Tag: physics

Why the world should remember this forgotten Danish physicist

The little-known physicist Ludvig Lorenz ought to be better known, for he truly stands alongside the great figures in international science.

Stephen Hawking: Master of the Multiverse

The multiverse challenges science as we know it, and Hawking wasn’t pleased with it. But our journey to the edges of time has since reshaped our vision of the cosmos, and ourselves.

Scientists conduct most precise measurements of antihydrogen to date

New results show that matter and antimatter interact with light in precisely the same way.

What's the (dark) matter?

We don’t know what it looks like, and can’t even be certain it exists. Welcome to the frustrating and fascinating world of dark matter.

Gravity: it is all in your head

We take it for granted that gravity pulls things towards the Earth. But in reality this is just one of many explanations. And they are all equally made up.

Scientists get to grips with a tricky liquid

They have studied exactly what happens when such a liquid solidifies and becomes glass.

Physicists want to recruit more young quantum physicists

A Danish physicist has constructed a quantum physics laboratory especially for high school students to attract more young people to the field.

Gravitational-wave astronomy will change our understanding of the universe

Nearly two years ago, LIGO opened up a new window onto the cosmos when they discovered gravitational waves. But what has happened since and how could it change our understanding of space, time, and gravity?

New theory explains how metals melt and freeze

Physicists have discovered how the melting process works at extreme pressures such as those found inside the Earth’s core.

New satellite will test Einstein’s theory

A new satellite is launched that will test Einstein's general theory of relativity. Alongside it is a miniature satellite, designed and built by students to monitor shipping around Greenland.

Scientists move closer to developing a quantum computer

A new nanowire of superconducting semiconductor material is the ideal building block for a quantum computer, shows new research.

Meteors shed light on our solar system's early days

New analyses of a handful of meteorites from the outer reaches of the solar system hold clues to its very origins.

Cosmic neutrinos reveal the universe’s violent history

Astrophysicists can start using the ghostly elementary particles called neutrinos to learn about some of the most violent events in the universe.

New particle accelerator will be completely climate neutral

Large research facilities such as CERN use huge amounts of energy to accelerate particles up to high speed. But a new research facility have plans to be climate neutral and even lower CO2 reductions in the local area.

Physicist uses nuclear cloud to measure magnetic fields with incredible precision

Tiny cloud of caesium atoms can be used as an incredibly sensitive sensor which can measure the magnetic fields of nerve signals.

Cosmic dust change our understanding of the birth of the universe

A new study opens up for entirely new understanding of what the early universe looked like.

Scientists calculate the diffraction of light with quantum physics

New study brings physics closer to uniting Einstein's general theory of relativity and quantum mechanics.

Scientists discover impossible hydrogen bond

This type of bonding was previously considered near impossible.

Scientists observe exploding star through extremely rare cosmic phenomenon

Supernova discovery confirms Einstein's predictions and can be used to calculate the distribution of dark matter.

Black holes slow formation of new stars

New discovery helps us understand why galaxies have fewer stars than they're supposed to.

Scientists stretch DNA with lasers

New experiment could lead to better DNA sequencing and understanding of fluid physics

Historic discovery: huge electric field occurs spontaneously in laughing gas

Scientists have discovered a new, astonishing electric phenomenon.

Physicists solve decade-old quantum mechanics problem

Scientists are now able to calculate exactly how atoms will behave in the physical world.

Danish physicist stores light, moves it around, and makes it reappear

Renowned physicist Lene Hau does not only know how to stop light, but also manipulate it and save it’s imprints for later use.

Danish scientists break laser record

New laser technology can be used to diagnose cancer and monitor food quality.

Plastic can convert heat into electricity

Large amounts of energy go to waste due to insufficient heat recovery in power stations. Now scientists have identified special plastic materials that can convert heat into electricity.

When insulators become electronics

A new, superconducting oxide system multiplies the electron mobility in electronic oxide transistors. Benefits include superconducting nanotransistors, self-charging electronic devices and a new type of RAM.

A new path towards quantum computers

The supercomputer of the future operates with quantum bits, but quantum systems are fragile and they degrade easily. Now Danish scientists have managed to turn this degradation into an advantage, making it easier to create the special quantum states required for a quantum computer.

Effective method in quest for new physics

CERN’s Large Hadron Collider particle accelerator smashes protons together with such great force that it can give birth to hitherto unknown particles. A new method makes it easier to recognise the new particles.

