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Are planets setting the sun's pace?

Researchers at HZDR propose a new mechanism linking planetary tidal effects to the Sun's dynamo, which could drive the 11-year solar cycle. The theory suggests that small forces from Venus, Earth, and Jupiter can initiate oscillations in the alpha effect, leading to polarity reversals.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalSolar Physics·DateOct 4, 2016

Can you zap your brain back to health?

A new study by USC scientists has mapped the electric current induced by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in the human brain. The research provides solid data to develop science-based treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders, including depression and chronic pain.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 4, 2016

A tour de (tiny) force

A new study at Duke University reveals that applying a tiny force to the Piezo1 receptor can change its behavior while it's already activated. The researchers used magnetic fields and nanometer-sized beads to manipulate the protein, which sits on cell membranes and plays a crucial role in sensing forces surrounding cells.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 3, 2016
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Goodbye, implants rejection!

A team of Russian physicists developed a method to use the magnetocaloric effect for targeted drug delivery to implants, avoiding rejection. The technique involves applying an external magnetic field to lower the temperature of a magnetic material, releasing a controlled dose of medication at the implant site.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalInternational Journal of Refrigeration·DateAug 4, 2016

The intravenous swim team

Drexel researchers create chains of microscopic magnetic bead-based robots that can swim at impressive speeds through a microfluidic environment. The team demonstrates their ability to link and unlink the beads using a rotating magnetic field, paving the way for targeted medicine delivery and minimally invasive surgery.

SourceDrexel University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 28, 2016

World first demo of labyrinth magnetic-domain-optical Q-switched laser

Researchers have developed a magneto-optic Q-switched laser using a 190-micron-thick magnetic garnet film with labyrinth-shaped magnetic domains. The device achieved optical output with a pulse width of tens of nanoseconds, increasing pulse power by 1,000 times.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalOptics Express·DateJul 27, 2016
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.

Asymmetrical magnetic microbeads transform into micro-robots

Researchers have discovered that asymmetrical magnetic microbeads can be transformed into useful tools controlled by a changing external magnetic field. The Janus particles, inspired by the Roman god of two faces, exhibit unique behavior under oscillating fields, forming linear chains and expanding to create micro-muscles on a chip.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJul 26, 2016

A new type of quantum bits

Scientists have successfully realised qubits in a novel form, leveraging electron holes to overcome interference issues. This breakthrough offers potential improvements in programming and reading quantum bits for future quantum computers.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 26, 2016

A famous supermassive black hole 'spied on' with the Gran Telescopio CANARIAS

Researchers have detected spiraling plasma around a magnetic field in the active nucleus of galaxy Cygnus A, providing insights into the cosmic monster's influence on its surroundings. The observations also confirm that the plasma is highly confined by the effect of the magnetic field.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJul 26, 2016

Optical magnetic field sensor can detect signals from the nervous system

Researchers have developed an optical magnetic field sensor that can detect ultra-small magnetic fields from the nervous system. The sensor uses a gas of caesium atoms and measures electrical impulses without contact, offering new possibilities for medical diagnoses.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 15, 2016

Fastest-spinning brown-dwarf star is detected by its bursts of radio waves

Researchers have discovered a super-fast rotating, ultra-cool brown-dwarf star, measuring its rotational period with bursts of radio waves detected by the Arecibo telescope. This groundbreaking detection reveals new insights into the internal dynamics and magnetic field generation in these objects.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 25, 2016
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Tracking the aluminum used to purify tap water

Researchers developed a new analysis method using magnetic fields to quickly measure aluminum concentration in tap water. This can lead to more efficient and environmentally-conscious coagulants for water treatment.

SourceKobe University·DateJun 21, 2016

Important milestone reached on road to a redefined kilogram

Scientists have reached a milestone in replacing the standard kilogram with a fundamental constant of nature, measuring Planck's constant for the first time. The new watt balance device has an uncertainty of only 34 parts per billion, a step closer to redefining the kilogram.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateJun 21, 2016

Breaking out: How black hole jets punch out of their galaxies

Astronomers discovered that magnetic instabilities in black hole jets determine their fate. Powerful jets can punch through surrounding gas into intergalactic space, while unstable ones fall apart and deposit energy within the galaxy.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 17, 2016

CWRU physicists deploy magnetic vortex to control electron spin

Researchers at CWRU create a way to control electron spins at room temperature using a magnetic vortex. The technology offers a possible alternative strategy for building faster and more powerful quantum computers. By coupling the vortices with diamond nanoparticles, they can manipulate individual electron spins in nanoseconds.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 15, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Spintronics: Resetting the future of heat assisted magnetic recording

