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Can heat be controlled as waves?

Thermal phonons can interfere with their own reflections, suggesting that heat transport occurs through wave-like phenomena. This interference could be used to modify the velocity of phonons and create energy bandgaps, leading to new materials with low thermal conductivity.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 23, 2015

Study finds early warning signals of abrupt climate change

A new study has found early warning signals of a reorganisation of the Atlantic Ocean's circulation, which could impact the global climate system. The researchers used a complex model to analyze the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), finding that these signs are present up to 250 years before it collapses.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 8, 2014

Scientists do glass a solid -- with new theory on how it transitions from a liquid

Researchers propose a new theoretical framework to explain the transition of colloidal glasses from liquids to solids, highlighting the role of crowding effects and weak spots in the material. This work has significant implications for our understanding of glass behavior and its applications in consumer products and medical research.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 24, 2014

Surface porosity and wettability are key factors in boiling heat transfer

A team of MIT researchers investigated the factors controlling boiling heat transfer from a surface to a liquid, finding that surface porosity is the most important factor. They developed methodologies for systematically depositing nanoparticles onto surfaces with controlled wettability and porosity, leading to improvements in heat-tra...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 16, 2013

Researchers create 'MRI' of the sun's interior motions

Researchers have created an 'MRI' of the Sun's interior plasma motions, revealing that convective motions are approximately 100 times slower than previously projected. This challenges existing theories on heat transport and magnetic field generation, requiring a re-evaluation of sunspot formation and solar dynamics.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 9, 2012

NSF funds University of Miami, Navy Postgraduate School research in ocean dynamics

A new collaborative study between the University of Miami and Navy Postgraduate School will investigate critical oceanic processes involved in Large-Scale Eddy-Driven Patterns (LEDPs). The project aims to improve understanding of LEDPs, which can impact climate projections and transport heat, salinity, momentum, and carbon.

Better surfaces could help dissipate heat

A new analysis of surface textures reveals that microscale roughening can improve heat transfer by more than doubling the maximum dissipation. The research found that a simple roughening of the surface improved heat transfer as much as previous techniques used to produce nanoscale patterns, and provides a theoretical framework for anal...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 26, 2012

Warm climate -- cold Arctic?

Researchers used sediment cores to study climate conditions during the Eemian period, which may not be a suitable analogue for current climate change. The Atlantic Ocean showed higher-than-Holocene temperature signals, while the Nordic Seas indicated cold conditions, suggesting a significant difference in oceanic circulation.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 14, 2012

Making droplets drop faster

Researchers at MIT have discovered new ways to pattern collecting surfaces to encourage droplets to form more rapidly, leading to improved efficiency in power plants and desalination systems. The findings also have potential applications in improving the performance of solar-power systems and computer chips.

Jumping droplets take a lot of heat

Duke University engineers developed a way to produce thermal diodes that can transfer heat in both directions, overcoming existing limitations. The method uses self-propelled water droplets to transport heat, enabling applications in energy-efficient solar panels and compact electronics.

SourceDuke University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 12, 2011

'Mirage-effect' helps researchers hide objects

Researchers have developed a cloaking device that utilizes the 'mirage effect' to make objects invisible. The device uses sheets of carbon nanotubes, which can be heated to create a temperature gradient that bends light rays away from the object, making it appear invisible.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNanotechnology·DateOct 3, 2011

AGU journal highlights -- Aug. 3

Scientists studied the impact of a prolonged Sun cycle on Earth's conveyor belt and found that it may have led to a longer cycle. Additionally, researchers examined how global water supply sharing affects drought vulnerability, finding that sharing water globally during times of drought can increase societal resilience.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 3, 2010