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Europe's First Reusable Rocket Demonstrator, Themis, Ready for Launch

2025-09-23

Europe's First Reusable Rocket Demonstrator, Themis, Ready for Launch

The first model of the European Space Agency's (ESA) reusable rocket demonstrator, Themis, is standing tall on its launchpad in Kiruna, Sweden. This 30-meter-tall rocket, featuring the Prometheus engine—nearly as powerful as the Ariane 6's main engine— boasts in-flight restart and thrust throttling capabilities for a safe landing. Themis aims to demonstrate vertical takeoff and landing with cryogenic propulsion, with its maiden flight supported by the Horizon Europe project Salto. This marks a significant step forward for Europe in reusable rocket technology.

(phys.org)

Tech reusable rocket Prometheus engine

Self-Healing Organogel Stretches 46x its Size and Repairs Itself

2025-09-18

Self-Healing Organogel Stretches 46x its Size and Repairs Itself

Scientists in Taiwan have created a self-healing organogel that can stretch up to 46 times its original length. Even when broken, it repairs itself completely within 10 minutes at room temperature. This remarkable material combines covalently linked cellulose nanocrystals and modified mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) acting as artificial muscles. These muscles make the gel responsive to external forces, changing color from orange to blue depending on its state. Its self-healing and color-changing properties show promise for applications in flexible electronics, soft robotics, and anti-counterfeiting.

(phys.org)

Tech self-healing material organogel mechanically interlocked molecules

Ice's Shocking Secret: Bending Generates Electricity, Potentially Explaining Lightning

2025-09-17

Ice's Shocking Secret: Bending Generates Electricity, Potentially Explaining Lightning

A study published in Nature Physics reveals that ordinary ice is a flexoelectric material, generating electricity when bent. This discovery could revolutionize electronics and potentially explain the formation of lightning. Researchers found that ice produces electric charge in response to mechanical stress at all temperatures, with a ferroelectric layer on its surface at low temperatures. This offers two mechanisms for ice's electricity generation. This groundbreaking research puts ice on par with advanced electroceramics like titanium dioxide and paves the way for new electronic devices using ice as an active material.

(phys.org)

Tech ice flexoelectricity

Ancient DNA Cracks the Case of the Plague of Justinian

2025-09-14

Ancient DNA Cracks the Case of the Plague of Justinian

For the first time, researchers have found direct genomic evidence of *Yersinia pestis*, the bacterium behind the Plague of Justinian—history's first recorded pandemic—in a mass grave at the ancient city of Jerash, Jordan. This discovery definitively links the pathogen to the devastating outbreak (AD 541–750), solving a long-standing historical mystery. Analysis of ancient DNA from eight teeth revealed nearly identical strains of *Y. pestis*, confirming its presence within the Byzantine Empire and suggesting a rapid, widespread outbreak. The research highlights the enduring threat of plague, which continues to circulate globally, underscoring the cyclical nature of pandemics and the importance of understanding their origins.

(phys.org)

Tech Justinian Plague

Synthetic Magnetic Fields Steer Light on a Chip for Faster Communications

2025-09-13

Synthetic Magnetic Fields Steer Light on a Chip for Faster Communications

Researchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Sun Yat-Sen University have developed a method to generate pseudomagnetic fields in silicon photonic crystals, enabling precise control over light flow at telecommunication wavelengths. By systematically altering the symmetry of tiny repeating units, they can design pseudomagnetic fields with tailored spatial patterns. This has been demonstrated in compact devices like S-bend waveguides and power splitters, successfully transmitting a 140 Gbps data stream. This breakthrough opens new avenues for optical computing, quantum information, and advanced communication technologies.

(phys.org)

Tech photonic crystals pseudomagnetic fields

Possible New Moon Discovered Orbiting Distant Dwarf Planet Quaoar

2025-09-13

Possible New Moon Discovered Orbiting Distant Dwarf Planet Quaoar

Astronomers have unexpectedly discovered a possible new celestial body orbiting the distant Kuiper Belt dwarf planet Quaoar. This icy, egg-shaped dwarf planet beyond Neptune is already known to possess two rings and a moon. The discovery stemmed from a stellar occultation event, revealing an extra 1.23-second blockage of starlight, suggesting a new satellite or a third ring. James Webb Space Telescope data lends credence to the satellite hypothesis. This finding adds to the mystery surrounding Quaoar, challenges our understanding of ring and moon formation, and offers new insights into planetary system formation in the distant reaches of the Milky Way.

