Physics

Mirror, mirror, in my tank, who’s the biggest fish of all? Sigma bond spotted, Balancing cell membrane, Exploring quantum squeezing and Outbreak preparedness. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice.

Tohoku University’s Dr. Le Bin Ho has explored how quantum squeezing can improve measurement precision in complex quantum systems, with potential applications in quantum sensing, imaging, and radar technologies. These findings may lead to advancements in areas like GPS accuracy and early disease detection through more sensitive biosensors.

Light-induced immunoassay coated with novel coronavirus spike proteins found highly sensitive even with weak light like a laser pointer

Altermagnetism (AM) is an emerging type of magnetism, combining advantages of both antiferromagnetism (AFM) and ferromagnetism (FM), with no net magnetization and spin-splitting Fermi surfaces. It is ideal material for spintronic applications. In our work, we studied the inverse altermagnetic spin-splitting effect (IASSE) in epitaxial RuO2 film capped by ferromagnetic insulator YIG layer. By injecting a spin current from YIG into RuO2, we observed a significant anisotropic spin to charge conversion with spin index parallel or perpendicular to the Néel vector directions, revealing the inverse altermagnetic spin-splitting effect (IASSE) in RuO2. Furthermore, we verify the ordering of the Néel vector along the [001] direction from magnetization measurements. Our study provides critical insights in the understanding of altermagnetism.

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is an electrochemical process in which water or hydroxide ions are oxidized to produce oxygen gas, playing a crucial role in water splitting and energy conversion. The OER requires efficient catalysts, and now a research group has enhanced the efficiency of traditional cobalt oxide catalysts by doping them with erbium.

As global demand for clean energy solutions grows, the development of cost-effective and efficient catalysts will be pivotal in advancing renewable energy systems. Now, a group of researchers has made significant progress in this regard by employing chromium doping on transition metal hydroxides.

How can we make certain electrochemical reactions faster and more efficient? Researchers at Tohoku University investigated the use of Co X-ides for the electrocatalytic hydrogenation of quinoline.

Seaweed helps brain health, Whales in long-distance relationships, Jumpstarting male fertility, Demystifying black hole turbulence, Shrimp to steel & Mpox Resources. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice.

A capacitor is like a highspeed battery that can quickly store and release energy. What happens when it becomes “super?” Researchers at Tohoku University have potential solutions to improve energy-efficiency.

Researchers at Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, implement modifications to their high-speed atomic force microscopy that simultaneously improve resolution and speed, while enabling direct measurements of 3D structures to provide conclusive evidence of a contested hydration layer forming as calcite dissolves.

If we are to realize better renewable energy technologies, it is vital that scientists develop catalysts that improve the oxygen evolution reaction. A group of researchers has done just that by introducing rare-earth single atoms into manganese oxide.

Researchers at Kanazawa University report in eLife on deciphering the actin structure-dependent preferential cooperative binding of cofilin.

Ammonia is a gas that plays a crucial role in agriculture and industry and has the potential to become a zero-carbon fuel for energy conversion and storage technologies. However, the current methods of producing ammonia are highly energy-intensive, contributing to approximately 1.8% of global CO2 emissions. By focusing on spinel cobalt oxides, a research team has revealed how understanding and optimizing these catalysts could offer a solution to this challenge.

Applying chaos theory to the movement of iconic arctic whales uncovered a 24-hour diving cycle and a long-range (~100 km) synchronization.

Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo have found that ice starts forming near the surface of water via structures similar to a rare, recently discovered type of ice, which helps us understand ice formation better

A 100-year-old physics mystery may be close to being solved as a new study reveals structural changes in titanium-48’s nucleus

Decoding dead stars’ “heartbeats”, Why do females live longer? DNA controller for molecular robots, Earliest twin quasars found. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice. Plus July's SciCom Coffee with A*STAR's Lisa Chong and get the early bird price to be in Asia Research News 2025.

To form qubit states in semiconductor materials, it requires tuning for numerous parameters. But as the number of qubits increases, the amount of parameters also increases, thereby complicating this process. Now, Tohoku University researchers have automated this process, overcoming a significant barrier to realizing quantum computers.

Stars blinking code in Netflix’s “3 Body Problem” may be sci-fi, but by deciphering neutron stars’ erratic flickers, a new study has revealed the twisted origin of their mysterious “heartbeats.”

Approach could have applications for microchemistry, quantum dots

Topological insulators have an interior that acts as an electrical insulator, with a surface that acts as an electrical conductor. Most of the discovered topological insulators to date have been either three or two-dimensional. But researchers have recently unveiled a one-dimensional topological insulator, with the discovery paving the way for further developments in qubits and solar cells.

Using the Subaru Telescope and Gemini North telescope, an international team of astronomers including Kavli IPMU (WPI) has found the earliest pair of quasars, monsters shining with intense radiation powered by actively feeding super massive black holes.

Theoretical simulations and synchrotron experiments reveal the hidden fingerprint of new magnets

Previous research has demonstrated that adding tin to beta-type titanium alloys improves their strength. But scientists have yet to understand the reasons for this. Now, a research team from Tohoku University has pinpointed the exact mechanisms behind this phenomenon.

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking data-driven model to predict the dehydrogenation barriers of magnesium hydride, a promising material for solid-state hydrogen storage. This advancement holds significant potential for enhancing hydrogen storage technologies, a crucial component in the transition to sustainable energy solutions.

Japanese washi paper is renowned for its aesthetic beauty and its wide-array of usages. Now, a group of Tohoku University researchers have made a green composite material from washi which boasts a 60% increase in strength as well as being more biodegradable. They hope that their research will revive interest in this traditional craft.

Paper-based battery for wearable devices, To pass or not to pass? Kirigami hydrogels rise from cellulose, Climate impact on mountains, Effects of space weathering. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice.

Researchers at The University of Tokyo demonstrate enhanced radiative heat transfer across a gap between two micro-sized silicon plates by coating them with a layer of silicon dioxide, which may significantly improve heat management of computers.

Researchers at Tohoku University and the Japan Atomic Energy Agency have discovered a unique property, the quantum metric, within magnetic materials, altering the 'electron universe' geometry. This distinct electric signal challenges traditional electrical conduction and could revolutionize spintronic devices.

Using neutron scattering and voltage measurements, a group of researchers have discovered that a material's magnetic properties can predict spin current changes with temperature. The finding is a major breakthrough in the field of spintronics.