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Solving the Carbon-14 Mystery
Researchers studying the labyrinthine nature of atomic nuclei say they have answered a question that has puzzled physicists for more than half a century: Why does the radioactive isotope known as carbon-14 decay so slowly? The discovery could lead to a better understanding of the workings of the strong nuclear force, one of the four fundamental forces of nature.
Researchers studying the labyrinthine nature of atomic nuclei say they have answered a question that has puzzled physicists for more than half a century: Why does the radioactive isotope known as carbon-14 decay so slowly? The discovery could lead to a better understanding of the workings of the strong nuclear force, one of the four fundamental forces of nature.
Smash! The Search for 'Sparticles'
Squarks, photinos, selectrons, neutralinos. These are just a few types of supersymmetric particles, a special brand of particle that may be created when the world's most powerful atom smasher goes online this spring.
Squarks, photinos, selectrons, neutralinos. These are just a few types of supersymmetric particles, a special brand of particle that may be created when the world's most powerful atom smasher goes online this spring.
Physics
Source: Space.com
Posted on: Monday, Jan 28, 2008, 11:15am
Rating: | Views: 1494 | Comments: 0
Source: Space.com
Posted on: Monday, Jan 28, 2008, 11:15am
Rating: | Views: 1494 | Comments: 0
Fractals in the sand
Researchers have confirmed a previously unobserved property of fluids by watching the fractal expansion of a pocket of gas into a thin layer of glass beads.
Researchers have confirmed a previously unobserved property of fluids by watching the fractal expansion of a pocket of gas into a thin layer of glass beads.
When Fire Strikes, Stop, Drop and... Sing?
"I throw more power into my voice, and now the flame is extinguished," wrote Irish scientist John Tyndall about his experiments with sound and fire in 1857. Countless public demonstrations and a handful of lab tests later, researchers are still struggling to determine exactly how sound snuffs flames.
"I throw more power into my voice, and now the flame is extinguished," wrote Irish scientist John Tyndall about his experiments with sound and fire in 1857. Countless public demonstrations and a handful of lab tests later, researchers are still struggling to determine exactly how sound snuffs flames.
Higgs Hiding in Plain Sight?
Thousands of particle physicists are spending billions to try to spot the elusive Higgs boson, which is key to explaining the origins of mass. But evidence of the Higgs boson--or at least a Higgs boson--may already be lying unnoticed in data from previous experiments, new calculations suggest.
Thousands of particle physicists are spending billions to try to spot the elusive Higgs boson, which is key to explaining the origins of mass. But evidence of the Higgs boson--or at least a Higgs boson--may already be lying unnoticed in data from previous experiments, new calculations suggest.
Physics
Source: Science
Posted on: Thursday, Jan 24, 2008, 11:48am
Rating: | Views: 1504 | Comments: 0
Source: Science
Posted on: Thursday, Jan 24, 2008, 11:48am
Rating: | Views: 1504 | Comments: 0
The Universe's Particle Accelerator is Bigger than Ours
Ever since the 1930s, scientists have known that accelerating subatomic particles and smashing them was a pretty good way to study the underlying makeup of the universe. But it turns out the universe does this just for fun.
Ever since the 1930s, scientists have known that accelerating subatomic particles and smashing them was a pretty good way to study the underlying makeup of the universe. But it turns out the universe does this just for fun.
JILA solves problem of quantum dot 'blinking'
Quantum dots—tiny, intense, tunable sources of colorful light—are illuminating new opportunities in biomedical research, cryptography and other fields. But these semiconductor nanocrystals also have a secret problem, a kind of nervous tic. They mysteriously tend to “blink” on and off like Christmas tree lights, which can reduce their usefulness.
Quantum dots—tiny, intense, tunable sources of colorful light—are illuminating new opportunities in biomedical research, cryptography and other fields. But these semiconductor nanocrystals also have a secret problem, a kind of nervous tic. They mysteriously tend to “blink” on and off like Christmas tree lights, which can reduce their usefulness.
Physics
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Jan 24, 2008, 11:47am
Rating: | Views: 1195 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Jan 24, 2008, 11:47am
Rating: | Views: 1195 | Comments: 0
New Method Of Observing Interactions In Nanoscale Systems
Scientists have used new optical technologies to observe interactions in nanoscale systems that Heisenberg's uncertainty principle usually would prohibit, according to a new study.
Scientists have used new optical technologies to observe interactions in nanoscale systems that Heisenberg's uncertainty principle usually would prohibit, according to a new study.
