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Astronomers make first detection of polarized radio waves in gamma ray burst jets

Scientists have detected the first polarized radio waves from a gamma ray burst jet, revealing that magnetic fields are more patchy and tangled than previously thought. The discovery was made possible by advanced radio telescopes and allows researchers to test theories about the structure of magnetic fields within jets.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 19, 2019
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.

Astronomers uncover first polarized radio signals from gamma-ray burst

An international team of astronomers has captured the first-ever polarized radio waves from a distant cosmic explosion, known as gamma-ray burst GRB 190114C. The discovery provides new insights into how jets are formed in gamma-ray bursts and could shed light on the role of magnetic fields in powering these energetic events.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 19, 2019

Electron (or 'hole') pairs may survive effort to kill superconductivity

Researchers found that even after losing ability to carry electrical current with no energy loss, materials retain some conductivity and possibly electron pairs required for superconductivity. The discovery supports the role of 'charge stripes' in formation of charge-carrier pairs essential to resistance-free flow of electrical current.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 14, 2019
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 bubbly new way to detect the magnetic fields of nanometer-scale particles

Researchers at NIST developed a method to measure magnetic properties of nanoparticles by rapidly enlarging magnetic bubbles, revealing the orientation of individual nanoparticle poles. This technique enables fast and economical measurement of magnetic stability for various medical and environmental applications.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJun 10, 2019

Technique pulls interstellar magnetic fields within easy reach

A new method allows researchers to map magnetic field orientations in space using ground-based telescopes, revolutionizing studies of star formation and cosmic rays. The 'Wisconsin technique' generates high-resolution maps comparable to those obtained with the Planck mission.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJun 10, 2019

Radio ridge between two galaxy clusters bridges intergalactic space

A team of researchers has discovered a massive radio-emitting plasma ridge in the gap between two merging galaxy clusters. This finding challenges existing theories on particle acceleration in intergalactic space and suggests an unknown mechanism at play.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 6, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New material with magnetic shape memory

Researchers developed a new composite material with magnetic shape memory activated by magnetism, offering advantages in medicine and robotics. The material consists of polymer and droplets of magnetorheological fluid, increasing stiffness up to 30 times.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 4, 2019

The sun follows the rhythm of the planets

Researchers from Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf found that Venus, Earth, and Jupiter's tidal forces impact the Sun's magnetic field, causing it to follow a regular cycle. This discovery explains the Sun's 11-year activity cycle and has implications for climate predictions and space weather.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalSolar Physics·DateMay 27, 2019

Promising material could lead to faster, cheaper computer memory

Researchers at the University of Arkansas have discovered a promising new material that can efficiently store information using both magnetic and electric fields. The study suggests this material, bismuth ferrite, could lead to faster and cheaper computer memory.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 2, 2019
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.

Extracting something from nothing: A bright glow from empty space

A new study reveals that charged particles can emit bright flashes of gamma rays by interacting with the quantum vacuum, challenging a long-held assumption about the nature of empty space. The researchers used high-powered lasers and strong magnetic fields to create conditions where Cherenkov emission could occur in vacuum.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 25, 2019

Quantum sensing method measures minuscule magnetic fields

Researchers at MIT have developed a new way to measure atomic-scale magnetic fields, not only up and down but also sideways. The technique uses nitrogen-vacancy defects in diamond to detect tiny variations in magnetic fields, providing high precision in multiple dimensions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 15, 2019

Tied in knots: New insights into plasma behavior focus on twists and turns

Research by the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and international team of scientists shows that twisted magnetic fields have a limited number of possible evolutions, leading to the formation of a torus shape. The helicity of the twist constrains the outward expansion of plasma, resulting in a self-organized structure.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalJournal of Plasma Physics·DateMar 12, 2019

New surprises from Jupiter and Saturn

The latest data from Juno and Cassini spacecraft has challenged existing theories on planetary formation and behavior, revealing new insights into Jupiter and Saturn's magnetic fields and atmospheres. Surprisingly, the atmosphere is evenly mixed, contradicting conventional predictions.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateMar 6, 2019

Spintronics by 'straintronics'

Scientists from France, Spain, and Germany show that applying an electric field can induce superferromagnetism in iron nanograins on a BaTiO3 substrate. This 'straintronics' approach offers a scalable, fast, and energy-efficient alternative to traditional magnetic memories.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalPhysical Review Materials·DateFeb 14, 2019
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Controllable electron flow in quantum wires

Princeton researchers have demonstrated a new way of making controllable 'quantum wires' in the presence of a magnetic field. They found channels of conducting electrons that form between two quantum states on the surface of a bismuth crystal subjected to a high magnetic field. The current flow in these channels can be turned on and of...