(phys.org)

Tech Kuiper Belt moon

Blue Light Bleaches Yellow Stains: A Sustainable Solution

2025-09-11

Blue Light Bleaches Yellow Stains: A Sustainable Solution

Researchers have developed an environmentally friendly method for removing yellow stains from clothing using high-intensity blue LED light. This method utilizes blue light and ambient oxygen, eliminating the need for harsh chemical oxidants. It effectively removes stains from sweat, orange juice, tomato juice, and more, even on delicate fabrics like silk. Tests showed blue light significantly outperformed hydrogen peroxide and UV light in stain removal without fabric damage. While promising, further testing is needed before commercialization to ensure safety and colorfastness.

(phys.org)

Tech stain removal

Beer Drinkers Are Mosquito Magnets: A Festival Study Reveals

2025-09-10

Beer Drinkers Are Mosquito Magnets: A Festival Study Reveals

Researchers from Radboud University Nijmegen conducted a study at the Lowlands music festival in the Netherlands. They found that beer consumption significantly increased attractiveness to mosquitoes. Volunteers placed their arms in a mosquito-filled cage; those who had consumed beer attracted more mosquitoes. Sleeping with someone and avoiding sunscreen also increased attractiveness. The study highlights the public health implications, as mosquitoes transmit diseases.

(phys.org)

Tech mosquitoes music festival

Overreliance on AI May Hinder Student Learning: A University of Tartu Study

2025-09-07

Overreliance on AI May Hinder Student Learning: A University of Tartu Study

A University of Tartu study reveals that excessive use of AI tools, such as ChatGPT, may negatively impact student academic performance. Researchers surveyed 231 computer science students, finding a correlation between frequent AI tool use for solving programming problems and lower grades. The study emphasizes that AI should be a learning aid, not a replacement for learning itself. Students need guidance to use AI tools effectively, preventing overreliance that could hinder the development of critical skills.

(phys.org)

Tech

Record-Low-Loss Hollow-Core Fiber Achieves 45% Faster Data Transmission

2025-09-06

Record-Low-Loss Hollow-Core Fiber Achieves 45% Faster Data Transmission

Researchers from the University of Southampton and Microsoft have developed a novel hollow-core fiber (HCF) with a record-low attenuation of 0.091 dB/km at 1550 nm, significantly outperforming traditional silica fibers. This breakthrough, achieved through advanced modeling to minimize loss mechanisms, enables 45% faster transmission speeds and opens the door for longer, unamplified spans in optical communication networks.

(phys.org)

Tech hollow-core fiber

Quantum Signals Sent Over Commercial Fiber Using Standard Internet Protocol

2025-08-29

Quantum Signals Sent Over Commercial Fiber Using Standard Internet Protocol

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have achieved a groundbreaking feat: transmitting quantum signals over commercial fiber-optic cables using the standard Internet Protocol (IP). Their innovative Q-chip coordinates quantum and classical data, packaging them into standard internet packets. This overcomes the fragility of quantum signals and represents a crucial step towards a practical quantum internet, promising faster, more energy-efficient AI and breakthroughs in drug and materials design.

(phys.org)

Tech quantum networking

Workplace Jargon Kills Collaboration: New Study Reveals Negative Impacts

2025-08-27

Workplace Jargon Kills Collaboration: New Study Reveals Negative Impacts

A new study reveals that excessive use of jargon in the workplace hinders employees' ability to process information, leading to negative emotions, decreased confidence, and reduced willingness to collaborate and share information. The study also found that age plays a role; older workers, while struggling more with jargon, were more likely to seek clarification, whereas younger employees were less likely to do so. Researchers advocate for minimizing jargon to improve team efficiency and employee morale.