A new spintronics-based system has been developed, offering improved performance over conventional heat-assisted magnetic recording materials. The DyCo5 nanostructures demonstrate a lower writing temperature and higher stability of magnetic bits, enabling faster and more energy-efficient data storage.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJun 14, 2016

Radical pair analysis overcomes hurdle in theory of how birds navigate

Researchers have used radical pair analysis to enhance the performance of cryptochrome-based magnetic compass sensors, finding that electron spin relaxation can improve sensitivity. The study's findings could lead to the development of low-cost and environmentally-friendly electronic devices capable of detecting weak magnetic fields.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateJun 8, 2016

Traveling wave drives magnetic particles

Scientists develop new method to control magnetic particles of two distinct sizes suspended in liquid, forming channels that drive small particles along, improving sorting and lab-on-a-chip device functionality.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMay 23, 2016
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Star with different internal driving force than the sun

Astrophysicists have observed a distant star in Andromeda with a different positioning of sunspots, indicating a magnetic field driven by unique internal dynamics. The star's rapid rotation creates a powerful magnetic field, resulting in asymmetrical distribution of sunspots on its surface.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalNature·DateMay 4, 2016

Quantum sensors for high-precision magnetometry of superconductors

Scientists have developed a new method to image magnetic fields on the nanometer scale at temperatures close to absolute zero. They used quantum sensors in diamond-based microscopes to achieve unrivalled precision in measuring magnetic fields in superconductors.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 2, 2016
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Insulator-superconductor transition of copper-oxide compound studied in fine detail

Researchers create thin films of a copper-oxide compound to study its electronic behavior at near absolute zero. They find that decreasing doping levels or increasing magnetic fields suppresses superconductivity, while Hall resistivity measurements reveal quantum fluctuations and electronic memory.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2016

New plasma source favorable for hydrogen negative ion beam is developed

The team discovered a new plasma wave phenomenon leading to the development of a negative ion source for fusion plasma heating. The newly developed plasma source utilizes a helicon wave to produce high-temperature electrons, which are then neutralized and injected into the magnetically-confined plasma core.

SourceTohoku University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 1, 2016
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.

A new way to determine the age of stars?

Researchers have developed a new framework to understand the evolution of sun-like stars, which can help determine their age with more precision. The model predicts that younger stars will vary significantly in x-ray emission intensity, but convergence occurs after a certain age, making them more predictable.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 23, 2016

Microagents with revolutionary potential

Researchers have created tiny particles that can be precisely controlled by magnetic fields and generate electric fields, revolutionizing medicine and regenerative therapy. These 'Janus' particles can target cancer cells with precision and efficiency, eliminating side effects.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateMar 22, 2016

Improving benchtop particle accelerators

The study proposes a technique to increase the number of electrons trapped in the wake of the laser pulse, improving beam quality. This could lead to better technology for future accelerators and bring high energy physics experiments to more labs and universities.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMar 22, 2016
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.

More innovation, less perspiration

Andrea Young's grant will support the development of nano-SQUID-on-tip, a device that measures thermal, magnetic, and topographic properties of materials. This tool enables correlation of physical and magnetic structure on relevant length scales, crucial for nanoscale device performance.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateMar 10, 2016

NASA's IBEX observations pin down interstellar magnetic field

A new study uses IBEX data to determine the strength and direction of the interstellar magnetic field beyond the solar system, providing insight into the galaxy's magnetic forces. The findings are based on simulations that correctly predict the locations of neutral ribbon particles and agree with Voyager 1 measurements.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 26, 2016

Twisting magnets enhance data storage capacity

Researchers successfully experimented with chiral magnetic materials that show a unique magnetic twisting effect triggered by weak external magnetic fields. This leads to the development of new types of magnetic memories with unprecedented storage capacities, up to 10 million times larger than conventional magnetic storage memory devices.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalPhysical Review B·DateFeb 11, 2016

Chiral magnetic effect generates quantum current

Scientists have discovered a way to generate very low-resistance electric current in zirconium pentatelluride, a semi-metallic material. The discovery relies on the separation of right- and left-handed particles, creating a powerful electric current.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 8, 2016
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.

Discovery of the specific properties of graphite-based carbon materials

Researchers have discovered Landau levels on atomically flat surfaces without asymmetries, supporting the domain model for non-magnetic field generation. The study reveals unique properties of graphite-based carbon materials, such as graphene, for electronic devices and catalysis.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 3, 2016

A highway for spin waves

Researchers at HZDR have developed a method for controlling the propagation of spin waves in a targeted and simple way, creating a basis for nanocircuits that use spin waves. This approach uses magnetic domain walls and small external magnetic fields to manipulate the course of spin waves, enabling efficient information processing.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateFeb 1, 2016

NASA: Understanding the magnetic sun

Scientists use real-time observations and computer simulations to analyze the solar corona's dynamic system. The sun's magnetic field drives space weather on Earth and affects interplanetary radiation. Understanding its structure is crucial for studying space throughout the solar system.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 29, 2016

Quantum knots are real!

