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Light derails electrons through graphene

A team of scientists has discovered a way to bend electrons without applying a magnetic field by using circular polarized light in bilayer graphene. This breakthrough enables new sensing applications and opens up possibilities for infrared and terahertz sensing, medical imaging, and security applications.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalScience·DateMar 24, 2022

Don’t underestimate undulating graphene

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new type of electronics using undulating graphene, which creates mini channels that produce detectable magnetic fields. This technology has the potential to facilitate nanoscale optical devices and valleytronics applications, such as converging lenses and collimators.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 23, 2022
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.

Tiny magnets could hold the secret to new quantum computers

Scientists have achieved efficient quantum coupling between two distant magnetic devices, which can host magnons and exchange energy and information. This achievement may be useful for creating new quantum information technology devices.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 21, 2022

Models for molecules show unexpected physics

A study by Sibani Lisa Biswal and Kedar Joshi shows that magnetically driven colloidal suspensions exhibit behavior consistent with the principles of classical thermodynamics, including vapor pressure, viscosity, and surface tension. The researchers' findings have implications for designing materials with reconfigurable properties.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2022

Researchers unravel the inner workings of heat conduction in galaxy clusters

A team of researchers used the National Ignition Facility (NIF) to create a laboratory replica of galaxy-cluster plasmas, discovering strong suppression of heat conduction in these turbulent environments. The experiments provide insight into complex physics processes and raise additional questions that may be answered in future studies.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMar 9, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

HSE University researchers discover what happens on the bright side of the moon

Researchers from HSE University have developed a mathematical model that explains the levitation of charged dust particles over the sunlit lunar surface for almost any latitude. The study takes into account the Earth's magnetotail and its impact on particle movement, leading to vertical oscillation and eventual levitation.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateFeb 24, 2022
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.

Mysterious source of fast radio bursts

Researchers have discovered a source of fast radio bursts in the vicinity of galaxy M81, adding to the ongoing mystery surrounding these enigmatic events. The findings suggest that magnetars, highly magnetized neutron stars, may be responsible for generating FRBs, but further study is needed to fully understand this phenomenon.

SourceNicolaus Copernicus University in Torun·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2022

Strong magnets put new twist on phonons

Rice University scientists discovered that strong magnetic fields can manipulate the material's optical phonon mode, a phenomenon previously unseen. The effects were much stronger than expected by theory, revealing a new way of controlling phonons.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2022

Mapping the quantum future with smart TV technology

Researchers at the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science created the first-ever 2D map of the Overhauser field in organic LEDs, revealing local spin variations that can impact device performance. The study highlights challenges in miniaturizing organic-based sensing technologies for practical applications.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2022

CityU scientist invents novel droplet manipulation method “WRAP”

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a novel droplet manipulation method called WRAP, which can transport micro-sized droplets using electromagnets or programmable electromagnetic fields. The method overcomes challenges in traditional magnetic actuation, such as contamination from added magnetic particles.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2022
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.

Scientists visualize electron crystals in a quantum superposition

Researchers use scanning tunneling microscopes to visualize electrons in graphene, discovering crystal structures that exhibit spatial periodicity corresponding to quantum superposition. These findings shed light on the complex quantum phases electrons can form due to their interactions.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2022

Mutating quantum particles set in motion

The study reveals that particles can behave as bosons in one region and fermions in another, leading to striking phenomena like particle trapping or fragmentation. This discovery opens up a window to engineer and control new kinds of collective motion in the quantum world.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateFeb 8, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

How Mars lost its oceans

Researchers recreated conditions expected in Mars' core billions of years ago and found that molten metal gave rise to a brief magnetic field. This led to the evaporation of water vapor and eventual loss of Martian oceans about 4 billion years ago.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2022

Saturn’s high-altitude winds generate an extraordinary aurorae, study finds

Researchers at the University of Leicester have discovered a new mechanism driving Saturn's massive aurorae, which are fueled by swirling winds in its upper atmosphere. This discovery answers one of NASA's Cassini mission mysteries and highlights the complex interactions between atmospheric weather and aurora creation.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 2022
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.

