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Exploring the relationship between civilians and military organizations through an experiment in Japan

A Japanese online survey experiment examines how public confidence in the military is affected by civilian control during an armed conflict. Participants showed significant loss of trust in the military when it deviated from civilian control, but not significantly when the legislature was involved.

SourceWaseda University·JournalJournal of Peace Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2024

Quantum state mixing in photobiology – new insight from ultrafast terahertz Stark spectroscopy

Researchers used ultrafast terahertz Stark spectroscopy to characterize the molecular quantum states involved in the proton pump reaction of bacteriorhodopsin. The study reveals pronounced quantum state mixing in the early electronic and nuclear dynamics, supporting a picture of mixed excited-state characters.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2024

What waves know about their surroundings

Researchers at TU Wien have developed a theory to extract information from waves, allowing for precise measurements of objects in space. The theory reveals that the information content of a wave depends on its interaction with the object's properties, enabling customised waves to be generated for optimal information transfer.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

Unraveling the physics of knitting

Researchers have developed a mathematical theory of knitted materials, enabling the creation of programmable textiles with adjustable elasticity. The study, led by Georgia Tech physicists, explores the relationships between yarn manipulation, stitch patterns, and fabric behavior to expand knitting's applications beyond clothing.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2024

Unlocking the secrets of supercritical fluids

A team of international researchers has measured the molecular diffusion coefficient of a supercritical fluid, revealing a gradual transition from gas-like to liquid-like behavior across the Widom line. This study contributes to our understanding of supercritical fluid dynamics and holds implications for planetary science.

SourceInstitut Laue-Langevin·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2024

The beginning of becoming a human

Researchers Polina A. Loseva and Vadim N. Gladyshev challenge the existing definition of human life, suggesting a new meaning for the 14-day stage in organismal life grounded in recent mechanistic advances and insights from aging studies. This stage defines the separation of soma from the germline and marks the boundary between rejuven...

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 9, 2024

Bloody net

Researchers at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences successfully unlocked a puzzle in vascular tissue engineering, providing important experimental evidence towards understanding and controlling sprouting angiogenesis in vitro. They developed new image-analysis protocols to determine key parameters gove...

Methods sections often lack critical details needed to reproduce an experiment, and the practice of citing previous papers instead of describing the methods in detail may contribute to this problem

A recent analysis of over 750 papers found that more than 90% rely on shortcut citations in their methods sections, significantly impeding the ability to reconstruct original experiments. This practice is prevalent across journals, with less than a quarter adhering to policies governing previously described methods.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 2, 2024

New topological metamaterial amplifies sound waves exponentially

Researchers at AMOLF have created a new type of metamaterial that amplifies sound waves exponentially through an unprecedented mechanism. The 'bosonic Kitaev chain' exhibits unique properties linked to its topological nature, with potential applications in sensor technology and quantum computing.

SourceAMOLF·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2024

The new system allows to look at phenomena that occur in special “topological” materials by video recording the motion of pendula

The study reveals insights into topological materials by visualizing the motion of coupled pendula, reproducing behaviors of electrons in periodic systems. The researchers directly measure Bloch oscillations and Zener tunneling phenomena, previously impossible to observe in quantum systems.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2024

“Frozen behaviors” in amber fossils – how to reconstruct mating behavior of long-extinct termites

Researchers from OIST used X-ray micro-CT to study a 38 million-year-old termite pair trapped in amber, revealing a male and female in tandem running behavior. The discovery provides new insights into the fidelity of behavior fossilization in amber.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2024

New method measures the 3D position of individual atoms

Researchers at the University of Bonn and Bristol have developed a new method to measure the 3D position of individual atoms using a single image. The technique utilizes an ingenious physical principle to determine the vertical position of the atom, allowing for precise control and tracking in quantum mechanics experiments.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review A·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2024

A new chapter for all-attosecond spectroscopy

A team of researchers from the Max Born Institute has demonstrated a new approach to all-attosecond pump-probe spectroscopy using a compact intense attosecond source. This enables the investigation of extremely fast electron dynamics in the attosecond regime, which is not accessible by current attosecond techniques.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2024

