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Physics advance details new way to control solid objects in liquid

Researchers have developed a technique to create spin in liquid droplets using ultrasound waves, concentrating solid particles suspended in the liquid. This allows for the creation of novel technologies for biomedical applications and research on rotating systems.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2025
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

How to swim without a brain

A team of scientists simulated the movement of microorganisms in liquids without a central control system. They found that simple rules and decentralized control can lead to efficient swimming behavior, potentially enabling nanobots to transport drugs or perform other complex tasks.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 19, 2025

Nimble dimples: Agile underwater vehicles inspired by golf balls

Researchers developed a spherical prototype with adjustable surface dimples to cut through pressure drag and generate lift, reducing drag by 50% compared to smooth counterparts. The adaptive skin setup can adjust dimple depth to maintain drag reductions and generate controlled movement.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateMay 19, 2025

Caltech's CARL-bot catches an underwater wave

Researchers create CARL-Bot to ride vortex rings and navigate turbulent ocean currents without fighting them, inspired by nature's ability to conserve energy. The system uses a single accelerometer and simple control laws to achieve energy-efficient propulsion, opening doors for future applications in ocean exploration and monitoring.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMay 12, 2025

Do manta rays benefit from collective motion?

A study by Northwestern Polytechnical University and the Ningbo Institute modeled manta ray group dynamics to understand their propulsion. The researchers found that tandem formation significantly improves middle manta ray's performance but two triangular setups decrease overall efficiency compared to a single swimmer.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMay 6, 2025
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.

A cool fix for hot chips: Advanced thermal management technology for electronic devices

Researchers from The University of Tokyo developed a novel water-cooling system with three-dimensional microfluidic channel structures to enhance heat transfer. The new design achieved a significant increase in performance, reaching up to 10^5 COP, surpassing conventional cooling techniques.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateApr 17, 2025

For a better cup of coffee, look to physics

A team of physicists at the University of Pennsylvania has discovered that pouring water from a height creates a stronger mixing effect, increasing extraction efficiency in pour-over coffee. By optimizing flow rates and pour heights, they found that more coffee grounds can be used without diminishing overall quality.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2025

Simulating the fluid dynamics of moving cells to map its location

Kyushu University researchers have successfully recreated the fluid dynamics of flowing biological cells using numerical simulations. The study reveals that capsule position depends on deformation and pulsation frequency, enabling precise cell manipulation in research and potential applications in artificial heart development.

SourceKyushu University·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 9, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Coffee too weak? Try this!

Researchers optimized pour-over coffee brewing by maximizing pour height and laminar flow, resulting in stronger coffee with fewer beans. The study suggests using thick water jets, like those from standard gooseneck kettles, to achieve optimal mixing between water and grounds.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateApr 8, 2025

York University research sheds light on earliest days of Earth’s formation

A new study from York University combines fluid mechanics and chemistry to understand the Earth's early evolution. Researchers found that the lower mantle's structure was established four billion years ago, with most crystals forming at low pressure, leading to a different chemical signature than previously thought.

SourceYork University·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 26, 2025

Study evaluates airborne transmission risk of mpox compared to COVID-19 and smallpox

A collaborative research effort has provided new insights into the likelihood of mpox spreading by airborne respiratory particles, comparing it to SARS-CoV-2 and smallpox. The study suggests that future viral evolution could alter this dynamic, underscoring the need for continued surveillance.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 24, 2025

Study finds universality in moving cells – a discovery that could impact health and robotics

Researchers found that collective cell movement exhibits robust invariance across diverse systems, including cancer cells and bacteria. This discovery could lead to improved understanding of oncological diseases and tissue engineering, as well as applications in robot navigation and artificial intelligence.

SourceFaculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 2025
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Study: Tuberculosis relies on protective genes during airborne transmission

Researchers have discovered a family of genes essential for tuberculosis survival during airborne transmission, providing new drug targets. The study sheds light on the bacterium's protective mechanisms, which could prevent infection spread and treat existing cases.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2025

For better quantum sensing, go with the flow

Researchers have developed a new technique for quantum sensing using nanodiamonds in microdroplets, which can detect trace amounts of certain ions and molecules. This method uses flowing droplets and carefully modulated microwaves to ignore unwanted background noise and add precision.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 5, 2025

Soft actuators, smart sensors: Innovative sensor allows real-time monitoring of complex systems

The Dielectric Elastomer Sensor (DES) offers real-time pressure and vibration monitoring in soft fluidic actuators, ideal for robotics and biomedical devices. The sensor's flexibility and ability to withstand large deformations make it suitable for applications in automobile designing and structural health monitoring.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalMeasurement·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2025

Bubbles That Break the Rules: The Fluid Discovery That Defies Logic

Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill discovered that shaking bubbles creates a counterintuitive 'galloping' motion, allowing for controlled movement in unexpected ways. This breakthrough has significant implications for industries like cooling systems, surface cleaning, and biomedical applications.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2025
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.

