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Physical Sciences

 

  • Researchers solve one mystery of high-temperature superconductors

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - An experimental mystery - the origin of the insulating state in a class of materials known as doped Mott insulators - has been solved by researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The solution helps explain the bizarre behavior of doped Mott insulators, such as high-temperature copper-oxide superconductors.

  • Rivers on Titan, one of Saturn's moons, resemble those on earth

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Recent evidence from the Huygens Probe of the Cassini Mission suggests that Titan, the largest moon orbiting Saturn, is a world where rivers of liquid methane sculpt channels in continents of ice. Surface images even show gravel-sized pieces of water ice that resemble rounded stones lying in a dry riverbed on Earth.

  • Climate models need deeper roots, scientists say

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - By soaking up moisture with their roots and later releasing it from their leaves, plants play an active role in regulating the climate. In fact, in vegetated ecosystems, plants are the primary channels that connect the soil to the atmosphere, with plant roots controlling the below-ground dynamics.

  • Global warming could halt ocean circulation, with harmful results

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Absent any climate policy, scientists have found a 70 percent chance of shutting down the thermohaline circulation in the North Atlantic Ocean over the next 200 years, with a 45 percent probability of this occurring in this century. The likelihood decreases with mitigation, but even the most rigorous immediate climate policy would still leave a 25 percent chance of a thermohaline collapse.

  • Stretchable silicon could be next wave in electronics

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The next wave in electronics could be wavy electronics.

  • Researchers demonstrate single molecule absorption spectroscopy

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - A powerful new tool for probing molecular structure on surfaces has been developed by researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Single molecule absorption spectroscopy can enhance molecular analysis, surface manipulation and studies of molecular energy and reactivity at the atomic level.

  • Multi-wavelength images help astronomers study star birth, death

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Black and white reproductions of Vincent van Gogh's "The Starry Night" lack the beauty and depth of the original oil painting. In a similar fashion, images of stars and galaxies composed of a single wavelength band cannot convey the wealth of information now accessible to astronomers.

  • New theory explains electronic and thermal behavior of nanotubes

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have made an important theoretical breakthrough in the understanding of energy dissipation and thermal breakdown in metallic carbon nanotubes. Their discovery will help move nanotube wires from laboratory to marketplace.

  • DNA-wrapped carbon nanotubes serve as sensors in living cells

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Single walled carbon nanotubes wrapped with DNA can be placed inside living cells and detect trace amounts of harmful contaminants using near infrared light, report researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Their discovery opens the door to new types of optical sensors and biomarkers that exploit the unique properties of nanoparticles in living systems.

  • Turbulence yields secrets to 73-year-old experiment

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - A simple but groundbreaking experiment performed more than 70 years ago finally has been explained by scientists at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The solution sheds new light on fluid turbulence - the last major unsolved problem in classical physics.

  • Forum to look at earthquakes, including potential in central U.S.

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Should the October earthquake in Pakistan, and the widespread devastation it caused, raise concerns in the central United States?

  • New measurements prove myosin VI can act as molecular transporter

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - In living organisms, hundreds of different kinds of molecular motors perform a variety of essential, but little understood tasks that result in such actions as muscle contraction, cell division and the movement of materials within cells. Some motors act as transporters, some serve as anchors, and some may do both.

  • Transistor laser functions as non-linear electronic switch, processor

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The transistor laser invented by scientists at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has now been found to possess fundamental non-linear characteristics that are new to a transistor and permit its use as a dual-input, dual-output, high-frequency signal processor.

  • Two elected to membership in National Academy of Engineering

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Incoming University of Illinois Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Linda P.B. Katehi and College of Engineering Interim Dean Ilesanmi Adesida have been elected to membership in the National Academy of Engineering, the academy announced today.

  • Wrinkled membranes create novel drug-delivery system

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - A University of Illinois scientist studying how membranes wrinkle has discovered a novel system for on-demand drug delivery.

