news 2015
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Physics - 21.12.2015
Computer Science - Physics - 18.12.2015
Physics - Astronomy / Space Science - 17.12.2015
Physics - Astronomy / Space Science - 16.12.2015 
Bristol physicists search for signs of supersymmetry
The first results from direct searches for new physics were announced today from CERN's energy-upgraded Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Among these results was a search for signs of a new theory called supersymmetry in which members of the University of Bristol particle physics group have played a leading role.
Physics - Astronomy / Space Science - 14.12.2015 
World’s most sensitive dark matter detector gets even better
The Large Underground Xenon dark matter experiment is the most sensitive dark matter detector in the world, and it just became much more sensitive. Dark matter is thought to be the dominant form of matter in the universe. Scientists are confident in its existence because the effects of its gravity can be seen in the rotation of galaxies and in the way light bends as it travels through the universe.
Physics - Chemistry - 11.12.2015
Physics - Mathematics - 10.12.2015 
Quantum physics problem proved unsolvable
A mathematical problem underlying fundamental questions in particle physics and quantum physics is provably unsolvable, according to scientists at UCL, Universidad Complutense de Madrid - ICMAT and Technische Universität München. The findings show that even a perfect and complete description of the microscopic properties of a material is not enough to predict its macroscopic behaviour.
Physics - Life Sciences - 09.12.2015
Physics - 09.12.2015 
Detecting and identifying explosives with single test
A new test for detecting multiple explosives simultaneously has been developed by UCL scientists. The proof-of-concept sensor is designed to quickly identify and quantify five commonly used explosives in solution to help track toxic contamination in waste water and improve the safety of public spaces.
Physics - Administration - 09.12.2015
Astronomy / Space Science - Physics - 08.12.2015 
Difficult birth for the universe provides clues to particle physics mystery
After studying why the universe did not collapse during its birth, researchers are closer to finding a missing piece in the Standard Model of physics. Since the discovery of the Higgs particle - responsible for giving mass to all particles - at CERN in 2012, studies of its properties have thrown up a lot of questions.
Physics - Health - 08.12.2015 
Older people would be willing to boost bone strength by giving jumping exercises a try
Older people would be willing to increase their bone strength in later life by doing exercises including jumping and hopping, new research from Bristol University has found. The study, funded by the Medical Research Council award to Professor Jon Tobias in the Musculoskeletal Research Unit, found that if older people overcome the barriers to undertaking the exercises, they would be willing to undertake the type of exercises that are likely to increase their bone density and strength, which in turn could reduce their risk of falls or bone fractures.
Life Sciences - Physics - 08.12.2015
Astronomy / Space Science - Physics - 03.12.2015
Astronomy / Space Science - Physics - 01.12.2015 
Saturn’s magnetic bubble explosions help release gas
Scientists have found the first direct evidence for explosive releases of energy in Saturn's magnetic bubble using data from the Cassini spacecraft. Saturn creates its own magnetic bubble, known as its magnetosphere, which protects it from the solar wind. Magnetic reconnection is an explosive process in the magnetosphere that allows material such as gas and plasma (the fourth state of matter) from the solar wind to get in, and material from inside to get out.
Astronomy / Space Science - Physics - 30.11.2015
Health - Physics - 28.11.2015 
Scientists offer sweet solution to marathon fatigue
It turns out a spoonful of sugar might not just help the medicine go down, but could also help stave off tiredness faced by weary marathon runners - or other long-distance athletes - when they hit the wall. According to researchers based within our Department for Health , stirring in table sugar from the baking cupboard into a water bottle before a big physical event could be the difference between success and failure.
Physics - Computer Science - 24.11.2015
Physics - Chemistry - 18.11.2015 
Research named as a World Changing Idea
Fundamental research carried out by the University of Bristol's School of Chemistry into how chemical reactions happen in a liquid has been recognised as a World Changing Idea by Scientific American, the US's leading popular science magazine. The research , which uses infrared spectroscopy and computer simulations to reveal the hidden world of solvent-solute interactions, is one of ten big advances made this year that, the magazine believes, will improve life, transform computing and maybe even save the planet.
Electroengineering - Physics - 18.11.2015
Physics
Results 1 - 20 of 92.
Nature’s unique way of controlling colour explains why birds never go grey
Birds generate their colour using structure, not dyes and pigments The Jay is able to change the colour of its feathers along the equivalent of a single human hair using a tuneable nanostructure This discovery may lead to synthetic structural colour that could be made cheaply and used in paints and clothes that will not fade like dyes and pigments.
