Articles tagged with Thermodynamics
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
A new international study finds that Io and Europa's contrasting water makeup was established at birth, contradicting the idea that it evolved over time. The research suggests that Io formed from dry materials and Europa accreted from ice-rich building blocks.
A new paper proposes a way to calculate the thermodynamic costs of metabolic processes, ranking them according to their biological efficiency. The method estimates the improbability of a network behaving in a certain way, considering maintenance and restriction costs.
Researchers have determined that computational devices must dissipate at least as much heat as the useful information transmitted, challenging earlier views of communication costs. This finding has implications for building energy-efficient systems and could inspire future computer architecture.
Researchers develop a method to tune thermal conductivity in thin films using femtosecond lasers, achieving unprecedented throughput and nanoscale resolution. The technique enables laboratory-scale precision and industrial-scale production of phononic nanostructures.
Researchers developed a method that characterizes collective dynamics of neural activity using principles from thermodynamics. They found that neurons dynamically reshape their interactions during behavior and that the brain's internal temporal asymmetry shifts during task engagement, shedding light on efficient computation.
Researchers have linked the vanishing of specific heats at absolute zero to the second law of thermodynamics, completing a 100-year-old problem. The study provides a 'classical' thermodynamic explanation for the phenomenon without requiring quantum physics.
Researchers discovered 'hot spots' around atomic defects in diamonds that briefly distort the surrounding crystal, affecting quantum-relevant defects. The findings indicate optical techniques used to control defects may unintentionally generate small pockets of heat, potentially affecting diamond-based quantum devices.
A team of researchers at the University of Basel has developed a new approach to applying thermodynamics to microscopic quantum systems. They defined what constitutes
Researchers at Hanbat National University have developed a game-changing heat shield technology that provides dual-layer protection for high-temperature alloys. The sequential B-Si coating technology allows these alloys to withstand extremely high temperatures, potentially transforming the aviation industry.
Workers in Bangladesh's garment factories often face temperatures above 35°C, causing dehydration, heat exhaustion, and reduced productivity. Simple cooling solutions like insulated roofs, fans, and drinking water access can reclaim lost work output, improving worker health and wellbeing.
A new mathematical framework, STIV, can predict larger-scale effects like proteins unfolding and crystals forming without costly simulations or experiments. The framework solves a 40-year-old problem in phase-field modeling, allowing for the design of smarter medicines and materials.
A research team led by Frank Geurts measured quark-gluon plasma temperatures at various stages of its evolution, providing critical insights into a state of matter believed to have existed just microseconds after the big bang. The study revealed two distinct average temperatures depending on the mass range of dielectron pairs, indicati...
Researchers at Auburn University and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory have developed a unified statistical theory of heat conduction that explains the unusual ways heat moves in tiny materials. This breakthrough has significant implications for the design of nanochips, AI processors, and advanced energy technologies.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology experimentally demonstrated the existence of nanometer-sized liquid clusters in supercritical fluids, overturning the prevailing notion of a single phase. These clusters persisted for up to an hour and have significant implications for industrial processes and natural environments.
Researchers have made key advances in synthesizing high-entropy MXenes, a family of 2D nanomaterials with tailored properties. By understanding the role of entropy and enthalpy, they created nearly 40 new layered materials with varying numbers of metal combinations.
A team of Virginia Tech researchers has discovered new insights into blood thinners and bone builders, heparin. The findings may lead to designing safer and more reliable heparin therapies. Heparin's molecular composition affects its ability to bind calcium, influencing its effectiveness in biomineralization and blood clotting.
A team of scientists at Pohang University of Science & Technology has developed a novel approach to enhance thermoelectric efficiency by controlling oxygen vacancies. By precisely controlling the number of oxygen vacancies in materials, they achieved a remarkable 91% improvement in thermoelectric performance.
A team of researchers has discovered a novel oxide material that can produce high-efficiency clean hydrogen using only heat. The discovery was made possible by a new computational screening method and has the potential to transform industries such as methane reforming and battery recycling.
Researchers at NIMS have successfully observed the transverse Thomson effect, a phenomenon that releases or absorbs heat when a heat current, charge current, and magnetic field are applied orthogonally. This achievement could lead to breakthroughs in thermoelectric effects and thermal management technologies.
Scientists at Kyushu University have created a solid oxide fuel cell that operates at a low temperature of 300°C, overcoming a major hurdle in their development. The breakthrough uses scandium to create a 'ScO6 highway' for protons to travel efficiently, enabling the production of affordable hydrogen power.
