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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

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

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

Lehigh University researchers make sand that flows uphill

Lehigh University researchers have discovered that applying magnetic forces to individual 'microroller' particles can spur collective motion, allowing the grains to flow uphill, up walls, and climb stairs. This counterintuitive phenomenon has potential applications in mixing, segregating materials, and microrobotics.

SourceLehigh University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 20, 2023

Smart fabrics’ informed touch can tell you where to go

Researchers at Rice University developed wearable textile-based devices that utilize fluidic control to provide sophisticated haptic cues. The system enables users to navigate through real-world environments using tactile feedback, potentially enhancing visual and auditory inputs for those with impairments.

SourceRice University·JournalDevice·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2023

Going with the flow

Researchers have developed a new method to estimate river flow rates on Mars and Titan, utilizing satellite observations and mathematical equations. The technique allows for predictions of river flow times, sediment size, and potential support for life, shedding light on these celestial bodies' geological pasts.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2023

Turning waste into treasure: Second-tier structure matters for regulating liquid spreading dynamics

Researchers have developed a simplified surface design that enables liquid directional steering on the same surface as conventional designs. The new surface topography features dual reentrant curvatures and microgrooves, which regulate liquids' spreading dynamics. This innovation simplifies fabrication and opens up practical applications.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateMay 10, 2023

Extracting the best flavor from coffee

A study published in Physics of Fluids reveals that uneven extraction in coffee brewing can result in weaker espresso and affect its taste. The researchers found that a positive feedback loop between flow and extraction leads to more bitter flavors, making it essential to understand the origin of uneven extraction.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMay 9, 2023

Fluid flow in the brain can be manipulated by sensory stimulation

A new study by Boston University researchers reveals that visual stimulation can induce large-scale changes in cerebrospinal fluid flow during wakefulness. The findings have implications for treating conditions like Alzheimer's disease, which are associated with declines in fluid flow.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2023

Pusan National University researchers develop non-intrusive sensor for pipeline monitoring

A novel, low-cost sensor system utilizing force-sensing resistor technology has been developed by Pusan National University researchers for real-time pipeline monitoring. The system demonstrated a 99.4% correlation with commercial sensors, enabling accurate detection of pipeline damages.

SourcePusan National University·JournalStructural Control and Health Monitoring·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

New pumping strategy could slash energy costs of fluid transport by 22%

A new pumping strategy has been developed to slash energy costs of fluid transport by up to 22%. By switching pumps on and off, turbulent flows can be reduced, resulting in more efficient fluid transport. This approach could bring significant economic and environmental benefits, particularly for the transition to green energy.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 17, 2023

Moving water and earth

A new understanding of how particle shape controls grain flow can help engineers plan for downstream impacts of restoring a river or removing a dam. The MIT team's better formula estimates bed load transport by considering a grain's drag and friction, rather than its exact shape.

Finding simplicity within complexity

A University of Houston researcher has developed a method to describe complex systems using the least number of variables possible, reducing complexity from millions to just one. This advancement speeds up science with efficiency and ability to understand and predict natural system behavior.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateDec 8, 2022

A closer look at the dynamics of the p-Laplacian Allen–Cahn equation

A team of researchers from Korea investigated the dynamics of the p-Laplacian AC equation, finding that solutions maintain three criteria: phase separation, boundedness, and energy decay properties. They also identified an advantage of p-AC equation over classical Laplacian in adjusting interface sharpness.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalApplied Mathematics and Computation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

Salt more important than cold polar temperatures in sea ice formation

A new study by the University of Gothenburg reveals that the salinity of surface water is crucial for sea ice formation at low temperatures. The study finds that warm water is prevented from rising to the surface due to its lower salinity, creating a 'lid' that allows cold polar temperatures to freeze continuously moving warmer water.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateNov 16, 2022

Quantum systems and the flight of the bee

A team of scientists used a quantum simulator to study the behavior of a complex quantum system, finding that it exhibits characteristics similar to fluid dynamics. The research also showed that this phenomenon can be observed in the flights of bees, as well as in unusual stock market movements.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Face masks play a crucial role, new COVID research confirms

A new study reveals that face masks can play a crucial role in reducing the risk of Covid-19 transmission, with risks decreasing by up to 99% when worn correctly. The researchers developed a more advanced model to assess viral exposure risks and found that even short distances become negligible with proper mask-wearing.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 1, 2022

Numerical model of butterfly flight dynamics

A team of researchers from Shinshu University has developed a precise numerical model of butterfly flight dynamics, revealing the intricate relationship between wing movement and air flow. The study's findings have significant implications for designing micro air vehicles (MAVs), which could lead to breakthroughs in aerospace engineering.

SourceShinshu University·JournalBiology Open·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 14, 2022

Heat conduction important for droplet dynamics

A team of engineers found that thermal conduction is the most prominent form of heat transfer during droplet impact on smooth surfaces, influencing cooling efficiency and droplet behavior. Heat conduction also affects droplet dynamics on rough surfaces, leading to lower heat transfer rates.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalExperimental Thermal and Fluid Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2022

Bubbling up: Previously hidden environmental impact of bursting bubbles exposed in new study

A University of Illinois study examines the transport of aerosolized organic materials from bursting bubbles into the air. The research found that the viscosity and thickness of oil layers control the shape, size, and velocity of resulting bursting jets, with implications for contaminant dispersal and climate modeling.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

Turning the sticky to slippery

A new coating developed by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago uses thermoresponsive properties to create a hygroscopic slippery layer that prevents harmful substances from coming into contact with surfaces. This technology delays ice and frost formation, outperforming commercial products by up to ten times.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 16, 2021

COVID-19: Coughing without masks, distancing alone is not enough

Researchers from McGill University found that unmasked individuals can spread COVID-19 airborne particles up to 70% within a 2-meter radius, highlighting the need for mask-wearing and ventilation. The study suggests that current guidelines relying solely on physical distancing may not be sufficient to prevent transmission.

SourceMcGill University·JournalBuilding and Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 5, 2021