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Revisiting trajectories at the quantum scale

A new paper by Holger Hofmann reveals that quantum particles' motion is not deterministic and emerges only at the macroscopic limit. The Heisenberg uncertainty principle prevents the observation of trajectories, leading to a fundamental scale where classical physics breaks down.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateJun 7, 2016

You were right: Rotational motion is relative, too, Mr. Einstein!

Researchers demonstrate that rotational motion in the universe follows general relativity principles, connecting it to dark energy content and inertial dragging. The study yields a prediction that 73.7% of the present content of the universe is in the form of dark energy.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateMay 18, 2016

Enhancing lab-on-a-chip peristalsis with electro-osmosis

Indian researchers have conducted analyses to electrically increase liquid flow in pump-free microfluidic devices. By implementing an electric field component, they can enhance on-the-fly controllability of the flow rate, aiding studies on targeted drug delivery and biophysical fluid transport.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMay 10, 2016
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.

Active systems: Life is motion

Physicists have developed a way to differentiate between the active motions of living cells and those driven by random molecular movements. The method uses video imaging and analysis to identify non-equilibrium systems in living organisms.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience·DateMay 3, 2016

New technique spots active motion in cells

Researchers developed a noninvasive data analysis technique to distinguish between actively driven and thermally induced motions inside cells. The method, based on statistical physics, tracks particle transitions between states and identifies imbalances that indicate active processes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateApr 28, 2016

Attosecond physics: New movies from the microcosmos

Scientists at LMU and MPQ create a technique for controlling ultrafast electron pulses, enabling the visualization of atoms and electrons in motion. This breakthrough could lead to new photonic and electronic materials and devices.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience·DateApr 22, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tumble-proof cargo transporter in biological cells

Researchers have developed a new model of molecular transport using synthetic nanomotors on biopolymer filaments, effectively delivering substances such as anti-cancer drugs. The study's findings suggest that even small motors can operate efficiently without tumbling and losing direction.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateApr 12, 2016

Sperm crane their neck to turn right

Researchers at the University of Warwick discovered that sperm tails rotate in a counter-clockwise motion to move through fluids. Approximately 50% of observed sperm moved to the right by distorting their bodies to counteract the left-turning force, suggesting two distinct physiologically subpopulations

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2015

Titan takes on the big one

Researchers are using the Titan supercomputer to create physics-based earthquake simulations to better understand earthquake systems and predict ground shaking in large earthquakes. The team has completed its highest resolution simulation map for Southern California, providing a tool for engineers to design and build critical infrastru...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateNov 11, 2015
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Seeing quantum motion

Researchers at Caltech have successfully observed and controlled quantum motion in a large mechanical device, defying classical physics. By manipulating the inherent quantum noise, they were able to reduce its impact on measurement precision.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateAug 28, 2015

All together now: Group behavior in biomolecular systems

Actin filaments exhibit complex behaviors, including self-organization and active motion. New research reveals that molecular motors play a crucial role in forming strong bends and enabling collective motions.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 20, 2015

Biophysics: Formation of swarms in nanosystems

Actin filaments exhibit synchronized motion when motor proteins are added, with local curvatures incompatible with thermal fluctuations. Collective motion emerges at high densities through non-binary interactions among filaments.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 18, 2015
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.

Researchers develop intelligent handheld robots

The University of Bristol has developed intelligent handheld robots with increasing levels of autonomy, enabling cooperation between users and tools. Users tend to prefer fully autonomous tools, which show a significant impact on completion time and reduced perceived workload.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateMay 26, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Toward a squishier robot

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh designed a synthetic polymer gel that can change shape and move using its own internally generated power. The SP-BZ gel combines the properties of two materials to enable self-bending, folding, and self-propelled motion.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 5, 2015

A close call of 0.8 light years

Researchers analyzed the trajectory of Scholz's star and found it passed through the outer Oort Cloud, 98% certain of its close flyby. The star's proximity to our solar system was confirmed, challenging previous predictions for the closest known flyby.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 17, 2015

To save your energy while strolling, walk this sway

Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that when people walk in sync on a swaying bridge, they conserve energy and reduce their energy costs. By widening their stride, individuals can increase stability while also saving energy, which is equivalent to walking with or without a school backpack.

SourceOhio State University·DateFeb 2, 2015

Detecting extraterrestrial life through motion

Researchers at EPFL have created a highly sensitive motion detector that can detect the movement of microorganisms, including bacteria and yeast, without prior knowledge of their chemistry. The system uses a nano-sized cantilever to capture vibrations caused by living cells, making it suitable for detecting life on other planets.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 29, 2014
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.