Singing water reveals itself

With a rapidly growing world population, clean drinking water has become a scarce resource. Using new technology that traces sound signals, Danish scientists hope to find groundwater in densely populated areas.

Mechanism behind weird membrane patterns revealed

See pictures of the mysterious cell membrane patterns that scientists discovered five years ago. The mechanism behind these patterns has now been uncovered.

Abstract maths can boost machinery

Abstract mathematical models can help businesses optimise their manufacturing equipment, new study suggests.

Proof: graphene can convert sunlight to electricity

Graphene has an excellent ability to convert solar radiation into energy. Now we can see how the material works and why it has the potential to massively boost the efficiency of solar cells.

Young physicists test skills in amusement park

Where should you sit in a roller coaster to get the wildest ride? What is the density of candyfloss? These were some of the challenges at the International Physics Olympiad 2013, which saw contestants testing their skills in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens.

Quicker internet comes with a twist

Scientists have come up with a new way of boosting internet bandwidth. They aim to twist the light in the net’s optic cables.

Play a computer game and help solve big physics mystery

The human brain can recognise patterns and make irrational choices much better than any computer can. Now you can help researchers develop a quantum computer by playing an online game.

Offbeat metronomes reveal chimera state

When you place a series of metronomes on a swing, they start to synchronise themselves automatically. Now a clever experiment shows that the metronomes can also divide themselves into groups where only half of them swing to the beat.

Researcher teleports with a kitten

Researchers can now use a special beam of light called a Schrödinger kitten for teleportation. The method can eventually lead to quantum computers and to communication which is secure against eavesdropping.

Huge X-ray laser reveals new molecular state

Using a specially designed X-ray laser, researchers have managed to photograph what happens when molecules bind to or unbind from the surface of a catalyst. The findings may be an important step in the development of new forms of renewable energy.

Thunderclouds challenge laws of nature

Well-defined and detached clouds such as thunderclouds violate the laws of thermodynamics when it comes to the amount of precipitation.

NASA spots smallest planet ever

NASA's Kepler space telescope has found the hitherto smallest of all known planets beyond our Solar System. It’s as small as our own Moon.

Synthetic supermolecule to fight cancer, arthritis and herpes

They look like tiny trees and they can be used to produce everything from printer ink to cancer drugs. New book outlines the great therapeutic potential of the supermolecules known as dendrimers.

Astronauts go underground

Today, the European Space Agency (ESA) is sending six astronauts down into a cave to prepare them for life in space.

Hot brains impair athletic performance

It’s not just muscle fatigue that impairs athletic performance in hot conditions. Your brain temperature and central fatigue also play a key role.

How to build the perfect sandcastle

Scientists have come up with a formula that makes it possible to build spectacular sandcastles.

Breakthrough in physics may lead to new view of magnetism

Physicists have forced a special gas into a brand-new state which has not previously been observed in nature. The discovery could lead to a breakthrough in our understanding of magnetism.

Stars in globular clusters form communities

The stars in a globular cluster rarely communicate on a one-to-one basis. Instead, they follow the rules of communities.

Neutrinos’ mass found with help of galaxies

The mass of the neutrino, the lightest particle in the universe, has now been computed more precisely than before.

The Earth has lost a quarter of its water

In its early history, the Earth's oceans contained significantly more water than they do today. A new study indicates that hydrogen from split water molecules has escaped into space.

Neutron star riddle solved

New theoretical calculations show how quickly rotating neutron stars – millisecond pulsars – slow down when they no longer attract matter from their companion stars.

New key to better drugs

Researchers have uncovered an important mechanism that will result in more effective drugs.

Meet Earth's twin planet

All eyes and all telescopes are set on a newly-discovered planet which is strikingly similar to ours.

Bright idea brings quantum computers closer

Super-quick quantum computers have come a step closer after researchers have discovered a simpler way to store data in atoms.

Uncharted area of the brain discovered

Researchers have unveiled a previously unknown area of the brain, a discovery which could lead to new kinds of psychiatric drugs.

Galaxy clusters support Einstein’s relativity theory

Cosmologists have used distant galaxy clusters to put Einstein’s relativity theory to the ultimate test. The theory passed with distinction.

Big Bang mission relies on Danish technology

Danish researchers will supply crucial technology for a new mission to find evidence for the Big Bang theory. The mission requires technology that can measure distances of five million kilometres with the precision of a picometre – that's 0,00000000001cm.

Danes crack atom bonding code

Atoms attach and detach according to a fixed pattern. A new theory explains how.