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First study of terahertz radiation in liquids

Researchers from ITMO University and the University of Rochester successfully generated terahertz radiation in a liquid medium, demonstrating its efficiency comparable to solid-state sources. The team found that liquids have several advantages over gases, including higher electron density and lower pumping energy requirements.

SourceITMO University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 29, 2018

Rush hour metro crowd governed by people's eagerness to go home

A new model examines the relative role of random interactions between individuals in a crowd compared to interactions stemming from their eagerness to be on their way. The study reveals that internal interactions between pedestrians can be negligible, and external factors such as crowd pressure drive the flow of people toward exits.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateJun 19, 2018

A higher(er)-definition nose

Researchers have discovered a two-dimensional metallic material called MXene that can detect gases at very low concentrations, improving the sensitivity of chemical sensors. This could lead to early diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as ulcers, diabetes, cancer, cirrhosis, multiple sclerosis, and kidney disease.

SourceDrexel University·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 1, 2018

The scent of the city

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck used a sophisticated measurement method to create a chemical fingerprint of urban VOC emission sources. The study found that emissions from cosmetics, detergents, and food preparation contribute significantly to the total VOC burden, with some compounds leaving characteristic 'scent' in the air.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2018

New insight into climate impacts of deforestation

A study led by the University of Leeds found that reactive gases emitted by forests have a net cooling effect, outweighing their warming impact. This means deforestation could lead to higher temperatures than previously anticipated, highlighting the need for better understanding of forest climate impacts.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 11, 2018

Lasers measure jet disintegration

A team of researchers applied spectroscopic diagnostics to study sub- and supercritical jet disintegration, revealing trends important for improving jet propulsion systems. The Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence (PLIF) technique provided quantitative density data, offering new insights into fluid behavior.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateApr 18, 2017

New method uses heat flow to levitate variety of objects

Researchers used a temperature gradient to levitate ceramic, polyethylene spheres, glass bubbles, ice particles, lint strands and thistle seeds in a vacuum chamber for over an hour. The method achieved radial and vertical stability, expanding possibilities for particle dynamics and interactions in microgravity environments.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 15, 2017

Molecular switch for controlling color and fluorescence

Researchers at Kumamoto University discovered a new method for drastically changing the color and fluorescence of a compound using oxygen and hydrogen gases. The technique uses energy from gases themselves, producing only water as a byproduct and has potential applications in detection sensors and organic semiconductors.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 14, 2016

Electronic nose smells pesticides and nerve gas

Researchers from KU Leuven have developed a highly sensitive electronic nose using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to detect phosphonates found in pesticides and nerve gases. The sensor can identify traces of chemical weapons or pesticide residues on food with extremely low concentrations.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalChemical Science·DateJul 4, 2016

Suspense in the movie theatre air

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry and Johannes Gutenberg University found that every movie leaves a characteristic pattern in the air, with increases in carbon dioxide and isoprene levels indicating suspense or humor. The study uses mass spectrometry to analyze exhaled air and differentiate between scenes in movies.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 12, 2016

MIT scientists compile list of potential gases to guide search for life on exoplanets

A new approach aims to identify planets orbiting nearby stars that support life by focusing on creating a comprehensive list of molecules in their atmospheres. Researchers have searched for thousands of potentially biogenic gas molecules, sparking new research into identifying larger molecules and their potential as signs of life.

New laser to shine light on remote sensing

A revolutionary new laser developed by the University of Adelaide can operate over a large range in the infrared light spectrum, allowing for sensitive detection of greenhouse gases. The laser's tunability and affordability make it a promising tool for scanning gases with high sensitivity.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalOptics Letters·DateApr 4, 2016

New explosion gas-signature models can help inspectors locate and identify underground nuclear tests

Scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed new gas signature models to aid in locating and identifying underground nuclear tests. The models use computer simulations and field experiments to track the evolution of gases from UNEs, potentially helping inspectors identify clandestine sites within a search area.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 16, 2016

Mix and match MOF

A team of scientists has created a composite material that can selectively separate oxygen from other gases, potentially revolutionizing energy applications such as fuel cells. The new material, made by combining a MOF with a helper molecule, shows promise for being inexpensive, reusable, and easy to prepare.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 8, 2016

Minerals from Papua New Guinea hold secret for recycling of noble gases

Researchers from Syracuse University found that atmospheric argon and neon are trapped in minerals formed at ultra-high pressure depths within the Earth's mantle. These findings indicate that noble gases can be recycled from the atmosphere into the deep Earth, and back to the surface again through a process known as forearc recycling.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 2015

Trapping climate pollutant methane gas in porous carbon

Researchers develop methods to accurately simulate methane adsorption and desorption in porous carbon, relevant for energy research and climate change mitigation. The study used computational methods to analyze molecular interactions between methane and activated carbon, providing insights into preventing gas adsorption.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateDec 2, 2015