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3D printing used as a tool to explain theoretical physics

Researchers have successfully demonstrated how complex theoretical physics can be transformed into a physical object using a 3D printer. They created an 8 cm3 object based on a mathematical model describing forest fires, which could be used to produce works of art or transform scientific discussions.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEPL (Europhysics Letters)·DateDec 8, 2013

What water looks like to DNA

A team of biochemists and mathematicians developed a geometric model to predict how biological molecules interact with water, computing results up to 20 times faster. This approach may help identify new targets for treating human diseases.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 19, 2013

Shifting winds in turbine arrays

Researchers developed a new model to measure changes in air flow patterns affecting wind turbines' output power. The study found that energy can be transferred to wind turbines from both above and below the blades, expanding our understanding of wind turbine performance.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateOct 22, 2013

Water impurities key to an icicle's ripples

A new study by Canadian physicists reveals that small impurities in the water are a critical factor in the formation of icicle ripples. The researchers found that icicles grown from pure distilled water exhibited no ripples, but those grown with salt impurities developed characteristic ripples.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateOct 9, 2013

Fusion, anyone?

Researchers at National Ignition Facility have made significant progress in creating a self-sustained fusion reaction, but still face challenges to overcome before achieving the highly stable and precisely directed implosion required for ignition.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateSep 24, 2013

Atom-based analogues to electronic devices

Scientists have developed an atom-based analogue for electronic devices using ultra-cold bosonic atoms and quantum dots. The transport of single particles through the chain of quantum dots enables current production in systems with reduced dimensionality.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateSep 3, 2013

Better insight into molecular interactions

Researchers have developed a 'dark channel mechanism' to explain binding processes in biochemical materials, allowing for deeper understanding of molecular interactions. The discovery, combined with ab initio calculations and high-resolution spectroscopy, provides new information on the chemistry of life.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 21, 2013

Novel beams made of twisted atoms

Physicists have built a theoretical construct of twisted atom beams, which can have potential applications in quantum communication and atomic processes. These beams were created by solving the non-relativistic Schrödinger equation for atoms driven by a laser field.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateAug 7, 2013

Spooky action put to order

Researchers develop method to classify quantum entanglement states into geometric objects called polytopes, allowing for efficient prediction and characterization of entangled states. This breakthrough enables the development of novel quantum technologies with practical applications.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateJun 6, 2013

'Spooky action at a distance' aboard the ISS

Scientists aim to develop first global quantum communication network by testing the limits of quantum entanglement using the International Space Station. The proposed experiment uses Bell's theorem and quantum key distribution to enable secure communication over long distances.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateApr 8, 2013

'Metascreen' forms ultra-thin invisibility cloak

Scientists have created a metascreen cloak that can hide objects from microwaves, providing optimal functionality at specific frequencies and bandwidths. The researchers predict the technique's conformability and robustness will enable cloaking of oddly shaped objects.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateMar 25, 2013

Feynman's double-slit experiment brought to life

Researchers have successfully replicated Feynman's famous double-slit thought-experiment using a gold-coated silicon membrane and a moveable mask. This achievement demonstrates the mysterious properties of electrons, including their ability to produce an interference pattern when fired at the wall one at a time.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateMar 13, 2013

Curtains down for the black hole firewall paradox

Researchers have found that entanglement across a black hole's event horizon plays a crucial role in determining the existence of a 'firewall' paradox. The study confirms and generalizes previous claims about entanglement in black holes, supporting Einstein's theory of gravity.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 6, 2013

Adhesion disturbed by noise

Researchers found that adding noise to a micro-textured surface can lower the energy barrier for an object to roll, mimicking gecko feet's adhesive properties. This study could lead to applications in gecko-inspired adhesives, tire adhesion, and digital operations.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateDec 17, 2012

Physics on a plane: Crystals grown under 0 gravity

Researchers successfully grew helium crystals under zero gravity, overcoming laboratory limitations to examine the dynamics of these peculiar materials. The crystals formed rapidly, exhibiting an unprecedented Ostwald ripening process that can help reveal the underlying physics of crystal development.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateDec 12, 2012

Powering lasers through heat

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck propose a novel method for powering lasers through heat, which could provide internal cooling and revolutionize microchip technology. The concept involves using temperature gradients to separate cold and warm areas in the laser, allowing for efficient energy transfer.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 13, 2012

Formula unlocks secrets of cauliflower's geometry

Researchers have provided a mathematical formula to describe the processes that dictate how cauliflower-like patterns form and develop. The formula was derived from thin films grown using chemical vapour deposition, which successfully predicted the final cauliflower-like patterns by comparing them to actual plants.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateOct 23, 2012

Major step taken towards 'unbreakable' message exchange

Researchers have successfully produced and implemented single particles of light into a quantum key distribution link, enabling secure communication networks. The experiment uses semiconductor nanostructures to emit single photons with high efficiency, making it possible to transmit keys over longer distances without interception.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateAug 3, 2012

Taming light with graphene

Scientists visualize the trapping and confinement of light on graphene, making it a promising candidate for optical information processing. Graphene plasmons can be used to electrically control light, enabling new optical switches and applications in medicine, bio-detection, solar cells, and quantum information processing.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNature·DateJun 20, 2012

UMass Amherst theoretical physicists find a way to simulate strongly correlated fermions

Theoretical physicists at UMass Amherst have developed a new technique called Diagrammatic Monte Carlo to simulate strongly interacting quantum systems. This breakthrough enables accurate predictions of their properties, opening doors to practical superconductor applications and solving complex 'many-body' problems in high-energy physi...

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 18, 2012

Pasta-shaped radio waves beamed across Venice

A team of Italian and Swedish researchers has successfully transmitted two twisted radio waves across the waters of Venice, demonstrating a solution to the problem of radio frequency congestion. By twisting radio waves into fusilli pasta shapes, they were able to transmit multiple channels of information on the same frequency band.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateMar 1, 2012

Scientists create first free-standing 3-D cloak

Researchers in the US have successfully cloaked a three-dimensional object standing in free space using a method known as plasmonic cloaking. The technique uses ordinary materials to bend light around objects, cancelling out scattering and rendering them invisible at all angles of observation.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateJan 25, 2012

'Spooky action at distance' in particle physics?!

Researchers devise a new Bell test to reveal correlations between high-energy particles, shedding light on 'spooky action at distance.' The study's findings have significant implications for understanding particle physics and the link between symmetries and particle correlations.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·DateJan 16, 2012

Quantum teleportation analysed by mathematical separation tool

Researchers from the University of Vienna have proven that the entanglement or separability of a quantum state depends on the perspective used to assess its status. By using mathematical density matrices, they showed how different factorisations can lead to entanglement or separability in complex physical systems.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateSep 27, 2011

2 languages in peaceful coexistence

A study published in New Journal of Physics analyzed the pattern of populations speaking Castilian and Galician languages in Spain. The researchers found that levels of bilingualism can lead to the steady co-existence of two languages in a stable population.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateMar 2, 2011

Beating the competition

A new connection can significantly enhance the size of a network, according to researchers from Max Planck Institute. By tracing link by link, scientists found that after a certain number of new links, a sudden growth spurt occurs, leading to a dramatic increase in network size.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 17, 2011