Glass half full: Double-strength glass may be within reach
Rice University researchers create new process to manufacture stronger glass through chemical vapor deposition, enabling materials with twice the strength of current glass.
Theoretical Physics
Articles tagged with Theoretical Physics
Life Sciences
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
447,757
articles
2542
topics
Health and Medicine
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
431,843
articles
751
topics
Social Sciences
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
260,756
articles
745
topics
Physical Sciences
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
257,913
articles
1552
topics
Applied Sciences and Engineering
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
225,386
articles
998
topics
Scientific Community
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
193,043
articles
157
topics
Space Sciences
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
29,662
articles
175
topics
Research Methods
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
21,889
articles
139
topics
Mathematics
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
3,023
articles
113
topics
Physicists reveal striking similarities in sporting performance
Researchers found that the spread of scores across different sports, such as volleyball and snooker, follows a similar distribution. They also discovered that this phenomenon applies to other everyday phenomena, including human wealth and population distribution, governed by power laws and the Pareto principle.
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.
Cell biology -- new insights into the life of microtubules
A new theoretical model shows that the length of microtubules is regulated by the attachment of motor proteins, which grow towards the plus-end and shorten the filament. This interplay between growth and shrinkage maintains a precisely regulated microtubule length essential for various intracellular tasks.
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.
Physicists predict success of movies at the box office
A group of Japanese scientists developed a model that predicts the success of movies at the box office by analyzing daily advertisement costs and word-of-mouth communication. The model was tested with 25 movies and showed promising results in predicting actual revenue.
UC Santa Barbara's Kavli Institute receives 2 grants to explore interface of physics and biology
The Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics at UC Santa Barbara has received two new grants to advance its interdisciplinary biology initiatives. The grants, totaling $2 million, will support workshops, postdoctoral fellowships, and a new summer program aimed at the interface of physics and biology.
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...
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.
OU graduate student wins national physics award
A University of Oklahoma graduate student has been awarded a national physics award for his groundbreaking research on dark matter. His thesis explores the mixture of two particles, axion and lightest supersymmetric (LSP) theory, providing a more intricate picture of dark matter.
New theory shows that neither birth nor death stops a flock
A new theory developed by John J. Toner extends the concept of flocking to include the effects of birth and death, revealing persistent fluctuations in density. This understanding has potential applications in designing targeted cancer therapies that selectively kill diseased cells while leaving healthy ones intact.
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.
'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.
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.
2 Berkeley Lab scientists win 2011 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers
Christian Bauer and Feng Wang are among 13 DOE PECASE winners, recognized for pioneering research on ultrafast optical characterization of carbon nanostructures. They were awarded the prestigious award for their contributions to advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe.
Cloaking magnetic fields -- the first antimagnet
Scientists have created an 'antimagnet', which can protect pacemakers and other medical devices from strong MRI signals. The device uses superconducting materials and metamaterials to control magnetic fields, making it undetectable.
Light speed hurdle to invisibility cloak overcome by undergraduate
A young researcher has successfully designed an optical device that can slow down light, enabling the creation of a practical invisibility cloak. This breakthrough could allow for the development of camouflage technology in various colors and scenarios.
Common Korean surname tells tale of nationhood
Researchers used a statistical model to estimate that 50,000 people carried the Korean family name Kim in 500 AD. This suggests stability in Korean culture over the past 1500 years, despite population growth and social changes.
A 'LEAP' in controlling cardiac fibrillation
Researchers develop a new LEAP (Low-Energy Anti-fibrillation Pacing) method to terminate life-threatening cardiac fibrillation, reducing energy required by more than 80%. The technique uses weak electrical signals to synchronize the heart's tissue, gradually suppressing chaotic activity.
Gene migration helps predict movement of disease
Researchers have developed a computation to predict gene migration patterns and their impact on disease spread. The study applies mathematical tools to represent migration patterns, providing insights into the spread of beneficial genes through populations.
3 renowned scientists recruited for cancer, physics and chemistry research at Rice
Two renowned physicists and a chemist will collaborate on cancer research at Rice's BioScience Research Collaborative. They plan to apply physical principles to understand complex biological systems and develop new approaches to treat cancer.
Electron is surprisingly round, say Imperial scientists following 10 year study
Researchers have measured the electron's shape for the first time, finding it to be almost perfectly spherical. This breakthrough could help explain the universe's lack of antimatter and refine fundamental theories of physics.
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.
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.
Wave-generated 'white hole' boosts hawking radiation theory: UBC research
A UBC team designs an experiment featuring a flowing water trough to test Stephen Hawking's 35-year-old theory on black holes. The study creates a 'white hole' simulation, generating thermal radiation analogous to photon pairs in Hawking's theory.
