Physics News -- ScienceDaily Physics News and Research. Why is the universe more partial to matter than antimatter? How could fuel cells be more efficient? Read current science articles on physics.
- Scientists just mapped platinum atoms — and it could transform catalysis foreveron July 3, 2025 at 11:50 am
A precious metal used everywhere from car exhaust systems to fuel cells, platinum is an incredibly efficient catalyst—but it's costly and carbon-intensive. Now, a serendipitous collaboration between scientists at ETH Zurich and other European institutions has opened a new frontier in understanding and optimizing platinum-based catalysts at the atomic level.
- This breakthrough turns old tech into pure gold — No mercury, no cyanide, just light and salton June 27, 2025 at 6:02 am
At Flinders University, scientists have cracked a cleaner and greener way to extract gold—not just from ore, but also from our mounting piles of e-waste. By using a compound normally found in pool disinfectants and a novel polymer that can be reused, the method avoids toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide. It even works on trace gold in scientific waste. Tested on everything from circuit boards to mixed-metal ores, the approach offers a promising solution to both the global gold rush and the growing e-waste crisis. The technique could be a game-changer for artisanal miners and recyclers, helping recover valuable metals while protecting people and the planet.
- Graphene just unlocked “impossible” quantum currents without magnetson June 27, 2025 at 5:49 am
Researchers have achieved a major breakthrough by generating quantum spin currents in graphene—without relying on bulky magnetic fields. By pairing graphene with a magnetic material, they unlocked a powerful quantum effect that allows electrons to carry information through their spins alone. This discovery could spark a new era of faster, more energy-efficient spin-based technologies.
- Self-lighting chip uses quantum tunneling to spot a trillionth of a gramon June 27, 2025 at 5:33 am
Imagine detecting a single trillionth of a gram of a molecule—like an amino acid—using just electricity and a chip smaller than your fingernail. That’s the power of a new quantum-enabled biosensor developed at EPFL. Ditching bulky lasers, it taps into the strange world of quantum tunneling, where electrons sneak through barriers and release light in the process. This self-illuminating sensor uses a gold nanostructure to both generate and sense light, making it incredibly compact, ultra-sensitive, and perfect for rapid diagnostics or environmental testing. With its cutting-edge design, it might just revolutionize how and where we detect disease, pollutants, and more.
- One shot, game changed: How RAVEN captured a petawatt laser and supercharged fusion researchon June 27, 2025 at 4:42 am
Scientists have developed a groundbreaking technique called RAVEN that can capture the full complexity of an ultra-intense laser pulse in a single shot—something previously thought nearly impossible. These pulses, capable of accelerating particles to near light speed, were once too fast and chaotic to measure precisely in real time. With RAVEN, researchers can now instantly “photograph” the pulse’s shape, timing, and polarization, revealing subtle distortions that could make or break high-energy experiments. This innovation has huge implications—from perfecting particle acceleration to inching closer to controlled fusion energy and probing new physics.
- Breakthrough magnet design could transform MRI and magnetic levitationon June 22, 2025 at 7:04 am
Two German physicists have reimagined how to create powerful and uniform magnetic fields using compact permanent magnets. By overcoming the limitations of the well-known Halbach array, which works only with infinitely long magnets, they engineered innovative 3D magnet arrangements that work in practical, finite-size setups. Their designs not only boost field strength but also enhance homogeneity, verified through real-world experiments. This game-changing advancement could help bring affordable MRI technology to underserved regions and power applications like particle accelerators and magnetic levitation systems.
- Invisible quantum waves forge shape-shifting super-materials in real timeon June 19, 2025 at 1:08 pm
Scientists have, for the first time, directly observed phonon wave dynamics within self-assembling nanomaterials unlocking the potential for customizable, reconfigurable metamaterials with applications ranging from shock absorbers to advanced computing.
- Saving energy: New method guides magnetism without magnetson June 17, 2025 at 5:41 am
In a leap toward greener tech, researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute have discovered a way to control magnetic textures using electric fields no bulky magnets needed. Their star material? A strange crystal called copper oxyselenide, where magnetic patterns like helices and cones swirl at low temperatures. By zapping it with different electric fields, they could bend, twist, and even flip these patterns a first in the world of magnetoelectrics. This opens the door to ultra-efficient data storage, sensors, and computing, all while saving tons of energy.
- Heavy particles, big secrets: What happened right after the Big Bangon June 17, 2025 at 5:41 am
Smashing atomic nuclei together at mind-bending speeds recreates the fiery conditions of the early universe and scientists are finally getting a better handle on what happens next. A sweeping new study dives deep into how ultra-heavy particles behave after these high-energy collisions, revealing they don t just vanish after the initial impact but continue interacting like silent messengers from the dawn of time. This behavior, once overlooked, may hold the key to unraveling the universe s most mysterious beginnings.
