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Coulomb blockade in organic conductors found, a world first

A team at Osaka University has successfully demonstrated experimental evidence and theoretical calculations to show that Coulomb blockade occurs on two-dimensional organic conducting polymer films. This breakthrough could revolutionize our understanding and design properties of organic and molecular devices.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 3, 2016

May the 5th force be with you

Fischbach's work on the Eötvös Experiment led to a reevaluation of data suggesting a possible new force in the universe. Despite no experimental confirmation, his theory has stimulated novel experiments and theories, including the quest for new macroscopic fields of gravitational strength.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateOct 27, 2015

Better trap for greenhouse gases

Researchers have discovered that vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) can be used to capture and store greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide more effectively than traditional adsorption materials. The study found that adjusting the morphological parameters of VACNTs can significantly impact gas adsorption.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateSep 22, 2015

Jurassic saw fastest mammal evolution

Mammals underwent rapid 'burst' of evolutionary change in the mid-Jurassic, producing characteristic body shapes that remained recognisable for tens of millions of years. This period of radical change produced up to 8 significant changes per million years, compared to 1-2 at the end of the Jurassic.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 16, 2015

Space lab to elucidate how liquid cocktails mix

Experimental data from zero-gravity experiments on the International Space Station provides insights into thermodiffusion effects in ternary liquid mixtures. The results, published in the European Physical Journal E, offer a benchmark for future theoretical and numerical models.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMay 11, 2015

A call to US educators: Learn from Canada

Canada's Province of Ontario has implemented successful education reform initiatives through cooperation and experimentation, with an emphasis on inclusivity. Key findings include the importance of feedback from diverse stakeholders, inclusive policies for native peoples, and addressing out-of-school problems.

Wrinkle predictions

A team of MIT mathematicians developed a theory predicting wrinkled patterns on curved surfaces, confirmed through experiments. The theory states that curvature is the main parameter determining pattern formation, with thicker shells forming hexagonal patterns and thinner shells resulting in labyrinthine configurations.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 2, 2015

Promising doped zirconia

Researchers have explored iron-doped zirconia, bridging the gap between theoretical predictions and experimental measurements. The study found that oxygen vacancies play a crucial role in providing its unique electronic and magnetic properties.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateMay 17, 2013

Interdisciplinary team demonstrates superconducting qualities of topological insulators

An interdisciplinary team has successfully depleted electrons from the bulk of topological insulators, demonstrating superconducting surface states. This breakthrough enables experimentation with TIs and paves the way for investigating the Majorana quasiparticle, a fermion that could serve as a quantum bit in quantum computing.

Ketchup turns somersaults

Researchers at Technical University of Munich created a numerical model to study complex fluids, such as ketchup, which exhibits unusual behavior when shaken. The model explains the effects of long-chained polymer molecules on flow resistance, providing new insights into the microscopic mechanisms driving these phenomena.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 6, 2013

Study proves that 1 extinction leads to another

A study by University of Exeter researchers found that the demise of one carnivore species can indirectly cause another to become extinct due to ripple effects on a food web. This supports growing evidence against 'single species' conservation approaches, favoring instead ecosystem-centric strategies.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBiology Letters·DateAug 14, 2012

Scientists struggle with mathematical details

A study by Dr Tim Fawcett and Dr Andrew Higginson found that articles with many equations are seldom referenced, highlighting the importance of clear communication between theory and experiments. The authors recommend improved mathematical training for science graduates to overcome this barrier.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2012

Scripps Research team proves plausibility of new pathway to life's chemical building blocks

The Scripps Research Institute has proven the plausibility of a new pathway to life's essential sugars called the glyoxylate scenario, potentially pushing past the formose reaction hurdle. This alternative pathway, led by Ramanarayanan Krishnamurthy, reveals efficient conversion of DHF and glyoxylate to ketoses.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 31, 2012

'Spooky action at distance' in particle physics?!

Researchers devise a new Bell test to reveal correlations between high-energy particles, shedding light on 'spooky action at distance.' The study's findings have significant implications for understanding particle physics and the link between symmetries and particle correlations.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·DateJan 16, 2012

Chemists find new dimension to rules for reactions

Theoretical chemists at Emory University have solved an important mystery about the rates of chemical reactions and the Polanyi rules. They found that a pre-reactive long-range force can align the reaction of a chlorine atom with methane, inhibiting the reaction. The research has implications for the development of cleaner fuels.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScience·DateOct 20, 2011

Experimental mathematics

The article discusses how modern computer technology has expanded the ability to discover new mathematical results, enabling the exploration of complex patterns and relationships. Computer simulations have been used to explore various mathematical problems, including Giuga's Conjecture, providing empirical evidence in favor of its truth.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·JournalNotices of the American Mathematical Society·DateOct 13, 2011

When water and air meet

Researchers have resolved a long-standing debate over water molecules at the air-water interface, finding strong hydrogen bonding between water pairs at the outermost surface. The study uses theoretical and experimental techniques to pinpoint the origin of water's unique surface properties.

SourceRIKEN·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 3, 2011

When matter melts

Researchers compare theory with data from STAR experiment to establish the temperature boundary where ordinary matter and quark-gluon plasma cross over. The team also finds that the highly dynamical systems of gold-gold collisions achieve thermal equilibrium.

Randomness rules in turbulent flows

A Johns Hopkins University study reveals that two identical beads dropped into a turbulent flow will follow different and random paths. The phenomenon, called 'spontaneous stochasticity,' suggests that even everyday particles can behave randomly in chaotic flows.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateJun 1, 2011