(phys.org)

Misc Workplace Communication Jargon

A Universal Rhythm Underlies Human Speech: 1.6-Second Intonation Units Discovered

2025-08-25

A Universal Rhythm Underlies Human Speech: 1.6-Second Intonation Units Discovered

A groundbreaking study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals a universal 1.6-second rhythm in human speech, called intonation units. Analyzing over 650 recordings across 48 languages, researchers discovered this rhythmic chunking regardless of language family or geographic location. This rhythm isn't cultural; it's deeply rooted in human biology and cognition, mirroring brain activity patterns linked to memory, attention, and voluntary action. The findings have implications for AI speech development, speech disorder treatments, and a deeper understanding of neurological function.

(phys.org)

Tech speech rhythm intonation units cognitive neuroscience

US Mines Already Have the Critical Minerals They Need—But They're Being Thrown Away

2025-08-23

US Mines Already Have the Critical Minerals They Need—But They're Being Thrown Away

A new analysis reveals that US mines already produce all the critical minerals needed annually for energy, defense, and technology, but these minerals—including cobalt, lithium, gallium, and rare earth elements—are currently discarded as tailings from other mining operations. The challenge lies in economically recovering these valuable resources. By improving recovery technologies and implementing supportive policies, the US could significantly reduce its reliance on imports and lessen the environmental impact of mining waste, according to the study.

(phys.org)

Tech critical minerals mineral recovery resource utilization

Single Atom Quantum Logic Gate Breakthrough

2025-08-22

Single Atom Quantum Logic Gate Breakthrough

University of Sydney researchers have achieved a breakthrough by implementing an error-corrected quantum logic gate on a single ytterbium ion using the 'Rosetta Stone' code (GKP code). This innovative approach leverages the ion's natural vibrations to encode and manipulate logical qubits, dramatically reducing the number of physical qubits needed for quantum computing. Published in Nature Physics, this milestone significantly improves quantum computing hardware efficiency and paves the way for large-scale quantum information processing.

(phys.org)

Tech quantum logic gate GKP code

Graphene Capacitors Achieve Rapid, High-Depth Modulation of Terahertz Waves

2025-08-20

Graphene Capacitors Achieve Rapid, High-Depth Modulation of Terahertz Waves

Researchers at the University of Cambridge's Cavendish Laboratory have developed a terahertz wave modulator using graphene as a tunable capacitor, achieving unprecedented dynamic range and speed. By embedding nanoscale graphene patches within metamaterial resonators, the device effectively controls terahertz waves, boasting a modulation depth exceeding 99.99% and a speed of 30 MHz. This breakthrough promises to advance technologies in terahertz communication, imaging, and sensing, paving the way for next-generation communication systems beyond 5G and 6G.

(phys.org)

Tech terahertz modulation

AI-Powered Precision Mapping Tracks Woody Plant Spread on the Great Plains

2025-08-19

AI-Powered Precision Mapping Tracks Woody Plant Spread on the Great Plains

Researchers at Kansas State University have developed a cost-effective, high-accuracy system for mapping grassland vegetation using publicly available aerial imagery and machine learning. The system achieves 97% accuracy in classifying grass, shrubs, and trees, and is being used to monitor the rapid spread of woody plants across the Great Plains. This research not only aids in better grassland ecosystem management but also provides valuable hands-on experience for students and offers data support for other research areas, such as livestock carrying capacity assessment and fire risk assessment.

(phys.org)

Tech grassland ecology

Photosynthesis-Inspired Green Chemistry: Making Drugs with Visible Light

2025-08-17

Photosynthesis-Inspired Green Chemistry: Making Drugs with Visible Light

Researchers at the University of Melbourne have developed a new class of photocatalysts inspired by photosynthesis, capable of absorbing energy from multiple photons using visible light to drive energy-demanding chemical reactions. This technology utilizes simple alkenes and amines to synthesize complex molecules, such as antihistamines, under mild conditions. This method is greener and safer than traditional methods and has the potential for industrial applications, opening new avenues for green chemistry.

(phys.org)

Tech drug synthesis

Room-Temperature High-Purity Quantum State Achieved: A Breakthrough in Quantum Sensing

2025-08-07

Room-Temperature High-Purity Quantum State Achieved: A Breakthrough in Quantum Sensing

Researchers at ETH Zurich have achieved a breakthrough in quantum sensing by levitating three nanometer glass spheres using optical tweezers at room temperature. Remarkably, 92% of the spheres' motion was attributed to quantum effects, eliminating the need for extremely low temperatures typically required for observing quantum phenomena. This high-purity quantum state opens doors for developing quantum sensors for applications such as medical imaging and highly precise navigation systems.