Physics
Source: Science Daily
Posted on: Saturday, Jan 19, 2008, 6:55pm
Rating: | Views: 1255 | Comments: 0
Source: Science Daily
Posted on: Saturday, Jan 19, 2008, 6:55pm
Rating: | Views: 1255 | Comments: 0
Virtual Biopsy Cuts Out Need For Diagnostic Surgery
A non-invasive diagnostic tool to detect surface cancers quickly and painlessly using technology currently employed by gyms to calculate body composition has been developed by a QUT PhD medical physics researcher.
A non-invasive diagnostic tool to detect surface cancers quickly and painlessly using technology currently employed by gyms to calculate body composition has been developed by a QUT PhD medical physics researcher.
Healthcare
Source: Science Daily
Posted on: Saturday, Jan 19, 2008, 6:54pm
Rating: | Views: 1595 | Comments: 0
Source: Science Daily
Posted on: Saturday, Jan 19, 2008, 6:54pm
Rating: | Views: 1595 | Comments: 0
How Do Scientists Know the Universe is Expanding?
We thought we’d ask Geza Gyuk, Director of Astronomy at the Adler Planetarium and a research scientist at the University of Chicago. Here's what he said
We thought we’d ask Geza Gyuk, Director of Astronomy at the Adler Planetarium and a research scientist at the University of Chicago. Here's what he said
Physics
Source: LiveScience
Posted on: Saturday, Jan 19, 2008, 6:54pm
Rating: | Views: 1230 | Comments: 0
Source: LiveScience
Posted on: Saturday, Jan 19, 2008, 6:54pm
Rating: | Views: 1230 | Comments: 0
Experimental cosmology: Cosmos in a bottle
Physicists often borrow techniques from other fields. But how far can this get you?
Physicists often borrow techniques from other fields. But how far can this get you?
Physics
Source: Nature
Posted on: Thursday, Jan 17, 2008, 10:44am
Rating: | Views: 1304 | Comments: 0
Source: Nature
Posted on: Thursday, Jan 17, 2008, 10:44am
Rating: | Views: 1304 | Comments: 0
Beefing Up Magnets For Electric-drive Cars
Ask Iver Anderson at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory about consumer interest in and desire for “ultragreen” electric-drive vehicles, and he’ll reply without a moment’s hesitation that the trend is unstoppable and growing fast.
Ask Iver Anderson at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory about consumer interest in and desire for “ultragreen” electric-drive vehicles, and he’ll reply without a moment’s hesitation that the trend is unstoppable and growing fast.
Physics
Source: Science Daily
Posted on: Monday, Jan 14, 2008, 11:01am
Rating: | Views: 1452 | Comments: 0
Source: Science Daily
Posted on: Monday, Jan 14, 2008, 11:01am
Rating: | Views: 1452 | Comments: 0
Turning Waste Heat into Power
Silicon is more abundant than the leading thermoelectric materials and has a vast manufacturing infrastructure behind it, it could eventually yield cheap devices for generating power from engines' waste heat or from solar heat.
Silicon is more abundant than the leading thermoelectric materials and has a vast manufacturing infrastructure behind it, it could eventually yield cheap devices for generating power from engines' waste heat or from solar heat.
Physics
Source: Technology Review
Posted on: Monday, Jan 14, 2008, 11:00am
Rating: | Views: 1351 | Comments: 0
Source: Technology Review
Posted on: Monday, Jan 14, 2008, 11:00am
Rating: | Views: 1351 | Comments: 0
New Understanding For Superconductivity At High Temperatures
A magnetic field can interact with the electrons in a superconductor in ways never before observed. Andrea D. Bianchi, the lead researcher from the Université de Montréal, explains in the January 11 edition of the journal Science what he discovered in an exceptional compound of metals that loses its resistance when cooled to just a couple of degrees above absolute zero.
A magnetic field can interact with the electrons in a superconductor in ways never before observed. Andrea D. Bianchi, the lead researcher from the Université de Montréal, explains in the January 11 edition of the journal Science what he discovered in an exceptional compound of metals that loses its resistance when cooled to just a couple of degrees above absolute zero.
Physics
Source: Science Daily
Posted on: Sunday, Jan 13, 2008, 3:14pm
Rating: | Views: 1571 | Comments: 0
Source: Science Daily
Posted on: Sunday, Jan 13, 2008, 3:14pm
Rating: | Views: 1571 | Comments: 0
Super-computer Could Throw Light On 'Mysterious' Dark Energy
Cosmologists have run a series of huge computer simulations of the Universe that could ultimately help solve the mystery of dark energy.
