Physical Sciences & Mathematics
Professor Darin Acosta | At the Frontier of High Energy Physics
Professor Darin Acosta’s research at the CMS experiment utilises advanced muon detection, sophisticated trigger systems, and machine learning to deepen our understanding of the Higgs boson and explore the potential existence of dark matter. Based at Rice University in the USA, Professor Acosta’s work has long-reaching implications that are fundamental to our understanding of the universe.
The Progressive Recovering of Einstein’s Determinism under Strong Interactions
Quantum mechanics relies on probabilities and uncertainties – for example, we cannot work out the outcome of a quantum system, but instead, we can suggest probabilities of certain outcomes. This has been troublesome for determinists, who instead believe that all outcomes are governed by a set of laws. Sir Professor Ruggero Maria Santilli from The Institute of Basic Research argues that if we extend our picture of quantum mechanics to his idea of hadronic mechanics, we can recover hidden variables and progressively recover determinism.
Professor Francisco Jurado | Taming the Dynamics of Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations
Controlling partial differential equations (PDEs) with parametric uncertainties is vital for system stability in science and engineering. Professor Francisco Jurado from Tecnológico Nacional de México (TecNM)/La Laguna addresses this challenging problem with a novel approach using adaptive backstepping boundary control for a one-dimensional modified Burgers’ equation. His innovative work tackles uncertainties in reactive and viscosity terms and considers Robin and Neumann boundary conditions, offering valuable insights into nonlinear PDE control.
Dr Christopher Singh | Navigating Radiation Challenges for Photonic Devices
Dr Christopher Singh at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in the USA conducts groundbreaking research into photonic devices. We find out here about the potential impacts of his work exploring quantum physics in radiation-heavy environments. His work informs progress across excitingly diverse sectors, including space exploration, nuclear energy, and healthcare.
Do Gravitational Waves Exist? Critical Questions from Professor Jean-François Pommaret
Through a detailed analysis of mathematical frameworks, Professor Jean-François Pommaret challenges the established scientific consensus on gravitational waves, proposing that certain mathematical interpretations could question their existence. This article delves into the professor’s examination of the founding principles of general relativity, offering an insightful, alternative perspective on the ongoing dialogue between mathematics and physics.
Dr Michael Parker – Dr Christopher Jeynes | Explaining Fundamental Reality (using the changing entropy)
Dr Michael Parker (Lexden Technologies) and Dr Christopher Jeynes (independent scholar) apply basic principles of thermodynamics to the topical issue of beta-decay bringing us an entirely new understanding of Time and Reality.
Dr Barry Ganapol | Discretising Radiation and the Fokker-Planck Equation
Dr Barry Ganapol from the University of Arizona and Dr Ó López Pouso from the University of Santiago de Compostela are working to address the fundamental challenge of solving the Fokker-Planck Equation as applied to radiation transport theory. They introduce a novel application of the Response Matrix/Discrete Ordinates method, achieving six-figure precision in modelling how radiation (specifically electrons and photons) scatters through small angles. This breakthrough could have significant implications for fields ranging from medical imaging to environmental science, enhancing our ability to predict and control radiation’s interaction with matter.
Dr Olalla Castro-Alvaredo | Measuring Entanglement: Symmetry-Resolved Entropy
Dr Olalla Castro-Alvaredo of the City University of London (UK) and her collaborators are advancing our understanding of an important phenomenon of quantum mechanical systems known as entanglement and, especially, its mathematical measures. Symmetry-resolved entanglement entropy is one such measure. Their study focuses on special quantum states which are excited with respect to a ground state. The research shows how the entanglement amongst quantum particles can be measured and assesses the contribution to the entanglement of quasiparticle excitations, particularly in the presence of additional symmetries.
Dr Tsun-Kong Sham – Dr Jiatang Chen – Dr Zou Finfrock – Dr Zhiqiang Wang | X-Rays Shine Light on Fuel Cell Catalysts
Understanding the electronic behaviour of fuel cell catalysts can be difficult using standard experimental techniques, although this knowledge is critical to their fine-tuning and optimisation. Dr Jiatang Chen at the University of Western Ontario works with colleagues to use the cutting-edge valence-to-core X-ray emission spectroscopy method to determine the precise electronic effects of altering the amounts of platinum and nickel in platinum-nickel catalysts used in fuel cells. Their research demonstrates the potential application of this technique to analysing battery materials, catalysts, and even cancer drug molecules.
