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'Featherweight oxygen' discovery opens window on nuclear symmetry

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered and characterized oxygen-11, the lightest-ever form of oxygen with three neutrons to its eight protons. This discovery opens a new avenue for studying nuclear symmetry by comparing it to its mirror nucleus lithium-11.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 1, 2019

Fluorine: Toxic and aggressive, but widely used

Using neutrons, scientists have determined the crystal structure of solid fluorine, resolving a scientific dispute that lasted for 50 years. The research confirms Nobel laureate Linus Pauling's earlier suspicions about fluorine's structure.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateMar 27, 2019

Neutrons paint atomic portrait of prototypical cell signaling enzyme

Researchers used neutron crystallography to map the structure and catalytic mechanism of protein kinase A, revealing previously unknown characteristics and enabling enhanced understanding of cellular processes. The discovery paves the way for more precise therapeutics with fewer side effects.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 20, 2019

ORNL-led collaboration solves a beta-decay puzzle with advanced nuclear models

Scientists at ORNL solved a 50-year-old puzzle explaining why beta decays are slower than expected by including subtle effects in theoretical models. The team used ORNL's Titan supercomputer to simulate tin-100 decay into indium-100, demonstrating increased confidence in computing nuclear processes.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 11, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Physicists use supercomputers to solve 50-year-old beta decay puzzle

Physicists have solved a 50-year-old mystery in beta decay, a process that drives stellar explosions and synthesizes elements. Using advanced computing power, researchers found that the beta decay rate for an atomic nucleus is more complicated than initially thought.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 11, 2019

Scientists study neutron scattering for researching magnetic materials

Researchers from the University of Luxembourg have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of neutron scattering techniques for analyzing magnetic materials. The study focuses on analysis techniques for superconductors, permanent magnets, shape-memory alloys, ferrofluids and other magnetic materials.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalReviews of Modern Physics·DateMar 5, 2019

Physicists solve 35-year-old mystery about quarks

Researchers from Tel Aviv University and MIT have identified the explanation for the EMC effect, which describes how quarks move more slowly inside atomic nuclei. The team found that the number of protons and neutrons forming short-ranged correlated pairs determines the speed of quarks.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature·DateMar 4, 2019

Study of quark speeds finds a solution for a 35-year physics mystery

Researchers discover that quarks move more slowly in larger atoms due to short-range correlated pairs, finding a long-sought explanation for the EMC effect. The study uses data from particle accelerator experiments and confirms that larger nuclei contain more such pairs, resulting in slower-moving quarks.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateFeb 20, 2019
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Correlated nucleons may solve 35-year-old mystery

Researchers developed a universal function that links short-range correlations between protons and neutrons in the nucleus to the EMC Effect, a phenomenon where quarks inside nuclei have lower average momenta than predicted. The study provides a possible explanation for the effect and offers a new perspective on the atom's nucleus.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·JournalNature·DateFeb 20, 2019

New measurements of exotic form of magnesium suggest surprising shape-shift

Researchers have reproduced an exotic form of magnesium, magnesium-40, which has led to unexpected findings about its nuclear structure. The study suggests that Mg-40 may be football-shaped, with the added neutrons forming a halo nucleus, and this discovery challenges current theories.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 7, 2019

Scientists observe a new form of strange matter

Researchers have successfully bound a kaon to a nucleus, creating an exotic nucleus with two protons and a single kaon. This discovery provides insights into the origin of mass and quantum phenomena like color confinement.

SourceRIKEN·JournalPhysics Letters B·DateJan 27, 2019
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.

Why does nuclear fission produce pear-shaped nuclei?

Simulations of nuclear fission using quantum-mechanics show that pear-shaped deformation is favored by strong Coulomb repulsion in fragments. This mechanism explains asymmetric fission in several systems and improves predictions for exotic nuclei.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature·DateDec 20, 2018
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.

World's first success in analyzing 3D neutron polarization under high pressure

Scientists developed a nonmagnetic high-pressure cell to preserve neutron spin polarization, enabling three-dimensional analysis of electron spin arrangements. This technique has potential applications in developing new materials with multiferroic properties and controlling spins.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 19, 2018

A step closer to fusion energy

Scientists from Swansea University and international partners use x-ray and neutron imaging to assess fusion component robustness, yielding valuable data for development. The research aims to harness nuclear fusion safely and efficiently, overcoming temperature challenges in extreme environments.