  • Detection of DNA on nanotubes offers new sensing, sequencing technologies

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign who recently reported that DNA-wrapped carbon nanotubes could serve as sensors in living cells now say the tiny tubes can be used to target specific DNA sequences. Potential applications for the new sensors range from rapid detection of hazardous biological agents to simpler and more efficient forensic identification.

  • James B. Kaler is a professor emeritus of astronomy and an award-winning author.

    The new planet, Sedna, and where that leaves Pluto

    A Minute With™... James B. Kaler, a professor emeritus of astronomy

  • Quantum computer solves problem, without running

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - By combining quantum computation and quantum interrogation, scientists at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have found an exotic way of determining an answer to an algorithm - without ever running the algorithm.

  • Nanoparticles create biocompatible capsules

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - An innovative strategy of mixing lipids and nanoparticles to produce new drug and agricultural materials and delivery vehicles has been developed by researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

  • Janus particles offer new physics, new technology

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - In Roman mythology, Janus was the god of change and transition, often portrayed with two faces gazing in opposite directions. At the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Janus particles are providing insight into the movement of molecules, and serving as the basis for new materials and sensors.

  • Rare volcanic plumes create uncommonly dangerous ash flows

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Three unique photographs of a recent volcanic eruption in a remote part of Ecuador show a plume unlike any previously documented, and hint at a newly recognized hazard, say scientists at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

  • Light-sensitive particles change chemistry at the flick of a switch

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - A light-sensitive, self-assembled monolayer that provides unique control over particle interactions has been developed by scientists at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Particles coated with the monolayer change their surface charge and chemistry upon exposure to ultraviolet light.

  • Ed Kieser

    Don't let more frequent tornado warnings lull you into complacency

    A Minute With™... Ed Kieser, the chief meteorologist at WILL AM-FM-TV

  • Hidden structure revealed in characteristics of transistor laser

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The transistor laser, invented by scientists at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, has been full of surprises. Researchers recently coaxed the device to reveal fundamental properties of the transistor, and of the transistor laser, moving it a step closer to commercialization.

  • U. of I. to host state finals of Science Olympiad April 29

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The state finals of the Illinois Science Olympiad will be held April 29 at the University of Illinois. The event, which begins at 8 a.m., is part of a national competition in which middle and high school students compete in 23 events involving science concepts and engineering skills. The public is invited to attend.

  • New video-conferencing method cheaper, more sophisticated, developers say

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - If only Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers were around today to take a spin with new technology being developed and tested by a team of computer scientists in Illinois and California.

  • Two Illinois researchers elected to National Academy of Sciences

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Two University of Illinois faculty members - David Ceperley and Laura Greene - have been elected to membership in the National Academy of Sciences, the academy announced today.

  • Software allows neighbors to improve Internet access at no extra cost

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Computer scientists at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have developed software that enables the sharing of high-speed Internet connections without compromising security or privacy. The software can improve Internet connectivity in residential areas at no additional cost.

  • Ilesanmi Adesida named dean of College of Engineering at Illinois

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Ilesanmi Adesida, who has served as the interim dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign since June 2005, has been chosen to be the next dean of the College of Engineering, pending approval of the U. of I. Board of Trustees at its May 11 meeting in Chicago.

  • Illinois professor to address global warming at book launching

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Michael Schlesinger, a professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, will participate in news conferences in New York City on May 9, and Washington, D.C., on May 10, publicizing the U.S. debut of the book "Avoiding Dangerous Climate Change."

  • Ring-like formations in drying DNA drops could affect hybridization studies

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Coffee drinkers are familiar with the ring-shaped stains that result from spilled drops that have dried, in which the brown stain is not evenly distributed, but instead concentrated at the edge. Now, a team led by Gerard Wong, a professor of materials science and engineering, physics and bioengineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has found the same "coffee-ring" formation in drying drops of DNA.

  • Illinois researchers produce two most important scientific papers

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Two of the five most important papers published in the 43-year history of the journal Applied Physics Letters were written by researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

  • Researchers build an ultrasound version of the laser

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and at the University of Missouri-Rolla have built an ultrasound analogue of the laser.

