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Vibrations make large landslides flow like fluid

Researchers used a sophisticated computer model to show that vibrations generated by large slides can cause tons of rock to flow like a fluid, enabling it to rumble across vast distances. The study found that the vibrational waves reduce the effect of friction acting on the slide, enabling it to travel further than smaller slides.

A sensitive subject

Researchers at UCSB have cataloged patterns of vibration in the skin of the entire hand for the first time, enabling a greater understanding of how we sense the world through touch. These vibrations, which travel beyond the tips of the fingers, provide rich tactile information that helps us identify and navigate our surroundings.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalACM Transactions on Intelligent Systems and Technology·DateMar 28, 2016

Atomic vibrations in nanomaterials

Scientists discovered that surface vibrations in nanomaterials significantly affect their behavior, impacting applications such as solar cells. The researchers found that suppressing these vibrations can lead to higher photocurrent and efficiency in solar cells.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateMar 9, 2016

Turning good vibrations into energy

Scientists at Ohio State University develop tree-like structures that can convert random forces into strong structural vibrations ideal for generating electricity. The technology may prove valuable in small-scale situations where other renewable energy sources are not an option, powering sensors that monitor infrastructure health.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Sound and Vibration·DateFeb 1, 2016

Clarifying the role of magnetism in high-temperature superconductors

Researchers investigated magnetism's influence on atomic vibrations in iron-pnictide superconductors, finding magnetic fluctuations play a crucial role. The study provides insight into the interaction between magnetism and atomic vibrations, potentially leading to materials that superconduct close to room temperature.

SourceRIKEN·JournalPhysical Review B·DateJan 25, 2016

Mechanical quanta see the light

Researchers at University of Vienna develop nanomechanical device that converts quantum vibrations to light, paving the way for a future quantum Internet. The device allows for connection between different quantum systems, enabling global exchange of quantum information.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature·DateJan 19, 2016

Vibrations tell bees where mates are from

Researchers found that red mason bee females prefer males from their own region based on specific vibration patterns. This discovery suggests that vibrational signals carry complex information about a male's place of origin.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 22, 2015

Tel Aviv/Tsinghua University project uses crowd computing to improve water filtration

A new study proposes a novel nanotechnology-based strategy to enhance water diffusion through sanitation filters using phonon oscillations, resulting in three times the efficiency of water transport. Crowdsourced computing played a crucial role in this project, with over 150,000 volunteers contributing their computing power.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 6, 2015

Cooling with the coldest matter in the world

Researchers cool membrane vibrations to less than 1 degree above absolute zero, opening up possibilities for novel studies of quantum physics and precision measurement devices. The technique harnesses the unique features of ultracold atomic gases, enabling fundamental quantum physics experiments with macroscopic mechanical systems.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 24, 2014

The science of charismatic voices

A study by Rosario Signorello found that speakers with a wide range of frequency variation in their voices are more likely to be perceived as dominant. The researchers also discovered that speakers with a low fundamental rate of vocal fold vibration are perceived as more dominant than those with high F0 frequencies.

Thermodiffusion in weightlessness

Two studies by Belgian scientists investigate thermodiffusion's impact on binary and ternary mixtures, paving the way for studying multi-component mixtures in orbit. The findings also have implications for oil reservoirs and carbon capture technologies.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateOct 27, 2014

Seeing a molecule breathe

Researchers successfully measured the vibrational motion of a single molecule for the first time, showing distinct behavior from larger molecular groups. This achievement demonstrates ultrafast spectroscopy at the single-molecule level, enabling new possibilities for quantum computing and single-molecule photonics.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalNature Photonics·DateAug 20, 2014

Carbyne morphs when stretched

Rice University scientists discovered that stretching carbyne by just 3% opens a band gap, enabling semiconducting properties. This finding could revolutionize mechanically activated nanoscale electronics and optics.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 21, 2014

Directly visualizing hydrogen bonds

Chemists have made a breakthrough in visualizing hydrogen bond interactions, which play a key role in biological molecules and pharmaceuticals. Using two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy techniques, researchers directly observed the coordinated vibrations between hydrogen-bonded molecules.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJul 15, 2014

Getting rid of bad vibrations

Researchers at Fraunhofer LBF have created a new vibration control table that combines sensors and actuators in an integrated platform. This design allows for better protection against vibrations, particularly at lower frequencies, while maintaining performance and cost-effectiveness.

Good vibes for catalytic chemistry

Chemists at the University of Utah discovered a method to predict chemical reactions using bond vibrations, which can lead to more efficient catalysts for medicines, industrial products, and new materials. The researchers used infrared spectroscopy to analyze bond vibrations and built a mathematical model to predict reaction outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·DateMar 12, 2014