ScienceDaily: Matter & Energy News

Having a home near a busy airport certainly has its perks. It is close to many establishments and alleviates the problem of wading through endless traffic to catch flights. But it does come at a cost -- tolerating the jarring sounds of commercial airplanes during landing and takeoff. Researchers have now conducted a computational study that validates using a shape-memory alloy to reduce the unpleasant plane noise produced during landing.

Researchers have developed a new way to control and shape optical singularities. The technique can be used to engineer singularities of many shapes, far beyond simple curved or straight lines. It could be used for a wide range of applications from super resolution imaging to optical trapping.

The long-theorized neutron-clustering effect in nuclear reactors has been demonstrated, which could improve reactor safety and create more accurate simulations, according to a new study.

Scientists uncover new properties of plasma that have wide potential applications for astrophysical and fusion plasmas.

Researchers have found that the magnetic field of the MRI scanner decreased the BBB opening volume by 3.3-fold to 11.7-fold, depending on the strength of the magnetic field, in a mouse model.

The transportation sector is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, and a lot of attention has been devoted to electric passenger vehicles and their potential to help reduce those emissions.

Researchers have developed a sensor that can be implanted anywhere in the body -- for example, under the tip of a severed finger. The sensor connects to another nerve that functions properly and restores tactile sensation to the injured nerve. The development is biocompatible and does not require electricity, wires, or batteries.

A new study reviews progress on high-pressure studies on properties of iron-based superconductor (ISBC) families, and examines the use of pressure as a versatile method for exploring new materials.

Scientists combine two promising photocatalysts to obtain higher solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency and durability in a water splitting cell.

Imagine sitting out in the sun, reading a digital screen as thin as paper, but seeing the same image quality as if you were indoors. It could soon be a reality. A new type of reflective screen - sometimes described as 'electronic paper' - offers optimal color display, while using ambient light to keep energy consumption to a minimum.