Simulating microswimmers in nematic fluids
New research shows how control over self-propelled microswimmers could be achieved using exotic materials named 'nematic liquid crystals' - whose viscosity and elasticity can vary depending on the direction of an applied force......»»
Physicists discover a new switch for superconductivity
Under certain conditions—usually exceedingly cold ones—some materials shift their structure to unlock new, superconducting behavior. This structural shift is known as a "nematic transition," and physicists suspect that it offers a new way to driv.....»»
Unlocking the secrets to Mars by simulating the planet"s geology and hydrology
Humans have been fascinated by Mars probably since the first of the species turned their gaze to the night sky. Space exploration today attests to that continuing fascination......»»
"Treadmill" for microswimmers allows closer look at behavior
A team from the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis and Massachusetts Institute of Technology has created an acoustic microfluidic method that offers new opportunities to conduct experiments with swimming cells and mi.....»»
Study describes the melting of gold nanoparticles in gold-bearing fluids in the Earth"s crust
Gold is a precious metal that has always fascinated humans. From Priam's Treasure to the legend of El Dorado, gold—regarded as the noblest of metals—has been a symbol of splendor and wealth in many civilizations. Historically, gold deposits were.....»»
New study explains interaction between quantized vortices and normal fluids
Osaka Metropolitan University scientists investigated numerically the interaction between a quantized vortex and a normal fluid. Based on the experimental results, researchers decided the most consistent of several theoretical models. They found that.....»»
Forecasting tool used by the UN expands its range of crops to include alfalfa
The Department of Agronomy at the University of Cordoba, together with the IAS–CSIC, has improved the AquaCrop growth simulation model used by the UN by introducing the option of simulating alfalfa yield with precision......»»
Peanut butter is a liquid—the physics of this and other unexpected fluids
Those Transportation Security Administration requirements are drilled into every frequent flyer's head: You can carry on liquids that are only less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) in volume each......»»
Scientists take an important step toward using quantum computers to advance materials science
A team of scientists from the U.S. Department of Energy's Ames National Laboratory demonstrated a way to advance the role of quantum computing in materials research with an adaptive algorithm for simulating materials. Quantum computers have potential.....»»
Swedish quantum computer applied to chemistry for the first time
There are high expectations that quantum computers may deliver revolutionary new possibilities for simulating chemical processes. This could have a major impact on everything from the development of new pharmaceuticals to new materials. Researchers a.....»»
How to build a robot arm that can flex in the moon"s frigid south pole
Extreme cold is merciless on machinery. Fluids thicken to useless goo. Rubber seals stiffen and crack......»»
Why robotic worms could one day dig beneath your feet
Simulating an earthworm's movement is difficult, but could have very useful real-world applications......»»
Laboratory solar flares reveal clues to mechanism behind bursts of high-energy particles
Simulating solar flares on a scale the size of a banana, researchers at Caltech have parsed out the process by which these massive explosions blast potentially harmful energetic particles and X-rays into the cosmos. Their research is published in the.....»»
Earth"s anisotropic inner core structure driven by dipole geomagnetic field, reveals study
A geomagnetic field is generated in Earth's interior and extends into outer space to protect Earth from cosmic radiation and the charged particles of solar wind. The magnetic field is generated by the convection of charged molten iron fluids in Earth.....»»
To uncover new fluid flow laws, researchers turn to drinking straws
A team of researchers has uncovered new laws governing the flow of fluids through experiments on a technology thousands of years old: a drinking straw. This knowledge could be useful for improving fluid handling in medical and engineering application.....»»
An on-chip viscoelasticity sensor for biological fluids
A research paper by scientists at the Hebei University of Technology and Shenzhen University developed an on-chip viscoelasticity sensor for biological fluids......»»
Life in the smoke of underwater volcanoes
Deep down in the ocean at tectonic plate boundaries, hot fluids rise from hydrothermal vents. The fluids are devoid of oxygen and contain large amounts of metals such as iron, manganese or copper. Some may also transport sulfides, methane and hydroge.....»»
Researchers develop a new way to identify bacteria in fluids
Shine a laser on a drop of blood, mucus, or wastewater, and the light reflecting back can be used to positively identify bacteria in the sample......»»
A new way to identify stresses in complex fluids
Fluid dynamics researchers use many techniques to study turbulent flows like ocean currents, or the swirling atmosphere of other planets. Arezoo Adrekani's team has discovered that a mathematical construct used in these fields provides valuable infor.....»»
Laser-controlled synthetic microswimmers show swarm intelligence can be caused by physical mechanisms
Seemingly spontaneously coordinated swarm behavior exhibited by large groups of animals is a fascinating and striking collective phenomenon. Experiments conducted by researchers at Leipzig University on laser-controlled synthetic microswimmers now sh.....»»
Passing Time: A Clock Made from Beer Bottles
Rick Stanley makes very special clocks. He makes clocks out of beer bottles (over 300 Yuengling beer bottles to be exact), clocks with bicycle bells, clocks featuring coins, dominoes, and fluids. He makes novelty clocks of great complexity alongside.....»»