Birds generate their colour using structure, not dyes and pigments The Jay is able to change the colour of its feathers along the equivalent of a single human hair using a tuneable nanostructure This discovery may lead to synthetic structural colour that could be made cheaply and used in paints and clothes that will not fade like dyes and pigments.
WiFi signals can be exploited to detect attackers
Physical attacks on devices connected to the Internet can be detected by analysing WiFi signals, computer scientists have discovered. Wireless devices are increasingly used for critical roles, such as security systems or industrial plant automation. Although wireless transmissions can be encrypted to protect transmitted data, it is hard to determine if a device - such as a wirelessly connected security camera protecting critical buildings in airports or power stations - has been tampered with.
Physical attacks on devices connected to the Internet can be detected by analysing WiFi signals, computer scientists have discovered. Wireless devices are increasingly used for critical roles, such as security systems or industrial plant automation. Although wireless transmissions can be encrypted to protect transmitted data, it is hard to determine if a device - such as a wirelessly connected security camera protecting critical buildings in airports or power stations - has been tampered with.
Opinion: Large Hadron Collider sees tantalising hints of a new particle that could revolutionise physics
Harry Cliff (Cavendish Laboratory) discusses the potential discovery of a new particle at the Large Hadron Collider and its implications for particle physics. At the start of December a rumour swirled around the internet and physics lab coffee rooms that researchers at the Large Hadron Collider had spotted a new particle.
Harry Cliff (Cavendish Laboratory) discusses the potential discovery of a new particle at the Large Hadron Collider and its implications for particle physics. At the start of December a rumour swirled around the internet and physics lab coffee rooms that researchers at the Large Hadron Collider had spotted a new particle.
The first results from direct searches for new physics were announced today from CERN's energy-upgraded Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Among these results was a search for signs of a new theory called supersymmetry in which members of the University of Bristol particle physics group have played a leading role.
The Large Underground Xenon dark matter experiment is the most sensitive dark matter detector in the world, and it just became much more sensitive. Dark matter is thought to be the dominant form of matter in the universe. Scientists are confident in its existence because the effects of its gravity can be seen in the rotation of galaxies and in the way light bends as it travels through the universe.
Lancaster physicists work with Oxford on £5.2m QuEEN project
Lancaster is working with the University of Oxford on a £5.2m project which aims to design and develop the world's most efficient thermoelectric material. QuEEN (Quantum Effects in Electronic Nanodevices) funded by the EPSRC involves teams from the Physics Department at Lancaster and the Departments of Materials and Chemistry at Oxford.
Lancaster is working with the University of Oxford on a £5.2m project which aims to design and develop the world's most efficient thermoelectric material. QuEEN (Quantum Effects in Electronic Nanodevices) funded by the EPSRC involves teams from the Physics Department at Lancaster and the Departments of Materials and Chemistry at Oxford.
A mathematical problem underlying fundamental questions in particle physics and quantum physics is provably unsolvable, according to scientists at UCL, Universidad Complutense de Madrid - ICMAT and Technische Universität München. The findings show that even a perfect and complete description of the microscopic properties of a material is not enough to predict its macroscopic behaviour.
New understanding of how shape and form develop in nature
Researchers have identified a new mechanism that drives the development of form and structure, through the observation of artificial materials that shape-shift through a wide variety of forms which are as complex as those seen in nature.
Researchers have identified a new mechanism that drives the development of form and structure, through the observation of artificial materials that shape-shift through a wide variety of forms which are as complex as those seen in nature.
A new test for detecting multiple explosives simultaneously has been developed by UCL scientists. The proof-of-concept sensor is designed to quickly identify and quantify five commonly used explosives in solution to help track toxic contamination in waste water and improve the safety of public spaces.
Researchers on track for ’racetrack memory’ breakthrough
New research from the Universities of Glasgow and Leeds could be an important step towards creating faster, higher-capacity, lower-power data storage. In a new paper published in the journal Nature , researchers discuss their work examining an important property of a developing form of data storage known as 'racetrack memory'.
New research from the Universities of Glasgow and Leeds could be an important step towards creating faster, higher-capacity, lower-power data storage. In a new paper published in the journal Nature , researchers discuss their work examining an important property of a developing form of data storage known as 'racetrack memory'.
After studying why the universe did not collapse during its birth, researchers are closer to finding a missing piece in the Standard Model of physics. Since the discovery of the Higgs particle - responsible for giving mass to all particles - at CERN in 2012, studies of its properties have thrown up a lot of questions.
