APS in the News - 2012

Superluminal Light
May 3, 2012
Experiment creates light that moves faster than c.
Article: Popular Science
Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Acoustic Analog to Graphene
May 3, 2012
Honeycomb pattern in plastic is a large-scale acoustic equivalent of graphene.
Article: Physics World
Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Gamma Ray Optics
May 6, 2012
Physicists have shown that gamma rays can be bent like ordinary light.
Article: MSN
Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Physics of Spilling Coffee
May 9, 2012
Fluid dynamics explains how walking leads to spilled coffee, and suggests ways to prevent it.
Article: MSNBC
Synopsis: Physics

Black Holes Limit Star Formation
May 10, 2012
A black hole at the center of a galaxy may hinder star formation.
Article: Ars Technica
Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Spider Silk Electronics
May 11, 2012
Adding gold or nanotubes to spider silk creates microscopic wires
Article: IEEE Spectrum
Abstract: March Meeting

Clean Up Silicon Conduction
May 14, 2012
Removing dopants from a silicon substrate can help overcome unpredictable electron scattering at the quantum scale.
Article: The Register
Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Storing Data in Quantum Combs
May 16, 2012
Three independent teams of physicists have created solid-state quantum memories that store the polarization states of photons.
 Article:  Physics World
 Synopsis: Physics

Orbiting Oxygen Droplets
May 17, 2012
Magnets deflect liquid oxygen droplets as they skitter across a glass surface.
Article: Science News
Forthcoming: Physical Review E

Staples Stick Together
May 23, 2012
U-shaped metal grains (i.e. staples) clump together best at a length-to-width ratio of about 0.4.
 Article:  Physics World
 Synopsis: Physics

Electromagnetism v. Relativity
May 24, 2012
Is the Lorentz law of force incompatible with special relativity and momentum conservation?
 Article:  PhysOrg
 Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Cloaking Array Apps
May 25, 2012
Arrays of metamaterial cloaks could aid communications and analysis of complex samples.
 Article:  BBC News
 Abstract: Physical Review B

Flying Carpet Constructed
May 29, 2012
An electrically powered sheet propels itself through the air.
 Article:  Discover
 Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Energy Critical Mineral Funding
May 29, 2012
DOE to spend up to $120 million in next 5 years to support research into rare earths and critical materials.
 Article:  UPI
 Energy Critical Elements Report

New Class of 3-Body States
May 30, 2012
A new class of three-body bound states should exist for atoms that experience long-range interactions.
 Article:  Physics World
 Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Teen Publishes Quantum Advance
June 3, 2012
At the tender age of 18, Ari Dyckovskyhas has already published on quantum mechanics in Physical Review A.
 Article:  Wired
 Abstract: Physical Review A

Vanishing Friction
June 4, 2012
Friction can nearly disappear altogether at the micron scale.
 Article:  PhysOrg
 Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Self-Planting Seeds
June 6, 2012
X-ray measurements reveal the mechanism behind self-sowing plant seeds.
 Article:  Science Now
 Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Modeling Phasons
June 9, 2012
New model of phason excitations in quasicrystals.
 Article:  PhysOrg
 Synopsis: Physics

Protesting Kokabee Sentencing
June 11, 2012
Organizations ask for fair treatment for Iranian physics grad student.
 Article:  Nature News
 APS Letter on Kokabee 

Quantum Site Ranking
June 12, 2012
Proposed quantum mechanical algorithm could duplicate Google's PageRank for web site popularity.
 Article:  Ars Technica
 Synopsis: Physics

Rogue Waves Simulated
June 14, 2012
Chaotic laser pulses lead to an analogue of dangerously large ocean waves.
 Article:  ABC Science
 Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Cartel Physics
June 21, 2012
High gas prices may be explained by spontaneously self-organized cartel behavior, rather than collusion.
 Article:  PhysOrg
 Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Stressed Transistors
June 25, 2012
High stresses applied to silicon devices can improve transistor performance beyond what was previously thought possible.
 Article:  EE Times
 Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Galaxy Clusters in Motion
June 29, 2012
Researchers have detected how the 600-kilometer-per-second motion of galactic clusters affects the cosmic microwave background.
 Article:  Nature News
 Forthcoming: Phys Rev Letters

Shaken Lasers
June 29, 2012
Shaking metallic grains turns them into tunable lasers.
 Article:  New Scientist
 Synopsis: Physics