Variations in foot vortex dynamics with swimming speed during kick swimming

The study analyzed swimmer movement using optical motion capture and found that the direction of jet flow between vortices around the foot shifted downward as swimming speed increased. This shift is hypothesized to enhance forward propulsion during up-kicking, suggesting a refined technique for underwater undulatory swimming.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalExperiments in Fluids·DateFeb 6, 2025

New datasets will train AI models to think like scientists

The Polymathic AI team has released two massive datasets for training artificial intelligence models to find and exploit transferable knowledge between seemingly disparate fields. The datasets include data from dozens of sources, covering astrophysics, biology, acoustics, chemistry, fluid dynamics, and more.

SourceSimons Foundation·DateDec 2, 2024
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.

Raise the roof: How to reduce badminton birdie drift

Research in Physics of Fluids suggests that a barrel roof with a single ventilation opening can minimize badminton birdie drift. The study recommends playing high-stakes games on such courts to mitigate wind drift, which has been a contentious issue in tournaments.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateNov 12, 2024

Revealing causal links in complex systems

A team of MIT engineers developed an algorithm to identify causal links in complex systems, taking data from various sources and analyzing interactions between variables. The method generates a causality map linking variables with likely cause-and-effect relationships, including synergistic and redundant links.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 1, 2024

From branches to loops. The physics of transport networks in nature.

In transport networks, competing branches change dynamics drastically when reaching the system's boundary, forming loops. This process leads to increased stability and reduced damage susceptibility. Various systems exhibit similar dynamics, supporting a simple physical explanation for loop formation.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

To make fluid flow in one direction down a pipe, it helps to be a shark

A team of researchers from the University of Washington has developed a flexible pipe with an interior helical structure inspired by shark intestines, which can keep fluid flowing in one direction without flaps. The design rivaled and exceeded Tesla valves, a one-way fluid flow device invented over a century ago.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2024

Think simpler, flow faster

Researchers have developed a novel approach using deep learning to accelerate the solution of Navier-Stokes equations, a set of classical equations that describe fluid dynamics. The team's method achieved inference latencies of just 7 milliseconds per input, outperforming traditional finite difference methods.

SourceIntelligent Computing·JournalIntelligent Computing·DateSep 3, 2024

Mayonnaise used in nuclear fusion research

Scientists at Lehigh University are using mayonnaise to study Rayleigh-Taylor instability and its transition to a plastic regime. The researchers aim to better understand the physics of nuclear fusion through this unconventional approach.

SourceLehigh University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateAug 8, 2024
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.

Lehigh University researchers dig deeper into stability challenges of nuclear fusion—with mayonnaise

Researchers at Lehigh University use mayonnaise to simulate the phases of Rayleigh-Taylor instability in nuclear fusion, which could inform the design of future inertial confinement fusion processes. The team found that understanding the transition between elastic and stable plastic phases is critical for controlling the instability.

SourceLehigh University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateAug 6, 2024

PolyU study reveals the mechanism of bio-inspired control of liquid flow, enlightening breakthroughs in fluid dynamics and nature-inspired materials technologies

Scientists studied Crassula muscosa and found its unique leaves pack tiny fins that manipulate the meniscus to direct liquid transport. An artificial mimic, CMIAs, mimics this effect, enabling real-time directional control of fluid flow in various technologies.

SourceThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2024
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.

The unexpected connection between brewing coffee and understanding turbulence

A team of researchers led by Nigel Goldenfeld and Björn Hof used statistical mechanics to study turbulence in fluid flows. They discovered that the transitions between laminar and turbulent flows occur through a non-equilibrium phase transition, known as directed percolation, at the critical point of the transition.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 3, 2024

Rethinking the sun’s cycles

The study presents a comprehensive physical explanation for the sun's activity cycles, attributing them to Rossby waves mediated by planetary tidal influences. This model successfully explains the Schwabe cycle and other solar cycles, providing strong evidence for the planetary hypothesis.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalSolar Physics·TypeObservational study·DateMay 27, 2024

Expanding on the fundamental principles of liquid movement

Kyushu University researchers generalize fluid dynamics of volatile liquids using mathematical modeling and experimentation. Their findings can lead to more efficient product development in various liquid-based industries, including high-end electronics manufacturing and lab-on-a-chip disease diagnosis.

SourceKyushu University·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2024
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.

