Physics

Scientists make germanium superconducting for the first time

2025년 10월 30일 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.

MIT physicists devise molecular technique to probe atomic nuclei

2025년 10월 26일 Theo Klein

Physicists at MIT have developed a new method using molecules to investigate the interior of atomic nuclei, employing electrons as messengers in a tabletop setup. By studying radium monofluoride, they detected subtle energy shifts indicating electron interactions inside the nucleus. This approach could help explain the universe's matter-antimatter imbalance.

Early universe radio waves may reveal dark matter

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have proposed detecting faint radio waves from the cosmic dark ages to uncover dark matter's properties. These signals, emitted by hydrogen gas influenced by dark matter clumps just 100 million years after the Big Bang, could be best observed from the Moon. The findings, published in Nature Astronomy, highlight a new method to probe the Universe's earliest moments.

Scientists uncover hidden cavities in 2D materials

Researchers have discovered that stacks of two-dimensional materials naturally form microscopic cavities that trap light and electrons, altering quantum behavior without the need for mirrors. This finding, observed using a novel terahertz spectroscope, could enable new ways to control exotic quantum states. The study was published in Nature Physics.

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.

Physicist demystifies orbital navigation in space

Driving a spacecraft in orbit differs vastly from earthly driving, as explained by a physicist in a WIRED article. The piece contrasts sci-fi portrayals with real orbital mechanics. It highlights how gravity and acceleration govern space travel around planets.

Scientists create nanodiamonds using electron beams without heat

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a method to form nanodiamonds from organic molecules using electron beams, bypassing traditional high-pressure and high-temperature processes. This breakthrough protects delicate materials from beam damage and could advance fields like materials science and quantum computing. The discovery challenges long-held assumptions about electron irradiation.

Astronomers achieve sharpest view of distant star using single telescope

A UCLA-led team has captured the most detailed image ever of a disk around the distant star beta Canis Minoris using a innovative photonic lantern on a single telescope. This breakthrough reveals hidden structures without needing multiple telescopes. The discovery uncovers a lopsided hydrogen disk 162 light-years away.

Tiny worm uses static electricity to hunt flying insects

Scientists have discovered that a minuscule parasitic nematode employs static electricity to leap onto flying insects, boosting its hunting success dramatically. The research, involving high-speed imaging and mathematical models, reveals how electrostatic forces enable the worm to bridge gaps in midair. This finding highlights the role of invisible electrical interactions in small organisms' survival.

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.

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.

Auburn scientists create materials to control free electrons

2025년 10월 17일 Theo Klein

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.