Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China have developed a new contact lens that enables humans to see near-infrared light without bulky equipment. The lens incorporates metallic nanoparticles that “upconvert” normally-invisible wavelengths into visible ones, with potential applications for rescue workers and others who benefit from enhanced vision in poor visibility conditions….
Physics on The Soothsayer / page 7
A groundbreaking study has revealed that powerful flares on highly-magnetic neutron stars called magnetars could produce up to 10% of the universe’s gold, silver, and platinum. Researchers have created a model that describes how these flares can create r-process elements, and they may have already observed this cosmic alchemy in action. Forecast for 6 months:…
Scientists have made groundbreaking discoveries about Bolivia’s Uturuncu volcano, a “zombie” volcano that has not erupted in nearly 250,000 years. Using a novel technique that combines seismology, rock physics, and petrological analyses, researchers have created high-resolution images of the volcano’s structure and found that fluids and gases are accumulating in shallow magma reservoirs, explaining its…
Researchers in Japan have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of topological materials, resolving a long-standing conflict over the nature of bismuth. The team found that surface relaxation in bismuth’s crystal lattice may have masked its true topological properties, leading to conflicting results in previous experiments. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development…
Researchers at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital have successfully used a new proton therapy technique called step-and-shoot proton arc therapy to treat a patient with head-and-neck cancer. This highly accurate treatment has shown promising results, with the patient experiencing minimal side effects and no radiation toxicity. The technique is an interim solution towards a…
A team of international researchers led by Cristián Peña at Fermilab has developed a new particle detector using superconducting microwires, which can detect high-energy charged particles with unprecedented precision. This breakthrough has the potential to propel the field of high-energy physics towards a new detection paradigm, enabling scientists to explore fundamental physics and potentially paving…
Researchers at the University of Bern and ETH Zurich have developed a revolutionary new technology that uses ultrasound-activated moving structures to remove biofilms from implanted medical devices, such as urinary stents and catheters, without the need for replacement. This breakthrough has the potential to increase the safe lifespan of implants, saving money and reducing the…
Scientists at the University of Nottingham have developed a novel antimicrobial coating that can be mixed with paint to destroy bacteria and viruses, including persistent and difficult-to-kill strains like MRSA and SARS-CoV-2. The coating, which is effective against a range of pathogens, has the potential to improve hygiene in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and…
Researchers from Shanghai, China, have developed a practical visual assistance system that combines lightweight camera headgear, AI-facilitated software, and artificial “skins” to provide physiological sensing. This innovative system aims to overcome current designs’ limitations and usability concerns, offering a promising solution for the 43 million people worldwide who are blind or severely visually impaired. Forecast…
An international team of physicists has made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of nuclear physics, uncovering a previously unknown region in the nuclear landscape where fragments of fission split in an unexpected way. This unexpected discovery has far-reaching implications, ranging from the development of safer nuclear energy to understanding how heavy elements are created…