Researchers found that wearing a mask can actually increase the inhalation of aerosols into the nose, making fine particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers more problematic. The study suggests that choosing a more effective mask and wearing it properly are crucial to curb COVID-19 transmission.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateDec 15, 2020
Researchers found that microplastics can be internallyized by living cells after being exposed to natural aquatic environments, where biomolecules form an 'eco-corona' on the surface of particles. This process allows plastics to be internalized into tissue.
SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 10, 2020
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.
Researchers found that aerosol microdroplets, the tiny particles lingering in the air, contain less virus than larger droplets produced during coughing or sneezing. This reduces the risk of infection in well-ventilated spaces.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateOct 27, 2020
Researchers aim to demonstrate ideal energy transfer in quantum systems, potentially leading to more efficient engines and quantum computers. The project uses superconducting circuits to design experiments that can be carried out within realistic quantum systems.
Scientists at Osaka University have discovered a novel mechanism, microtube implosion, which generates megatesla-order magnetic fields. This breakthrough is three orders of magnitude higher than what has been achieved in a laboratory, with potential applications in materials science, quantum electrodynamics, and astrophysics.
SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 6, 2020
Shengfeng Cheng aims to control the movement and distribution of substances dissolved into a solvent as a solution is dried. His research could lead to new methods of fabricating particulate materials, such as thin film coatings and drug-loaded particles.
Researchers have developed a method to recharge N95 masks, restoring their 95% filtration efficiency and enabling smart masks. The technique exploits electrostatics-based materials, allowing for easy charge replenishment using a battery or washing machine, making it suitable for various air filtration applications.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateSep 8, 2020
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.
Flushing public restrooms can spread virus-laden particles, including COVID-19. Researchers found that urinal flushing releases more than 57% of particles into the air, with some reaching thighs within 5.5 seconds.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateAug 18, 2020
A new mathematical procedure minimizes the sign problem in quantum Monte Carlo method, reducing computational time for solid-state systems. This approach enables faster development of materials with special spin properties.
SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 14, 2020
Researchers at MIT and Caltech explored the theoretical possibilities of quantum communication in blackjack, finding a slight advantage for cooperative players. In a limited number of situations with low cards left in the deck, quantum entanglement can give players an edge over classical card-counting strategies.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review A·DateAug 3, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers developed a new mathematical model that incorporates environmental factors into predicting respiratory virus transmission, highlighting the importance of weather conditions on droplet spread. The model suggests that social distancing measures may not be sufficient to prevent transmission without masks in humid climates.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJul 20, 2020
Researchers found that microswimming particles can be made to organize into different collective states, supporting the hypothesis of critical behavior. The study demonstrates a close link between collectivity and critical behaviour, suggesting a physical principle underlying complex animal group behavior.
SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 10, 2020
Researchers have developed a method using phononic crystals to generate tunable, time-variant sound fields that can trap and transport particles and cells in microchannels. This technology has potential applications in display technology, biomedical sensors, and diagnostic tools.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateApr 30, 2020
A team of physicists from Università di Trento created colloidal glasses with controlled unidirectional stress, allowing for the manipulation of mechanical properties. This breakthrough could enable the development of new types of glass for various industrial applications.
SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 20, 2020
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.
Researchers create synthetic coronavirus particles to study how they withstand changes in humidity and temperature. The study aims to inform policy decisions on the spread of the virus in different environmental conditions.
A team of researchers found that drag forces experienced by particles straddling interfaces between un-mixable fluids are less affected by the shape of the distortion. The study's discovery could have implications for self-assembling properties of various species, including nano- and microparticles, proteins, and other molecules.
SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMar 18, 2020
Researchers propose updated equations that simplify calculations for distinguishing between two types of 'non-Gaussian curve' and genuinely quantum states. This approach could speed up advances in quantum communication and computation.
SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateFeb 25, 2020
Researchers laser-cooled a 150-nanometer glass sphere containing 100 million atoms to its quantum ground state, revolutionizing the study of macro-quantum physics. This achievement enables unprecedented opportunities to test fundamental physics and probe the boundaries between classical and quantum mechanics.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 30, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers developed a technique for handling tiny, soft particles using precise fluid flows, allowing them to test the physical limits of these particles. The technique, known as the Stokes trap, was used to study the dynamics of vesicles and their deformation under different flow conditions.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalSoft Matter·DateDec 23, 2019
A recent proposal aims to test Einstein's twin paradox using quantum particles in a 'superposition' state. The goal is to measure time passing at different speeds for objects moving at high velocities or near massive objects.
SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 15, 2019
Physicists simulate infinite quantum particles to understand macroscopic scale behavior, reconciling quantum mechanics and classical mechanics. This approach allows for the calculation of physical entities like the second virial coefficient, enabling robust predictions.
SourceSpringer·JournalEPJ Techniques and Instrumentation·DateApr 11, 2019
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.
Artificial microswimmers with forward and long-range vision form stable groups by perceiving the number of neighbors within their field of view. This process allows for efficient movement, evasion of predators, and adaptation to environmental stimuli without requiring precise location information.
SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience·DateApr 4, 2019
Scientists successfully synthesize polymer nanoclusters and fibers at temperatures below 2K, opening up possibilities for creating new materials. The synthesis was achieved using a multimodal dusty plasma cooled by superfluid helium.
SourceAKSON Russian Science Communication Association·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 27, 2019
Researchers from the University of Chicago and the University of Bath used acoustic levitation to study the shape of prototypical clusters that form when particles are added one by one. They found that with six particles or more, different shapes can assemble, including parallelogram, chevron, and triangle configurations.
SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 5, 2019
Researchers at the University of Bath use sound waves to levitate particles, discovering multiple shapes they can assemble into when brought together. The team found that changing sound-wave frequency can manipulate clusters and influence emergent shape.
SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 4, 2019
A new study from Caltech reveals that dietary fiber plays a role in clumping gut particles, which may affect drug absorption and microbial populations. Longer fibers promote physical aggregation of particles, providing a potential mechanism for controlling particle behavior in the gut.
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.
The SPHEREx mission, led by Caltech and managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, will conduct an all-sky spectroscopic mapping of the universe. Argonne researchers will contribute to the mission's cosmological simulations, galaxy identification, and large-scale structure analysis.
Research on dietary fiber polymers reveals they physically influence the small intestine environment by causing solid particles to group together. This aggregation can impact nutrient and drug absorption, highlighting a previously underappreciated role of dietary fibers in gut function.
Scientists have successfully created a holographic acoustic tweezers system that can trap and manipulate particles in three dimensions. This technology has potential applications in small-scale assembly and the creation of 3D displays with levitating voxels.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2018
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.
Wits physicists have developed a new device for manipulating and moving tiny objects, such as single cells in a human body or tiny particles in small volume chemistry, using the full beam of laser light. The device uses vector holographic trapping and tweezing to control and manipulate minute objects with high precision.
SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 27, 2018
Physicists at the University of Warwick have developed a new test to spot quantum coherence in nature, which could lead to breakthroughs in quantum technologies like computers and sensors. The test clarifies the conditions under which biological systems may exploit quantum mechanics.
SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPhysical Review A·DateNov 22, 2018
Researchers from UCL and University of Reading studied rapidly evolving aurora to understand energy release physics. They mapped back to where instabilities occur in space, gaining valuable physical clues.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 15, 2018
Research team at Michigan Tech found wildfire aerosol particles remaining in atmosphere for up to a week, defying expectations of rapid oxidation. This discovery has significant implications for climate predictions and the role of aerosols in global warming.
SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateOct 2, 2018
Physicists have been debating whether Einstein's equivalence principle extends to the quantum world. A University of Queensland researcher and her team found that it does, with implications for our understanding of gravity and mass in quantum physics.
SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 20, 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.
Chinese researchers developed interfacially polymerized porous polymer particles for efficient separation of low-abundance glycopeptides. The particles use hydrophilic-hydrophobic heterostructured nanopores to separate biomolecules, overcoming existing challenges in homogeneous porous materials.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 15, 2018
Researchers have developed new magnetic Janus particles for efficient oil-water separation. The particles separate micro-scaled oil droplets from water rapidly and efficiently, achieving high separation efficiency.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 22, 2018
Researchers propose creating and analyzing new systems governed by entanglement properties directly connected to the original ones, making it easier to quantify experimentally. This innovative approach can be carried out in several experimental conditions, from atomic systems to superconducting circuits.
SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 29, 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.
Physicists at FAU have demonstrated that macroscopic particles rotating in opposite directions form homogeneous groups. The researchers used miniature robots manufactured using 3D printing methods for their experiment. After only one minute, single domains were clearly visible, and after 15 minutes, the robots had almost entirely demixed.
SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 2018
Researchers developed an algorithm to simulate molecular dynamics of patchy particles, which are made up of a rigid body with only two charged patches. The findings provide new insights into what makes biological entities like protein/DNA combinations self-assemble.
SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMar 28, 2018
Researchers at Emory University found that a system of lifeless particles can change between crystalline and fluid states, mimicking collective behavior seen in living systems. This phenomenon occurs when the environment remains stable, suggesting that complex properties can emerge from simple systems.
SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 2, 2017
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered a novel water droplet behavior that allows some droplets to form 'crowns' around particles, enabling efficient liquid deposition and coating. This breakthrough has implications for industrial spray drying methods used in detergent and instant coffee production.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateOct 17, 2017
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
A team led by a Princeton University graduate student has developed a unique simulation of magnetic reconnection in space plasmas, which could lead to improved forecasts of space weather events. The new model approximates kinetic effects using fluid equations and agrees better with kinetic models than traditional simulations.
SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateSep 8, 2017
A study by Northwestern University researchers found that the concentration of ultrafine particles less than 50 nanometers in diameter rose when drivers switched from ethanol to gasoline, but decreased when they switched back. This shift had a significant impact on air quality, with potential health benefits
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 17, 2017
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered a 'gap' in liquid wave spectra, allowing only short-wavelength solid-like waves to propagate. This finding paves the way for developing a consistent theory of liquids and has implications for industrial processes.
SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 9, 2017
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.
A team of researchers, led by Sho Yaida, have found a phase transition in glasses using infinite-dimensional calculations. This discovery could significantly change the properties of glasses at low temperatures, affecting their response to heat, sound and stress.
The study simulates a complex quantum system that mimics classical physics and creates a 'necklace-like' state with spin-orbit coupling. The researchers found that there must always be an odd number of pearls in the necklace, depending on the strength of the spin-orbit coupling.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhysical Review A·DateMay 25, 2017
Researchers at Australian National University have found a more efficient way to pack spherical particles, such as grains and pills, into ordered patterns. This breakthrough could lead to improved storage and delivery of pharmaceuticals, as well as innovative methods for building on sand.
SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 12, 2017
The Frontiers Spotlight Award recognizes outstanding research on topics such as brain augmentation, ocean conservation and child development through motor skills. The US$100,000 prize will support the winning team's international conference in 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.
Researchers have observed a real-time decrease in Asian dust depolarization, attributed to the coating of an air pollutant like Ca(NO3)2. This finding highlights the importance of internally mixed 'quasi-spherical' Asian dust particles as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN).
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 29, 2017
Physicists at Washington State University have created a fluid with negative mass, defying Newton's Second Law of Motion. By cooling rubidium atoms to absolute zero, they were able to create a state where the particles behave like waves and synchronize in unison, resulting in negative mass.
SourceWashington State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 17, 2017
Physicists at NIST have confirmed that particles of matter can exhibit 'spooky action' through quantum entanglement. The experiment closed two loopholes in conventional Bell tests, demonstrating the high quality of entangled states.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 28, 2017
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.
Physicists have developed a new feedback controller to control fusion plasma energy and rotation. The algorithm uses sensors, algorithms, and actuators to modify the plasma's rotation profile and stored energy.
SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateMar 20, 2017
Two UCSB faculty members, Stefano Tessaro and Andrea Young, have been selected as recipients of the prestigious Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship for their outstanding contributions to cryptography and condensed matter physics. The fellowships will support their research efforts in building solid theoretical foundations for cryptogra...
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateFeb 22, 2017
A team of researchers has created a fully biocompatible motility engine using synthetic active filaments, outperforming conventional methods in transporting tiny cargo. The design's efficiency and speed capabilities have significant implications for targeted drug delivery, insemination, and therapeutic interventions.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJan 10, 2017
Researchers used fractional calculus to model crowds as cost-minimizing agents who interact cooperatively or competitively, leading to realistic simulations of emergency exit scenarios and real-world data comparisons.
SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateOct 18, 2016
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.
Hugh E. Montgomery, Jefferson Lab director and president of Jefferson Science Associates, LLC, has been recognized for his outstanding leadership and distinguished research in high-energy physics. The Institute of Physics awards the Glazebrook Medal annually to individuals who display exceptional contributions to the physics community.
SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateJul 5, 2016
A collaborative research centre at the University of Konstanz is studying directional properties of particles and their superstructures. The SFB 1214 aims to create a new generation of materials with tailor-made properties by controlling particle arrangement.
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
Researchers at UC San Diego found that DNA segments become jammed within viruses when sticky, causing the DNA to behave like LEGO pieces. Adding polyamines can cause viral DNA to become jammed and halt packaging.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 2, 2016
Researchers from the University of Surrey have discovered a new physical mechanism that separates particles according to their size during the drying of wet coatings. This 'self-layering' process creates two layers with independent properties, which could improve the performance of coatings across industries.
SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 18, 2016
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.