SourceSwansea University·JournalFusion Engineering and Design·DateDec 4, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Atomic parity violation research reaches new milestone

Physicists at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have successfully measured parity violation in ytterbium atoms with different numbers of neutrons, confirming the predictions of the Standard Model of particle physics. The results show that the effect increases with the number of neutrons in the nucleus.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 12, 2018

Half moons and pinch points: Same physics, different energy

Researchers at OIST Graduate University have developed a unified theory explaining the formation of pinch points and half moons in frustrated magnets. The theory reveals that these patterns arise from the same underlying physics, with pinch points representing equilibrium and half moons signifying violation of local conservation laws.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhysical Review B·DateNov 11, 2018

How to produce fluorescent nanoparticles for medical applications in a nuclear reactor

Scientists developed a new method to produce nanodiamonds and silicon carbide with defined defects, utilizing neutron irradiation in nuclear reactors. This approach enables the efficient production of rare nanomaterials for medical applications, including cancer diagnostics.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 9, 2018

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, November 2018

The study found that coordinated CAVs can stabilize traffic flow, reduce fuel use by more than 40 percent, and improve travel time. The team's results also explored the potential of CAVs to indirectly influence human-driven cars' performance. Additionally, researchers at ORNL studied neutron-rich nuclei, improving understanding of nucl...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Vehicles·DateNov 1, 2018
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.

The cosmological lithium problem

Researchers used the n_TOF facility to explore a neutron channel that could increase the destruction rate of Be-7 and resolve the Cosmological Lithium Problem. However, the results indicate that neutron channels alone are not enough to resolve the issue, leaving scientists with additional challenges to address.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 8, 2018

Neutrons scan magnetic fields inside samples

A team developed a new method for measuring magnetic field lines inside massive samples, enabling three-dimensional images of complex magnetic fields. This non-destructive technique has diverse applications in basic research and industry, including material analysis and visualization of electric motors and propulsion systems.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 4, 2018

Physicists awarded $2 million to investigate neutrons

Researchers at Indiana University are leading an experiment that could shed light on the existence of matter in the universe. The project aims to detect a small separation of electrical charges in neutrons, which would validate theories about the imbalance between matter and antimatter.

SourceIndiana University·DateSep 12, 2018
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

In neutron stars, protons may do the heavy lifting

Researchers found that a small fraction of protons in neutron-dense objects significantly impact their stiffness, mass-to-size ratio, and cooling process. Protons are believed to determine several properties of the star due to their high energy content.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature·DateAug 14, 2018

Protons get zippier in neutron-rich nuclei

A study at Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility found that protons in neutron-rich nuclei have higher momentum than neutrons due to short-range correlations, which may impact neutron star dynamics. The research, published in Nature, confirms earlier hints and quantifies the effect for the first time.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·JournalNature·DateAug 13, 2018

In neutron stars, protons may do the heavy lifting

Researchers found that in neutron-rich objects, protons carry a disproportionate part of the average energy, moving faster than neutrons. The team analyzed data from CLAS experiments and observed a significant increase in the probability of protons having high energies as the number of neutrons increased.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateAug 13, 2018
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

SNS completes full neutron production cycle at record power level

The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) has reached a record power level of 1.3 megawatts, achieving 94 percent accelerator beam availability. This milestone establishes a new baseline for operation and paves the way for researchers to conduct faster analyses using neutrons on various materials.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateAug 9, 2018

NASA studies space applications for GaN crystals

Researchers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center are investigating the use of gallium nitride crystals in various space applications, including radiation tolerance and neutron detection. The material's high efficiency and resistance to radiation make it an attractive option for reducing instrument size, weight, and power consumption.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 7, 2018

No sign of symmetrons

Researchers at TU Wien use the PF2 ultra-cold neutron source to test the existence of symmetrons, a theory that could explain dark matter. The experiment excludes a broad range of parameter values, but the team is cautious and seeks further measurements or discoveries.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 24, 2018
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.

MSU researchers lead team that discovers heaviest known calcium atom

Researchers from MSU and RIKEN Nishina Center discovered eight new rare isotopes of elements phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine, argon, potassium, scandium, and calcium. Calcium-60 is the heaviest known calcium atom with 20 protons and 40 neutrons.

SourceMichigan State University Facility for Rare Isotope Beams·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 11, 2018

The chances of detecting clumps in atomic nuclei are growing

Physicists from Cracow and Kielce predict that alpha clusters, made up of two protons and two neutrons, exist in light nuclei. Experimental physicists can detect these clusters using high-energy accelerators.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Review C·DateJun 14, 2018
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.

