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The physics of extracting gas from shale formations

A new study reviews current knowledge on flow processes during shale gas extraction, outlining how pore distribution and geometry affect gas transport. The authors present a model that matches experimental evidence, revealing the impact of rock bottlenecks on gas production.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateNov 30, 2018

Autophagy under the microscope as never before

Scientists have dissected the autophagy process in unprecedented molecular detail using live imaging and super resolution microscopy. The study reveals how the first autophagy structure forms and clarifies protein and membrane associations leading to its development into a fully-fledged autophagosome.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 11, 2016

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.

Tarantulas shoot silk from feet

Researchers Claire Rind and Luke Birkett discovered tarantulas shoot silk from their feet when they lose their footing. The silk is produced by microscopic spigots on the spiders' feet, which are distributed across the foot's surface.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMay 16, 2011

Nanostructures in 3D

The new microscope enables crystallographic information to be measured at a lateral resolution of about 40 cubic nanometres, and depending on the material, even more finely. Researchers have already used it to study steel-related iron-aluminium intermetallic alloys, which show promise for high-temperature gas turbines.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalActa Materialia·DateFeb 23, 2006

Education magnified 100,000X

Researchers developed an Interactive Scanning Electron Microscope (iSEM) system to simulate the capabilities of a $200,000 analytical instrument in classrooms. Students can measure and analyze objects in detail, simulating real-world experiments previously only accessible to graduate students.

Spiders make best ever Post-it notes

Researchers have discovered a molecular force used by spiders to attach themselves to surfaces, which could be the key to creating super-strong adhesive Post-it notes. The van der Waals force is so strong that it allows spiders to carry their own body weight on their feet while standing on ceilings.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalSmart Materials and Structures·DateApr 25, 2004

Wet scans

Researchers have developed a method to preserve biological samples without distorting them, allowing for clearer views of lipids and other materials. The breakthrough, enabled by a unique polymer capsule, has potential applications in advancing studies of biological materials.

SourceAmerican Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2004