Dr Marcus Noack and Dr Mark Risser | Advancing Gaussian Processes: The Noack-Risser Method
Dr Marcus Noack and Dr Mark Risser, researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, have recently proposed a significant advancement in the area of machine learning and data science that promises significant computational improvements: the enhancement of exact Gaussian Processes for large datasets, significantly improving data analysis capabilities for samples even beyond 5 million data points.
Dr Gregory Duane | Predicting Climate Change with Supermodels
Our universe is comprised of fascinatingly complex systems. Systems such as the Earth’s climate can, at first glance, seem far too complex and chaotic to predict accurately. Dr Gregory Duane and his team at the University of Colorado have been developing complex computational models that can learn from past data, providing us with intriguing insights and more accurate predictions about the future.
Dr Ivan Kennedy | Least Action and Quantum Fields: New Methods for Calculating the Energy of Systems and Reactions
The Principle of Least Action is a well-known tool for mathematicians and theoretical physicists. Simply put, the Principle of Least action states that, for a system to progress from one state to another, the variation in the average kinetic energy of the system minus the average potential energy of the system will be as little as possible. Dr Ivan Kennedy from the University of Sydney has found that the application of this important theorem, combined with the idea of a pervasive quantum field, to processes such as chemical reactions, atmospheric phenomena, and stellar structure, yields some unexpected but exciting results.
Professor Sergey Kravchenko – Professor Alexander Shashkin | Understanding Electron Behaviour in Solid State Physics
Professor Sergey Kravchenko of Northeastern University (USA) and Professor Alexander Shashkin of the Institute of Solid State Physics (Russia) study two-dimensional electron systems. In this field, the behaviour of electrons under different environmental conditions alters the macroscopic properties of the materials they constitute. For example, some metallic compounds transition from an insulating state to a metallic, conductive state as the system parameters change. Understanding precisely how and why this occurs may be crucial to developing the next generation of nanoscale materials, such as room-temperature superconductors.
Professor Susan M. Scott | New Methods for Mathematically Modelling Black Holes
The swirling vortexes of incredible gravitational strength we call black holes are amongst astrophysics’ most recognisable and captivating phenomena. Whilst regularly featuring in films, novels and popular science texts, black holes continue to pose mathematical challenges for the physicists working in this field. Distinguished Professor Susan Scott from The Australian National University has been undertaking research to solve some of these mathematical conundrums.
Professor Jeremy May | Innovative New Solutions to Create Carbon-Carbon Bonds
One of the most fundamental chemical phenomena in existence is that of the carbon-carbon bond. It gives carbon atoms the ability to form the backbone of all organic chemistries; without it, life itself could not exist. Therefore, understanding how to make, break and manipulate this crucial bond is the secret to unlocking endless potential options for chemical synthesis. Professor Jeremy May and his team at the University of Houston, USA, have been developing methods to control the formation of these bonds, significantly furthering the field of organic synthesis.
Professor John Miller | How Superconducting Technologies are Warming Up to Charge Density Waves
Superconducting quantum computers offer exciting potential for the future but are currently limited by their low operating temperature. Professor John Miller and his team at the University of Houston have been working on these problems, looking at how we can operate superconducting quantum systems at higher temperatures and considering the properties of charge density wave materials. He also highlights the applications of this work in quantum information processing.
Professor Alison Lister | Poking Holes in the Standard Model of Particle Physics
Our understanding of physics changed dramatically in the 20th century, with the advent of the Standard Model of Particle Physics, which builds on quantum mechanics and Einstein’s theory of relativity – two of the most successful theories in the history of science. However, we know that our theories are incomplete, but finding out what’s beyond the Standard Model is difficult because it’s such a successful theory. Professor Alison Lister and her colleagues at the University of British Columbia and around the world are poking holes in the Standard Model, towards finding a new theory that gives a more complete description of the universe.