Researchers developed a novel computational approach that predicts alloy microstructures in minutes, compared to years. The new model streamlines older approaches and avoids the 'curse of dimensionality', enabling rapid and accurate calculations of solidification and alloy microstructures.
Researchers developed a universal approach to calculate liquid entropy using fundamental physical principles, achieving remarkable consistency with existing data. The new method predicts entropy accurately for various liquids, including sodium, and has significant implications for optimizing chemical reactions and material properties.
Researchers developed nanosheets of layered manganese dioxide for efficient heat storage below 100°C through dual-mode mechanism of intercalation and surface adsorption. The material can store heat even at temperatures as low as 60°C, enhancing energy density by approximately 30% compared to bulk MnO2.
Research from the University of Sydney reveals that children aged 10-16 years sweat at the same rate as adults in extreme heat, contradicting previous advice on dehydration and hyperthermia risk. The study's findings emphasize the importance of proper hydration for children during physical activity.
Researchers at Rice University found that electrode materials' thermodynamic properties impact energy flow and performance differently. They showed that even with similar structures, some materials degrade faster under identical cycling conditions due to uneven lithium flow.
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is expanding its heat exchanger testing capabilities to include megawatt-scale performance evaluations. This move addresses a significant market gap for high-heat transfer rates involving high-temperature and -flowrate applications in data centers, defense, and other fields.
Researchers at TU Wien have demonstrated that special tricks can be used to increase accuracy exponentially. By using two different time scales, a clock can measure time more accurately while minimizing the impact of statistical noise.
Researchers at TU Wien have measured what happens when quantum physical information is lost, confirming Rolf Landauer's principle that deleting information always results in entropy transfer and energy loss. This study explores the connection between thermodynamics, information theory, and quantum physics.
Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, used molecular-scale simulations to understand ice formation. They found that the arrangement of water molecules in the two layers closest to the surface is crucial for nucleation, promoting a low-dimensional hexagonal crystal lattice at the surface.
Researchers have developed a new approach to regularize the theory of critical phenomena by generalizing statistical mechanics. The new method, based on non-additive entropy, provides finite values for quantities that diverge in traditional theories, offering insights into complex systems.
A new thermodynamic theory explains the underlying laws of electrolyte design, guiding the development of advanced multifunctional electrolytes. The theory balances energy competition and entropy to determine dissolution and solvation structures, improving battery performance and lifespan.
Engineers at UW–Madison created a twisty high-temperature heat exchanger that maximizes heat transfer using topology optimization and additive manufacturing. The optimized design achieved a 27% higher power density than the traditional heat exchanger, enabling a more compact and lighter design suitable for aerospace applications.
Machine learning (ML) techniques can identify materials with high synthesis feasibility and suggest suitable experimental conditions. Computational models derived from thermodynamics and kinetics enhance predictive performance and interpretability of ML models, optimizing experimental design and increasing synthesis efficiency.
Researchers at Tohoku University developed a colloidal crystal model to control specific polymorph formation, advancing understanding of polymorph control for material fabrication and drug development. The study found that particle additives can effectively control polymorph formation and probability by size and cluster stability.
Koun Shirai bridges conventional physics and nonequilibrium materials to provide robust thermodynamic description of glasses. He redefines equilibrium as energy extraction impact, allowing tools of thermodynamics to apply to glasses.
A team of researchers led by a graduate student discovered a novel property in certain liquids that contradicts long-held expectations from the laws of thermodynamics. Magnetized particles increase interfacial tension, bending the boundary between oil and water into a specific shape.
Researchers at Kyoto University develop thermomajorization theory to unify different distance measures, eliminating ambiguities in previous studies. The approach reveals the Mpemba effect is not restricted to specific temperature ranges, but can emerge across a wide spectrum of thermal conditions.
Scientists at POSTECH and University of Montpellier successfully synthesized wafer-scale hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) with an AA-stacking configuration using metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). This achievement introduces a novel route for precise stacking control in van der Waals materials.
PairMap overcomes limitations of traditional methods by introducing intermediate compounds to predict binding affinities with high accuracy. The approach minimizes calculation errors, improves convergence, and reduces computational costs for complex transformations.
