Phys.org news tagged with:atoms https://phys.org/ en-us Phys.org internet news portal provides the latest news on science including: Physics, Nanotechnology, Life Sciences, Space Science, Earth Science, Environment, Health and Medicine. Dark matter could have slight interaction with regular matter, study suggests The reason we call dark matter dark isn't that it's some shadowy material. It's because dark matter doesn't interact with light. The difference is subtle, but important. Regular matter can be dark because it absorbs light. It's why, for example, we can see the shadow of molecular clouds against the scattered stars of the Milky Way. This is possible because light and matter have a way to connect. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-dark-slight-interaction-regular.html Astronomy Thu, 26 Sep 2024 15:10:05 EDT news646582201 Improving industrial scale lactoferrin production with synthetic biological systems Lactoferrin (LF), a multifunctional glycoprotein of the transferrin family, is naturally expressed in human and cow milk. The name "LF" is derived from its ability to bind to iron (ferrin, a suffix indicating iron-binding protein). https://phys.org/news/2024-09-industrial-scale-lactoferrin-production-synthetic.html Biotechnology Molecular & Computational biology Wed, 25 Sep 2024 16:39:04 EDT news646501141 How sweet is the Milky Way? Astrochemist is helping find out Astrochemist Ryan Fortenberry, UM associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, collaborated with Ralf Kaiser, of the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, to study the creation of a simple sugar acid in space-like conditions. This molecule, glyceric acid, is considered a "building block" of life. The journal Physik in unserer Zeit recently published their research (in German). https://phys.org/news/2024-09-sweet-milky-astrochemist.html Astrobiology Wed, 25 Sep 2024 13:50:01 EDT news646487513 'Writing' with atoms could transform materials fabrication for quantum devices A new technology to continuously place individual atoms exactly where they are needed could lead to new materials for devices that address critical needs for the field of quantum computing and communication that cannot be produced by conventional means, say scientists who developed it. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-atoms-materials-fabrication-quantum-devices.html Nanophysics Nanomaterials Tue, 24 Sep 2024 17:24:04 EDT news646417441 Discovering new energy levels in atomic hyperfine structures Since the late 1960s, the Laboratoire Aimé Cotton (LAC) in Orsay, France, has made significant progress in the classification of complex atomic spectra. These advances have been driven both by the development of Fourier transform spectroscopy, and through novel theoretical interpretations of atomic spectra. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-energy-atomic-hyperfine.html General Physics Tue, 24 Sep 2024 12:33:52 EDT news646400023 Neutron experiments settle 40-year debate on enzyme for drug design In just two neutron experiments, scientists discovered remarkable details about the function of an enzyme that can aid drug design for aggressive cancers. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-neutron-year-debate-enzyme-drug.html Biochemistry Analytical Chemistry Tue, 24 Sep 2024 12:14:05 EDT news646398841 Team studies the emergence of fluctuating hydrodynamics in chaotic quantum systems Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Max-Planck-Institut für Quantenoptik, Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology (MCQST) and the University of Massachusetts recently carried out a study investigating the equilibrium fluctuations in large quantum systems. Their paper, published in Nature Physics, outlines the results of large-scale quantum simulations performed using a quantum gas microscope, an experimental tool used to image and manipulate individual atoms in ultracold atomic gases. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-team-emergence-fluctuating-hydrodynamics-chaotic.html Quantum Physics Tue, 24 Sep 2024 07:30:01 EDT news646326741 Paving the way for new treatments with a tool that builds 3D structures of protein complexes A University of Missouri researcher has created a computer program that can unravel the mysteries of how proteins work together—giving scientists valuable insights to better prevent, diagnose and treat cancer and other diseases. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-paving-treatments-tool-3d-protein.html Molecular & Computational biology Mon, 23 Sep 2024 16:01:45 EDT news646326097 Scientists propose a new method to search for dark matter using LIGO A new study published in Physical Review Letters (PRL) proposes using gravitational wave detectors like LIGO to search for scalar field dark matter. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-scientists-method-dark-ligo.html General Physics Optics & Photonics Fri, 20 Sep 2024 09:00:01 EDT news646041421 New study uncovers unexpected interaction between Mars and the solar wind Scientists of the Swedish Institute of Space Physics (IRF) in Kiruna and Umeå University find that under certain conditions the induced magnetosphere of Mars can degenerate. The findings are presented in a new study published in Nature. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-uncovers-unexpected-interaction-mars-solar.html Planetary Sciences Thu, 19 Sep 2024 12:10:30 EDT news645966628 Researchers simplify design of optical atomic clocks without compromising performance Researchers have demonstrated a new optical atomic clock that uses a single laser and doesn't require cryogenic temperatures. By greatly reducing the size and complexity of atomic clocks without sacrificing accuracy and stability, this advance could lead to high-performance atomic clocks that are compact and portable. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-optical-atomic-clocks-compromising.html Quantum Physics Wed, 18 Sep 2024 14:09:03 EDT news645887341 Physicists reveal evolution of shell structure using machine learning A research team has used a machine learning approach to investigate the evolution of shell structure for nuclei far from the stability valley. The study, published in Physics Letters B and conducted by researchers from the Institute of Modern Physics (IMP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huzhou University, and the University of Paris-Saclay, reveals the double-magic nature of tin-100 and the disappearance of the magic number 20 in oxygen-28. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-physicists-reveal-evolution-shell-machine.html General Physics Wed, 18 Sep 2024 12:33:16 EDT news645881590 Reinventing the clock: NASA's new tech for space timekeeping Here on Earth, it might not matter if your wristwatch runs a few seconds slow. But crucial spacecraft functions need accuracy down to one billionth of a second or less. Navigating with GPS, for example, relies on precise timing signals from satellites to pinpoint locations. Three teams at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, are at work to push timekeeping for space exploration to new levels of precision. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-reinventing-clock-nasa-tech-space.html Space Exploration Wed, 18 Sep 2024 12:28:04 EDT news645881281 Study identifies superionic iron hydride as key to ultralow-velocity zones at Earth's core-mantle boundary The core-mantle boundary (CMB) is a crucial interface within the Earth, marking the boundary between the outer core and the lower mantle. For the past two decades, seismological studies have identified anomalous low-velocity zones above the CMB, such as the large low-shear-velocity provinces (LLSVPs) beneath Africa and the Pacific. Smaller ultralow-velocity zones (ULVZs) have been detected in these regions, characterized by significantly lower seismic wave speeds and higher densities compared to the surrounding mantle. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-superionic-iron-hydride-key-ultralow.html Earth Sciences Mon, 16 Sep 2024 12:04:50 EDT news645707088 Using sunlight to turn greenhouse gases into valuable chemicals McGill University researchers have harnessed the power of sunlight to transform two of the most harmful greenhouse gases into valuable chemicals. The discovery could help combat climate change and provide a more sustainable way to produce certain industrial products. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-sunlight-greenhouse-gases-valuable-chemicals.html Analytical Chemistry Materials Science Mon, 16 Sep 2024 10:08:13 EDT news645700084 Physicists achieve high selectivity in nanostructures using selenium doping Physicists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have achieved controlled conformational arrangements in nanostructures using a flexible precursor and selenium doping, enhancing material properties and structural homogeneity. Their method advances on-surface synthesis for the design and development of engineered nanomaterials. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-physicists-high-nanostructures-selenium-doping.html Nanophysics Nanomaterials Mon, 16 Sep 2024 09:27:04 EDT news645697622 Device malfunctions from continuous current lead to discovery that can improve design of microelectronic devices A new study led by researchers at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is providing new insights into how next-generation electronics, including memory components in computers, break down or degrade over time. Understanding the reasons for degradation could help improve efficiency of data storage solutions. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-device-malfunctions-current-discovery-microelectronic.html Nanophysics Nanomaterials Fri, 13 Sep 2024 12:40:01 EDT news645449793 Findings from experimental setup demonstrate potential for compact and portable nuclear clocks Scientists use atomic clocks to measure the "second," the smallest standard unit of time, with great precision. These clocks use natural oscillations of electrons in atoms, similar to how pendulums work in old grandfather clocks. The quest for an even more precise timekeeper led to the discovery of nuclear clocks, which use the transitions of atomic nuclei instead of electrons to keep time. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-experimental-setup-potential-compact-portable.html General Physics Quantum Physics Fri, 13 Sep 2024 12:36:49 EDT news645449802 Scientists develop artificial sugars to enhance disease diagnosis and treatment accuracy Scientists have found a way to create artificial sugars that could lead to better ways to diagnose and treat diseases more accurately than ever before. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-scientists-artificial-sugars-disease-diagnosis.html Biotechnology Molecular & Computational biology Fri, 13 Sep 2024 10:35:04 EDT news645442501 New method to break down forever chemicals uses nanoparticles and ultrasound What do firefighting foam, non-stick cookware, water-repellent textiles and pesticides all have in common? They all contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS—human-made chemicals that don't break down naturally. It's no wonder, then, that PFAS are now contaminating soil and water and can also be detected in the bodies of humans and animals. The dangers are well known: these forever chemicals can damage the liver, trigger hormonal disorders and cause cancer, to mention just a few of their effects. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-method-chemicals-nanoparticles-ultrasound.html Bio & Medicine Nanomaterials Fri, 13 Sep 2024 09:29:23 EDT news645438559 Organization of DNA in chromosomes can be explained by weak interactions between nucleosomes, research suggests An article by UAB professor Joan-Ramon Daban analyzes in depth the physical problems associated with DNA packaging that have often been neglected in structural models of chromosomes. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-dna-chromosomes-weak-interactions-nucleosomes.html Molecular & Computational biology Thu, 12 Sep 2024 15:00:04 EDT news645372002 Researchers solve long-standing mystery of alumina surface structure Aluminum oxide (Al2O3), also known as alumina, corundum, sapphire, or ruby, is one of the best insulators used in a wide range of applications: in electronic components, as a support material for catalysts, or as a chemically resistant ceramic, to name a few. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-mystery-alumina-surface.html Analytical Chemistry Materials Science Thu, 12 Sep 2024 14:37:03 EDT news645370621 Quantum researchers cause controlled 'wobble' in the nucleus of a single atom Researchers from Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands have been able to initiate a controlled movement in the very heart of an atom. They caused the atomic nucleus to interact with one of the electrons in the outermost shells of the atom. This electron could be manipulated and read out through the needle of a scanning tunneling microscope. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-quantum-nucleus-atom.html Quantum Physics Thu, 12 Sep 2024 12:18:03 EDT news645362281 NASA to develop lunar time standard for exploration initiatives NASA will coordinate with U.S. government stakeholders, partners, and international standards organizations to establish a Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC) following a policy directive from the White House in April. The agency's Space Communication and Navigation (SCaN) program is leading efforts on creating a coordinated time, which will enable a future lunar ecosystem that could be scalable to other locations in our solar system. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-nasa-lunar-standard-exploration.html Space Exploration Thu, 12 Sep 2024 12:01:03 EDT news645361261 'Fussy' molecules prefer one direction over the other, chiral copolymer study finds Despite their identical composition, molecules that are mirror images can interact differently with light and electrical current depending on their "handedness," which is called chirality. In a study published in Chemical Communications, a research team from Osaka University has produced spin-coated chiral copolymer films that display strong spin polarization, which enables the films to act as "spin filters" that behave differently toward currents with opposite polarization directions. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-fussy-molecules-chiral-copolymer.html Polymers Analytical Chemistry Thu, 12 Sep 2024 10:30:14 EDT news645355805 Superior light-to-chemical energy conversion with Coulombic dyads Inspired by nature's photosynthesis, photocatalysts use light to trigger a chemical reaction that would otherwise only occur at high temperatures or under harsh conditions. For this concept to be widely applicable in an economical fashion, the quantum efficiency of the light-induced transformation has to be high. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-superior-chemical-energy-conversion-coulombic.html Analytical Chemistry Materials Science Wed, 11 Sep 2024 12:02:03 EDT news645274921 Discovery of a new phase of matter in 2D defies normal statistical mechanics Physicists from the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge have created the first two-dimensional version of the Bose glass, a novel phase of matter that challenges statistical mechanics. The details of the study have been published in Nature. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-discovery-phase-2d-defies-statistical.html General Physics Quantum Physics Wed, 11 Sep 2024 11:00:01 EDT news645264781 Sustainable energy: Researchers unveil new ways to control light absorption with iron compounds Scientists from the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz IPHT) and the Universities of Jena and Ulm have shown that the properties of special iron compounds that absorb light can be influenced by small changes in their chemical structure. These changes affect the so-called second coordination sphere—a region of the molecule that is not directly bound to the iron atom but nevertheless influences its behavior. By adding protons, the iron compounds react differently to the light they absorb. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-sustainable-energy-unveil-ways-absorption.html Analytical Chemistry Materials Science Tue, 10 Sep 2024 11:28:26 EDT news645186491 How a failed switch won the Nobel Prize In 2016, University of Groningen Professor of Organic Chemistry Ben Feringa and two of his colleagues were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for having created "the world's tiniest machines." Feringa had built a light-driven motor comprising one single molecule. The scientific article describing this molecular motor was published 25 years ago, on 9 September 1999, in Nature. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-won-nobel-prize.html Biochemistry Analytical Chemistry Mon, 09 Sep 2024 17:14:04 EDT news645120841 With AI, extreme microbe reveals how life's building blocks adapt to high pressure An assist from a Google Artificial Intelligence tool has helped scientists discover how the proteins of a heat-loving microbe respond to the crushing conditions of the planet's deepest ocean trenches, offering new insights into how these building blocks of life might have evolved under early Earth conditions. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-ai-extreme-microbe-reveals-life.html Cell & Microbiology Molecular & Computational biology Mon, 09 Sep 2024 15:50:04 EDT news645115802