Professor Christian Laforsch | Professor Andreas Greiner – Microplastics: Solutions for a Persistent Pollutant
Plastics have revolutionised human existence. Medicine, technology, agriculture and construction all rely on highly durable plastic materials. However, the enduring legacy of plastics extends far beyond our cities and towns. Everywhere we look, from the deepest parts of the oceans to alpine glaciers, we find tiny fragments called microplastics. Recently, the collaborative research centre, ‘CRC 1357 Microplastic’, at the University of Bayreuth was granted a second funding phase by the German Science Foundation, to continue their intensive research into microplastics. The CRC 1357 team studies the formation and behaviour of microplastics in the environment and their long-term effects on soils, plants, organisms, and ecosystem processes. Through their research, the University of Bayreuth will be able to contribute to ground-breaking recommendations for policy-makers, industry and society.
Dr Nicholas Mauro | Exploring How Metallic Glasses are Formed from Molten Alloys
Metallic glasses are extraordinary materials that can be formed by rapidly cooling certain mixtures of molten metals. Their unique properties make them extremely desirable for various technological applications. However, scientists do not fully understand the processes that drive the formation of metallic glasses, and as such, they remain difficult to design and optimise for specific purposes. Dr Nicholas Mauro and his team at St. Norbert College in Wisconsin have been researching metallic glasses to understand exactly how these materials form from various molten alloys. By understanding the mechanisms that lead to the formation of metallic glasses, the team’s work aids in the design of new metallic glasses and enables their optimisation for specific technological applications.
Dr Greg Swain | A Cross-Disciplinary Sustainable Chemistry Summer Program
To protect Earth’s environment and endangered species, chemists, material scientists and engineers will need to be more mindful of the substances they produce and use. To this end, Dr Greg Swain, Professor of Chemistry at Michigan State University, created the Cross-Disciplinary Training Program in Sustainable Chemistry and Chemical Processes. This innovative program teaches undergraduate chemistry students the importance of sustainable practices, while preparing them for their future careers.
Professor Michel Moisan | Providing Stable and Power-Efficient Plasma Using Microwaves
The ability to generate stable and reproducible plasma is central to many aspects of research and technology. Through his research, Professor Michel Moisan and his team at Université de Montréal (UdeM) explored the capabilities of various devices they patented that produce plasma columns simply and efficiently, using radiofrequency or microwaves. Applications of these devices range from the sterilisation of medical equipment, to purifying noble gases such as xenon for ion-thrusters that ensure the repositioning of communication satellites.
Dr Keith A. Hobson | Mapping Animal Migration with Isotopic Tools
Animal migration is one of the most astounding natural phenomena on the planet. Birds and insects travel thousands of kilometres across the globe in regular movements, using highly evolved methods of navigation. Migration is not only fascinating and wonderous; understanding where and how animals migrate can make conservation strategies more effective. Dr Keith A. Hobson at the University of Western Ontario and his colleagues have been using a special class of molecules and advanced scientific methods to uncover the secrets of animal migration.
Dr Stefi Baum – Dr Christopher O’Dea | Shaping Galaxy Clusters with Supermassive Black Holes
The black holes found at the centres of most large galaxies are now found to be fundamental to galactic formation and evolution. Until recently, however, little was understood about how these massive bodies affect the behaviours of their host galaxies and beyond. Through their research, Dr Stefi Baum and Dr Christopher O’Dea at the University of Manitoba have made important strides towards untangling the many mysteries involved in this intriguing astronomical problem.
Dr John Slough | Fuelling the Next Generation of Rockets with Nuclear Fusion
Most rockets combine liquid hydrogen and oxygen to throw out extremely hot, expanding gas as a propellant; however, there are limits to the efficiency of this system. Dr John Slough and his colleagues at MSNW and the University of Washington have been developing new ways to propel spacecraft, with inspiration from the process that powers the Sun: nuclear fusion. Using an innovative design, his fusion-driven rocket converts the energy output of a fusion reaction directly into the propellant, opening new opportunities for space travel and exploration.
Dr Orlando Auciello | Ultrananocrystalline Diamond Coatings for Transformational Medical Devices and Prostheses
Far from the days of being exclusively used in jewellery, diamond is finding a new lease of life as a coating for a wide variety of new medical devices and prostheses. In his recent book, Dr Orlando Auciello discusses his research in materials science and device development for medical applications. He evaluates how ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) coatings can be used to improve upon existing biomedical technologies, with the goal of providing a better quality of life for countless patients around the world.