- Cozmic’s Milky Way clones are cracking the universe’s dark codeon June 17, 2025 at 5:41 am
Scientists have built detailed Milky Way simulations under strange new physical laws to probe dark matter, revealing how different versions of the universe might behave and helping us get closer to the real one.
- This quantum sensor tracks 3D movement without GPSon June 14, 2025 at 7:42 am
Physicists at the University of Colorado Boulder have created a groundbreaking quantum device that can measure 3D acceleration using ultracold atoms, something once thought nearly impossible. By chilling rubidium atoms to near absolute zero and splitting them into quantum superpositions, the team has built a compact atom interferometer guided by AI to decode acceleration patterns. While the sensor still lags behind traditional GPS and accelerometers, it's poised to revolutionize navigation for vehicles like submarines or spacecraft potentially offering a timeless, atomic-based alternative to aging electronics.
- Scientists just solved a 40-year-old mystery about quasicrystalson June 14, 2025 at 7:42 am
Scientists at the University of Michigan have unlocked a long-standing mystery about quasicrystals exotic materials that straddle the line between the orderly structure of crystals and the chaos of glass. These rare solids, which once seemed to break the rules of physics, are now shown to be fundamentally stable through cutting-edge quantum simulations. The findings not only validate their existence but also open the door to designing next-generation materials using powerful new computational techniques.
- Photons collide in the void: Quantum simulation creates light out of nothingon June 8, 2025 at 11:25 am
Physicists have managed to simulate a strange quantum phenomenon where light appears to arise from empty space a concept that until now has only existed in theory. Using cutting-edge simulations, researchers modeled how powerful lasers interact with the so-called quantum vacuum, revealing how photons could bounce off each other and even generate new beams of light. These breakthroughs come just as new ultra-powerful laser facilities are preparing to test these mind-bending effects in reality, potentially opening a gateway to uncovering new physics and even dark matter particles.
- Scientists freeze quantum motion using ultrafast laser trickon June 5, 2025 at 8:27 pm
Harvard and PSI scientists have managed to freeze normally fleeting quantum states in time, creating a pathway to control them using pure electronic tricks and laser precision.
- Ultra-thin lenses that make infrared light visibleon June 2, 2025 at 7:55 pm
Physicists have developed a lens with 'magic' properties. Ultra-thin, it can transform infrared light into visible light by halving the wavelength of incident light.
- Self-powered artificial synapse mimics human color visionon June 2, 2025 at 7:53 pm
Despite advances in machine vision, processing visual data requires substantial computing resources and energy, limiting deployment in edge devices. Now, researchers from Japan have developed a self-powered artificial synapse that distinguishes colors with high resolution across the visible spectrum, approaching human eye capabilities. The device, which integrates dye-sensitized solar cells, generates its electricity and can perform complex logic operations without additional circuitry, paving the way for capable computer vision systems integrated in everyday devices.
- Discovery could boost solid-state battery performanceon June 2, 2025 at 7:49 pm
Researchers have discovered that the mixing of small particles between two solid electrolytes can generate an effect called a 'space charge layer,' an accumulation of electric charge at the interface between the two materials. The finding could aid the development of batteries with solid electrolytes, called solid-state batteries, for applications including mobile devices and electric vehicles.
- New laser smaller than a penny can measure objects at ultrafast rateson June 2, 2025 at 7:48 pm
Researchers have engineered a laser device smaller than a penny that they say could power everything from the LiDAR systems used in self-driving vehicles to gravitational wave detection, one of the most delicate experiments in existence to observe and understand our universe.
- Insect protein blocks bacterial infectionon June 2, 2025 at 7:48 pm
Scientists in Australia have developed a smart, bacteria-repelling coating based on resilin the ultra-elastic protein that gives fleas their legendary jumping power. When applied to surfaces like medical implants or surgical tools, the engineered resilin forms nano-droplets that physically disrupt bacterial cells, including antibiotic-resistant strains like MRSA, without harming human tissue. In lab tests, the coating was 100% effective at keeping bacteria from sticking and forming biofilms, a key cause of infection after surgery.
- Single-atom catalysts change spin state when boosted by a magnetic fieldon May 30, 2025 at 4:38 pm
Researchers proposed a novel strategy for using a magnetic field to boost the efficiency of single-atom catalysts -- thus speeding up helpful reactions used for ammonia production and wastewater treatment.