  • University of Illinois to host 'See Your Soldier' event

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The University of Illinois will use advanced videoconferencing technology to connect Illinois families with loved ones who are stationed in Iraq. On July 11 and 12, family members can visit one of several sites in Illinois for live, interactive 30-minute videoconferencing sessions in which they can see and talk with their soldiers stationed at either Camp Al Asad (Air Force) or Camp Taji/Cooke (Army) in Iraq.

  • Midwest volcanologist and geology professor Susan W. Kieffer holds a Charles R. Walgreen Jr. Chair at Illinois.

    What makes Merapi such a dangerous volcano?

     A Minute With™... Midwest volcanologist and geology professor Susan W. Kieffer

  • Watching rocks grow: Theory explains landscape of geothermal springs

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Scientists at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have successfully modeled the spectacular landscapes seen at geothermal hot springs.

  • Software tools detect bugs by inferring programmer's intentions

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The task of debugging huge computer programs can be made faster and easier by using new software tools developed by programming experts at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

  • Anxious adults judge facial cues faster, but less accurately

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Adults who are highly anxious can perceive changes in facial expressions more quickly than adults who are less anxious, a new study shows. By jumping to emotional conclusions, however, highly anxious adults may make more errors in judgment and perpetuate a cycle of conflict and misunderstanding in their relationships.

  • Constant din of barking causes stress, behavior changes in dogs in shelters

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - If your neighbor's barking dog drives you crazy, pity the employees of the nation's animal shelters, where the noise produced by howling, barking and yapping dogs often exceeds that produced by a jackhammer.

  • Three Illinois researchers receive Presidential Early Career Awards

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Three researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign were among 56 young researchers named as recipients of the 2005 Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on young professionals at the outset of their independent research careers.

  • Trees appear to respond slower to climate change than previously thought

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Genetic analysis of living spruce trees provides strong evidence for the presence of a tree refuge in Alaska during the height of the last glacial period (17,000 to 25,000 years ago), and suggests that trees cannot migrate in response to climate change as quickly as some scientists thought.

  • Scientists identify gene involved in stem cell self-renewal in planarians

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - No matter how you slice it, the freshwater planarian possesses an amazing ability to regenerate lost body parts. Chop one into pieces, and each piece can grow into a complete planarian. The flatworm relies upon a population of stem cells to accomplish this remarkable feat; recent work sheds light on how planarians maintain these stem cells throughout their lives.

  • Lake shape a major factor in outbreaks of epidemics among plankton

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The shape of a lake's basin - in reverse of what researchers had theorized - has a prominent role, along with predation and weather patterns, in epidemics affecting water fleas grazing on lakes in Michigan, researchers say.

  • Recombination dynamics observed with single monomer resolution

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Using a sensitive, single-molecule measurement technique, researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have observed the life cycle of RecA, a protein that plays a major role in repairing damaged DNA.

  • Mathematician uses topology to study abstract spaces, solve problems

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Studying complex systems, such as the movement of robots on a factory floor, the motion of air over a wing, or the effectiveness of a security network, can present huge challenges. Mathematician Robert Ghrist at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is developing advanced mathematical tools to simplify such tasks.

  • Rapid-fire jaws propel ants to safety

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Move aside, mantis shrimp; trap-jaw ants now hold the world record for fastest moving body parts.

  • Synthetic molecule causes cancer cells to self-destruct

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Scientists have found a way to trick cancer cells into committing suicide. The novel technique potentially offers an effective method of providing personalized anti-cancer therapy.

  • Solar energy viable in Illinois under right conditions, data indicate

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Although costs for photovoltaic technology are too high now in comparison with power supplied by traditional utilities, the potential to make solar power economically feasible exists on a smaller scale, according to data released today by the Illinois State Water Survey and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

  • New catalyst removes harmful perchlorate from groundwater

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Scientists at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have developed a new chemical catalyst that uses hydrogen gas to efficiently remove and destroy harmful perchlorate in contaminated groundwater.

  • Near-infrared imaging helps doctors detect, treat breast cancer

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - A near-infrared imaging technique being developed by researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign could have a significant impact in the way doctors detect, diagnose and treat breast cancer.