Dr Susmita Bose | 3D Printed Bone-like Materials for Delivering Natural Medicine
Some of the greatest advances in medical history have revolved around the creation of new materials that can replace damaged tissues in the body. Today, many researchers focus on creating materials that can replace damaged bone tissue, which often cannot heal naturally. Dr Susmita Bose and her team at Washington State University have been researching ways to engineer exciting new materials that mimic the structure of natural bone, allowing us to live happier, healthier, and longer lives.
Dr Amy Keesee | Mapping the Magnetosphere with Energetic Atoms
When Earth’s magnetic field is struck by violent geomagnetic storms, narrow streams of fast-moving ions can form, which pose serious threats to vital satellite systems. Through her research, Dr Amy Keesee at the University of New Hampshire is shedding new light on how these streams originate, by picking up the energetic neutral atoms they occasionally generate. Her team’s work has proved that these atoms can be used to build reliable temperature maps of the magnetosphere – the region around Earth dominated by the planet’s magnetic field. Such temperature maps can help us to better predict when satellite systems may be under threat.
Dr Jinwen Zhang | Fixing the Plastic Industry with Sustainable Materials
A combination of dwindling oil reserves and increasing pollution means that the plastic industry must be urgently transformed before it’s too late. The efforts of researchers, including Dr Jinwen Zhang and his colleagues at Washington State University, mean that solutions are becoming increasingly available. Through the development of malleable and self-healable plastics, created from both existing petrochemical and renewable chemical feedstocks, Dr Zhang’s team is creating stronger, more resilient plastics that can be easily recycled.
Professor Henning Schmidt | DESIREE: Recreating Interactions Between Ions
Interactions between positive and negative ions are important processes in nature. However, there is a lack of experimental facilities designed to study them in detail. This picture could now be changing thanks to DESIREE: a facility where different ion beams can be stored and cooled for extensive periods within separate rings, before colliding with each other. Run by an extensive team of physicists at Stockholm University, the instrument is shedding new light on how ions interact in a wide range of environments – from dynamic stellar atmospheres, to interstellar space.
Dr Martín Medina-Elizalde | Collapse of the Ancient Maya Civilisation: Aligning History with Geological Analysis
Between 800 and 1000 CE, one of the world’s most advanced ancient civilisations underwent a devastating decline. The collapse of ancient Maya society has widely been attributed to a century-long drought; but so far, there have been few efforts to quantify this event, or to equate scientific findings with historical sources. Through new geological and paleoclimatological analyses, Dr Martín Medina-Elizalde at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst has revealed that the climate changes experienced during the drought followed more complex patterns than previously thought. His team’s discoveries could have important implications for predicting our own society’s future.
Dr Daniel Weimer | Protecting Satellites By Assessing the Density of Earth’s Upper Atmosphere
Earth’s upper atmosphere is home to a growing number of satellites. To prevent these valuable instruments from colliding with one another, operators often require accurate information about how the orbits of these satellites are affected by drag. However, due to the Sun’s continually changing activity, the density of air found in this region can vary drastically, making it difficult for operators to calculate how adjustments should be made. Using a combination of modelling approaches, a team led by Dr Daniel Weimer at Virginia Tech shows how air density throughout the upper atmosphere can be precisely calculated, over a wide range of timescales.
Dr Sebastian Weber – Exploring Steel Alloys for Hydrogen Storage Technology
Hydrogen fuel presents a promising route towards a carbon-free energy source for vehicles – but the technology still faces challenges relating to storage. Dr Sebastian Weber at Ruhr University Bochum, alongside collaborators Dr Gero Egels, Dr Robert Fussik and Dr Mauro Martin, studies the capabilities and limitations of specialised steel alloys for heavily stressed components in high-pressure hydrogen storage systems. Using a combination of simulations and analytical techniques, the team aims to provide a detailed picture of how the atomic-scale structures of these materials relate to their brittleness when exposed to hydrogen. Their discoveries could eventually lead to the development of new materials, which can be used as high-performing components in hydrogen storage systems.