Cosmologists have run a series of huge computer simulations of the Universe that could ultimately help solve the mystery of dark energy.
Physics
Source: Science Daily
Posted on: Friday, Jan 11, 2008, 10:33am
Rating: | Views: 1786 | Comments: 0
Source: Science Daily
Posted on: Friday, Jan 11, 2008, 10:33am
Rating: | Views: 1786 | Comments: 0
Desert Mystery Has Electrifying Answer
Sweeping sands across the Sahara and other dune expanses are blown by more than just wind, scientists have discovered. Powerful electric fields spring up near the desert floor and propel sand grains into the air.
Sweeping sands across the Sahara and other dune expanses are blown by more than just wind, scientists have discovered. Powerful electric fields spring up near the desert floor and propel sand grains into the air.
Physics
Source: LiveScience
Posted on: Thursday, Jan 10, 2008, 9:45am
Rating: | Views: 1666 | Comments: 0
Source: LiveScience
Posted on: Thursday, Jan 10, 2008, 9:45am
Rating: | Views: 1666 | Comments: 0
Ocean 'hum' hotspot located
Researchers have located an area between the Labrador Sea and Iceland where waves collide and send vibrations to the ocean’s floor, creating a hum that can be detected for thousands of kilometres
Researchers have located an area between the Labrador Sea and Iceland where waves collide and send vibrations to the ocean’s floor, creating a hum that can be detected for thousands of kilometres
Physics
Source: Nature
Posted on: Wednesday, Jan 09, 2008, 10:04am
Rating: | Views: 1315 | Comments: 0
Source: Nature
Posted on: Wednesday, Jan 09, 2008, 10:04am
Rating: | Views: 1315 | Comments: 0
When Superconductivity Became Clear (to Some)
Fifty years ago, a paper appeared in the journal Physical Review with an answer to a physics puzzle: superconductivity.
Fifty years ago, a paper appeared in the journal Physical Review with an answer to a physics puzzle: superconductivity.
Why Do Drops of Liquid Form Spheres in Space?
Whether water sits in a lake or a glass of water, Earth’s gravity pulls the liquid downward into the shape of the container it’s in.
Whether water sits in a lake or a glass of water, Earth’s gravity pulls the liquid downward into the shape of the container it’s in.
Physics
Source: LiveScience
Posted on: Saturday, Jan 05, 2008, 1:55pm
Rating: | Views: 1220 | Comments: 0
Source: LiveScience
Posted on: Saturday, Jan 05, 2008, 1:55pm
Rating: | Views: 1220 | Comments: 0
Smaller is stronger -- now scientists know why
As structures made of metal get smaller -- as their dimensions approach the micrometer scale (millionths of a meter) or less -- they get stronger. Scientists discovered this phenomenon 50 years ago while measuring the strength of tin "whiskers" a few micrometers in diameter and a few millimeters in length.
As structures made of metal get smaller -- as their dimensions approach the micrometer scale (millionths of a meter) or less -- they get stronger. Scientists discovered this phenomenon 50 years ago while measuring the strength of tin "whiskers" a few micrometers in diameter and a few millimeters in length.
Physics
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Jan 03, 2008, 9:13am
Rating: | Views: 1139 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Jan 03, 2008, 9:13am
Rating: | Views: 1139 | Comments: 0
Solving Another Mystery Of An Amazing Water Walker
Walking on water may seem like a miracle to humans, but it is a ho-hum for the water strider and scientists who already solved the mystery of that amazing ability. Now researchers in Korea are reporting a long-sought explanation for the water strider's baffling ability to leap onto a liquid surface without sinking.
Walking on water may seem like a miracle to humans, but it is a ho-hum for the water strider and scientists who already solved the mystery of that amazing ability. Now researchers in Korea are reporting a long-sought explanation for the water strider's baffling ability to leap onto a liquid surface without sinking.
Physics
Source: Science Daily
Posted on: Wednesday, Jan 02, 2008, 9:45am
Rating: | Views: 1588 | Comments: 0
Source: Science Daily
Posted on: Wednesday, Jan 02, 2008, 9:45am
Rating: | Views: 1588 | Comments: 0
The Big Bang Wasn't the Beginning
What if the Big Bang wasn't the beginning of the universe, but only one stage in an endlessly repeated cycle of universal expansion and contraction?
What if the Big Bang wasn't the beginning of the universe, but only one stage in an endlessly repeated cycle of universal expansion and contraction?
