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Tracking down dark matter

Researchers at Mainz University have developed a new method to detect axions, a type of dark matter, using the Cosmic Axion Spin Precession Experiment (CASPEr) program. By exploiting nuclear magnetic resonance and sophisticated shielding, the team aims to identify spin changes caused by dark matter, which can be distinguished from thos...

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 2, 2019

Spin lasers facilitate rapid data transfer

Researchers have developed a novel concept for rapid data transfer using spin lasers, which can work at least five times faster than traditional systems and consume significantly less energy. The technology has the potential to revolutionize data transmission, but further optimization is needed.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature·DateApr 4, 2019

Brain stimulation improves depression symptoms, restores brain waves in clinical study

A clinical study led by Flavio Frohlich at UNC School of Medicine successfully reduced depression symptoms in about 70 percent of participants using transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). The treatment target specific alpha oscillations in the brain, bringing them back into balance and decreasing symptoms.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateMar 11, 2019

Global warming has never stopped in the past hundred years

A new study reveals that global warming continued unabated since the Industrial Revolution, with a constant rate of change after World War II. The hiatus, often attributed to internal variability and external forcing, is actually a decadal balance between global warming and cooling from anomalous sea surface temperatures in the equator...

Attosecond pulse leads to highest molecular level probe resolution

Researchers have developed a way to convert low-intensity infrared beams into high-intensity X-ray beams, enabling ultra-fast probes for molecular dynamics studies. By enhancing higher-order oscillations in laser sources, they achieved attosecond-level resolution, opening the door to new insights into electron behavior.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateOct 1, 2018

Tilted pulses

Researchers from Konstanz and Munich have successfully directed and controlled ultrashort electron pulses using laser light cycles, enabling precise material studies in the femtosecond and attosecond range. This achievement has significant implications for ultrafast materials research and the production of intense X-ray flashes.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 4, 2018

Implications of targeted observation for ENSO prediction

Researchers studied targeted observation for ENSO prediction, finding that observing central equatorial Pacific improves skill by 25%, while eastern Pacific observations during April-October boost accuracy by 62%. Implementing targeted observation weakens the spring predictability barrier, significantly improving prediction skill.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 25, 2018

Predicting water storage beyond 2-5 years over global semiarid regions

Researchers at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics successfully predicted terrestrial water storage beyond 2-5 years in semiarid regions using a set of global land model ensemble simulations. The study improves near-term climate change projection and water resource management by incorporating low-frequency climate information.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 2, 2018

Brain aging may begin earlier than expected

Researchers at Lancaster University have developed a new non-invasive technique to study brain function and its relation to aging. Preliminary results suggest that brain aging may begin earlier than expected, with declines in coherence between cerebrospinal fluid oscillations observed in participants over 25.

SourceLancaster University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 2018

Using electricity to switch magnetism

Scientists have successfully controlled magnetic oscillations of certain ferrous materials using electrical fields, enabling faster and more precise data storage. This breakthrough has huge implications for future electronics applications, where magnetic effects are currently difficult to write and store.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 18, 2018

The biennial rainfall relationship in the tropical western hemisphere has weakened in recent decades

A recent study found that the biennial rainfall relationship between Central America and equatorial South America has weakened remarkably since 2000. This weakening is attributed to changes in El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and tropical North Atlantic sea surface temperature (SST) patterns.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJan 9, 2018

A 'turbo charge' for your brain?

Researcher Robert Reinhart found that synchronizing specific brain oscillations enhances executive function by improving communication between two key brain areas. Participants showed improved learning and decision-making skills, and effects could be quickly reversed.

SourceBoston University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 9, 2017

Identifying individual atmospheric equatorial waves from a total flow field

Researchers developed a new approach to identify individual equatorial waves in wind and geopotential height fields using classical equatorial wave theory. This allows for the temporal and spatial evolution characteristics of equatorial waves, including their initiations, propagations, and interactions with tropical convections.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateAug 18, 2017

Metal instability achieves energy-efficient nanotechnology

Scientists at Osaka University and Italian researchers have created freestanding nanowires that can convert small levels of electrical power into mechanical oscillations at high frequencies. The design achieves unprecedented low power consumption, making it a significant step towards energy-efficient technologies.

SourceOsaka University·JournalApplied Physics Express·DateJul 31, 2017

Why some images trigger seizures

Researchers have identified a link between certain static images and gamma oscillations that occur when viewing black and white bar patterns, which can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. By adjusting image parameters, such as contrast and bar width, these images can be reduced to minimize the risk of seizures.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 8, 2017

Paris 1.5°C target may be smashed by 2026

A positive phase of the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation could accelerate global warming, potentially pushing temperatures above 1.5°C as early as 2026. According to new research, this natural climate driver would likely produce a sharp acceleration in global warming over the next decade.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 8, 2017