The 'mad' Egyptian scholar who proved Aristotle wrong
Ibn al-Haytham, considered the father of modern optics, developed revolutionary theories on light and vision while imprisoned. His work challenged Aristotle's ancient thought and paved the way for modern physics.
BMO gives $4 million to Perimeter Institute to accelerate research and innovation in Canada
BMO's $4M investment in Perimeter Institute establishes the BMO Financial Group Isaac Newton Chair in Theoretical Physics, supporting groundbreaking research. The partnership aims to attract top theoretical physicists and drive innovation in Canada.
Mercury found to have comet-like appearance by satellites looking at sun
Scientists have detected gas escaping from Mercury using NASA satellites designed to view the Sun's atmosphere. The STEREO mission has recorded evidence of a 'tail' of emission surrounding the planet, similar to comet-like features observed on Earth and in images taken by the MESSENGER satellite.
First results from Large Hadron Collider announced
The University of Toronto team has broken world records in the search for new particles at the LHC, confirming the Standard Model theory. The team set new limits on the mass of excited quarks, excluding their existence below a certain threshold and reconfirming allegiance to the Standard Model.
NIST team advances in translating language of nanopores
NIST scientists have developed a theoretical model to decode electrical signals generated by nanopores, enabling the identification and quantification of proteins and other molecules. This breakthrough brings us closer to realizing nanopores as a powerful diagnostic tool for medical science.
How shape-memory materials remember
Researchers are gaining insight into the workings of magnetic shape-memory materials by studying their molecular level behavior. By examining the effects of excess manganese atoms on a specific alloy, scientists hope to develop materials that exhibit larger changes in shape.
Colonies of bacteria fight for resources with lethal protein
Rival bacterial colonies use a toxic protein called sibling lethal factor to outcompete each other for limited nutrients. The protein kills cells at the edge of a colony closest to a competing group, creating a lopsided growth pattern and preserving scarce resources.
NSF grant to IU researcher funds study of 'fundamental length'
Amit Hagar's three-year NSF grant will support the first comprehensive study of fundamental length, exploring its history and philosophy. The research aims to reconcile this concept with established principles and drive innovation in theoretical physics.
Superconductors on the nanoscale
A team of researchers has discovered that in copper-based superconductors, tiny areas of weak superconductivity can hold up at higher temperatures when surrounded by regions of strong superconductivity. This finding could lead to the creation of new materials with improved superconducting properties.
Rice physicists find reappearing quantum trios
Using ultracold atoms, Rice physicists confirmed a theory about a universal quantum mechanism that allows trimers to form in special cases where pairs cannot. The team observed Efimov's trimers appear and reappear repeatedly in a stepwise fashion.
City Tech physicist thinks small and big with CERN Large Hadron Collider research
Giovanni Ossola's NSF-funded project aims to improve the accuracy of LHC computations using his OPP Method. He plans to involve students in the experiment, promoting stronger ties between CERN and City Tech.
Perfect image without metamaterials ... and a reprieve for silicon chips
Ulf Leonhardt's new research paper proposes a 'fish-eye' lens that can create perfect images with unlimited resolution in principle, eliminating the need for negative refraction. This breakthrough could enable silicon chip manufacturers to produce smaller and more compact structures of billions of tiny transistors.
Synchronized swimming of algae
Researchers found individual algal cells can regulate flagellar beating in synchrony to control swimming trajectories, exhibiting two distinct modes: synchronous and unsynchronised. This study reveals hydrodynamic interactions as the driving force behind synchronization.
Researcher investigates the basis of Einstein's first approximation in the theory of relativity
A University of Missouri physicist has uncovered clues about the basis of Einstein's theories, proposing a more general approximation that may better link quantum physics with classical physics. The researcher aims to develop a nonlocal theory that goes beyond general relativity.
Superconductivity: Which one of these is not like the other?
Two papers published in APS Physics journals describe different electron behavior in iron-based superconductors, suggesting distinct origins. The findings challenge theories on the similarities between these materials and cuprates, potentially altering the direction of research in this field.
Atomic physics study sets new limits on hypothetical new particles
Researchers from University of Nevada, Reno set new constraints on extra Z-boson particle, a carrier of the fifth force of nature. The team achieved high-precision analysis of atomic parity violation in cesium atoms, outperforming previous experiments with increased computational complexity.
New twist on 40-year-old discovery
Researchers have discovered a new connection between Carter's constant and Newtonian gravity, shedding light on the behavior of rotating black holes. The findings have significant implications for gravitational-wave astronomy, potentially allowing the detection of small black hole orbits.
Cosmologist Paul Davies explores notion of 'alien' life on Earth
Paul Davies, a renowned cosmologist, questions the conventional notion that there's only one form of life on Earth. He suggests that life might exist in unexpected places, such as extreme environments, and could be undetected due to our limited detection methods.