- Listening to electrons talkon May 29, 2025 at 7:54 pm
Researchers present new experimental and theoretical results for the bound electron g-factor in lithium-like tin which has a much higher nuclear charge than any previous measurement. The experimental accuracy reached a level of 0.5 parts per billion. Using an enhanced interelectronic QED method, the theoretical prediction for the g-factor reached a precision of 6 parts per billion.
- New quantum visualization technique to identify materials for next generation quantum computingon May 29, 2025 at 6:55 pm
Scientists have developed a powerful new tool for finding the next generation of materials needed for large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computing. The significant breakthrough means that, for the first time, researchers have found a way to determine once and for all whether a material can effectively be used in certain quantum computing microchips.
- Unlocking precise composition analysis of nanomedicineson May 29, 2025 at 4:46 pm
Current regulations for nanomedicines overlook the effects of the different forms of the same element, such as ions, nanoparticles, and aggregates. In a recent study, researchers developed a new analytical method combining an asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation system and mass spectrometry to separately quantify these forms. This technique allows for better quality control and safety evaluation of metal-based nanomedicines, promoting their development and clinical use, with applications also extending to food, cosmetics, and the environment.
- Laser technique revolutionizes ultra-high temperature ceramic manufacturing for space, defense applicationson May 29, 2025 at 4:46 pm
Researchers have demonstrated a new technique that uses lasers to create ceramics that can withstand ultra-high temperatures, with applications ranging from nuclear power technologies to spacecraft and jet exhaust systems. The technique can be used to create ceramic coatings, tiles or complex three-dimensional structures, which allows for increased versatility when engineering new devices and technologies.
- Thousands of sensors reveal 3D structure of earthquake-triggered sound waveson May 29, 2025 at 4:41 pm
Earthquakes create ripple effects in Earth's upper atmosphere that can disrupt satellite communications and navigation systems we rely on. Scientists have now used Japan's extensive network of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers to create the first 3D images of atmospheric disturbances caused by the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake. Their results show sound wave disturbance patterns in unique 3D detail and provide new insights into how earthquakes generate these waves.
- Groundwork laid for designer hybrid 2D materialson May 28, 2025 at 9:49 pm
Materials scientists have succeeded in creating a genuine 2D hybrid material called glaphene.
- New 2D quantum sensor breakthrough offers new opportunities for magnetic field detectionon May 28, 2025 at 5:18 pm
Physicists have unveiled a breakthrough in quantum sensing by demonstrating a 2D material as a versatile platform for next-generation nanoscale vectorial magnetometry.
- Solitonic superfluorescence paves way for high-temperature quantum materialson May 28, 2025 at 5:16 pm
A new study in Nature describes both the mechanism and the material conditions necessary for superfluorescence at high temperature.
- Nature-inspired breakthrough enables subatomic ferroelectric memoryon May 27, 2025 at 4:46 pm
A research team has discovered ferroelectric phenomena occurring at a subatomic scale in the natural mineral Brownmillerite.
- Machine learning simplifies industrial laser processeson May 27, 2025 at 4:46 pm
Laser-based metal processing enables the automated and precise production of complex components, whether for the automotive industry or for medicine. However, conventional methods require time- and resource-consuming preparations. Researchers are now using machine learning to make laser processes more precise, more cost-effective and more efficient.
- New fuel cell could enable electric aviationon May 27, 2025 at 4:41 pm
Engineers developed a fuel cell that offers more than three times as much energy per pound compared to lithium-ion batteries. Powered by a reaction between sodium metal and air, the device could be lightweight enough to enable the electrification of airplanes, trucks, or ships.
- 'Hopelessly attached': Scientists discover new 2D material that sticks the landingon May 23, 2025 at 10:13 pm
Researchers have discovered a new 2D material, confirming decade-old prediction.
- Controlling quantum motion and hyper-entanglementon May 23, 2025 at 4:07 pm
A new experiment encodes quantum information in the motion of the atoms and creates a state known as hyper-entanglement, in which two or more traits are linked among a pair of atoms.
- New biosensor solves old quantum riddleon May 23, 2025 at 4:07 pm
Researchers united insights from cellular biology, quantum computing, old-fashioned semiconductors and high-definition TVs to both create a revolutionary new quantum biosensor. In doing so, they shed light on a longstanding mystery in quantum materials.