Origin of supermassive black hole flares identified: largest-ever simulations suggest flickering powered by magnetic ‘reconnection’

A new simulation suggests that energy released near a black hole's event horizon during magnetic field line reconnection powers the intense flares. The process involves interactions between the magnetic field and material falling into the black hole, releasing hot plasma particles that radiate away as photons.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 3, 2022

Study shows ‘shocking’ way Earth's magnetic field produces plasma jets

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology discovered a new way Earth's magnetic field produces plasma jets, which can weaken the planet's first line of defense. The study used NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission satellites to track the formation and origin of these downstream jets.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 1, 2022

Sidewinding young stellar jets spied by Gemini South

Astronomers have captured detailed images of sinuous stellar jets emanating from young stars, suggesting that their sidewinding appearances are caused by gravitational attraction from companion stars. The observations were made using the Gemini South telescope's adaptive optics system.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 2022

Researchers propose new explanation for Moon’s half-century magnetic mystery

Researchers at Brown University propose a new explanation for the Moon's lack of a strong magnetic field, suggesting that sinking rock formations could have intermittently generated strong magnetic fields. This process could have occurred over the first billion years of the Moon's history, producing intermittent strong magnetic fields.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJan 13, 2022
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Oxygen ions in Jupiter's innermost radiation belts

The study reveals that the region within Io's orbit is dominated by oxygen and sulfur ions, with oxygen prevailing among the two. Further inward, within Amalthea's orbit, oxygen ion concentration increases unexpectedly.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Solar System Research·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 12, 2022

Magnetic surprise revealed in ‘magic-angle’ graphene

Researchers at Brown University discovered that magic-angle graphene becomes a powerful ferromagnet when spin-orbit coupling is introduced. This finding opens up new possibilities for quantum science research and potential applications in computer memory and quantum computing.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2022

Physicists watch as ultracold atoms form a crystal of quantum tornadoes

Researchers at MIT have directly observed the interplay of interactions and quantum mechanics in a rotating fluid of ultracold atoms. The team created a spinning cloud of sodium atoms, which formed a needle-like structure before breaking into a crystalline pattern resembling miniature quantum tornadoes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJan 5, 2022

Bringing the Sun into the lab

Researchers create laboratory model to experimentally confirm the behavior of plasma waves as predicted by theory. By studying the properties of liquid metals and high magnetic fields, they successfully generate Alfvén waves in a molten alkali metal, breaking through the sound barrier for the first time.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2022

Using magnets to toggle nanolasers leads to better photonics

A magnetic field can be used to switch nanolasers on and off, leading to unprecedented robustness in signal processing. The new control mechanism may prove useful in a range of devices that make use of optical signals, particularly in topological photonics.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 23, 2021
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.

Novel semiconductor gives new perspective on anomalous Hall effect

Researchers have demonstrated a novel semiconductor exhibiting an unconventional large anomalous Hall resistance in the absence of large-scale magnetic ordering. The findings validate a recent theoretical prediction and provide new insights into the phenomenon.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2021

New technique tunes into graphene nanoribbons’ electronic potential

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory developed a method to stabilize graphene nanoribbons and directly measure their unique magnetic properties. By substituting nitrogen atoms along the zigzag edges, they can discretely tune the local electronic structure without disrupting the magnetic properties.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2021

Tsunamis’ magnetic fields are detectable before sea level change

A new study finds that the magnetic field generated by a tsunami can be detected a few minutes before changes in sea level, which could improve tsunami warning systems. The researchers used real-world data from two tsunamis to confirm this relationship and provide valuable insights for improving tsunami source models.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Solid Earth·DateDec 21, 2021

Science fiction revisited: Ramjet propulsion

Calculations at TU Wien show that Ramjet propulsion, which involves capturing protons and using them for a nuclear fusion reactor, cannot work as proposed. The analysis revealed huge dimensions required to achieve even minimal thrust, making it impossible for current technology to achieve.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalActa Astronautica·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2021
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.

3D printed nanomagnets unveil a world of patterns in the magnetic field

Researchers created 3D DNA-like structures using advanced 3D printing and microscopy, discovering nanoscale topological textures in the magnetic field. This breakthrough enables control over magnetic forces on the nanoscale, promising new possibilities for particle trapping, imaging techniques, and smart materials.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 20, 2021

Towards the achievement of megatesla magnetic fields in the laboratory

A research team at Osaka University successfully generated megatesla magnetic fields through three-dimensional particle simulations on laser-matter interaction. The strength of MT magnetic fields is significantly stronger than geomagnetism, enabling laboratory experiments that were previously thought impossible.