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·DateFeb 6, 2019

Quantum sensors providing magnetic resonance with unprecedented sensitivity

Researchers at UPV/EHU developed a protocol for quantum-enhanced NMR to measure nuclear and electronic spins in arbitrary samples. This allows for unparalleled sensitivity and resolution of chemical shifts in tiny picoliter samples, opening up new research lines for biological sample study.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 31, 2019

How black holes power plasma jets

Astronomers have discovered that particle escapees from black holes steal rotational energy through interactions with magnetic fields, resulting in high-speed plasma jets. The new simulations show two main mechanisms: the Blandford-Znajek process and a particle-boosting mechanism near the equator.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 29, 2019
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.

Taking magnetism for a spin: Exploring the mysteries of skyrmions

Researchers at Ames Laboratory have stabilized skyrmions without an external magnetic field, observing their behavior over time, temperature, and magnetic field. This breakthrough provides a solid foundation for theorists to better understand the phenomenon.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 23, 2019

NC State researchers create 3D-printed soft mesh robots

Researchers at NC State University have created 3D-printed flexible mesh structures that can be controlled with applied magnetic fields while floating on water. The structures can also mimic the properties of water striders and have potential applications as soft robots or tissue scaffolds.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateJan 23, 2019

Enhanced NMR reveals chemical structures in a fraction of the time

MIT researchers have developed a new NMR technique that enhances sensitivity, enabling the analysis of complex protein structures in minutes. This breakthrough could provide insights into Alzheimer's and other diseases by studying amyloid beta protein and membrane-bound proteins.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 18, 2019

Origin of magnetite in Hadean zircons

Researchers found that magnetite in Hadean zircons is likely a secondary deposit, formed after crystallization, precluding analysis of the Earth's earliest magnetic field. The presence of secondary magnetite indicates that a magnetic field may have existed during the Hadean Eon, but more evidence is needed to confirm this.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 31, 2018
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Mystery of coronae around supermassive black holes deepens

Researchers from RIKEN and JAXA use ALMA radio observatory to measure magnetic field strengths near two supermassive black holes. The findings reveal that the magnetic fields are insufficient to heat coronae to one billion degrees Celsius, contradicting previous assumptions.

SourceRIKEN·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateDec 18, 2018

Physicists studied the influence of magnetic field on thin film structures

Researchers discovered that an inhomogeneous magnetic field affects the magnetization reversal mechanism of exchange-coupled structures, increasing sensitivity of magnetic field detectors. The study reveals a step-wise hysteresis loop and changes in the shape of the loop with varying magnetic field gradients.

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalJournal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials·DateDec 17, 2018
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.

Tangled magnetic fields power cosmic particle accelerators

Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory found that twisted magnetic field lines in black holes create the most powerful particle accelerators in the universe. This process can accelerate electrons and protons to extreme energies, resulting in cosmic rays with unprecedented powers.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 13, 2018

A new 'spin' on kagome lattices

A recent study reveals that Fe3Sn2 exhibits nematic electronic state and giant magnetization-driven energy shift, shedding new light on the presence of spin-orbit coupling in kagome lattices. The research also shows that the material can be manipulated to change its electron energy structure through tuning the magnetic field.

SourceBoston College·JournalNature·DateDec 7, 2018
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.

Microscopic 'sunflowers' for better solar panels

Scientists have created microscopic three-dimensional polymer shapes that can be programmed to move in any direction in response to multiple types of stimuli. These microstructures could lead to the creation of more efficient solar panels that turn to follow the sun.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2018

Macroscopic phenomena governed by microscopic physics

A research group at Osaka University has observed magnetic reconnection driven by electron dynamics for the first time in a laboratory setting. The study uses high-power lasers to create plasma conditions similar to those found in space, allowing researchers to investigate electron-scale phenomena alongside macroscopic structures.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 3, 2018

Artificial magnetic field produces exotic behavior in graphene sheets

Researchers have discovered a way to create artificial magnetic fields using graphene sheets with a twist, enabling the control of electronic properties through electrical fields. This breakthrough has clear technological potential and could lead to new materials with unique properties.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 29, 2018

Advanced imaging technology measures magnetite levels in the living brain

Researchers have used magnetoencephalography to measure magnetite levels in the human brain, which could lead to new studies on its role in neurodegenerative diseases. The study found greater accumulation of magnetite in the brains of older individuals, primarily in the hippocampus.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateNov 27, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

'Magnetic topological insulator' makes its own magnetic field

Researchers discovered a two-dimensional material that can become a magnetic topological insulator even without an external magnetic field. The material, chromium triiodide (CrI3), exhibits collective spin excitations called magnons, which behave similarly to photon waves.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review X·DateNov 19, 2018