- Quantum eyes on energy loss: Diamond quantum imaging for next-gen power electronicson May 23, 2025 at 4:04 pm
Diamond quantum sensors can be used to analyze the magnetization response of soft magnetic materials used in power electronics; report scientists based on collaborative research. Using a novel imaging technique, they developed quantum protocols to simultaneously image both the amplitude and phase of AC stray fields over a wide frequency range up to 2.3 MHz. Their results demonstrate that quantum sensing is a powerful tool for developing advanced magnetic materials across diverse applications.
- Efficiency upgrade for OLED screens: A route to blue PHOLED longevityon May 23, 2025 at 4:03 pm
Blue phosphorescent OLEDs can now last as long as the green phosphorescent OLEDs already in devices, researchers have demonstrated, paving the way for further improving the energy efficiency of OLED screens.
- Charge radius of Helium-3 measured with unprecedented precisionon May 23, 2025 at 4:03 pm
A research team has achieved a significant breakthrough in determining fundamental properties of atomic nuclei. The team conducted laser spectroscopy experiments on muonic helium-3. Muonic helium-3 is a special form of helium in which the atom s two electrons are replaced by a single, much heavier muon.
- Researchers make breakthrough in semiconductor technology set to supercharge 6G deliveryon May 22, 2025 at 10:32 pm
Self-driving cars which eliminate traffic jams, getting a healthcare diagnosis instantly without leaving your home, or feeling the touch of loved ones based across the continent may sound like the stuff of science fiction. But new research could make all this and more a step closer to reality thanks to a radical breakthrough in semiconductor technology.
- A rule-breaking, colorful silicone that could conduct electricityon May 22, 2025 at 10:32 pm
A newly discovered silicone variant is a semiconductor, researchers have discovered -- upending assumptions that the material class is exclusively insulating.
- A faster, more reliable method for simulating the plasmas used to make computer chipson May 22, 2025 at 8:27 pm
Researchers developed a faster, more stable way to simulate the swirling electric fields inside industrial plasmas -- the kind used to make microchips and coat materials. The improved method could lead to better tools for chip manufacturing and fusion research.
- New atom-swapping method applied to complex organic structureson May 22, 2025 at 4:54 pm
Chemists have developed an efficient skeletal editing method for frequently used heteroaromatic structures. The technique could serve as a means to chemically modify biologically active compounds.
- Infrared contact lenses allow people to see in the dark, even with their eyes closedon May 22, 2025 at 4:45 pm
Neuroscientists and materials scientists have created contact lenses that enable infrared vision in both humans and mice by converting infrared light into visible light. Unlike infrared night vision goggles, the contact lenses do not require a power source -- and they enable the wearer to perceive multiple infrared wavelengths. Because they're transparent, users can see both infrared and visible light simultaneously, though infrared vision was enhanced when participants had their eyes closed.
- Engineers discover a new class of materials that passively harvest water from airon May 21, 2025 at 8:11 pm
A serendipitous observation has led to a surprising discovery: a new class of nanostructured materials that can pull water from the air, collect it in pores and release it onto surfaces without the need for any external energy. The research describes a material that could open the door to new ways to collect water from the air in arid regions and devices that cool electronics or buildings using the power of evaporation.
- Scientists discover class of crystals with properties that may prove revolutionaryon May 21, 2025 at 8:11 pm
Researchers have discovered a new class of materials -- called intercrystals -- with unique electronic properties that could power future technologies. Intercrystals exhibit newly discovered forms of electronic properties that could pave the way for advancements in more efficient electronic components, quantum computing and environmentally friendly materials, the scientists said.
- Nano-engineered thermoelectrics enable scalable, compressor-free coolingon May 21, 2025 at 4:48 pm
Researchers have unveiled a breakthrough in solid-state cooling technology, doubling the efficiency of today's commercial systems. Driven by the Lab's patented nano-engineered thin-film thermoelectric materials and devices, this innovation paves the way for compact, reliable and scalable cooling solutions that could potentially replace traditional compressors across a range of industries.
- Achieving a record-high Curie temperature in ferromagnetic semiconductoron May 21, 2025 at 4:47 pm
Ferromagnetic semiconductors, which combine semiconductor and magnetic properties, are key to developing spin-based devices. Previously studied materials, such as (Ga,Mn)As, have Curie temperatures below room temperature, thereby limiting their practical use. Now, researchers have overcome these limitations by utilizing the step-flow growth method, achieving a record-high Curie temperature of 530 degrees K, facilitating the development of stable, room-temperature semiconductor spintronic devices.
- Physics advance details new way to control solid objects in liquidon May 21, 2025 at 4:46 pm
Researchers have detailed the physics behind a phenomenon that allows them to create spin in liquid droplets using ultrasound waves, which concentrates solid particles suspended in the liquid. The discovery will allow researchers to engineer technologies that make use of the technique to develop applications in fields such as biomedical testing and drug development.
