Physics

The ratchet mechanism is a complex system that plays a crucial role in converting disorderly motion into orderly movement through a process known as spontaneous rectification. In mechanical systems, this mechanism typically involves a gear and a pawl, which restricts the movement of the gear in one direction. On the other hand, in biological systems,

In the world of science, the concept of critical points plays a crucial role in determining the behavior of various systems. These critical points are essentially the tipping points where the system transitions from one stable state to another, often resulting in catastrophic outcomes. While the idea of lemmings running off cliffs is merely a

Atomic beam microscopy has long been a key tool in the field of imaging delicate and hard-to-study surfaces such as bacterial biofilms, ice films, and organic photovoltaic devices. Traditional methods of imaging involve illuminating the sample through a microscopic pinhole and scanning the position of the sample to build an image pixel by pixel. However,

The latest advancements in two-photon fluorescence microscopy have led to the development of a new microscope that is capable of capturing high-speed images of neural activity at cellular resolution. This new approach allows researchers to image neurons much faster and with less harm to brain tissue than traditional two-photon microscopy, opening up new possibilities for

The University of Houston researchers have introduced a groundbreaking advancement in X-ray imaging technology that could revolutionize various industries, including medical diagnostics, materials imaging, transportation security, and more. This innovative model, presented in a paper published in Optica, offers a novel approach to non-destructive deep imaging, particularly for light-element materials like soft tissues and background

The study of atomic nuclei and their components has always presented challenges for scientists seeking to understand the fundamental forces within the universe. One key aspect of this research involves measuring the size of atomic nuclei, which can be done through precision measurements of energy shifts in the atom’s electrons, known as isotope shifts. Recently,

NASA’s Cold Atom Lab aboard the International Space Station has made significant progress in utilizing ultra-cold atoms to detect changes in the surrounding environment in space. This groundbreaking facility has not only measured vibrations of the space station but has also demonstrated the wave-like nature of atoms in freefall for extended periods. These achievements have

Quantum computers have the potential to revolutionize various scientific fields, but one of the main hurdles in their development is energy loss from qubits. Scientists from Yale University and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory have taken a systematic approach to understanding and addressing this issue to improve the performance of quantum computer

Quantum computers have shown great promise in outperforming conventional computers in various information processing tasks. However, their large-scale deployment is hindered by their sensitivity to noise, which leads to errors in computations. While quantum error correction is a technique designed to address these errors on-the-fly, quantum error mitigation takes a more indirect approach by running

In recent years, the field of chemistry has been revolutionized by the collaboration between chemists and computer scientists to create AI applications that assist in various aspects of chemical research. The traditional methods of trial and error in chemistry have paved the way for innovative technologies that streamline processes and enhance accuracy in predicting small

Quantum technology is advancing rapidly, with researchers at TMOS and RMIT University making significant strides in the field of quantum sensing. In a recent publication in Nature Communications, a new 2D quantum sensing chip using hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) was introduced. This groundbreaking thin-film format chip can detect temperature anomalies and magnetic fields in any

In a groundbreaking study conducted by scientists at the University of Akron and the University of Pittsburgh, long-held assumptions about the role of water in adhesion have been overturned. The research, led by Dr. Ali Dhinojwala, has revealed that water can unexpectedly enhance adhesion under controlled conditions. The implications of this discovery are significant, particularly

Mayonnaise, a common condiment found in households, is being used by researchers to gain insights into the physics of nuclear fusion. This unconventional approach has provided valuable information in understanding the structural integrity of fusion capsules used in inertial confinement fusion. Arindam Banerjee, a renowned Mechanical Engineering professor at Lehigh University, has been leading the

Astrophysical research projects are gearing up for the next decade, with a focus on cosmic microwave background (CMB) experiments. These endeavors aim to detect and study CMB radiation, which is a remnant of thermal radiation from the early universe. Researchers at Université Catholique de Louvain in Belgium have uncovered the potential of upcoming CMB observations

The longstanding question of why the universe contains more matter than antimatter has puzzled physicists for decades. After the Big Bang, it is believed that equal amounts of matter and antimatter were created, leading to annihilation upon collision. However, the existence of material objects contradicts this theory, indicating an imbalance or asymmetry in the universe.