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Searching for dark energy with neutrons

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have made extremely sensitive measurements of gravitational effects using neutrons, providing limits on possible new particles or fundamental forces that are restrictive even compared to previous estimations. The findings shed light on the possibility of dark energy and quintessence theories.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 16, 2014

Is an earthquake behind the Shroud of Turin image?

Researchers propose that a 33 A.D. Old Jerusalem earthquake triggered neutron radiation, causing the Shroud's distinctive image and potentially leading to incorrect radiocarbon dating results. The theory is based on piezonuclear fission reactions and suggests that neutron emissions from earthquakes could have imprinted the image onto t...

SourceSpringer·JournalMeccanica·DateFeb 11, 2014

Evidence for a new nuclear 'magic number'

Researchers at RIKEN have provided evidence for a new nuclear 'magic number' in the unstable calcium isotope 54Ca, which has 34 neutrons. This discovery challenges the traditional understanding of atomic nuclei and sheds light on the behavior of highly unstable nuclei.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateOct 9, 2013

New kind of microscope uses neutrons

Researchers at MIT have developed a new concept for a microscope that uses neutrons to create high-resolution images, enabling the probing of internal structures in metal objects and biological materials. The device could improve existing neutron imaging systems by a factor of 50, allowing for sharper images and smaller instruments.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 4, 2013

Research to probe deep within a solar cell

Engineers at the University of Sheffield have developed a new technique to analyze polymer photovoltaic cells, enabling deeper understanding of their structure and efficiency. The technique, SERGIS, has been used to map the size and distance between crystallites in PCBM material, key properties for improving solar cell efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 25, 2013

Neutrons escaping to a parallel world?

Researchers suggest mirror particles could be responsible for the missing mass of the universe due to an anomaly in neutron behavior. The loss rate of slow neutrons appears to depend on magnetic field strength, which could indicate a parallel world with invisible mirror twins.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·DateJun 15, 2012

UK scientists produce world's first magnetic soap

Researchers at the University of Bristol developed a magnetic soap composed of iron-rich salts, which levitates through an organic solvent when exposed to a magnetic field. The soap's properties were confirmed using neutron scattering, and its potential applications include environmental clean-ups and industrial cleaning products.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJan 23, 2012

Plants create a water reserve in the soil

Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute discovered that plants create a water reserve around their roots, which helps them survive short periods of drought. The water reserve is found within a few millimeters from the roots and contains about 30% more water than the rest of the soil.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNew Phytologist·DateSep 15, 2011

Making complex fluids look simple

A new microscopic theory describes interactions between components of complex polymer mixtures, enabling realistic modeling and macroscopic property predictions. The method has been experimentally proven using neutron scattering experiments, opening up possibilities for studying complex mixtures with improved properties.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 1, 2011