Energy: Nuclear Energy: Technology Physics: General
Published

With inspiration from 'Tetris,' researchers develop a better radiation detector      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

A new detector system based on the game 'Tetris' could enable inexpensive, accurate radiation detectors for monitoring nuclear sites.

Energy: Nuclear Engineering: Nanotechnology Physics: General Physics: Quantum Computing Physics: Quantum Physics
Published

Researchers discover 'neutronic molecules'      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Researchers have discovered 'neutronic' molecules, in which neutrons can be made to cling to quantum dots, held just by the strong force. The finding may lead to new tools for probing material properties at the quantum level and exploring new kinds of quantum information processing devices.

Energy: Alternative Fuels Energy: Nuclear Physics: General
Published

Nuclear fusion, lithium and the tokamak: Adding just enough fuel to the fire      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Building upon recent findings showing the promise of coating the inner surface of the vessel containing a fusion plasma in liquid lithium, researchers have determined the maximum density of uncharged particles at the edge of a plasma before certain instabilities become unpredictable. The research includes observations, numerical simulations and analysis from their experiments inside a fusion plasma vessel called the Lithium Tokamak Experiment-Beta (LTX- ). This is the first time such a level has been established for LTX- , and knowing it is a big step in their mission to prove lithium is the ideal choice for an inner-wall coating in a tokamak because it guides them toward the best practices for fueling their plasmas.

Biology: Biochemistry Biology: General Biology: Marine Biology: Zoology Chemistry: Biochemistry Ecology: Sea Life Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

Caller ID of the sea: Tagging whale communication and behavior      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Biologists use a novel method of simultaneous acoustic tagging to gain insights into the link between whale communication and behavior

Chemistry: Biochemistry Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

New ultrasound technology may revolutionize respiratory disease diagnoses      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

By evaluating sound vibrations produced by the airflow induced within the lungs and bronchial tree during normal breathing as well as those produced by the larynx during vocalizations, doctors can identify potential disease-related abnormalities within the respiratory system. Researchers demonstrate the efficacy of ultrasound technology to detect low-amplitude movements produced by vocalizations at the surface of the chest. They also demonstrated the possibility of using the airborne ultrasound surface motion camera to map these vibrations during short durations so as to illustrate their evolution.

Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry Energy: Nuclear Physics: General Physics: Optics Physics: Quantum Physics
Published

Plasma oscillations propel breakthroughs in fusion energy      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Researchers have discovered a new class of plasma oscillations -- the back-and-forth, wave-like movement of electrons and ions. The research paves the way for improved particle accelerators and commercial fusion energy.

Geoscience: Earthquakes Offbeat: Earth and Climate Offbeat: General Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

What kinds of seismic signals did Swifties send at LA concert?      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Seattle may have experienced its own Swift Quake last July, but at an August 2023 concert Taylor Swift's fans in Los Angeles gave scientists a lot of shaking to ponder. After some debate, a research team concluded that it was likely the dancing and jumping motions of the audience at SoFi Stadium -- not the musical beats or reverberations of the sound system -- that generated the concert's distinct harmonic tremors.

Chemistry: Biochemistry Energy: Nuclear Mathematics: Modeling Physics: General Space: Cosmology Space: General
Published

AI for astrophysics: Algorithms help chart the origins of heavy elements      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

The origin of heavy elements in our universe is theorized to be the result of neutron star collisions, which produce conditions hot and dense enough for free neutrons to merge with atomic nuclei and form new elements in a split-second window of time. Testing this theory and answering other astrophysical questions requires predictions for a vast range of masses of atomic nuclei. Scientists are using machine learning algorithms to successfully model the atomic masses of the entire nuclide chart -- the combination of all possible protons and neutrons that defines elements and their isotopes.

Chemistry: Thermodynamics Energy: Nuclear Physics: General
Published

Preventing magnet meltdowns before they can start      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

High-temperature superconductor magnets have the potential to lower the costs of operating particle accelerators and enable powerful new technologies like fusion reactors. But quenches -- the sudden, destructive events wherein a part of the material loses superconductivity -- are a major barrier to their deployment. Scientists have developed an approach to prevent quenches altogether, rather than simply trying to manage them after they occur.

Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

Shape-shifting ultrasound stickers detect post-surgical complications      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Gastrointestinal surgeries carry risk of fluid leaks, a potentially life-threatening complication. But no existing methods can reliably and non-invasively detect these leaks. To address this unmet need, researchers developed a tiny, soft, flexible sticker that changes in shape inside the body, enabling standard ultrasound tech to detect leaks for earlier detection and intervention. After the patient has recovered, the soft, tiny sticker simply dissolves away.

Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

Doctors can now watch spinal cord activity during surgery      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Scientists can make high resolution images of the human spinal cord during surgery. The advancement could help bring real relief to millions suffering chronic back pain.

Chemistry: Biochemistry Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

Advanced noise suppression technology for improved search and rescue drones      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are beneficial in search and rescue missions during natural disasters like earthquakes. However, current UAVs depend on visual information and cannot detect victims trapped under rubble. While some studies have used sound for detection, the noise from UAV propellers can drown out human sounds. To address this issue, researchers have developed a novel artificial intelligence-based system that effectively suppresses UAV noise and amplifies human sounds.

Energy: Nuclear Physics: General
Published

One way to improve a fusion reaction: Use weaknesses as strengths      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Scientists are embracing imperfection, using less-than-ideal magnetic fields to make the plasma more manageable.

Chemistry: Biochemistry Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound Physics: Optics
Published

New cardiovascular imaging approach provides a better view of dangerous plaques      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Researchers have developed a new catheter-based device that combines two powerful optical techniques to image the dangerous plaques that can build up inside the arteries that supply blood to the heart. By providing new details about plaque, the device could help clinicians and researchers improve treatments for preventing heart attacks and strokes.

Mathematics: General Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound
Published

Pythagoras was wrong: there are no universal musical harmonies, new study finds      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

The tone and tuning of musical instruments has the power to manipulate our appreciation of harmony, new research shows. The findings challenge centuries of Western music theory and encourage greater experimentation with instruments from different cultures.

Energy: Nuclear Physics: General Physics: Optics Physics: Quantum Physics
Published

Laser-focused look at spinning electrons shatters world record for precision      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Nuclear physicists have shattered a nearly 30-year-old record for precision in electron beam polarimetry. The groundbreaking result sets the stage for high-profile experiments that could open the door to new physics discoveries.

Energy: Nuclear Environmental: General Environmental: Water Geoscience: Environmental Issues Space: Astrophysics Space: General
Published

Measuring neutrons to reduce nuclear waste      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Nuclear power is considered one of the ways to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, but how to deal with nuclear waste products is a concern. Radioactive waste products can be turned into more stable elements, but this process is not yet viable at scale. New research reveals a method to more accurately measure, predict and model a key part of the process to make nuclear waste more stable. This could lead to improved nuclear waste treatment facilities and also to new theories about how some heavier elements in the universe came to be.

Chemistry: Biochemistry Energy: Nuclear Physics: General Space: Astrophysics Space: General Space: Structures and Features
Published

New nuclei can help shape our understanding of fundamental science on Earth and in the cosmos      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

In creating five new isotopes, scientists have brought the stars closer to Earth. The isotopes are known as thulium-182, thulium-183, ytterbium-186, ytterbium-187 and lutetium-190.

Computer Science: General Computer Science: Quantum Computers Physics: Acoustics and Ultrasound Physics: General Physics: Quantum Computing Physics: Quantum Physics
Published

Fundamental equation for superconducting quantum bits revised      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Physicists have uncovered that Josephson tunnel junctions -- the fundamental building blocks of superconducting quantum computers -- are more complex than previously thought. Just like overtones in a musical instrument, harmonics are superimposed on the fundamental mode. As a consequence, corrections may lead to quantum bits that are 2 to 7 times more stable. The researchers support their findings with experimental evidence from multiple laboratories across the globe.