Credit: CC0 Public Domain Topics: Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science, Quantum Computer, Quantum Mechanics Quantum scientists have discovered a rare phenomenon that could hold the key to creating a ‘perfect switch’ in quantum devices, which flips between being an insulator and a superconductor. The research, led by the University of Bristol and published in Science, found theseContinue reading “Quantum Switch…”
Monthly Archives: November 2023
Dark Matter, Ordinary Matter…
Topics: Astronomy, Astrophysics, Dark Matter, Research, Theoretical Physics Dark matter, composed of particles that do not reflect, emit, or absorb light, is predicted to make up most of the matter in the universe. However, its lack of interactions with light prevents its direct detection using conventional experimental methods. Physicists have been trying to devise alternativeContinue reading “Dark Matter, Ordinary Matter…”
Oxymoron…
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists shifted the Doomsday Clock to 90 seconds to midnight at a news conference in January 2023. From left, Siegfried Hecker, Daniel Holz, Sharon Squassoni, Mary Robinson and Elbegdorj Tsakhia (Photo credit: Patrick Semansky). Topics: Astrobiology, Civilization, Existentialism, Science Fiction, SETI, Space Exploration A few weeks ago, I posted “Wine of Consciousness”Continue reading “Oxymoron…”
Everything, Everywhere, All at Once…
The Flood by Antonio Marziale Carracci Topics: Civilization, Climate Change, Energy, Environment, Existentialism, Global Warming Another week, another catastrophic, record-setting, history-making flood, this time in Kentucky. Preliminary assessments indicate rainfall in Graves County last week likely set a new record for most precipitation in a 24-hour period, with 11.28 inches of rain. This would make it yetContinue reading “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once…”
Quasicrystal Legos…
A mathematical tool called a fast Fourier transform maps the structure in a way that reveals the 12-fold symmetry of the quasicrystal. The fast Fourier transform of the electron microscope image of the quasicrystal is shown on the left, while the transform of the simulated crystal is shown on the right. Image credit: Mirkin ResearchContinue reading “Quasicrystal Legos…”
Graphite to Gold…
Artist’s rendition of the electron correlation, or the ability of electrons to talk with each other, can occur in a special kind of graphite (pencil lead). @ Sampson Wilcox, MIT Research Laboratory of Electronics Topics: Entanglement, Graphene, Materials Science, Nanomaterials, Nanotechnology MIT physicists have metaphorically turned graphite, or pencil lead, into gold by isolating fiveContinue reading “Graphite to Gold…”
The Wine of Consciousness…
Credit: Fanatic Studio/Gary Waters/Getty Images Topics: Education, Existentialism, Philosophy, Physics Physicists and philosophers recently met to debate a theory of consciousness called panpsychism. More than 400 years ago, Galileo showed that many everyday phenomena—such as a ball rolling down an incline or a chandelier gently swinging from a church ceiling—obey precise mathematical laws. For thisContinue reading “The Wine of Consciousness…”
Gas Nephilim…
Artist’s depiction of an extra-solar system that is crowded with giant planets. Credit: NASA/Dana Berry Topics: Astronomy, Astrophysics, Planetary Science, Space Exploration Giant gas planets can be agents of chaos, ensuring nothing lives on their Earth-like neighbors around other stars. New studies show in some planetary systems, the giants tend to kick smaller planets outContinue reading “Gas Nephilim…”
A Hole in the Sky…
This map shows the size and shape of the ozone hole over the South Pole on September 21, 2023, the day of its maximum extent, as calculated by the NASA Ozone Watch team. Moderate ozone losses (orange) are visible amid widespread areas of more potent ozone losses (red). NASA Earth Observatory Topics: Antarctica, Atmospheric Science, NASA, OzoneContinue reading “A Hole in the Sky…”
Physics and Nano 