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Pioneering research helps to unravel the brain's vision secrets

A new study identified two neighboring areas of the cortex as processing different types of visual information independently. The researchers used magnetic fields to disrupt neural activity, revealing that one area plays a causal role in processing orientation, while another underpins shape recognition based on curvature differences.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 3, 2013

Our galaxy's 'geysers' are towers of power

Astronomers have detected giant outflows of charged particles from the center of our galaxy, stretching across half the sky and emitting an enormous amount of energy. The outflows were found to be driven by star formation and are carrying strong magnetic fields that may play a key role in generating the galaxy's overall magnetic field.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature·DateJan 2, 2013

First images of Landau levels revealed

Scientists at the University of Warwick and Tohoku University have directly imaged Landau Levels, showing concentric rings that increase according to energy level. The discovery uses scanning tunnelling spectroscopy to overcome material disorder, shedding light on the quantum Hall effect.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 1, 2012

Dry-run experiments verify key aspect of Sandia nuclear fusion concept

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have successfully conducted dry-run experiments on a key aspect of their MagLIF nuclear fusion concept. The experiments tested the durability of cylindrical beryllium liners under intense magnetic fields, with promising results that suggest the concept is moving closer to achieving scientific...

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 17, 2012

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

Superconducting strip could become an ultra-low-voltage sensor

Researchers observed an intermittent motion of magnetic flux in a superconducting strip, resulting in alternating static and dynamic phases with zero and non-zero voltage peaks. The study's findings have potential applications for gate devices controlling on/off states in electrical systems.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateApr 30, 2012

Record-breaking radio waves discovered from ultra-cool star

Scientists at Penn State's Arecibo Observatory have discovered flaring radio emission from an ultra-cool star, shattering the previous record for lowest stellar temperature at which radio waves were detected. The star, named J1047+21, is a brown dwarf with a surface temperature not much higher than that of a giant planet.

Creating nano-structures from the bottom up

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new technique to assemble crystalline structures using varying concentrations of microscopic particles and magnetic fields. They demonstrated the creation of over 20 programmed structures, paving the way for advanced optics, data storage, and bioengineering applications.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 2012

Magnetic moon

A team of researchers from Harvard and MIT suggests that massive asteroid collision is responsible for the Moon's magnetic anomalies. The anomaly is found around the rim of a 2,400-kilometer-diameter crater known as South Pole-Aitken.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateMar 8, 2012

Exotic material boosts electromagnetism safely

Researchers from Duke University and Boston College created a metamaterial that enhances magnetic forces without harming biological tissues or damaging electrical equipment. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and safer applications of electromagnetism in devices such as magnetic levitation trains.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhysical Review B·DateFeb 29, 2012

The laws of attraction: Making magnetic yeast

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have successfully induced magnetization in yeast cells by manipulating their iron transport system. This breakthrough provides new insights into the mechanisms of magnetization and its potential applications, including bioprocessing, tissue engineering, and therapeutic cell tracking. The study's fi...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 28, 2012

Atomtronics: A new phase

Researchers discover several new phases of atomtronic matter, including a 'bond-order solid' with strong long-range dipole interactions. These phases are associated with the controlled movement of ultracold atoms in an optical lattice and have potential applications for data encoding and quantum computing.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 18, 2012

Scientists 'record' magnetic breakthrough

A team of international scientists has developed a new way of magnetic recording that uses only heat to process information hundreds of times faster than current hard drive technology. This breakthrough could make future magnetic recording devices significantly faster and more energy-efficient.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2012

A 'fantastic voyage' through the body -- with precision control

A 'fantastic voyage' through the body is now possible with precision control thanks to a new capsule endoscope developed by Tel Aviv University researcher Dr. Gabor Kosa. The device uses MRI technology to navigate the digestive tract, enabling doctors to detect problems and perform biopsies or local drug delivery in a non-invasive manner.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalBiomedical Microdevices·DateDec 15, 2011

Millisecond pulsar in spin mode

Scientists have found the first gamma-ray pulsar in a globular cluster, J1823-3021A, which is also the youngest millisecond pulsar discovered to date. Its high luminosity and strong magnetic field challenge current theories on its formation.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateNov 3, 2011