Physics and Astronomy News Archive: March 2021

Image: A speed limit also applies in the quantum world

A speed limit also applies in the quantum world

Source: Bonn U DE   Posted: 3/24/21

Study by the University of Bonn determines minimum time for complex quantum operations
Image: Establishing the Origin of Solar-Mass Black Holes and the Connection to Dark Matter

Establishing the Origin of Solar-Mass Black Holes and the Connection to Dark Matter

Source: IPMI JP   Posted: 3/22/21

What is the origin of black holes and how is that question connected with another mystery, the nature of dark matter?
Image: The Milky Way may be swarming with planets with oceans and continents

The Milky Way may be swarming with planets with oceans and continents

Source: Copenhagen U   Posted: 3/17/21

According to a new study from the University of Copenhagen, Earth, Venus and Mars were created from small dust particles containing ice and carbon. The discovery opens up the possibility that the Milky Way may be filled with aquatic planets.
Image: Magnetic whirls in confined spaces

Magnetic whirls in confined spaces

Source: U Gutenberg   Posted: 3/16/21

Mobility of skyrmions in geometric structures depends on their arrangement.
Image: New quantum theory heats up thermodynamic research

New quantum theory heats up thermodynamic research

Source: Nottingham UK   Posted: 3/16/21

Researchers have developed a new quantum version of a 150-year-old thermodynamical thought experiment that could pave the way for the development of quantum heat engines.
Image: Texas A&M Study Finds No Link Between Gender And Physics Course Performance

Texas A&M Study Finds No Link Between Gender And Physics Course Performance

Source: Texas A&M   Posted: 3/14/21

A review of 10,000 students found no evidence that men outperform women in some science courses – which could help end stereotypes that harm women in STEM.
Image: Apollo rock samples capture key moments in the Moon’s early history, study finds

Apollo rock samples capture key moments in the Moon’s early history, study finds

Source: Brown U   Posted: 3/11/21

A new analysis of samples brought back from the Moon to helps clear up questions about the isotopic composition of Moon’s interior.
Image: New study suggests supermassive black holes could form from dark matter

New study suggests supermassive black holes could form from dark matter

Source: RAS UK   Posted: 3/8/21

A new theoretical study has proposed a novel mechanism for the creation of supermassive black holes from dark matter.
Image: Advance in ‘optical tweezers’ to boost biomedical research

Advance in ‘optical tweezers’ to boost biomedical research

Source: UTS AU   Posted: 3/8/21

A significant advance in optical tweezer technology will help boost biomedical research.
Image: Physics camp has proven benefits for high school girls

Physics camp has proven benefits for high school girls

Source: Rice U   Posted: 3/8/21

Even a small effort up front can boost the abilities and confidence of girls as they anticipate taking challenging science courses.
Image: Researchers detect cold gas pipelines feeding early, massive galaxies

Researchers detect cold gas pipelines feeding early, massive galaxies

Source: Iowa U   Posted: 3/8/21

Researchers led by the University of Iowa have detected cosmic pipelines supplying the cold gases necessary for the formation of massive galaxies and the creation of stars.
Image: Comet Makes a Pit Stop Near Jupiter's Asteroids

Comet Makes a Pit Stop Near Jupiter's Asteroids

Source: NASA   Posted: 3/8/21

Astronomers found a roaming comet taking a rest stop before possibly continuing its journey. The wayward object made a temporary stop near giant Jupiter.