You didn’t see it coming: the spontaneous nature of turbulence

Researchers have discovered that a tiny disturbance in a fluid system can amplify into large-scale patterns of randomness, making it difficult to predict turbulent flows. This phenomenon, known as spontaneous stochasticity, occurs regardless of the initial disturbance and has implications for weather forecasting and astrophysics.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 12, 2024

Cicadas’ unique urination unlocks new understanding of fluid dynamics

Researchers studied cicadas' jet-like urination to challenge insect pee paradigms. They found that larger animals like cicadas can emit jets due to gravity and inertial forces, unlike smaller ones that typically produce droplets. This discovery has far-reaching implications for bio-inspired engineering and monitoring applications.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 11, 2024

Airflow dynamics scrub classroom air

Researchers found that understanding airflow patterns is crucial to reducing pathogen dispersion in classrooms. By analyzing airflow dynamics, they discovered an under-floor air distribution concept combined with a ceiling-distributed exhaust system can significantly reduce airborne pathogens by up to 85%.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalBuilding Simulation·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2024

Beyond the ink: Painting with physics

Researchers analyzed the physical principles of dendritic painting, a technique that uses ink droplets to create intricate fractals. The study found that the thickness of the paint layer and the concentration of diluting medium are key factors in controlling the outcome of dendritic painting.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2024
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Uncovering the secrets behind the silent flight of owls

Studies investigated the effect of trailing-edge fringes on owl wings, finding reduced noise levels and maintained aerodynamic performance. The simulations revealed two complementary mechanisms: reducing airflow fluctuations and suppressing feather interactions, leading to improved low-noise fluid machinery applications.

SourceChiba University·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 23, 2024

Wobbling particles in the sky

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization developed a precision apparatus to observe non-spherical particles settling in air. They found that particles tend to oscillate as they settle, which could impact collision rates, travel distance, and solar radiation interaction.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2024
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.

Researchers 3D print components for a portable mass spectrometer

MIT researchers successfully produced a miniaturized quadrupole filter using additive manufacturing, achieving precision comparable to commercial-grade filters at a fraction of the cost and weight. This breakthrough enables the development of portable mass spectrometers for rapid chemical analysis in remote settings.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJan 4, 2024

Scientists uncover link between the ocean’s weather and global climate

A team of scientists has found evidence linking oceanic weather systems to climate on a global scale, revealing that these interactions require the mediation of the atmosphere. The study used mechanical analysis to understand energy transfer across different patterns in the ocean and atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 20, 2023
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

MIT researchers observe a hallmark quantum behavior in bouncing droplets

Researchers at MIT recreate a 'quantum bomb tester' using bouncing droplets, finding that the droplet's classical dynamics give rise to similar statistical behavior as predicted by quantum mechanics. The study bridges the gap between two realities, offering insight into quantum behavior from a local realist perspective.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review A·DateDec 12, 2023

Riding the whims of the wind

Researchers develop a mathematical model that analyzes the future survival of plants in a changing climate by studying how far wind can carry seeds. The model provides fast and reliable predictions of seed movement, considering factors like seed type, plant height, and wind speed.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEcological Modelling·DateNov 30, 2023

Written in blood

Forensic scientists have discovered that the protrusions from bloodstains, known as 'tails', contain valuable information about a blood drop's origin. By analyzing these tails, analysts can reconstruct the impact angle and speed of the drop, helping to determine whether a victim was standing or sitting at the time of injury.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateNov 21, 2023
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 little things matter: Chemists develop new sensor for microvolume pH detection

Researchers at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University have developed a sensitive and robust pH sensor that can detect pH variation in just a few microliters of samples. The new sensor uses novel materials and methods to overcome the current method's limitations, which are not sensitive enough or fragile for commercial-scale use.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalMicrochimica Acta·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2023

How cruise ships can steer clear of viral spread

Researchers found that higher ventilation rates do not necessarily prevent the spread of airborne diseases in cruise ship cabins. The ideal ventilation strategy involves medium flow rates during occupancy and increased airflow after evacuation to minimize droplet spreading.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateOct 31, 2023

The race of water droplets

A team of researchers from the University of Liège has studied the mechanisms governing water droplet speed along fibers. They found that thicker fibers result in lower speeds, but unexpected behavior occurs when two fibers are bundled together, leading to faster droplet movement.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·DateOct 27, 2023
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.

Boom, crackle, pop: Sounds of Earth’s crust

Researchers at MIT have discovered that the sounds produced by rocks under different pressures can reveal their depth and strength, helping scientists identify unstable regions below the surface. This new method could aid in drilling for geothermal energy and understanding the Earth's crust.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 9, 2023