge, surprising scientists who thought disorder would decrease as systems move away from equilibrium. The study's results have implications for our understanding of entropy and may lead to new practical applications.

SourceBrown University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 2, 2017

Model could shatter a mystery of glass

Princeton University researchers have developed a new model that creates a 'perfect glass' that never crystallizes, even at absolute zero. The model considers 2-, 3-, and 4-body interactions to suppress crystallization, revealing unique properties of perfect glasses.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 28, 2016

Alternating periods of high- and low-entropy neural ensemble activity during image processing in the primary visual cortex of rats

The study reveals alternating periods of high- and low-wavelet entropy (WS) in rat V1 during image processing, indicating dynamic LFPs with synchronized and complexly ordered activity. The parameters RWE and WS quantify neural population activity characteristics that may help decipher visual processing and object recognition.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Biomedical Engineering Journal·DateJul 15, 2016

The contrarian dance of DNA

Research by Georgia Institute of Technology's Harold Kim reveals DNA's movements defy intuition, with entropic forces prevailing over elastic ones. The study improves understanding of how DNA snaps free from proteins and may help predict the lifespans of DNA loops.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review E·DateApr 20, 2016