Time Itself May Be Slowing Down
For a decade, scientists have puzzled over a surprising phenomenon: Supernovae stars viewed at extreme distances seem to be moving away from us faster than those nearby.
For a decade, scientists have puzzled over a surprising phenomenon: Supernovae stars viewed at extreme distances seem to be moving away from us faster than those nearby.
On the Ground and in the Water, Tracing a Giant Wave’s Path
Next to the office of Harindra Joseph S. Fernando at Arizona State University is a 107-foot-long wave tank that can mimic oceanic motions.
Next to the office of Harindra Joseph S. Fernando at Arizona State University is a 107-foot-long wave tank that can mimic oceanic motions.
Towards Cloaking Visible Light:
Last year researchers from Duke University stunned the world when they announced a cloaking device for the microwave range. This device made use of metamaterials that had a negative refractive index for electromagnetic radiation. The metamaterials were carefully designed split-ring resonators with a structure size much smaller than the wavelength. Only 10 stacked layers of metamaterials were neces
Last year researchers from Duke University stunned the world when they announced a cloaking device for the microwave range. This device made use of metamaterials that had a negative refractive index for electromagnetic radiation. The metamaterials were carefully designed split-ring resonators with a structure size much smaller than the wavelength. Only 10 stacked layers of metamaterials were neces
Physics
Source: Science Daily
Posted on: Monday, Dec 24, 2007, 9:59am
Rating: | Views: 1643 | Comments: 0
Source: Science Daily
Posted on: Monday, Dec 24, 2007, 9:59am
Rating: | Views: 1643 | Comments: 0
Cryptic Messages Boost Data Security
The Swiss national elections in October 2007 provided the opportunity to witness quantum cryptography in ‘real-life’ action for the first time. Geneva was first in line to test the unbreakable data code developed by Swiss start-up company id Quantique, paving the way for a new era in data security.
The Swiss national elections in October 2007 provided the opportunity to witness quantum cryptography in ‘real-life’ action for the first time. Geneva was first in line to test the unbreakable data code developed by Swiss start-up company id Quantique, paving the way for a new era in data security.
Physics
Source: Science Daily
Posted on: Sunday, Dec 23, 2007, 4:37pm
Rating: | Views: 1323 | Comments: 0
Source: Science Daily
Posted on: Sunday, Dec 23, 2007, 4:37pm
Rating: | Views: 1323 | Comments: 0
A lab model of the early Universe
Can you model what happened in the early Universe in the laboratory? Yes, according to one group of physicists. A team at Lancaster University in the United Kingdom has used liquid helium and a magnetic field to build a finger-sized representation of the early cosmos. Their findings, published today in Nature Physics, could help string theorists to refine their models.
Can you model what happened in the early Universe in the laboratory? Yes, according to one group of physicists. A team at Lancaster University in the United Kingdom has used liquid helium and a magnetic field to build a finger-sized representation of the early cosmos. Their findings, published today in Nature Physics, could help string theorists to refine their models.
No Dice for Slow Roll?
When light from the big bang cooled, it left microwave radiation spread throughout space. This fiery glow holds clues to the characteristics of the early universe and the secrets of its formation. Now, a team of researchers has announced that temperature fluctuations in the glow clash with one well-accepted theory of how the universe formed.
When light from the big bang cooled, it left microwave radiation spread throughout space. This fiery glow holds clues to the characteristics of the early universe and the secrets of its formation. Now, a team of researchers has announced that temperature fluctuations in the glow clash with one well-accepted theory of how the universe formed.
Physics
Source: Science
Posted on: Saturday, Dec 22, 2007, 4:34pm
Rating: | Views: 1562 | Comments: 0
Source: Science
Posted on: Saturday, Dec 22, 2007, 4:34pm
Rating: | Views: 1562 | Comments: 0
Counterintuitive Alert: Straight Hair Gets More Tangled
Curly fibers pass like ships in the night.
Curly fibers pass like ships in the night.
Physics
Source: Discover Magazine
Posted on: Saturday, Dec 22, 2007, 4:34pm
Rating: | Views: 1504 | Comments: 0
Source: Discover Magazine
Posted on: Saturday, Dec 22, 2007, 4:34pm
Rating: | Views: 1504 | Comments: 0
Two constants to rule us all
How many physical constants does it take to describe the Universe? The answer, according to a team of physicists in Brazil, is just two.
How many physical constants does it take to describe the Universe? The answer, according to a team of physicists in Brazil, is just two.
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