(phys.org)

Tech

New Quantum State of Matter Discovered at Interface of Exotic Materials

2025-08-04

New Quantum State of Matter Discovered at Interface of Exotic Materials

Researchers at Rutgers University have discovered a new quantum state of matter—a quantum liquid crystal—at the interface of two exotic materials: a Weyl semimetal and spin ice. This new state exhibits unique electronic anisotropy, conducting electricity differently in various directions, and shows rotational symmetry breaking at high magnetic fields. This discovery paves the way for developing new ultra-sensitive quantum magnetic field sensors that can operate under extreme conditions, such as in space or inside powerful machines. The research combined experimental and theoretical work, utilizing ultra-low temperatures and high magnetic fields provided by the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory.

(phys.org)

Tech quantum state Weyl semimetal spin ice

Transparency Paradox: How Openness Can Backfire and Reduce Public Trust in Science

2025-08-03

Transparency Paradox: How Openness Can Backfire and Reduce Public Trust in Science

A study reveals the 'transparency paradox': while transparency in science fosters trust, revealing bad news (like conflicts of interest or failed experiments) can decrease it. The root cause, argues the researcher, is the public's overly idealized view of science. The solution isn't hiding bad news, but improving science education and communication to present a more realistic picture—science isn't perfect, and scientists make mistakes. This fosters more realistic expectations and ultimately, increased trust.

(phys.org)

Tech public trust transparency paradox

Low-Cost Visual Microphone Uses Light to 'Hear'

2025-08-01

Low-Cost Visual Microphone Uses Light to 'Hear'

Researchers at Beijing Institute of Technology have developed a low-cost visual microphone that uses light instead of sound to capture audio. Employing single-pixel imaging, the system detects subtle vibrations on surfaces caused by sound waves, converting them into audible signals. Unlike traditional microphones, this approach requires only light transmission, making it cheaper and applicable in scenarios where traditional mics fail, such as conversations through glass. Successful tests included reconstructing spoken numbers and a segment of Beethoven's Für Elise, highlighting potential applications in environmental monitoring, security, and industrial diagnostics.

(phys.org)

Tech visual microphone single-pixel imaging

Cosmic Void: Are We Living in a Giant Void?

2025-07-29

Cosmic Void: Are We Living in a Giant Void?

New research suggests we might reside within a vast cosmic void, potentially resolving the 'Hubble tension'—the discrepancy in the universe's expansion rate. Analyzing the 'sound' of the early universe (baryon acoustic oscillations), researchers found our local region has roughly 20% lower matter density than average. This low-density void would gravitationally affect observations, making the universe appear to expand faster, aligning with measurements. The study concludes that a universe model incorporating a local void is significantly more likely than one without, offering a novel perspective on a long-standing cosmological puzzle.

(phys.org)

Tech Cosmic Void

Ancient Japanese Culinary Traditions Outlasted the Rice Revolution

2025-07-27

Ancient Japanese Culinary Traditions Outlasted the Rice Revolution

New research reveals that the introduction of rice farming to Japan 3,000 years ago, while transformative, didn't immediately overhaul Japanese cuisine. Despite the simultaneous arrival of millet, a staple in Korean cooking, analysis of pottery residues and plant remains shows it failed to gain traction in Japanese diets. Fish remained a primary food source, highlighting the resilience of culinary traditions in the face of significant technological shifts. This suggests that cultural practices can persist even with major agricultural changes.

(phys.org)

Tech ancient agriculture culinary traditions

Gulf 'Pressure Point' May Have Fueled Hurricane Ian's Rapid Intensification

2025-07-26

Gulf 'Pressure Point' May Have Fueled Hurricane Ian's Rapid Intensification

Researchers at the University of South Florida have discovered that a failure of the Loop Current to circulate water in the shallow region of the Gulf of Mexico led to unusually warm waters off the West Florida Shelf before Hurricane Ian, potentially contributing to its rapid intensification. Using data from the Coastal Ocean Monitoring and Prediction System (COMPS), they found that the Loop Current's failure to reach a 'pressure point' prevented sufficient water mixing, keeping both surface and subsurface waters warm. This study highlights the importance of monitoring subsurface temperatures for accurate hurricane intensity prediction.

