Acoustic energy harnessed to soften shear-thickening fluids
Researchers are using ultrasonic waves to manipulate the viscosity of shear-thickening materials, turning solids to slush — and back again.
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A safer way for police to test drug evidence
Scientists have demonstrated a way for police to quickly and safely test whether a baggie or other package contains illegal drugs without having to handle any suspicious contents directly. The new technique can limit the risk of accidental exposure to fentanyl and other highly potent drugs that can be dangerous if a small amount is accidentally inhaled.
Read moreNovel mechanism of electron scattering in graphene-like 2D materials
Suggesting an unconventional way to manipulate the properties of 2D materials in the presence of a Bose-Einstein condensate, and an alternative strategy to design high-temperature superconductors.
Read moreNew method for detecting quantum states of electrons
Researchers have devised a new method — called image charge detection — to detect electrons' transitions to quantum states. Electrons can serve as quantum bits, the smallest unit of quantum information; these bits are foundational to larger computational systems. Quantum computers may be used to understand the mechanism of superconductivity, cryptography, artificial intelligence, among other applications.
Read moreHello, world! A new approach for physics in de sitter space
For decades, physicists have been attempting to reconcile quantum mechanics, the physics of the very small, with gravity, the physics of the very large. While many academics are working on quantum gravity, they often use models that don't consider certain aspects of our own universe, like its accelerated expansion. A team reports a new approach to quantum gravity using a model that more closely matches our reality.
Read moreA novel tool to probe fundamental matter
The origin of matter remains a complex and open question. A novel experimental approach could be exploited to better test the theories of physicists.
Read moreOne step closer future to quantum computers
Physicists have identified how to distinguish between true and 'fake' Majorana states in one of the most commonly used experimental setups, by means of supercurrent measurements. This theoretical study is a crucial step for advancing the field of topological superconductors and applications of Majorana states for robust quantum computers. New experiments testing this approach are expected next.
Read moreNew microscopes unravel the mysteries of brain organization
The secret of capturing exquisite brain images with a new generation of custom-built microscopes has been revealed. The new microscopes, known as mesoSPIMs, can image the minute detail of brain tissue down to individual neurons that are five times thinner than a human hair, and can uncover the 3D anatomy of entire small organs, faster than ever before.
Read moreThe magic wavelength of cadmium
Researchers experimentally determined a property of cadmium called the magic wavelength which is considered essential for the development of the most accurate clocks ever envisaged. The researchers hope this may permit simple and robust atomic clocks so accurate they could be used to improve our understanding of current theories and even test for new physics.
Read moreLight and sound in silicon chips: The slower the better
Acoustics is a missing dimension in silicon chips because acoustics can complete specific tasks that are difficult to do with electronics and optics alone. For the first time researchers have added this dimension to the standard silicon photonics platform. The concept combines the communication and bandwidth offered by light with the selective processing of sound waves.
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