Searching for Cosmic Ray Sources
July 3, 2012
After 100 years, energetic space particles continue to pose a perplexing mystery.
 Article:  Science News
 Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Particle May Be Higgs-Boson
July 5, 2012
The recent announcement from CERN of observing a "Higgslike" particle may confirm physics theories now almost a half-century old. In 1964, the flagship APS journal, Physical Review Letters, published three articles, one of them by Peter Higgs, that sought to explain how matter gets its mass.  APS has made these noteworthy letters Free to Read.
Higgs Within Reach (CERN)
Milestones from PRL (1964)
Physicists Find Elusive Particle - (NYT)

Quantum Indecision
July 9, 2012
Some solvable classical problems have no quantum mechanical solutions.
Article: PhysOrg
Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Droplets as Quantum Analogue
July 9, 2012
Pairs of bouncing droplets on a fluid surface simulate the Zeeman effect.
Article: Physics World
Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Quantum Computing Bus
July 10, 2012
Researchers propose a way to transfer quantum information between ions and electronic circuits.
Article: Ars Technica
Focus: Phys Rev Letters

Hawking Loses Another Bet
July 10, 2012
Losing a bet against the Higgs is the latest in Stephen Hawking's bad gambling choices.
Article: Int'l Business Times
Abstract: Physical Review D

Lunar Swirls Explained
July 11, 2012
Electric fields enveloping magnetic bubbles create distinctive patterns on the moon.
Article: Science News
Forthcoming: Phys Rev Letters

Photonic Particle Trap
July 16, 2012
New hollow fiber trap for micron-sized particles relies on both laser light and heat.
 Article:  Physics World
 Viewpoint: Physics

Black Hole Lithium Factories
July 17, 2012
Some small black holes could be acting as prolific lithium sources.
 Article:  Science News
 Focus: Physics

Solving Casimir Conundrum
July 19, 2012
New experiment may resolve conflicting theories of forces between adjacent surfaces.
 Article:  Physics World
 Synopsis: Physics

Pioneer Anomaly Solved
July 20, 2012
Slowing of NASA's Pioneer spacecraft far out in the solar system can be explained by excess heat.
 Article:  USA Today
 Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Quantum Limits on Theories
July 23, 2012
New analysis shows that quantum mechanics limits the maximum predictive power of many theories.
 Article:  PhysOrg
 Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Oscillations After Inflation
July 24, 2012
Localized waves called oscillons may have dominated the early universe shortly after inflation.
 Article:  PhysOrg
 Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Leidenfrost Slowmo
July 26, 2012
High speed images offer insight into the motion of droplets dancing.
 Article:  PhysOrg
 Synopsis: Physics

Inflation on Trial
July 28, 2012
Physicists are actively looking for flaws in inflation theory.
 Article:  Science News
 Focus: Physics
 Abstract: Physical Review D

Deep Dark Matter Search
July 29, 2012
Physicists mine cosmic answers deep underground.
 Article:  Wall Street Journal

Non-Contact Entanglement
July 30, 2012
Qubits can become quantum mechanically entangled even though they never physically interact.
 Article:  PhysOrg
 Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Light from Dark Matter
August 17, 2012
Gamma rays from the center of the Milky Way might provide the best evidence that dark matter exists.
 Article:  MSNBC
 Abstract: Physics Review D

Solar Wind Heating Explained
August 19, 2012
Magnetic turbulence could be the reason the solar wind is hotter than expected.
 Article:  Red Orbit
 Abstract I: Phys Rev Letters
 Abstract II: Phys Rev Letters

Big Freeze?
August 21, 2012
Phase change theory suggests the Big Bang was more like a freezing fluid than an explosion.
 Article:  MSNBC
 Abstract: Physics Review D

Time Reversed Water Waves
August 23, 2012
Careful measurement of water waves allows the recreation of the waves in reverse.
 Article:  PhysOrg
 Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Tunable Metamaterials
August 23, 2012
New metamaterial's properties can be controlled with light.
 Article:  Physics World
 Synopsis: Physics

Negative Frequency Light
August 24, 2012
A form of light once believed to be a mathematical curiosity has been detected.
 Article:  Ars Technica
 Viewpoint: Physics

Slime Mold Cancer Insight
August 24, 2012
Networks in slime molds illustrate cancer growth.
 Article:  Wired
 Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Cooler, Cleaner Coal Emissions
August 27, 2012
Chilling the emissions from coal plants can reduce pollution.
 Article:  Sustainable Business OR
 Abstract: Physical Review E

Evolving Fairness
August 30, 2012
A new model reveals the hidden complexity in the pursuit of human fair play.
Article: PhysOrg
Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Higgs Boson History
August 31, 2012
Peter Higgs' historic idea turns 48.
Article: Discovery News
Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Capturing Carbon in Antarctica
August 31, 2012
Researchers propose novel methods to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Article: Discovery News
Abstract: Phys Review E

