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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

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...

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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