Older people would be willing to increase their bone strength in later life by doing exercises including jumping and hopping, new research from Bristol University has found. The study, funded by the Medical Research Council award to Professor Jon Tobias in the Musculoskeletal Research Unit, found that if older people overcome the barriers to undertaking the exercises, they would be willing to undertake the type of exercises that are likely to increase their bone density and strength, which in turn could reduce their risk of falls or bone fractures.
Sperm crane their neck to turn right
Researchers find two distinct motions in sperm Unless they crane their necks all sperm would only turn left University of Warwick researchers say this could mean two distinct sperm subpopulations Discovery could improve IVF and fertility treatments. Spermatozoa need to crane their necks to turn right to counteract a left-turning drive caused by the rotation of their tails, new research has found.
Researchers find two distinct motions in sperm Unless they crane their necks all sperm would only turn left University of Warwick researchers say this could mean two distinct sperm subpopulations Discovery could improve IVF and fertility treatments. Spermatozoa need to crane their necks to turn right to counteract a left-turning drive caused by the rotation of their tails, new research has found.
LISA Pathfinder en route to gravitational wave demonstration
The European Space Agency's LISA Pathfinder lifted off earlier today on a Vega rocket from Europe's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, on its way to demonstrate technology for observing gravitational waves from space. Gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of spacetime, predicted a century ago by Albert Einstein's General Theory of Relativity, published on 2 December 1915.
The European Space Agency's LISA Pathfinder lifted off earlier today on a Vega rocket from Europe's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, on its way to demonstrate technology for observing gravitational waves from space. Gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of spacetime, predicted a century ago by Albert Einstein's General Theory of Relativity, published on 2 December 1915.
Scientists have found the first direct evidence for explosive releases of energy in Saturn's magnetic bubble using data from the Cassini spacecraft. Saturn creates its own magnetic bubble, known as its magnetosphere, which protects it from the solar wind. Magnetic reconnection is an explosive process in the magnetosphere that allows material such as gas and plasma (the fourth state of matter) from the solar wind to get in, and material from inside to get out.
Cassini mission provides insight into Saturn
Scientists have found the first direct evidence for explosive releases of energy in Saturn's magnetic bubble using data from the Cassini spacecraft, a joint mission between NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Italian Space Agency. The research is reported . These "explosions" are produced in a process known as magnetic reconnection, something well studied at Earth and is an important part of Space Weather, involved in energising the radiation belts and producing displays of the Northern lights.
Scientists have found the first direct evidence for explosive releases of energy in Saturn's magnetic bubble using data from the Cassini spacecraft, a joint mission between NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Italian Space Agency. The research is reported . These "explosions" are produced in a process known as magnetic reconnection, something well studied at Earth and is an important part of Space Weather, involved in energising the radiation belts and producing displays of the Northern lights.
It turns out a spoonful of sugar might not just help the medicine go down, but could also help stave off tiredness faced by weary marathon runners - or other long-distance athletes - when they hit the wall. According to researchers based within our Department for Health , stirring in table sugar from the baking cupboard into a water bottle before a big physical event could be the difference between success and failure.
New research offers quantum leap for long-distance secure communications
A new tele technique which harnesses quantum technology could lead to a much more secure form of worldwide internet , scientists have reported. In a new paper published today (Tuesday 24 November) in the journal Nature , researchers from the Universities of Glasgow, Stanford, Tokyo and Würzburg describe how they have implemented a novel tool for a long-distance telecommunication link which is impossible for hackers to breach.
A new tele technique which harnesses quantum technology could lead to a much more secure form of worldwide internet , scientists have reported. In a new paper published today (Tuesday 24 November) in the journal Nature , researchers from the Universities of Glasgow, Stanford, Tokyo and Würzburg describe how they have implemented a novel tool for a long-distance telecommunication link which is impossible for hackers to breach.
Fundamental research carried out by the University of Bristol's School of Chemistry into how chemical reactions happen in a liquid has been recognised as a World Changing Idea by Scientific American, the US's leading popular science magazine. The research , which uses infrared spectroscopy and computer simulations to reveal the hidden world of solvent-solute interactions, is one of ten big advances made this year that, the magazine believes, will improve life, transform computing and maybe even save the planet.
Researchers make graphene production breakthrough
Graphene has been hailed as a wonder material since it was first isolated from graphite in 2004. Graphene is just a single atom thick but it is flexible, stronger than steel, and capable of efficiently conducting heat and electricity. However, widespread industrial adoption of graphene has so far been limited by the expense of producing it.
Graphene has been hailed as a wonder material since it was first isolated from graphite in 2004. Graphene is just a single atom thick but it is flexible, stronger than steel, and capable of efficiently conducting heat and electricity. However, widespread industrial adoption of graphene has so far been limited by the expense of producing it.
