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Physicist solves century old problem of radiation reaction

A physicist at Lancaster University has suggested an alternative approach to calculate radiation reaction, which has sparked controversy. The proposed method considers the effects of many charged particles on each other's fields, rather than self-interaction, leading to new insights into energy and momentum conservation.

SourceLancaster University·JournalJournal of Physics A Mathematical and Theoretical·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 25, 2022

How do our organs know when to stop growing?

A multidisciplinary team of scientists from UNIGE and MPIPKS has solved the mystery of how an organ changes its size depending on the size of the animal. They developed a mathematical equation that explains how cells know when to stop growing, using the example of the Paedocypris fish.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2021

The uneven universe

Researchers develop new model using Mori-Zwanzig formalism to account for uneven matter distribution in the universe. The model predicts a deviation in cosmic expansion speed, offering an opportunity for experimental testing and resolving the enigma of dark energy.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeNews article·DateDec 3, 2021

New ways for dynamical prediction of extreme heat waves

Researchers have developed a new method that uses deep neural networks to predict extreme heat waves with unprecedented accuracy, up to two weeks before they occur. This breakthrough has significant implications for risk management, planning, and warning systems, which will greatly improve public safety and support public policies.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 10, 2021

When is a basin of attraction like an octopus?

Researchers describe a simple argument showing that basins in high-dimensional systems should look like high-dimensional octopi. The volume of these basins cannot be correctly approximated by a hypercube, which fails to encompass the vast majority of points in the basin.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 3, 2021

Model to predict the angle of repose of sand hills developed

Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict the angle of repose of sand hills, which is influenced by particle size and gravity. The model was validated using simulations and has potential applications in space exploration, additive manufacturing, and planetary science.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 14, 2021

Social context affects gendered views of STEM subjects in England and Japan

A new model explains how social climate surrounding gender roles contributes to the masculine image of physics and mathematics in Japan and England. The study found that negative views of intellectual women are correlated with a masculine image of mathematics only in Japan, while a focus on avoiding sexism affects STEM choice in England.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPublic Understanding of Science·DateMar 23, 2021

Supertest evaluates performance of engineering students in Russia, the United States, India, China

The Supertest study assesses the academic performance of engineering students in four countries, revealing notable differences in critical thinking skills. Russian students excel in mathematics and physics at the start of their studies, while Chinese students perform better overall. However, Chinese students' critical thinking skills d...

Quantum magic squares

Researchers from University of Innsbruck introduce quantum magic squares, a non-commutative generalization of classical magic squares. Quantum magic squares cannot be easily characterized by convex combinations of quantum permutation matrices, as previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalJournal of Mathematical Physics·DateNov 24, 2020

Indeterminist physics for an open world

A UNIGE physicist proposes altering the mathematical language of classical physics to allow for indeterminism and randomness, resolving contradictions with quantum physics. This shift would enable a more intuitive approach to understanding the world, closer to our everyday experience.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 7, 2020

When photons spice up the energy levels of quantum particles

A team of mathematical physicists has developed a new theoretical calculation that predicts new possible states for quantum particles that have received a photon. These states are distinct from conventional coherent states and can be applied to various models satisfying shape-invariance conditions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateJun 19, 2018

Sorting complicated knots

Researchers from IBS Center for Geometry and Physics introduce a new mathematical operation to catalog Legendrian singular knots, crucial for understanding complex 3D spaces like our universe. The study aims to explore the fascinating possibilities of 3D spaces and provide a tentative list of all possible shapes.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalJournal of Symplectic Geometry·DateJul 6, 2017

Light-bulb moment for stock market behavior

University of Adelaide physicists discovered the timing of electronic orders on the stock market follows a Weibull distribution similar to light bulb lifetimes, showing rational behavior when intervals exceed 10 milliseconds. The finding could help predict dramatic movements and detect irregularities in market abuse.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPhysics Letters A·DateJul 21, 2016

ALMA telescope unveils rapid formation of new stars in distant galaxies

Researchers using ALMA telescope detected a burst of new stars in seven distant galaxies nine billion years ago. The galaxies' gas content was already depleted despite high rates of star formation, suggesting an increase in efficiency above the main sequence. This study pushes galaxies at z~1.6 well-above the star-forming main sequence.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 14, 2015

How spacetime is built by quantum entanglement

Physicists at University of Tokyo unify general relativity and quantum mechanics by showing how spacetime emerges from quantum entanglement. Quantum entanglement generates extra dimensions of gravitational theory, shedding light on the microscopic structure of spacetime.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 27, 2015

Proving uncertainty: New insight into old problem

Researchers provide first rigorous formulation supporting Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, enabling precise characterization of information accessible in quantum experiments. The work highlights the fundamental limits of measurements in quantum physics and may corroborate the security of quantum cryptographic protocols.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Mathematical Physics·DateApr 29, 2014

Cosmic illusion revealed

Researchers have discovered a galaxy that magnified a background supernova thirtyfold through gravitational lensing, confirming their previous explanation for the anomaly. This discovery may significantly impact our understanding of cosmic expansion and the mysterious components of the Universe, including dark energy and dark matter.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience·DateApr 24, 2014