- Picometric spectroscopy of hydrogen molecules in atomic-scale cavitieson May 21, 2025 at 4:43 pm
Researchers have observed hydrogen and deuterium molecules in tiny spaces called picocavities using advanced spectroscopy. This study reveals unique differences between the molecules due to quantum effects, potentially aiding future research in energy storage and quantum technologies.
- Mind the band gap! -- researchers create new nanoscale forms of elementary semiconductor with tunable electronic propertieson May 21, 2025 at 4:41 pm
Researchers have demonstrated that by using a semiconductor with flexible bonds, the material can be moulded into various structures using nano containers, without altering its composition, the discovery could lead to the design of a variety of customised electronic devices using only a single element.
- Forgotten property of the electronon May 20, 2025 at 4:17 pm
The orbital angular momentum of electrons has long been considered a minor physical phenomenon, suppressed in most crystals and largely overlooked. Scientists have now discovered that in certain materials it is not only preserved but can even be actively controlled. This is due to a property of the crystal structure called chirality, which also influences many other processes in nature. The discovery has the potential to lead to a new class of electronic components capable of transmitting information with exceptional robustness and energy efficiency.
- Chemists develop compact catenane with tuneable mechanical chiralityon May 19, 2025 at 5:18 pm
A team of chemists has made significant strides in the field of mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs). Their work showcases the development of a compact catenane with tuneable mechanical chirality, offering promising applications in areas such as material science, nanotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.
- AI chip developed for decentralized use without the cloudon May 19, 2025 at 5:10 pm
A new AI chip works without the cloud server or internet connections needed by existing chips. The AI Pro, designed by Prof Hussam Amrouch, is modelled on the human brain. Its innovative neuromorphic architecture enables it to perform calculations on the spot, ensuring full cyber security. It is also up to ten times more energy efficient.
- UCF's 'bridge doctor' combines imaging, neural network to efficiently evaluate concrete bridges' safetyon May 16, 2025 at 8:51 pm
New research details how infrared thermography, high-definition imaging and neural network analysis can combine to make concrete bridge inspections more efficient. Researchers are hopeful that their findings can be leveraged by engineers through a combination of these methods to strategically pinpoint bridge conditions and better allocate repair costs.
- New insights into quantum physicson May 15, 2025 at 11:11 pm
A new study explores how EOS transmits ultrashort laser pulses through crystals that change in response to an applied electric field. This technique allows researchers to accurately capture the shape and timing of electric fields across a broad range of frequencies.
- A novel hybrid charge transfer crystal with reversible color-changing propertyon May 15, 2025 at 5:24 pm
Charge transfer, or the movement of electrons, can occur either within a molecule or between two molecules. Combining the two types of charge transfer is challenging. Now, scientists have developed a hybrid charge transfer crystal using a novel pyrazinacene molecule. This crystal is capable of reacting with naphthalene to produce a reversible color shift, from greenish-blue to red-violet. Such color-changing crystals can have various potential applications in materials science.
- New dual-atom catalyst boosts performance of zinc-air batteries for real-world applicationson May 15, 2025 at 5:24 pm
A research team has unveiled a breakthrough in improving the performance of zinc-air batteries (ZABs), which are an important energy storage technology. This breakthrough involves a new catalyst that significantly boosts the efficiency of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), a crucial process in ZABs. The development could lead to more efficient, long-lasting batteries for practical applications.
- Successful experiments at GSI/FAIR uncover new island of asymmetric fissionon May 14, 2025 at 10:12 pm
An international team of scientists has identified an unexpected region of heavy, neutron-deficient isotopes in the nuclear chart where nuclear fission is predominantly governed by an asymmetric mode.
- Superconductors: Amazingly orderly disorderon May 14, 2025 at 10:09 pm
A surprising connection has been found, between two seemingly very different classes of superconductors. In a new material, atoms are distributed irregularly, but still manage to create long-range magnetic order.
- Professor challenges long-held assumptions of symmetry in physicson May 14, 2025 at 10:07 pm
A groundbreaking experiment--reveals 'symmetry' in physics doesn't always behave as scientists once believed.
- Digital lab for data- and robot-driven materials scienceon May 14, 2025 at 4:01 pm
Researchers have developed a digital laboratory (dLab) system that fully automates the material synthesis and structural, physical property evaluation of thin-film samples. With dLab, the team can autonomously synthesize thin-film samples and measure their material properties. The team's dLab system demonstrates advanced automatic and autonomous material synthesis for data- and robot-driven materials science.