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Looking for dark matter

Physicists Rees McNally and Tanya Zelevinsky have proposed two novel methods of searching for dark matter by measuring tiny perturbations in fundamental constants. These methods involve using gravity sensors and LIGO gravitational wave detectors to detect a small extra 'push' or acceleration on normal matter caused by dark matter clumps.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateApr 9, 2020

How earthquakes deform gravity

A new algorithm can detect changes in gravity caused by earthquakes, potentially leading to earlier warnings and more accurate predictions. The signal is generated by the sudden shift in the earth's internal mass during an earthquake, and its detection could help identify strong earthquakes that may trigger tsunamis.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateFeb 21, 2020

Deconstructing Schrödinger's cat

Laloë's theory combines adding a random term to the Schrödinger equation with another concept from de Broglie and Bohm, relating quantum collapse to the universal gravitational field. This approach can be applied to both macroscopic objects like cats and atoms.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateFeb 14, 2020

How Enceladus got its stripes

The study investigates the physical forces acting on Enceladus that allow the tiger stripe fissures to form and remain in place. The researchers found that the fissures could have formed on either pole, but the south pole's unique deformation led to their formation.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Astronomy·DateDec 9, 2019

Searching for water

A team of researchers from the University of Delaware examined the age, origin, and sustainability of fossil aquifers in the Mega Aquifer System (MAS) in the Arabian Peninsula. They used a combination of geochemical analysis, satellite data, and field investigations to determine the quality and age of the water.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Hydrology·DateOct 15, 2019

A planet that should not exist

Astronomers detected a massive planet, GJ 3512b, orbiting the small red dwarf star GJ 3512, defying predictions of theoretical models. The discovery poses questions about planetary formation mechanisms and encourages further research.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalScience·DateSep 26, 2019

New hunt for dark matter

Researchers propose using gravitational-wave observatories to detect axions, which could be a type of dark matter. Axions are predicted to modulate light polarization and can be detected with existing laser-based experiments, offering a cost-effective solution to the hunt for dark matter.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 17, 2019

Researchers develop technique to de-ice surfaces in seconds

A new technique developed by researchers at the University of Illinois and Kyushu University in Japan uses less than 1% of the energy required for traditional de-icing methods to melt a thin layer of ice at the surface interface, allowing it to slide off under gravity. This approach is more efficient and reduces system downtime.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 3, 2019

Drinking red wine on the red planet

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that resveratrol supplementation preserved muscle function and mitigated muscle atrophy under Martian gravity. The study suggests that resveratrol could be a key dietary supplement to maintain musculoskeletal health on long-term Mars missions.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateJul 18, 2019

Hubble uncovers black hole that shouldn't exist

Researchers observed a supermassive black hole in galaxy NGC 3147 with an unusual thin disk of gas swirling around it, contrary to predictions. The team used Hubble Space Telescope's STIS instrument to study the disk, revealing unique features that can only be explained by Einstein's theories of relativity.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 11, 2019

Jumping drops get boost from gravity

Using superhydrophobic surfaces and vertical condensers, the team found that combining surface tension and gravity increases condenser efficiency. This method sheds moisture more efficiently than relying solely on jumping droplets or gravity, benefiting power plants and other heat exchange systems.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJoule·DateMay 28, 2019