UNH scientists help provide first-ever views of elusive energy explosion

Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have captured a rare event involving magnetic reconnection, a process that produces a quick but mighty explosion in the Earth's magnetotail. This is the first time scientists have been able to track the details of this energy conversion process using unprecedented speed and resolution.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalScience·DateNov 15, 2018

Inside job: A new technique to cool a fusion reactor

Researchers at DIII-D National Fusion Facility have developed a revolutionary new technique to cool a fusion reactor, reducing the risk of disruptions and producing runaway electrons. The 'inside-out' cooling approach uses boron dust injected into the plasma to evenly radiate away energy.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 5, 2018
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Turbulence in space might solve astrophysical mystery

Researchers at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory found that plasma turbulence could amplify magnetic fields to dynamical strengths in a hot, dilute plasma, such as those residing within clusters of galaxies. This discovery provides a possible answer to one of the most important unsolved problems in plasma astrophysics.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 5, 2018

A faster, cheaper path to fusion energy

Scientists are working on a new, powerful magnet design using high-temperature superconductors to build the world's first energy-producing fusion experiment. The goal is to achieve a net energy gain by 2025 and make fusion a viable source of clean energy.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 5, 2018

A stellar achievement: Magnetized space winds in the laboratory

Researchers from MAGPIE laboratories simulate stellar winds interacting with planetary magnetic fields, reproducing magnetopause formation and low-pressure regions. Laboratory experiments utilize intense electric pulses to create high-speed plasma plumes that interact with targets having magnetic fields.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 5, 2018

Taming plasmas: Improving fusion using microwaves

Researchers successfully employed microwaves to suppress Alfvén waves in plasmas, a crucial step towards harnessing clean and nearly limitless energy through fusion. The study, conducted at the DIII-D National Fusion Facility and ASDEX-Upgrade facility, demonstrates the potential of using electron cyclotron waves to control wave activity.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 5, 2018
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.

High-resolution MRI imaging inspired by the humble antenna

Researchers at Michigan Tech have developed a new approach to high-frequency MRI machines by using radio frequency probes inspired by microstrip patch antennas. These designs increase MRI resolution and provide uniform magnetic fields, leading to better images.

SourceMichigan Technological University·DateOct 31, 2018
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.

Abrikosov vortices help scientists explain inconsistencies in 'dirty' superconductors theory

Researchers found that 'very dirty' superconductors exhibit abnormal behavior, violating the conventional theory of superconductivity. They discovered a power-law dependence between critical current density and magnetic field strength, allowing for a new understanding of Abrikosov vortices thermal fluctuations.

SourceAKSON Russian Science Communication Association·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 9, 2018

Neutrons scan magnetic fields inside samples

A team developed a new method for measuring magnetic field lines inside massive samples, enabling three-dimensional images of complex magnetic fields. This non-destructive technique has diverse applications in basic research and industry, including material analysis and visualization of electric motors and propulsion systems.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 4, 2018

Efficient generation of high-density plasma enabled by high magnetic field

Researchers at Osaka University developed a new method to efficiently heat plasma using high magnetic fields and relativistic electron beams. By guiding the beam along magnetic field lines, they achieved higher energy coupling rates than previous methods, making this approach more suitable for controlled nuclear fusion.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 26, 2018

Tracking hydrogen movement using subatomic particles

A Japanese collaboration has successfully tracked hydrogen movement in solids using negative muons, a technique that could aid the development of hydrogen storage materials. By detecting local nuclear magnetic fields, researchers were able to study the dynamics of light elements in a solid from the fixed point of the nucleus.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 26, 2018
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

VLA discovers powerful jet coming from 'wrong' kind of star

Astronomers detected a fast-moving jet from a neutron star with a strong magnetic field, challenging the long-held idea that magnetic fields prevent jets from forming. The discovery was made using the VLA, which revealed radio waves produced by the jet, characteristic of other jet-producing systems.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalNature·DateSep 26, 2018

Neutron star jets shoot down theory

Researchers observed a strongly magnetized accreting X-ray pulsar using the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array and NASA's Swift space telescope. The discovery reveals a new class of jet-producing sources, contradicting previous expectations about strong magnetic fields.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalNature·DateSep 26, 2018

No longer whistling in the dark: Scientists uncover source of perplexing waves

Researchers identified tail electrons as the source of whistler waves, which help satellites determine their location in space. The discovery marks a new methodology for measuring wave propagation in reconnection, indicating that whistler waves are generated near active X-lines.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 25, 2018