Researchers have successfully created and observed knotted solitary waves, or knot solitons, in a quantum field. The discovery opens up new avenues of study for understanding the properties of quantum mechanics and its potential applications in fields such as cosmology and quantum computers.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 19, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

PPPL engineers complete the design of Wendelstein 7-X scraper unit

The PPPL-designed scraper element will help physicists explore various magnetic field arrangements and plasma currents in the W7-X stellarator. The component intercepts heat from fusion reactions, reducing the risk of damage to the divertor and stellarator equipment.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·DateJan 12, 2016

Microbots individually controlled using 'mini force fields'

Microbots are controlled using individual magnetic fields from an array of tiny planar coils, allowing for independent movement and cooperative manipulation tasks. This technology aims to enhance manufacturing and biomedical research applications.

SourcePurdue University·JournalMicromachines·DateJan 12, 2016
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.

Stellar revelations

A team of astronomers has discovered that up to 60 percent of stars host strong magnetic fields, which can significantly alter the physical processes taking place in the core. The researchers used asteroseismology to detect these hidden fields and found that they are prevalent in intermediate mass stars.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateJan 4, 2016

Aging stars stop slowing down, scientists discover

Aging stars stop slowing down as their magnetic field interacts with a wind of particles flowing away from its surface, according to research published in Nature. This discovery challenges previous theories on stellar rotation and has implications for understanding how the Sun influences its local environment, including planets.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature·DateJan 4, 2016

Strong magnetic fields discovered in majority of stars

An international team of astronomers found strong magnetic fields are common in stars, contradicting previous assumptions. The study used data from NASA's Kepler mission to analyze over 700 red giant stars and discovered that many host internal magnetic fields up to 10 million times stronger than Earth's.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature·DateJan 4, 2016
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.

Rotational clock for stars needs recalibration

New research indicates that stars older than the Sun spin less than expected, affecting age calculations. This discovery has significant implications for understanding stellar aging and predicting future changes in our own Solar System.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateJan 4, 2016

'Forbidden' substances on super-Earths

Researchers have discovered 'forbidden' compounds in super-Earths that could increase heat transfer rates and strengthen magnetic fields. These compounds, formed by silicon, oxygen, and magnesium at high pressures, have different properties than normal compounds, making them important for generating powerful magnetic fields.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 24, 2015

Description of mechanism that halts solar eruptions

Researchers at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have discovered a mechanism that can halt solar eruptions before they reach the Earth. This finding could improve the timing of future space missions and provide crucial insights for protecting satellites and power grids from geomagnetic storms.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalNature·DateDec 23, 2015

Twisted magnetic fields give new insights on star formation

Scientists discovered twisted magnetic fields in dusty disks orbiting young stars, affecting disk growth. The study used the VLA radio telescope to observe a 750-light-year-old protostar in Perseus, finding millimeter- to centimeter-sized particles in the disk.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateDec 21, 2015

Magnetic nanoparticle chains offer new technique for controlling soft robots

A team of researchers from North Carolina State University has developed a technique for remotely controlling soft robots by manipulating elastic polymers with magnetic nanoparticles. By arranging the nanoparticles into parallel chains, they can control the movement and direction of the soft robots.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNanoscale·DateDec 18, 2015
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.

Diamonds may be the key to future NMR/MRI technologies

Researchers at Berkeley Lab and UC Berkeley demonstrate record-breaking NMR/MRI signal sensitivity through hyperpolarization of carbon-13 nuclei in diamond. The technique enables orders of magnitude sensitivity enhancement for NMR studies under ambient conditions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 16, 2015

UM researcher, NASA team discover how water escapes from Saturn

Researchers found that water ions escape from Saturn's magnetosphere at a reconnection point, where magnetic fields disconnect and reconnect. This discovery helps scientists understand the physics of rapid rotators like Jupiter and how they expel materials.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalNature Physics·DateDec 3, 2015

Earth-sized telescope finds clue to black hole growth

Researchers have discovered high levels of polarization in radio emissions from Sagittarius A*, providing proof that strong horizon-scale magnetic fields exist. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of black hole growth and the nature of gravity.

SourcePerimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics·JournalScience·DateDec 3, 2015