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Classic double-slit experiment in a new light

A research team at the University of Cologne has successfully performed a variant of the double-slit experiment using resonant inelastic X-ray scattering. The experiment provided valuable information about the dynamic physical properties of solids and proved a fundamental theoretical prediction from 1994.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 18, 2019

Control of quantum state of optical phonon in diamond induced by ultrashort light pulses

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology successfully formulated and experimentally verified a unified theory for controlling coherent optical phonons in diamond. The theory explains the generation and detection of coherent optical photons based on a model involving two states of electrons and the quantum harmonic oscillator.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 25, 2018

Majorana trilogy completed

Researchers at Delft University of Technology provide definite proof for Majorana particle existence, showcasing perfect quantization of zero-bias peak. This achievement enables exploration of Majorana quantum computing, with potential applications in topological quantum computing.

Mastering metastable matter

Researchers created metastable states in an artificial quantum many-body system, observing the switching dynamics between two states. They found that thousands of atoms move through quantum tunnelling during the process.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2018

Breaking bad metals with neutrons

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory used neutron scattering to study the behavior of correlated electron systems, gaining insight into material properties. The technique allowed for accurate predictions and comparison to theoretical models, enabling a more ambitious approach to discovering new materials.

Researchers find a surprise just beneath the surface in carbon dioxide experiment

A team of researchers from Caltech and Berkeley Lab found that tiny amounts of oxygen beneath the copper catalyst's surface play a critical role in activating carbon dioxide for conversion to ethanol. The discovery sheds light on the atomic-level details of the reaction, enabling scientists to predict ways to improve efficiency.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 12, 2017

Nanoparticles can grow in cubic shape

Scientists at the University of Helsinki and Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology have successfully grown iron nanoparticles in a cubic shape. The researchers used a mathematical model to understand the mechanisms behind this phenomenon, which is thermodynamically unexpected.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 4, 2016

New in the Hastings Center Report: Next steps for epigenetics, big data and informed consent, whatever happened to human 'experimentation,' and more in the January-February 2016 issue

Recent epigenetics research highlights molecular mechanisms influencing gene expression through socioenvironmental factors. Big data raises concerns over immortalized participant data, privacy, and anonymity, prompting recommendations for strengthening ethical consent practices.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateFeb 1, 2016