(phys.org)

Tech Hurricane Ian Loop Current Ocean Temperature

Juno's Hail Mary: Remotely Fixing a Camera 370 Million Miles Away

2025-07-22

Juno's Hail Mary: Remotely Fixing a Camera 370 Million Miles Away

NASA's Juno spacecraft, orbiting Jupiter, faced a critical challenge: its JunoCam imager suffered severe radiation damage. Hundreds of millions of miles from Earth, the team implemented a 'Hail Mary' fix using a technique called annealing—heating the camera to reduce material defects. This long-distance repair, detailed at the IEEE Nuclear & Space Radiation Effects Conference, miraculously restored the camera just in time for a close flyby of Io, capturing stunning images of the volcanic moon's north polar region. This success provides invaluable lessons for future radiation-hardened spacecraft design.

(phys.org)

Tech

Eight Healthy Babies Born Using DNA from Three People

2025-07-20

Eight Healthy Babies Born Using DNA from Three People

Researchers in Britain have reported the birth of eight healthy babies using a groundbreaking technique involving DNA from three individuals. The method, which is approved in the UK and Australia but not the US, avoids passing on devastating mitochondrial diseases from mother to child. Scientists transfer the mother's nuclear DNA into a donor egg with healthy mitochondria, effectively circumventing the harmful mutations. While one baby showed slightly higher-than-expected levels of abnormal mitochondria, it's not considered disease-causing. This represents a significant advancement for families affected by mitochondrial diseases.

(phys.org)

Tech Mitochondrial Disease Gene Editing Assisted Reproduction

Stellar Flyby Sculpted the Orbits and Colors of Trans-Neptunian Objects

2025-07-19

Stellar Flyby Sculpted the Orbits and Colors of Trans-Neptunian Objects

New research suggests a stellar flyby in the early solar system shaped the unusual orbits and color distribution of trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs). Using supercomputer simulations, scientists modeled a 0.8 solar mass star's flyby of the protoplanetary disk, successfully reproducing the spiral arm-like distribution of TNOs, their orbital characteristics, and their red-to-gray color gradient. The simulations showed a correlation between color and orbital inclination, with red objects primarily found at low inclinations and green to blue objects dominating higher inclinations. This research provides new evidence for a stellar flyby in the early solar system and offers predictions for future Vera Rubin Observatory observations, promising a deeper understanding of solar system formation.

(phys.org)

Tech Trans-Neptunian Objects Stellar Flyby

Undersea Cables Become Ocean Sensors: Monitoring Currents and Climate

2025-07-17

Undersea Cables Become Ocean Sensors: Monitoring Currents and Climate

Scientists have ingeniously repurposed existing transatlantic fiber-optic cables as ocean sensors, developing a new instrument that measures subtle changes in light signals to monitor water temperature and pressure. Without disrupting their primary function, the system uses reflections from repeaters spaced every 50-100 kilometers along the cable to measure variations in light travel time, inferring data such as daily and weekly water temperature and tide patterns. This groundbreaking research offers a cost-effective way to monitor the ocean environment, improving our understanding of ocean currents, climate change, and natural hazards like tsunamis.

(phys.org)

Tech Fiber Optic Sensors Submarine Cables

Turning CO2 into Plastic: Caltech Develops Breakthrough Technology

2025-07-13

Turning CO2 into Plastic: Caltech Develops Breakthrough Technology

Caltech researchers have developed a groundbreaking two-step system that uses electricity from sustainable sources to convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into useful plastics. The system first electrochemically transforms CO2 into ethylene and carbon monoxide, then feeds these gases into a second catalytic loop to produce polyketones, strong and heat-resistant plastics. This breakthrough offers a more environmentally friendly and sustainable path for plastic production, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. While still in the lab stage, the system's high-concentration output (11% ethylene and 14% carbon monoxide) and tolerance for impurities show immense potential.

(phys.org)

Tech sustainable plastics

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