Research News
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Scientists explore oil clean-up properties of aquatic ferns
Hairy-leaved plants that selectively soak up oil while repelling water could inspire more efficient environmental remediation. Certain varieties of aquatic floating weeds demonstrate an impressive ability to selectively absorb oil from contaminated water. These plants, which are often regarded as a nuisance, could in fact provide an extremely convenient way of cleaning up messy oil […]
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"Chemtrails" not real, say leading atmospheric science experts
Well-understood physical and chemical processes can easily explain the alleged evidence of a secret, large-scale atmospheric spraying program.
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Where is my mind? A new study looks for the cortical conscious network
New research published in the New Journal of Physics tries to decompose the structural layers of the cortical network to different hierarchies enabling to identify the network’s nucleus, from which our consciousness could emerge.
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Australian physicists revisit spin-bowling puzzle
Latest calculations reveal why small variations in the rotation of the ball applied by slow bowlers in cricket can cause batsmen big problems even before deliveries have pitched on the ground.
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Collective hum: buzzing midges inspire new swarm theory
Scientists propose ‘adaptive gravity’ as a versatile model for collective animal behaviour A team of researchers based in Israel and the US has found a mathematical resemblance between swarm dynamics and gravitational interactions. The study, which has just been published in the New Journal of Physics, could provide a big leap forward in understanding the […]
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Did cutting edge optics help Rembrandt draw self-portraits?
Rembrandt and many other of the Old Masters may have used cutting-edge optics to aid their self-portraits. This is the conclusion drawn by two independent researchers, who publish their results in the Journal of Optics.
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Solar panels study reveals impact on the earth
Researchers have produced the first detailed study of the impact of solar parks on the environment, opening the door to smarter forms of farming and better land management.
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Knuckleball machine delivers soccer science
Wind tunnel and high-speed camera data help researchers to explore the zigzag secrets of one of football's most unpredictable shots and provide clues to much older scientific mysteries.