Confirming Time's Arrow
September 1, 2012
B meson experiments are consistent with the assumption that time flows in one direction.
Article: The Economist
Forthcoming: Phys Rev Letters

Simulating Spin-Orbit Coupling
September 3, 2012
Experiments using ultracold Fermi gases simulate the effects of spin-orbit coupling.
Article: Physics World
Viewpoint: Physics

Violating Heisenberg's Uncertainty
September 7, 2012
New experiments violate Heisenberg's original formulation of the uncertainty principle.
 Article:  BBC News
 Synopsis: Physics

Counting Photons with Frog Receptors
September 13, 2012
Photoreceptor cell from a frog's eye is an extremely sensitive detector that can count individual photons.
 Article:  Physics Today
 Viewpoint: Physics

Violating Heisenberg's Uncertainty
September 7, 2012
New experiments violate Heisenberg's original formulation of the uncertainty principle.
 Article:  BBC News
 Synopsis: Physics

Counting Photons with Frog Receptors
September 13, 2012
Photoreceptor cell from a frog's eye is an extremely sensitive detector that can count individual photons.
 Article:  Physics Today
 Viewpoint: Physics

Tsunami Wave Shapes
September 13, 2012
The shapes of interacting waves could explain why some tsunamis are so devastating.
 Article:  NBC News
 Synopsis: Physics

Tsunami Wave Shapes
September 13, 2012
The shapes of interacting waves could explain why some tsunamis are so devastating.
 Article:  NBC News
 Synopsis: Physics

Light isn't Dark Matter
September 15, 2012
If there's a massive particle related to the photon, it can't be the dark matter particle because its mass is too small.
 Article:  New Scientist
 Forthcoming: Phys Rev Letters

Light isn't Dark Matter
September 15, 2012
If there's a massive particle related to the photon, it can't be the dark matter particle because its mass is too small.
 Article:  New Scientist
 Forthcoming: Phys Rev Letters

Singing Black Holes
September 18, 2012
Dying tones of black holes reveal the cosmic crash that caused them to form.
 Article:  Red Orbit
 Forthcoming: Phys Rev Letters

Singing Black Holes
September 18, 2012
Dying tones of black holes reveal the cosmic crash that caused them to form.
 Article:  Red Orbit
 Forthcoming: Phys Rev Letters

Fusion Advance
September 19, 2012
Technical advance brings breakeven fusion a step closer.
 Article:  Wired
 Forthcoming: Phys Rev Letters

Fusion Advance
September 19, 2012
Technical advance brings breakeven fusion a step closer.
 Article:  Wired
 Forthcoming: Phys Rev Letters

Imaging Electrons
October 2, 2012
Images reveal the elusive Landau levels of electrons in strong magnetic fields.
 Article:  CBS News
 Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Dressed Qubits Live Longer
October 7, 2012
Nitrogen atoms embedded in diamond lead to robust quantum states that may aid in quantum computing.
 Article:  Ars Technica
 Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Nanoscopic Drug Delivery
October 11, 2012
Methods to assemble nanospheres into orderly shapes could lead to precise ways to administer medicines.
 Article:  Capital Public Radio
 APS DFD Gallery of Fluid Motion

Supersolid No More
October 12, 2012
The researchers who thought they'd discovered supersolid materials now believe they were mistaken.
 Article:  Science News
 Focus: Physics

Nanoweb Light Blocker
October 15, 2012
Web-like array absorbs 25 times more light than the same material spread out in a thin sheet.
 Article:  Physics World
 Synopsis: Physics

Testing Planck-scale Gravity
October 15, 2012
Lasers and the relativistic electrons from high-energy accelerators could test some quantum gravity theories.
 Article:  PhysOrg
 Synopsis: Physics

Supersonic Skydive Science
October 16, 2012
A look at the extreme conditions that accompany skydiving from the stratosphere.
 Article:  PBS Newshour

Cosmic Rays Illuminating Reactors
October 17, 2012
Physicists propose using cosmic rays to inspect the damaged reactors at Fukushima.
 Article:  Business Weekly
 Synopsis: Physics

Prospecting for Quasicrystals
October 19, 2012
Siberian journey nets a mineralogical space oddity.
 Article:  Science News
 Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Free Lift from Broken Symmetry
October 22, 2012
Some creatures could experience lift, without expending their own energy, via broken symmetry.
 Article:  PhysOrg
 Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Blackout Paradox
October 23, 2012
Adding power lines can theoretically cause blackouts, according to Braess's paradox.
 Article:  PhysOrg
 Synopsis: Physics

