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Molecules shed light on dark matter

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have made new constraints on dark matter particles using precision measurements of barium monofluoride molecules. The study found bounds on hypothetical Z' bosons that mediate electron-nucleus interactions, potentially shedding light on dark matter.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 11, 2026

Stretching and squeezing diamond opens new path for ultra-precise quantum sensors

Researchers discovered a way to tune the quantum properties of tiny defects in diamond by stretching or compressing the crystal, enabling next-generation sensors with unprecedented precision. The silicon-vacancy center, a promising building block for quantum devices, responds predictably to mechanical deformation.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 20, 2026

Scientists observe exotic quantum phase once thought impossible

Researchers have directly observed a superradiant phase transition (SRPT) in a magnetic crystal, overcoming a long-standing limitation in theoretical physics. The phenomenon occurs when two groups of quantum particles fluctuate collectively without external triggers, forming a new state of matter with unique properties.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2025

Breaking a century-old physics barrier: perfect wave trapping with simple cylinders

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology and Jeonbuk National University successfully trapped mechanical waves within a single resonator, overcoming a century-old physics barrier. The discovery opens new possibilities for energy harvesting, ultra-sensitive sensors, and advanced communications.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 10, 2025

The secret behind pedestrian crossings – and why some spiral into chaos

Researchers discovered that pedestrians form neat lanes in crossing roads only until people start veering off at extreme angles, after which the flow becomes disordered. The team's theory predicts that critical angle of 13 degrees marks the point where crowds collapse from order to disorder.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 24, 2025

Black holes: not endings, but beginnings? New research could revolutionize our understanding of the universe

Researchers propose a revolutionary link between time and dark energy, suggesting that the mysterious force driving the universe's expansion may be used to measure time. The study could pave the way for groundbreaking new fundamental theories and breakthroughs in our understanding of the universe.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2025

Machine learning drives "autonomous" control of particle accelerators

Researchers are using machine learning to enable autonomous control of particle accelerators, opening up new possibilities for commissioning and operating high-power accelerators. The technology has been successfully applied to the CAFe2 superconducting segment, achieving global trajectory adaptive control.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Physics Mechanics and Astronomy·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2025

Sliding down

Researchers discover that disordered solids lose stability at low-frequency vibrations near zero, leading to a 'loose state' where particles slide in clusters. The theory applies to materials with negligible thermal fluctuations, including those found in space.

Bristol scientists herald active matter breakthrough with creation of three-dimensional ‘synthetic worms’

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed 'synthetic worms' that can move independently using active matter, a new class of materials. The 3D structures were created by applying an electric field to micron-sized particles suspended in a liquid mixture, and exhibit fascinating life-like behavior.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025

NTU Singapore-led discovery poised to help detect dark matter and pave the way to unravel the universe’s secrets

Researchers from NTU Singapore have developed a new crystal structure that shows naturally existing particles can behave like axions, promising to detect dark matter. The findings could lay the groundwork for understanding cosmic phenomena and uncovering the universe's greatest mysteries.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2025

Physicists ‘bootstrap’ validity of string theory

A team of physicists has validated string theory by developing an innovative mathematical method that points to its inevitability. This breakthrough uses the bootstrap principle to show that string theory is the only consistent answer for scattering amplitudes, bringing researchers closer to understanding the universe.

SourceNew York University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 17, 2024

Getting a grip on quark mixing

Researchers use precise measurements of radioactive decay processes to calculate quark mixing, uncovering effects involving weak interactions that dominate uncertainty. The work may hold promise for uncovering footprints of new physics in nuclear processes.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 4, 2024

Research team demonstrated nonlinear compton scattering with a multi-petawatt laser, mimicking astrophysical phenomena and producing ultra-bright gamma rays

A team of researchers successfully demonstrated nonlinear Compton scattering using a multi-petawatt laser, producing ultra-bright gamma rays. The achievement offers new insights into high-energy electron-photon interactions without traditional particle accelerators.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2024

Quantum physics: Describing chaotic systems

A research team led by Professor Monika Aidelsburger and Professor Immanuel Bloch found indications that chaotic many-body systems in the quantum realm can be described using fluctuating hydrodynamics. This approach simplifies the macroscopic description of such systems, obviating the need to engage with microscopic interactions.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2024

Uncovering the nature of emergent magnetic monopoles

Scientists have discovered unique periodic structures in manganese germanide that behave like magnetic monopoles and antimonopoles. The researchers studied the collective excitation modes of these structures, revealing a way to experimentally determine their spatial configuration.

SourceWaseda University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 12, 2024

Solving physics puzzles with colored dots

Researchers at ETH Zurich and Harvard/Princeton used quantum pointillism to study complex quantum systems made of interacting particles. They observed the formation of spin polarons, which are crucial for understanding magnetic behavior in materials.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateMay 8, 2024

‘Mathematical microscope’ reveals novel, energy-efficient mechanism of working memory that works even during sleep

Researchers at UCLA Health discovered a novel, energy-efficient mechanism of working memory that reduces metabolic cost even during sleep. The discovery is published in Nature Communications and may provide an early diagnostic for Alzheimer's disease and related dementia.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 8, 2024

UTA scientists test for quantum nature of gravity

Researchers at UTA used ultra-high energy neutrino particles to search for signatures of quantum gravity, but found no evidence of expected quantum gravitational effects. This non-observation represents a powerful statement about the still-unknown physics operating at the interface of quantum physics and general relativity.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalNature Physics·TypeObservational study·DateMay 2, 2024