Research at TU Wien shows that quantum systems exhibit increasing entropy over time, even in isolated systems. This reconciles quantum theory with thermodynamics by defining a 'Shannon entropy' that depends on measurement probabilities.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology and University of Maryland have engineered a new type of refrigerator that can autonomously cool superconducting qubits to record-low temperatures. This breakthrough paves the way for more reliable and error-free quantum computations.
Researchers developed artificial materials with improved transverse magneto-thermoelectric conversion performance through structural design. The findings provide new guidelines for designing materials and new ways to utilize the anomalous Nernst effect for practical applications.
A hybrid method links bottom-up behaviors and top-down causation in a single theory to capture interactions between small-scale behaviors and system-level properties in disturbed systems. The approach has been tested in examples such as post-fire forest ecosystems and pandemics, predicting ecological patterns and system dynamics.
Researchers have developed a new field called stochastic thermodynamics, which provides tools to investigate and quantify the energetics of computational systems far from thermal equilibrium. This can help minimize heat losses and optimize energy efficiency in computing.
A new theory reveals that the solvent, not solute, is the dominant component in solution, leading to improved understanding of crystal formation. Thermodynamic phase diagrams demonstrate that crystals grow through a melt-like intermediate before organizing into a crystal structure.
Convection motions have been tracked in detail on a red giant star for the first time, providing new insights into stellar behavior. The observations reveal giant, hot bubbles of gas appearing on the surface and sinking back into the star's interior faster than expected.
Researchers developed a novel ratchet mechanism that converts random motion into ordered movement using asymmetric surface wettability. The gear demonstrated one-way spin with vertical oscillations at restricted frequency and amplitude ranges.
Researchers have developed a new method to map heat transfer at the nanoscale level, allowing for pinpointing of overheated components in electronic devices. This technique uses luminescent nanoparticles and achieves high resolution thermometry up to 10 millimeters away.
A novel genus, Candidatus Alkanivoras nitrosoreducens, is described as potentially performing nitrite-driven anaerobic ethane oxidation. The study reveals a prospective fumarate addition pathway for anaerobic ethane oxidation and a complete denitrification pathway for nitrite reduction.
AlphaFold's groundbreaking ability to predict protein structures is set to transform predictive medicine, enabling the development of personalized vaccines and adaptive clinical trials. However, the review also highlights crucial challenges and ethical considerations surrounding AI integration with clinical data.
New simulations show that neutrinos created during neutron star collisions can be trapped at the interface of merging stars and interact with matter for 2-3 milliseconds. This brief out-of-equilibrium phase is crucial in understanding the physics of these extreme events.
Researchers introduce mathematical equations revealing minimum and maximum predicted energy cost of computational processes with randomness, offering insights into computing energy-cost bounds. The framework offers a way to calculate lower bounds on the energy cost of unpredictable finish situations.
Researchers will employ a combination of molecular-scale modeling and experimental techniques to investigate fluid elasticity in nanopores. The team aims to develop new theoretical models for petroleum and water resource exploration, greenhouse gas sequestration, and other critical areas.
The team developed a technique to grow high-quality monocrystalline n-type diamond semiconductors, leading to the fabrication of an n-channel diamond MOSFET. The device exhibits excellent high-temperature performance, with a field-effect mobility of approximately 150 cm^2/V·sec at 300°C.
Uncertainty in thermodynamic parameters can influence experiment outcomes, suggesting a new approach to modifying stochastic thermodynamics equations. This oversight has implications for various systems, including cells and optical tweezers, where precision is limited by the uncertainty in system parameters.
Researchers have optimized thermodynamics and kinetics of Mg-In-Ti hydrogen storage system, improving de/hydrogenation properties. The study aims to combine advantages of MXenes and In alloying for simultaneous alteration of Mg-based hydrogen storage materials.
Bielefeld University's four Consolidator Grant recipients will explore health effects of passive commuting, social environment influence on health and mortality, and universe phase transitions. The grants total more than 8 million euros, with projects starting in 2024.
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a passive radiative cooling material that achieves high-performance optical properties. The cooling ceramic reduces thermal load, provides stable cooling performance, and can be used in various building applications.
A team of researchers has devised a novel micro heat engine that can produce both high efficiency and high power at maximum efficiency, overcoming the Carnot limit. The study used a tiny gel-like colloidal bead and a laser beam to direct its motion, achieving an efficiency close to 95%.
Göttingen University researchers develop mathematical model that shows small imbalances in mixture composition can amplify and control phase separation. This discovery offers a potential mechanism for regulating structure formation in living cells, with applications in fields such as market economies and ecological networks.