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Scientists track speed of powerful internal waves

Scientists have developed a new technique to measure the speed of internal waves below the ocean surface using a single satellite image. This allows for more accurate information to be obtained from satellites, enabling researchers to track ocean currents and objects moving on or below the surface.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalIEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing·DateOct 12, 2015

Saturn's rings in a supercomputer

Scientists discovered that the size of particles doesn't matter for ring formation and that the abundance of larger particles drops off due to surface forces. The team's model showed that the size distribution in planetary rings is universal, supporting a hypothesis that it follows the same laws as Saturn's rings.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2015

Fundamentals of physics confirmed

Researchers at Technische Universität Darmstadt confirm time dilation and observe spectral lines in highly charged bismuth ions, achieving unprecedented precision. The experiments test the limits of Einstein's theories under extreme conditions, providing new insights into quantum electrodynamics.

SourceTechnische Universitat Darmstadt·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 7, 2014

Run, cheetah, run

Researchers at MIT have created a robotic cheetah that can run at high speeds using an algorithm inspired by the biomechanics of real cheetahs. The robot's legs are programmed to exert a certain amount of force in the split second during which it hits the ground, allowing it to maintain speed and stability.

Scientists model 'extraordinary' performance of Bolt

Researchers from Mexico provide a mathematical model that accurately depicts Usain Bolt's record-breaking 100m sprint time, revealing a terminal velocity of 12.2 meters per second and average force of 815.8 newtons. The study highlights the challenges of overcoming air resistance and drag, showcasing Bolt's remarkable power output.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEuropean Journal of Physics·DateJul 25, 2013

How cheetahs outpace greyhounds

Researchers found cheetahs' longer strides and faster stride frequencies allow them to reach high speeds, while greyhounds maintain a constant stride rate. The study suggests wild cheetahs may be able to outstrip their captive cousins due to biomechanical differences.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 21, 2012

NeuroImage: Multiplexing in the visual brain

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum successfully visualized distinct activity patterns overlaid in primary visual cortex, indicating simultaneous encoding of object orientation and motion direction speed. This breakthrough demonstrates the brain's ability to process multiple visual cues simultaneously.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNeuroImage·DateMar 24, 2011

Racetrack memory

Researchers have developed racetrack memory, which uses magnetic tape and spin-polarized currents to store data at speeds of several hundred meters per second. This technology could enable computers to boot up instantly and access information 100,000 times more rapidly than traditional hard disks.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 15, 2010

BSSA tip sheet for April 2010

This BSSA tip sheet documents the long history of earthquake monitoring by the Southern California Seismic Network (SCSN), detailing its evolving sensitivity over time. Researchers also examine the predictive capability of models to estimate ground shaking during large earthquakes in the San Francisco Bay Area.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateApr 11, 2010