Tractor Beam Built
October 24, 2012
New experiment proves that carefully tailored light beams can pull small objects.
 Article:  io9
 Synopsis: Physics

Dynamic Dark Energy
November 2, 2012
A new analysis provides hints that the cosmological constant may not be so constant after all.
 Article:  PhysOrg
 Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Nanoscale Energy Transfer
November 2, 2012
Getting a handle on how energy is transferred between nearby molecules could improve a host of light-based technologies.
 Article:  PhysOrg
 Forthcoming: Phys Rev Letters

Faster-than-Light Light
November 6, 2012
Visible light travels infinitely fast--by one measure--in a newly developed nanometer-scale device.
 Article:  Science Now
 Forthcoming: Phys Rev Letters

Improving Atomic Clocks
November 7, 2012
Highly charged ions would lead to reduced errors, and higher accuracy, in atomic clocks.
 Article:  PhysOrg
 Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Nuclear Pasta
November 14, 2012
Ultra-dense matter in supernova collapses can form a host of intricate shapes known as nuclear pasta.
 Article:  Discover
 Synopsis: Physics

Underwater Avalanches
November 15, 2012
Lubricating fluids change how grains collapse in avalanches under water.
 Article:  Science News
 Focus: Physics

Mosquitoes Grounded by Fog
November 19, 2012
Despite their ability to fly in the rain, mosquitoes fail miserably while trying to fly in heavy fog. /
 Article:  RedOrbit
Abstract: 65th APS DFD Annual Meeting

Penguin Flow
November 19, 2012
New model mimics how birds exposed to Antarctic winds flow toward the most sheltered positions in a waddle of penguins.
 Article:  National Geographic
Abstract: 65th APS DFD Annual Meeting

Quatum Key for Online Security
November 20, 2012
New filtering technique allows quantum keys to be sent alongside data on a single fiber.
 Article:  New York Times
 Synopsis: Physics

Subatomic Arrow of Time
November 26, 2012
B meson decays show that the direction of time can be important even at subatomic scales.
 Article:  CBS News
 Viewpoint: Physics

Fluid Beauty
November 26, 2012
Fluid dynamics image gallery reveals the artistry of flowing physics.
 Article:  MSNBC
 APS DFD Meeting Galleries

Building with Fractals
November 27, 2012
Support structures built of fractal patterns are potentially both light and strong.
November 27, 2012
 Article:  Physics World
 Focus: Physics

Knuckleball Dynamics
November 28, 2012
Beads dropped in water help to explain a fluttering pitch.
 Article:  Knoxville News
Abstract: APS DFD Meeting

Thermoacoustic Breakthrough
November 28, 2012
New method could make microwave imaging safe for medical applications.
 Article:  Physics World
 Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Thermoacoustic Imaging Breakthrough
November 28, 2012
New method could make microwave imaging safe for medical applications.
 Article:  Physics World
 Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Early Universe Insight
November 29, 2012
Physicists strive to describe a pre-inflationary universe.
 Article:  Red Orbit
 Forthcoming: Phys Rev Letters

Self-Bending Light
November 30, 2012
Shaped laser beam leads to curved light intensity.
 Article:  Physics World
 Synopsis: Physics

Ion Otto Engine
November 30, 2012
Proposed quantum engine mimics the heat cycle of a car motor.
 Article:  PhysOrg
 Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Virtual Phonons Get Real
December 3, 2012
Acoustical analog of Casimir effect pulls phonons from the sound void.
 Article:  Physics World
 Viewpoint: Physics

Magnetic Energy Transmission
December 12, 2012
Substantial amounts of energy could be transmitted through air with materials that shape magnetic fields.
 Article:  Physics World
 Forthcoming: Phys Rev Letters

Meson Thermometer
December 13, 2012
Tracking mesons provides a new method to accurately measure the temperature of the quark-gluon plasma.
 Article:  Physics World
 Viewpoint: Physics

Tackling Tiny Bubbles
December 17, 2012
High speed microscopy shows how tiny drops transform into tiny bubbles.
 Article:  The Engineer
 Abstract: Phys Rev Letters

Plasma Turbulence in Lab
December 18, 2012
Experiment recreates the plasma turbulence typical of the the sun and stars.
 Article:  The Register
 Viewpoint: Physics

Slice, Don't Dice
December 19, 2012
Study reveals the optimal way to make clean cuts in soft solids.
 Article:  Boston Globe
 Viewpoint: Physics

Light in the Dark
December 27, 2012
Physicists may be on the brink of detecting dark matter.
 Article:  Science News
 Abstract: Physical Review D