University of Toronto physicists resolve a paradox of quantum theory
Physicists Jeff Lundeen and Aephraim Steinberg have resolved Hardy's paradox, a long-standing challenge in quantum mechanics. They used weak measurement to discuss past events without disturbing reality, resolving the apparent contradiction.
IU physicist offers foundation for uprooting a hallowed principle of physics
Researchers propose new way to detect anomalies in fundamental physics principle, potentially revealing space-time variations and relativity violations. This discovery could have significant implications for understanding gravity and particle behavior.
Caltech researchers interpret asymmetry in early universe
A team of Caltech researchers proposes a mathematical model explaining an anomaly in the universe's radiation and matter distribution. The model predicts more cold than hot spots in the Cosmic Microwave Background radiation, which could offer insights into what happened during inflation and potentially even what came before the Big Bang.
New theory for latest high-temperature superconductors
Physicists from Rice and Rutgers universities have published a new theory explaining the complex electronic and magnetic properties of iron pnictides. The research suggests that pnictides exhibit magnetic frustration, which enhances magnetic quantum fluctuations and may be responsible for high-temperature superconductivity.
Scientists discover that protons partner with neutrons more often than with other protons
Researchers at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility confirmed theoretical predictions that fast-moving protons form pairs with neutrons or other protons, with 100% of fast-moving nucleons paired. This discovery may help understand nuclear systems and structure.
Physicists saved from drowning in complexities of wetting theory
Physicists have made significant breakthrough in understanding wetting theory with the development of a new simplified mathematical formula. The formula explains fluctuations in liquid droplets on surfaces, resolving long-standing problems and outstanding discrepancies between experiments and simulations.
Chinese Physicist wins international physics award
Yu Lu receives the AIP Tate Medal for his four-decade-long efforts in bringing together world's condensed matter physics community and promoting international collaboration. He has authored nearly 200 research papers and three books, and played a key role in organizing scientific activities in developing countries.
Scientists develop new measure of 'socioclimactic' risk
A new analysis provides quantitative information on socioclimatic risk for each nation, integrating global climate models and socioeconomic indicators of poverty, wealth, and population. Countries face high exposure in at least one category, with major greenhouse gas-emitting nations like China, India, and the US facing substantial exp...
Biophysical Society names 2008 society awards recipients
The Biophysical Society has awarded 14 individuals for their exceptional contributions to the field of biophysics. These awards recognize achievements in areas such as lipids and membrane biology, education, single molecule biology, and computational biology.
Northeastern U researchers answer longstanding question in the field of condensed matter physics
Researchers use simultaneous measurements to investigate electron-electron interactions near the metal-insulator transition, revealing a quantum critical point and temperature-dependent interaction strength. The study provides a theory that quantitatively explains phenomena in two-dimensional systems.
Delaware researchers receive nearly $1M in US Department of Defense grants
Researchers at University of Delaware and Delaware State University received nearly $1 million to develop blast-resistant materials and MIMO radar systems. The goal is to create a powerful tool for detecting bombs, enemy targets, and assisting rescue operations.
Fellowships aim to cultivate young theoretical physicists
The LHC Theory Initiative has announced its first-ever $40,000 graduate fellowship awards to stimulate young talent in particle physics. The recipients, Randall Kelly and Jonathan Walsh, will use the funds to support their research on higher-order corrections and simulation tools.
On the (sound) track of anesthetics
Denmark's researchers claim anesthetics are based on sound pulses rather than electrical impulses. The membrane of the nerve is similar to olive oil and can change state with temperature, allowing concentrated sound pulses to propagate without heat.
What light from yonder neutron breaks?
A team of scientists has successfully observed rare particles of light emitted during the radioactive decay of a neutron, confirming theoretical predictions. The experiment, conducted at NIST's Center for Neutron Research, used novel instruments and techniques to minimize uncertainties and detect elusive photons.
Physicists explore Strange Matter Hypothesis
Researchers found that under certain conditions, the surface of a strange star could fragment into blobs of quark material called strangelets, forming a rigid halo. This contradicts traditional models and raises questions about the nature of collapsed stars' nuclear leftovers.
Zoller wins Dirac Medal 2006
Peter Zoller, a renowned Austrian physicist, has been awarded the prestigious Dirac Medal 2006 for his groundbreaking research in atomic physics. He is being recognized for his innovative methods to use trapped ions for quantum computing and realizing the Bose-Hubbard model in ultracold gases.
E=mc2passes tough MIT test
MIT physicists and NIST colleagues report the most precise direct test yet of Einstein's E=mc^2, verifying the formula's accuracy with an unprecedented precision. The team's findings validate the equivalence of energy and mass, strengthening the theory's position in modern physics.