Author Archives: rberkowitz

Science Reveals How to Roll the Perfect Joint

Posted on July 4, 2023 by rberkowitz

Researchers used a smoking machine to test the intensity of marijuana rolled into joints. Continue reading →

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How ‘Zombie’ Fires Rise from the Dead in Spring

Posted on June 23, 2023 by rberkowitz

As “zombie” fires become more common, new research shows they arise from an unexpected source. Continue reading →

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Sensor Judges Taste of Raw Maple Syrup

Posted on June 15, 2023 by rberkowitz

Climate change is altering late-season maple syrup, but a portable plasmonic sensor could help avoid waste by detecting molecules in a tree’s sap that lead to an off-tasting batch. Continue reading →

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American Bright is Lighting the Way for High-End Architectural Designs

Posted on June 12, 2023 by rberkowitz

The AC LED modules are key for creating interior lighting with warmth and atmosphere. Continue reading →

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Pinpointing Problems in Transmission Power Grids

Posted on June 9, 2023 by rberkowitz

Researchers have developed an optimization algorithm to help identify the location of an electric current surge in a power grid, without knowledge of the grid’s broad structure. Continue reading →

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Squeezable Metal Offers a Greener Approach to Refrigeration

Posted on May 30, 2023 by rberkowitz

A system built around a metal that gains and loses heat when compressed could lead the way to the commercialization of chemical-free refrigeration technology. Continue reading →

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Angle and Friction Matter for Table Tennis Spin

Posted on May 26, 2023 by rberkowitz

The angle of incidence and the friction of the surface are the only factors that impact the spin of a table tennis ball after it collides with a rigid surface. Continue reading →

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Gravity Alters the Shape of an Evaporating Droplet

Posted on May 24, 2023 by rberkowitz

Whether sitting or hanging, the surface of a protein-containing droplet changes as the water escapes, an effect researchers link to the pull of gravity. Read more in APS Physics…

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Watching Molecules Relax in Real Time

Posted on May 24, 2023 by rberkowitz

An ultrafast x-ray imaging technique shows how the symmetry of methane’s structure evolves after rapid removal of an electron, providing insights into its physical and chemical properties. Continue reading →

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Physics graduate students join their peers in unionization efforts

Posted on May 16, 2023 by rberkowitz

Federal and state legislation, along with COVID-19, set the stage for graduate students to push for contracts that guarantee them higher wages, health care, and protection from harassment. Continue reading →

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