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Using overpasses as shelter from tornado?

Researchers from the University of Rhode Island studied the interaction between tornado-strength winds and highway overpasses, finding no evidence of wind acceleration under an overpass. The study, published in Physics of Fluids, suggests that using an overpass as a shelter during a tornado may not be safer than other options.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

A robotic fish tail and an elegant math ratio could inform the design of next- generation underwater drones

University of Virginia researchers design a simple way to implement a tunable stiffness strategy in robots, enabling efficient swimming at varying speeds. The approach, inspired by the natural adaptability of fish, uses a programmable artificial tendon to adjust tail stiffness in real-time.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Quantum-nonlocality at all speeds

Quantum nonlocality is a universal property that prevails regardless of particle speed or indeterminacy. Researchers designed an experiment to test this phenomenon, using the principle of physical phenomena being independent of frame of reference, to prove nonlocality for any quantum particle.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 16, 2021

Micro-environmental influences on artificial micromotors

Researchers discovered how Janus particles relate to nearby barriers, showing velocities are influenced by physical properties of charged boundaries. This study could help engineer micromotors for complex biological environments, including drug delivery and nano-surgery.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMar 31, 2021

How do foams collapse?

Foam collapse occurs via two distinct mechanisms: 'propagating' mode, where a film is absorbed into the surrounding liquid, and 'penetrating' mode, where droplets release from a rupture event break other bubbles. Understanding these mechanisms can help tailor foams to specific applications.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 8, 2019

Despite a great grip, geckos sometimes slip

Researchers found that geckos don't always have enough adhesive ability to save themselves, especially when encountering unexpected falls. The study's results could lead to a better understanding of how geckos stick to surfaces and potentially inspire new technologies.

SourceCornell University·JournalInterface·DateJul 19, 2017

It's not a bird! It's not a plane! It's the fastest flying mammal, says UT study

A new study from the University of Tennessee reveals that Brazilian free-tailed bats can reach remarkable flight speeds, challenging existing assumptions about their capabilities. The research used a novel airplane tracking method to track the bats' flight patterns, demonstrating that they adapt to wind conditions like airplanes and birds

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateNov 9, 2016

PPPL physicists build diagnostic that measures plasma velocity in real time

Physicists at PPPL have developed a real-time velocity diagnostic that measures plasma velocity in four locations within the National Spherical Torus Experiment-Upgrade. This device enables rapid calculations of how the velocity profile of ions evolves over time, which is crucial for optimizing plasma stability and fusion reactions.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPlasma Physics and Controlled Fusion·DateNov 8, 2016