Physics Newsletter November #2
- Bhavya Goel
- Nov 30, 2024
- 3 min read
Physics Pulse: Physics Newsletter
By: Bhavya Goel - Researcher
Improved ultrasound technique produces previously unattainable images inside live cells
A new ultrasound technique from the University of Nottingham is revolutionizing how scientists can view live cells. Using high-frequency sound waves generated by ultrafast lasers, researchers can now create sharper, more detailed images without harming the cells. This method, developed by Dr. Mengting Yao and her team, builds on "phonon microscopy" by incorporating specialized optoacoustic lenses to focus sound waves in 3D. These lenses, with features as small as 100 nanometers, enable unprecedented resolution, making it possible to study live cells in ways that traditional light-based microscopes or older acoustic methods could not.
This breakthrough has exciting implications for fields like cancer research and drug development. By allowing scientists to monitor processes like cell division, cancer progression, and drug effects in real time, the technique offers new insights into cellular behavior. Unlike traditional optical microscopes, which rely on potentially toxic dyes or harmful light, this method delivers 100,000 times less energy to specimens. This reduced harm, combined with the ability to measure mechanical properties of cells, makes it a game-changer for biology, potentially advancing early cancer detection, regenerative medicine, and beyond
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Raise the roof: How to reduce badminton birdie drift
Indoor badminton courts, even enclosed ones, face challenges from airflow affecting the shuttlecock's path, a phenomenon called wind drift. Factors like HVAC systems and cross ventilation can subtly influence the lightweight birdie, leading to controversies in high-stakes tournaments. Simply turning off the ventilation isn’t a practical solution as it can cause player discomfort. Research published in Physics of Fluids suggests that stadium roof design, particularly a barrel roof with a strategically placed ventilation opening, could help reduce wind drift during games.
The study, led by Karthik Jayanarasimhan, compared airflow effects in barrel-roofed and flat-roofed stadiums. While rebuilding existing stadiums isn’t feasible, renovations like modifying ventilation openings could mitigate the issue. The findings encourage identifying low wind drift areas on courts for better gameplay and highlight the need for thoughtful roof designs in new stadiums. Jayanarasimhan believes continued research on roof configurations and wind patterns will he
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We’re Living in an Abnormal Galaxy
The SAGA Survey reveals that the Milky Way is atypical compared to 101 similar galaxies. While the Milky Way hosts fewer satellite galaxies than many of its counterparts, the presence of massive satellites like the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds correlates with systems that have more satellites overall. Satellite star formation rates (SFR) decrease with proximity to their host galaxies, likely due to quenching effects from the dark matter halo. In the Milky Way, only the Magellanic Clouds actively form stars, suggesting unique conditions or a blend of older quenched satellites and recently acquired active ones.
The survey also highlights that the Milky Way’s satellite population differs significantly in terms of star formation and abundance trends. Models built from SAGA data effectively reproduce satellite properties, suggesting that dark matter haloes and environmental effects strongly influence satellite evolution. These findings underline the need to study a wide range of galaxy systems, as relying on the Milky Way alone may not provide a complete picture of galaxy formation and evolution
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Timber! Japan launches world’s first wooden satellite into space
Researchers in Japan have launched LignoSat2, the world’s first wooden satellite, to explore the potential of timber as a sustainable material for space technology. Developed by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry, the CubeSat was sent to the International Space Station (ISS) on November 4 via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Unlike metals such as aluminum, wood offers the advantage of being environmentally friendly during atmospheric re-entry as it avoids producing harmful aluminum oxide particles. Following successful durability tests on various woods aboard the ISS, magnolia wood, known for its strength and stability, was chosen for LignoSat2's construction.
The satellite, encased in an aluminum frame and equipped with solar panels, will spend six months in orbit collecting data on wood’s performance in the harsh space environment. Researchers aim to assess its resistance to cosmic radiation, internal temperature stability, and its protection of electronic components. If successful, LignoSat could pave the way for wooden satellites, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials while envisioning a future of sustainable human activities in space.
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