Choreography of an electron pair

Physicists have imaged and controlled the motion of two electrons in a helium atom using attosecond-timed laser pulses. By varying the interval between the ultraviolet and visible pulses, they created a movie of the electronic dance and even influenced its rhythm.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateDec 18, 2014

When noise gets electrons moving

Researchers discovered a counter-intuitive current induced by sound waves in a disordered environment. Noise fluctuations lead to directed electron transport behavior and current reversal, paving the way for innovative semi-conductor devices.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateDec 4, 2014

And so they beat on, flagella against the cantilever

Scientists at Boston University and Stanford University School of Medicine attach E. coli colonies to a microcantilever, allowing real-time monitoring of bacterial motion and communication patterns. The new system enables rapid assessment of antibiotic susceptibility and potential applications in cancer drug development.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 16, 2014

Fingerprint of dissolved glycine in the Terahertz range explained

Chemists at Ruhr-Universität Bochum have completely analyzed the Terahertz spectrum of dissolved glycine in water, revealing its motion and disproving a long-standing theory. The study used spectroscopy and molecular-dynamics simulations to track the amino acid's movement in an aqueous solution.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 28, 2014
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.

Bats inspire 'micro air vehicle' designs

Researchers at Virginia Tech used experimental measurements and analysis software to understand how fruit bats use their wings to manipulate airflow. They found that bat wings can generate forces up to two-to-three times greater than a static airfoil wing, making them ideal for designing micro air vehicles with flapping wings.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateFeb 18, 2014

Elucidating biological cells' transport mechanisms

Researchers have calculated the force of molecular motors acting on organelles in biological cells, finding discrepancies with physical laws due to complex biological processes. The study used non-equilibrium statistical mechanics to analyze the motion of motor proteins in living cells, providing new insights into the transport mechanism.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateDec 20, 2013

'Wise chisels': Art, craftsmanship, and power tools

Researchers at MIT are developing smart tools that can mimic the human touch while controlling outcomes to ensure precision. These tools, designed by Amit Zoran and his team, use computer-aided design and feedback mechanisms to create distinctive imperfections and styles in handmade objects.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateNov 22, 2013

Heady mathematics

University of California, Berkeley researchers James A. Sethian and Robert I. Saye describe the mathematical evolution and disappearance of foamy bubbles, a feat that could help model industrial processes and solid foam formation. They developed scale-separated equations to treat different aspects of foams with distinct sets of equations.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateMay 9, 2013
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.

Scientists produce best image yet of atoms moving in real time

Researchers at the University of Toronto have recorded atomic motions in real time, revealing a glimpse into the essence of chemistry and biology. The breakthrough, described in a study published in Nature, uses ultra-bright electron sources to capture atomic motions with unprecedented clarity.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature·DateApr 17, 2013

Swarm intelligence

Researchers found that globally ordered motion breaks down in overcrowded swarms, and a power law describes the average alignment in the direction of motion. Computer simulations revealed new features of individual animal behavior when confronted with high densities and close neighbors.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateMar 15, 2013
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.

Hoodoos -- key to earthquakes?

Researchers studied two hoodoos in Red Rock Canyon to estimate the force necessary to break sandstone shafts, shedding light on ground motion during recent earthquakes. The study suggests median or low-level ground motion despite large quakes in the area, providing valuable constraints for probabilistic seismic hazard assessments.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateFeb 4, 2013

New model reveals how huddling penguins share heat fairly

Researchers created a model of penguin huddles that assumes each penguin aims to minimize its own heat loss, surprisingly revealing an equitable sharing of heat. The study found that even in self-centered behavior, the system relies on others for shelter, leading to fair outcomes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 16, 2012

Imprisoned molecules 'quantum rattle' in their cages

Researchers have created a 'nanolaboratory' inside a hollow spherical C60 Buckminsterfullerene molecule, allowing them to study the quantum mechanical principles governing the motion of imprisoned hydrogen and water molecules. The experiments revealed wave-like behavior and 'quantum rattling' of the guest molecules within the C60.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2012

Disney Research demonstrates markerless motion capture

Researchers at Disney Research developed a markerless motion capture technique that captures 3D poses implicitly by estimating the underlying physics of motion. This method generates biped controllers, which can be applied to characters in new environments, enabling more realistic animations and interactions.

SourceDisney Research·DateAug 3, 2012

Beating hearts are finally still with 4D PET image reconstruction

A new method of 4D PET image reconstruction provides sharper-than-ever images of cardiac function, allowing physicians to pinpoint heart defects for better diagnoses. The technique compensates for blurring caused by the beating of the heart, improving imaging contrast and signal-to-noise ratio.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 11, 2012
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.

Neutron scattering provides window into surface interactions

Researchers used neutron scattering to study molecular motion in a silica nanopore, gaining insight into how surface interactions affect chemistry. Understanding these interactions can help tailor materials for specific outcomes, such as catalysis and drug delivery.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateJan 17, 2012

Scientists discover how brain corrects bumps to body

Researchers identified the primary motor cortex as the key brain area responsible for correcting movement after external knocks, which may help explain why some stroke patients improve while others remain uncoordinated. This finding could support first-stage sensory rehabilitation to rebuild pathways and improve movement skills.

SourceQueen's University·JournalNature·DateDec 5, 2011

Robojelly gets an upgrade

Researchers at VirginiaTech have improved Robojelly's performance by introducing a flexible margin, reducing folding and increasing speed. The upgrade provides new insights into jellyfish propulsion mechanisms, enabling the robot to detect chemical spills, monitor ships and submarines, and observe fish migration.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 22, 2011
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.

