This paper presents a new analysis of the observations of radon decay in an enclosed environment by the Geological Survey of Israel (GSI) between 2007 and 2012 [4]; for a more complete list of experiments performed by GSI on radon see also references [1-3]. The data exhibit a large peak around local noon followed by an abrupt drop, and by a second peak around 6PM local time. Additionally, there is also a very low amplitude peak occurring before daybreak. The salient features of the GSI radon decay data can be modeled as arising from a change in the radon decay rate, rather than due to the changes in the local concentration of radon (N0). Such a model may provide a clue to long theorized axionic, dark matter, interactions. Finally, new experimentation is suggested that can distinguish between changes in N0 versus changes in decay rate. Should a follow-up experiment show an effect similar to that seen in GSI, this could have significant implications for elementary particle physics.
Viscous electron fluids have emerged recently as a new paradigm of strongly-correlated electron transport in solids. Here we report on a direct observation of the transition to this long-sought-for state of matter in a high-mobility electron system in graphene. Unexpectedly, the electron flow is found to be interaction-dominated but non-hydrodynamic (quasiballistic) in a wide temperature range, showing signatures of viscous flows only at relatively high temperatures. The transition between the two regimes is characterized by a sharp maximum of negative resistance, probed in proximity to the current injector. The resistance decreases as the system goes deeper into the hydrodynamic regime. In a perfect darkness-before-daybreak manner, the interaction-dominated negative response is strongest at the transition to the quasiballistic regime. Our work provides the first demonstration of how the viscous fluid behavior emerges in an interacting electron system.
Oxford physicists have created an entirely new type of Schrödinger’s cat-like quantum state using components that are themselves highly quantum in nature。 The advance could open new possibilities for more resilient quantum computers and deeper insights into the strange rules that govern the quantum universe
Researchers developed a Wordle-solving strategy that succeeds 99% of the time by focusing on information gain rather than likely answers。 The method uses Shannon entropy to identify guesses that reveal the most about the hidden word。 Each guess is designed to slash uncertainty and narrow the possibilities faster
Scientists have uncovered a surprising connection between quantum gravity and an exotic quantum state of matter that could explain why the universe isn’t expanding wildly fast。 The study suggests that the very shape of space-time may protect the cosmological constant from disruptive quantum effects
A clever nanoscale redesign may have solved one of superconductivity’s biggest problems。 Researchers in Sweden discovered that by subtly sculpting the surface beneath an ultrathin superconducting material, they could make it stay superconducting at higher temperatures and under much stronger magnetic fields
A new technique could solve one of the biggest challenges in making future computer chips from ultrathin materials。 Researchers found that coating molybdenum disulfide with oxygen or fluorine lets manufacturers remove just the top layer of atoms much more safely during plasma processing。 The result is a cleaner, more controlled path toward smaller
A bold claim that the universe’s accelerating expansion was an illusion has been put to the test—and failed。 Researchers found that the study behind the controversy made key mistakes when analyzing supernova data。 After revisiting the evidence, astronomers concluded that cosmic acceleration remains as strong as ever
The race to build data centers in space is gaining momentum as AI drives unprecedented demand for computing power。 Orbital facilities could tap into abundant solar energy and avoid many of the environmental challenges faced on Earth。 Yet space remains a harsh and expensive place to operate, with major hurdles including cooling, maintenance, radiati
The mysterious Amaterasu particle may not be a proton at all。 New research suggests that some of the most extreme cosmic rays could be ultraheavy atomic nuclei, heavier than iron, which are better able to retain their energy while traveling through space。 This idea could help explain how these rare particles reach Earth and provide new clues about
A new nature-inspired membrane uses perfectly uniform one-nanometer pores to filter molecules with remarkable precision。 The technology could transform industries such as pharmaceuticals and textiles by reducing energy consumption, improving water reuse, and delivering separation performance far beyond current filters
Researchers found that a Chinese sodium-ion battery performs far better than expected, with production quality and design features comparable to Tesla’s batteries。 If engineers can improve cold-weather charging and energy density, sodium could become a cheaper and more abundant alternative to lithium for EVs and large-scale energy storage
JWST has revealed dramatic differences between the dawn and dusk regions of the scorching exoplanet WASP-121 b。 Fierce winds appear to carry heat from the planet’s permanent dayside, making the evening side hotter and more expanded。 Scientists also found signs that water is being broken apart by extreme temperatures and that mysterious mineral clou