Advancing biomedical diagnostics: Compact photoacoustic sensing instrument for breast tissue characterization

Researchers developed a compact, cost-effective PA sensing instrument for biomedical tissue diagnosis, showcasing its potential to streamline sampling processes and improve diagnostic accuracy for breast disease. The instrument successfully differentiated various tissue types based on quantitative spectral parameters.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateFeb 13, 2024

Rice research opens new arena to study quantum interactions

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new experimental technique that preserves quantum coherence in ultracold molecules for a significantly longer time. By using a specific wavelength of light, the 'magic trap' delays the onset of decoherence, allowing scientists to study fundamental questions about interacting quantum matter.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2024

Revolutionary breakthrough in nitrile activation unveils promising pathway for anticancer precursor synthesis

Researchers have developed a novel method to produce a selective anticancer precursor substance. The synthesis involves the reaction of metal-active oxygen species with nitrile, utilizing cost-effective metals at lower temperatures. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities in developing innovative drugs against cancer.

New specimen collection system enhances assisted reproductive technologies

A new specimen collection system has been developed to enhance assisted reproductive technologies by providing a simple one-step method for selecting high-quality sperm for ICSI. The system, known as NovaSort, uses a barrier mesh to isolate mobile sperm without damaging their DNA.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalOpen Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2023

Intense lasers shine new light on the electron dynamics of liquids

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter demonstrated that intense laser fields can probe electron dynamics in liquids. The team found that the mechanism of high-harmonic generation is unique to liquids, with the maximum photon energy independent of laser wavelength.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2023

Accounting transparency effort tied to decreased funding for innovation

Researchers found that regulations aimed at improving financial reporting requirements may have led to decreases in corporate spending on innovation, capital improvements, and mergers and acquisitions. Companies were reluctant to report uncertainty regarding their tax burden in public-facing financial statements, leading to a decline i...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalContemporary Accounting Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 18, 2023

Tracking drivers’ eyes can determine ability to take back control from ‘auto-pilot’ mode

A new method can detect drivers' attention levels from their eye movements, enabling the development of more effective takeover signals. The study found that drivers who are engrossed in on-screen activities take longer to respond to warnings, highlighting a potential safety concern.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCognitive Research Principles and Implications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2023

Small-molecule autocatalysis drives compartment growth, competition and reproduction

A study found that small-molecule autocatalytic reactions can lead to the growth and division of compartments, mimicking cell reproduction. The reaction triggers the formose reaction, which consumes formaldehyde and produces glycolaldehyde, allowing compartments to grow and divide under external influence.

SourceHun-Ren Ökológiai Kutatóközpont·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2023

Secondary school students have difficulty identifying bird species

A study by the University of the Basque Country found that secondary school students have limited knowledge of biosphere reserves, marshes, and bird migration. However, students from rural areas and those who participated in primary school bird-related projects showed better understanding of local biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateAug 2, 2023

Enhanced light absorption in thin silicon photodetectors with photon-trapping structures

A new approach boosts light absorption in thin silicon photodetectors with photon-trapping structures, increasing the absorption efficiency over a wide band in the NIR spectrum. The findings demonstrate a promising strategy to enhance the performance of Si-based photodetectors for emerging photonics applications.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateJul 26, 2023

A new dynamic probe of electric forces between molecules

Scientists have developed a new dynamic probe to measure electric interactions between molecules and the environment. Using ultrashort terahertz pulses, they mapped the optical absorption of molecules in an external electric field, revealing the strength and dynamics of these forces.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2023

The physics of gummy candy

Researchers explored how different ingredient combinations and storage temperatures affect gummy candies' texture, moisture content, and pH. They found that starch did not impact hardness and identified the most shelf-stable combination for gummies.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMay 16, 2023

Seeing electron orbital signatures

Researchers have directly observed the signatures of electron orbitals in two different transition-metal atoms, iron and cobalt, using atomic force microscopy. The study validated that the observed experimental differences primarily stem from the different electronic configurations in 3d electrons near the Fermi level.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023