Physics

Twin black hole mergers test Einstein's general relativity

Two black hole collisions detected in late 2024 have provided unprecedented tests of Einstein's general theory of relativity. The events, captured by the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration, revealed unusual spins and possible second-generation black holes. These detections confirm theoretical predictions with high precision and probe for new particles.

Mathematicians uncover reset method for undoing rotations

17 अक्टूबर 2025 Theo Klein

Researchers have discovered a universal way to reverse complex rotations of objects by scaling the motion and repeating it twice. This finding, applicable to spins, qubits, and robotic arms, relies on properties of three-dimensional rotation space. The proof could aid fields like medical imaging and robotics.

Auburn scientists create materials to control free electrons

Researchers at Auburn University have developed a new type of material that precisely controls free electrons, potentially revolutionizing quantum computing and chemical manufacturing. By immobilizing solvated electron precursors on stable surfaces, the team achieved tunable electron behavior. The findings were published in ACS Materials Letters.

Physicists manipulate material properties with light pulses

24 अक्टूबर 2025 Theo Klein

Researchers at the University of Konstanz have developed a technique to alter the magnetic properties of materials using laser pulses, effectively transforming one material into another at room temperature. By exciting pairs of magnons in common haematite crystals, the method enables non-thermal control of magnetic states and potential data transmission at terahertz speeds. This breakthrough could allow quantum effects to be studied without extreme cooling.

Researchers use sugar crystals to hunt for light dark matter particles

Physicists at the Max Planck Institute have developed a novel detector using ordinary table sugar to search for lightweight dark matter particles known as WIMPs. The experiment cooled sucrose crystals to near absolute zero but detected no signs of the elusive particles after 19 hours. This approach targets interactions with hydrogen atoms in sugar, offering a new angle in the long quest to uncover dark matter.

Researchers identify limits of quantum computers on exotic matter

Scientists have proven that even advanced quantum computers may fail to identify certain exotic quantum phases of matter, describing it as a 'nightmare scenario.' This finding highlights potential boundaries in quantum computation despite its promises. The research, led by Thomas Schuster at Caltech, connects quantum information science with physics fundamentals.

Physicists uncover rotating crystals with lifelike properties

A team of physicists has discovered unusual rotating crystals made of spinning particles that exhibit behaviors resembling living matter, such as twisting instead of stretching and self-reassembly after breaking. These materials, governed by transverse interactions, challenge conventional crystal growth rules. The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggest potential applications in technology and biology.

Physicists measure trillion-degree heat in Big Bang plasma

Researchers at Rice University have captured the temperature profile of quark-gluon plasma, the ultra-hot matter from the universe's dawn. By analyzing electron-positron emissions from atomic collisions, they determined precise temperatures at different evolutionary stages. The findings, published in Nature Communications, refine understanding of early cosmic conditions.

Chalmers researchers develop platform to study nanoscale forces

Scientists at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have created a simple optical platform using gold flakes in salt water to visualize quantum and electrostatic forces at the nanoscale. These forces, described as 'nature's invisible glue,' bind tiny objects and could inform advancements in biosensors, medicines, and even galaxy formation. The technique reveals interactions through colorful light patterns observed under a microscope.

Scientists make germanium superconducting for the first time

30 अक्टूबर 2025 Theo Klein

Researchers have achieved superconductivity in germanium, a common semiconductor, by precisely doping it with gallium atoms. This breakthrough, detailed in a new study, could enable more efficient quantum devices and cryogenic electronics. The material conducts electricity with zero resistance at 3.5 Kelvin.

New model revives Einstein's idea for universe's origin

Scientists from Spain and Italy have proposed a model that replaces cosmic inflation with gravitational waves as the key force in the universe's early formation. Published in Physical Review Research, the study suggests gravity and quantum mechanics alone can explain the cosmos's structure. This approach draws on a century-old concept linked to Albert Einstein's work.

Scientists combine neutrino data to explore matter's dominance

In a landmark collaboration, researchers from the T2K experiment in Japan and NOvA in the United States have merged their data for the most precise study yet of neutrino oscillations. This joint analysis, published in Nature, advances understanding of why matter prevailed over antimatter in the early universe. The effort highlights the power of international teamwork in probing cosmic mysteries.