SourceOsaka University·JournalHigh Power Laser Science and Engineering·DateDec 9, 2021

VLA reveals double-helix structure in massive galaxy's jet

Astronomers used the VLA to reveal a double helix structure in the magnetic field of M87's jet, tracing material out to nearly 3,300 light-years. The findings suggest that instabilities in the flow of material within the jet could produce the observed double-helix structure.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2021

A new topological magnet with colossal angular magnetoresistance

Researchers discovered a new topological magnet that can induce a billion-fold change in resistance by rotating the magnetic field angle. This phenomenon, called colossal angular magnetoresistance, enables efficient detection of electronic spin states and opens up new opportunities for spin-electronic applications.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Micro-scale current sheets unleash macro-scale space weather

Researchers use NASA's MMS data to study micro-scale physics in the Earth's magnetotail, revealing a key component missing from existing models: an ambipolar electric field. This discovery challenges existing understanding of thin current sheets and provides new insights into space weather

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 8, 2021

Upgraded code reveals a source of damaging fusion disruptions

Thermal quenches in fusion devices occur when high-energy electrons escape from the core and fly toward the wall, causing a rapid drop in electron temperature. The researchers propose an analytic model of plasma transport that provides new physical insights into the complex topology of 3-D magnetic field lines.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 8, 2021

TaRA model unifies two seemingly contradictory hypotheses

The TaRA model combines background magnetic field inhomogeneity and wave amplitude to explain chirping phenomena, simplifying chorus generation phase measurement. Researchers propose this innovative approach for future research on chorus properties.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Space Physics·DateNov 8, 2021
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Ultra-precise magnetic field detection using squeezed light

Scientists use squeezed light to improve the sensitivity of a magnetometer, overcoming shot noise limitations. By evading measurement back-action, they enhance the magnetometer's performance and detect smaller changes in magnetic fields.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 5, 2021

Radiocarbon is key to understanding Earth’s past

Recent advances in radiocarbon knowledge have improved our understanding of climate processes, solar activity, geophysics, and the carbon cycle. Researchers developed a more detailed record of atmospheric radiocarbon extending back 55,000 years, helping to understand Earth's past and project future changes.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalScience·DateNov 4, 2021

Jet from giant galaxy M87: Computer modelling explains black hole observations

Theoretical physicists modelled the region around M87's supermassive black hole, confirming that gravity plays a key role in accelerating particles out to thousands of light years. The findings provide further evidence for Einstein's theory of general relativity and its application to astrophysical phenomena.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 4, 2021

Broadband spintronic-metasurface terahertz emitters with tunable chirality

Researchers developed a novel spintronic-metasurface terahertz emitter that generates broadband, circularly polarized, and coherent terahertz waves. The design offers flexible manipulation of the polarization state and helicity with magnetic fields, enabling efficient generation and control of chiral terahertz waves.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021
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.

Topological valley Hall edge solitons in photonics

Researchers discovered a novel topological edge soliton that inherits topological protection from its linear counterpart, enabling robust and localized light beams. This breakthrough is achieved through nonlinear photorefractive lattices harnessing the valley Hall effect, without requiring an external magnetic field.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2021

A traffic light for light-on-a-chip

A team of researchers at EPFL and Purdue University has developed a magnetic-free optical isolator using integrated photonics and micro-electromechanical systems. This device can couple to and deflect light propagating in a waveguide, mimicking the effects of magnet-driven isolators without requiring magnetic fields.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 21, 2021

Evidence of superionic ice provides new insights into the unusual magnetic fields of Uranus and Neptune

Researchers have created superionic ice phases XVIII and XX by subjecting water to record-breaking pressures and temperatures. The study provides insights into the formation of these conductive forms of ice and their potential role in explaining the mysterious magnetic fields of Uranus and Neptune.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

Twelfth century literature and space-age data help map 3,000 years of auroras

A team of researchers used paleomagnetism models and historical documents to create a map of the auroral zone over the last 3,000 years. They found that the auroral zone has moved significantly over time, with notable changes occurring in the 12th century and 18th century.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalJournal of Space Weather and Space Climate·DateOct 14, 2021

How the Sun’s magnetic forces arrange gas particles

A research team from Göttingen University observed magnetic forces arranging gas particles in solar prominences, with charged particles moving at speeds of up to 42 km/s. This phenomenon is significant for understanding astrophysical processes, including star and planet formation.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 13, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Novel quantum effect discovered in naturally occurring graphene

Researchers have found a way to stabilize the novel quantum effect in graphene at room temperature, which could lead to breakthroughs in data storage and computer components. The discovery was made using standard microfabrication techniques and showed that the material can generate its own magnetic field.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Earth’s ‘solid’ inner core may contain both mushy and hard iron

Scientists have discovered a heterogeneous structure in the Earth's inner core, with adjacent regions of hard, soft, and liquid iron alloys. This finding challenges traditional models of the planet's magnetic field generation and provides new insights into the dynamics at the boundary between the inner and outer core.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalPhysics of The Earth and Planetary Interiors·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2021