Gallery of fluid motion

The APS/DFD Virtual Press Room features a gallery of evocative images and animations that bring the science of fluid dynamics to life. These visual representations provide important scientific insights into complex flow phenomena.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 16, 2011

Compelling research will flow at fluid dynamics meeting

Researchers will present groundbreaking studies on fluid dynamics at the APS conference, covering topics from mosquito flight in rain to wine swirling mechanisms and mechanical heart valve design. The meeting aims to bring together experts from around the world to share their findings.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 7, 2011

Watching electrons in molecules

For the first time, Prof. Hans Jakob Wörner and colleagues have recorded electronic motion during a complete chemical reaction using attosecond spectroscopy on nitrogen dioxide molecules. This experiment reveals details of chemical reaction mechanisms that were not accessible to most previous experimental techniques.

SourceETH Zurich/Swiss Federal Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateOct 14, 2011

2 seemingly unrelated phenomena share surprising link

Researchers at University of Chicago and Tel Aviv University found a connection between coupled pendulums and compressed elastic films, which concentrate energy into discrete packets called solitons. Solitons are also found in other realms, such as telecommunications, where they travel through optical fibers.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 10, 2011

New theory may shed light on dynamics of large-polymer liquids

Researchers have developed a new theory to understand slow dynamics of polymers in liquids under fast-flow, high-stress conditions. The theory explains how polymer molecules respond and predicts tube confinement and reptative motion.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 23, 2011
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.

Understanding how glasses 'relax' provides some relief for manufacturers

A NIST study reveals that glass transition process is related to molecules moving in long strings around frozen atoms, influencing viscosity. The team's computer model confirms this relationship and provides a firm computational underpinning for material design.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 26, 2011

University of Toronto physicists create supernova in a jar

Physicists at the University of Toronto and Rutgers University have successfully recreated a supernova explosion in a laboratory setting. The experiment, led by Michael Rogers, involved triggering a chemical reaction that generated a miniaturized version of the explosive process seen in stars.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·DateDec 2, 2010

Flying snakes, caught on tape

Researchers studied Chrysopelea paradisi snakes as they glided from a branch to the ground. The analysis revealed that the snakes never achieved equilibrium gliding state, but were instead pushed upward due to aerodynamic forces. This temporary effect would eventually cause the snake to hit the ground.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 22, 2010

Jump rope aerodynamics

Researchers build robotic jump rope device to control rope parameters, capturing motion with high-speed cameras. They find that air-induced drag affects the shape of the rope, reducing total drag. Insights from the study may inform other situations involving flexible filaments in engineered and natural systems.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 21, 2010
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Breaking ball too good to be true

A recent study published in PLoS ONE explains that no pitcher can make a curveball break or a fastball rise, as it appears to be an illusion. The researchers argue that batters perceive the ball as breaking due to their eyes' natural tendency to follow motion and shift between central and peripheral vision.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 13, 2010

Physicists observe electron ejected from atom for first time

Physicists at the University of California, Berkeley and the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics successfully observed an electron being ejected from an atom using ultrafast laser pulses. The experiment enabled the capture and photography of valence electrons for the first time, paving the way for better control over high-speed elec...

SourceAir Force Office of Scientific Research·DateOct 12, 2010

Slicing proteins with Occam's Razor

Researchers have developed a new way to peer into the inner workings of proteins and detect specific atoms at work. By analyzing myoglobin's structure and motion, they identified the critical amino acid controlling oxygen binding, with implications for custom-crafted proteins and biotechnologies.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 30, 2010
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.

Moving polymers through pores

Researchers improved a theoretical model for polymer movement through nanopores, addressing the motion of polymers inside pores and introducing significant increases in total time in the pore. This improvement has potential technological applications in DNA sequencing and biosensors.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJul 13, 2010

Scientists discover the molecular heart of collective behavior

Researchers at Princeton University found that a chemical signal called cAMP can induce coordinated movement in cells, leading to the formation of groups. This discovery has implications for understanding collective behavior in humans and other organisms, from white blood cells to organ development.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·DateMay 20, 2010

Greener memory from random motion

Researchers have discovered that heat can aid in low-power data storage by harnessing random thermal motions. This breakthrough could lead to magnetic memory that operates at significantly lower power than conventional devices.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 1, 2010
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.

October seismology tipsheet

The October issue of BSSA features a review on strong ground motions, suggesting that the current global record reflects only a small sample of what is physically possible. Additionally, researchers explore the correlation between toppled columns and earthquake source determination in archaeoseismology.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateOct 7, 2009
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.

Yale researchers discover mechanism for

Two-year-olds with autism lack selective attention to human movements, instead focusing on physically synchronous sounds and motion. Researchers tracked eye movements of children with and without autism while watching cartoon animations, revealing a key difference in how they process social cues.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateMar 30, 2009

Molecular hula hoop

Japanese researchers successfully observed individual molecular rotors caught in motion using a novel microscopy technique. The study focused on rotaxanes, two-part molecular systems that rotate around an axis, revealing rapid rotational and vibrational motion when wet.

SourceWiley·DateJul 18, 2008