Seeing the light? -- Study illuminates how quantum magnets mimic light

A recent study validates a theory on quantum magnets behaving like photons of light, opening up new possibilities for understanding light's properties. The research team used neutron spectrometers to detect the presence of emergent electric and magnetic fields in a material called praseodymium hafnate.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 6, 2018

With supercomputing power, scientists solve a next-generation physics problem

Researchers calculate fundamental property of protons and neutrons with unprecedented 1 percent precision, matching long-standing experimental results. The new calculation provides a critical benchmark for applying lattice QCD to nuclear physics problems, which could aid in dark matter searches and answer outstanding questions about th...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMay 30, 2018

Supercomputers provide new window into the life and death of a neutron

A team of researchers used powerful supercomputers to calculate the nucleon axial coupling, which is central to understanding a neutron's lifetime. Their method offers a clear path to resolving the experimental discrepancy and provides new insights into fundamental forces of nature.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMay 30, 2018

Supercomputers give scientists key insight into the lifetime of neutrons

Scientists have calculated the axial coupling of neutrons with unprecedented precision using supercomputers, paving the way for more accurate nuclear physics predictions. This breakthrough has significant implications for fields like nuclear energy and nuclear weapon detection research.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalNature·DateMay 30, 2018
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.

Microscopic universe provides insight into life and death of a neutron

Scientists have calculated the axial coupling constant of the weak interaction with high precision using lattice QCD simulations. This method allows for the comparison of experimental results and may explain discrepancies in neutron lifetime, shedding light on dark matter and fundamental universe questions.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature·DateMay 30, 2018

Supersonic waves may help electronics beat the heat

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory made the first observations of supersonically propagating phasons through a vibrating crystal lattice. This discovery may revolutionize heat management in future electronics devices by providing a shortcut to send energy through materials.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 17, 2018

Levitation yields better neutron-lifetime measurement

A team of scientists successfully measures the average neutron lifetime using an asymmetric magneto-gravitational trap and in situ detection. This breakthrough overcomes decades-long uncertainties, providing valuable insights into fundamental parameters in particle physics.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMay 10, 2018
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.

Scientists discover the secret behind the stability of carbon isotopes

Researchers at Osaka University have identified a carbon isotope with a magic number of six, demonstrating improved stability and understanding of spin-orbit coupling in atomic nuclei. This breakthrough provides new insights into the origin of spin-orbit force and magic numbers of nuclei.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 1, 2018

Unresolved puzzles in exotic nuclei

Unstable atomic nuclei like Helium-8 and Lithium-8 can be investigated through beta decay and detection of decay products. The author discusses available experimental data and models applied to 'exotic' nuclei, revealing unresolved puzzles in the connection between microscopic structure and observable quantities.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal A·DateMar 27, 2018

Understanding gravity: The nanoscale search for extra dimensions

A team of researchers has successfully extended the search range of an exotic gravity to short distances, demonstrating the highest sensitivity reported to date. The study uses a high-intensity pulsed neutron beam at the J-PARC facility, allowing for precise measurements of gravitational interactions.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review D·DateMar 26, 2018

Filling lithium-ion cells faster

Scientists at TUM found that electrodes are wetted twice as fast in a vacuum than under normal pressure. The liquid spreads evenly from all four sides, reducing electrolyte absorption by ten percent.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateMar 20, 2018
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.

Laser-heated nanowires produce micro-scale nuclear fusion

Researchers at Colorado State University have demonstrated micro-scale nuclear fusion using a compact laser, achieving record-setting efficiency for generating neutrons. This breakthrough could lead to advances in neutron-based imaging and materials science research.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 14, 2018

Movable silicon 'lenses' enable neutrons to see new range of details inside objects

Researchers at NIST and NIH developed a new method that uses movable silicon gratings to focus neutron beams, allowing for the examination of objects at unprecedented scales. This breakthrough could complement existing scanning techniques, enabling scientists to probe the interiors of materials without damaging them.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 12, 2018

For energy experts, new method is a gas

Researchers have created a novel non-invasive method to quantify untapped natural gas reservoirs by analyzing the compositional distribution on porous surfaces inside shale rocks. This method provides both average and deviation values of material properties, aiding decision-making in the industry.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 26, 2018

The search for dark matter: Axions have ever fewer places to hide

A new analysis of ultracold neutron measurements imposes strict constraints on the interactions of axions with nucleons and gluons. Researchers discovered frequency changes in neutrons that could be indicative of an 'axion wind', suggesting a specific direction of movement for these hypothetical particles.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Review X·DateFeb 14, 2018
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.