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Mechanical forces can affect genes UPI Share    
Researchers at the University of Michigan say they've discovered tension on DNA molecules can affect gene expression -- the basis of biological function. The scientists say their work is apparently the first to actually demonstrate a mechanical effect at work in the expressing of genes. Read the associated Viewpoint in APS Physics article. More
Ultra-precise quantum-logic clock trumps old atomic clock Wired Share
The quantum-logic clock, which detects the energy state of a single aluminum ion, keeps time to within a second every 3.7 billion years. The new timekeeper could one day improve GPS or detect the slowing of time predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity. "It could it be a real contender for the next frequency standard, or next timekeeper," said physicist Chin-wen (James) Chou of the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Boulder, lead author of a study to appear in a forthcoming Physical Review Letters. More Exploring the characteristics of viscoelastic fluids PhysOrg Share
There are many microorganisms out there, navigating through complex biological fluids. "One of the most common migrations takes place with spermatozoa as it navigates the female reproductive tract," Joseph Teran tells PhysOrg.com. "But there are other organisms that move through difficult environments as well, and we want to gain a better understanding of how these organisms move through viscoelastic fluids, like those found in biology." Read the associated Physical Review Letters article. More Algae use quantum trick to harvest light ScienceNews Share
A dash of sunlight, a sprinkle of light-harvesting proteins and a healthy dollop of carbon dioxide is about all it takes to whip up a batch of tasty plant food -- but you might want some quantum physics to stir the pot. Scientists have caught photosynthetic lake-dwelling algae performing long-lasting quantum tricks at room temperature. The results, published Febr. 4 in Nature, suggest that quantum mechanics may be at the heart of sunlight-to-energy conversion in living organisms. More
Better to react than to act ScienceNow Share
Have you ever noticed that the first cowboy to draw his gun in a Hollywood Western is invariably the one to get shot? Nobel prize-winning physicist Niels Bohr did, once arranging mock duels to test the validity of this cinematic curiosity. Following Bohr's example, researchers have now confirmed that people move faster if they are reacting to another person's movements than if they are taking the lead themselves. The findings may one day inspire new therapies for patients with brain damage, the team speculates. More Helium clue found in echo of the big bang NewScientist Share
The subtle signal of ancient helium has shown up for the first time in light left over from the big bang. The discovery will help astronomers work out how much of the stuff was made during the big bang and how much was made later by stars. More Scientists keep water liquid far below zero degrees NPR Share
Despite what you may have heard, water doesn't always freeze at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. A team of scientists in Israel has come up with a way to control the temperature at which water will freeze. More Graphene transistors promise 100GHz speeds Ars Technica Share
Researchers are running into the physical limits of speed and scaling in silicon transistor technology, forcing them to look elsewhere for next-generation devices. The leading candidate to replace silicon being pursued by, well, pretty much everyone, is graphene. More
Down to Earth: Technique lets ground-based telescopes parse exoplanet atmospheres Scientific American Share
In the 15 years since the first planet orbiting a sunlike star outside our solar system was conclusively discovered, astronomers have compiled a vast and diverse menagerie of such so-called exoplanets. Of the more than 400 now known, many are large -- 10 times the mass of Jupiter or more -- and a precious few are small, just a few times Earth's mass. Little is known about these faraway worlds beyond bulk properties such as their orbital periods, estimated masses and, on relatively rare occasions, their diameters. More Physicists watch entropy in action Physics World Share
Physicists in the U.S. have gained important insights into the process of crystallization by studying how tiny plastic balls spontaneously form clusters. They found that highly symmetric clusters are created much less often than those with lower symmetry, which could shed light on how clusters of atoms or molecules form just before a liquid solidifies into a crystalline solid. More Higgs hunters face long haul Physics World Share
Although CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC) will initially run at half power in order to avoid some of its earlier troubles, there's still plenty of potentially exciting research in store for the accelerator's first run. More |
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