News
Unveiling the Potential of Bismuth Ferrite in Antiferromagnetic Spintronics – A Q&A with Professor Paul Stevenson
In their recent publication, physics assistant professor, Paul Stevenson, and his collaborative team from Northeastern University, Brown University, Rice University, and University of California Berkeley reveal groundbreaking advancements in utilizing isolated spins in solids. Their work, enabled by the Quantum Materials and Sensing Institute, pioneers ultrasensitive nanoscale sensors and quantum communication technologies. Through interdisciplinary efforts, […]
April 26, 2024
The untold story of how two Northeastern professors analyzed moon rocks for NASA a half-century ago
The rocks were billions of years old. But they were new to the Earth. They were sent by NASA in 1972 via special delivery to Robert Lowndes and Clive Perry, physics professors at Northeastern University, who opened the boxes in their secured labs in the basement of Dana Hall. “It was very exciting,” Lowndes says. […]
April 25, 2024
What time is it on the moon? We may soon know, thanks to NASA project
From sundials and water clocks to modern atomic timekeeping, methods for telling time on Earth — to mark the divide between night and day, month to year, etc. — have evolved over thousands of years. Now, scientists are bringing their technological knowhow to the moon in order to establish time standards there and elsewhere in […]
April 25, 2024
New models of Big Bang by Northeastern physicists show that visible universe and invisible dark matter co-evolved
Physicists have long theorized that our universe may not be limited to what we can see. By observing gravitational forces on other galaxies, they’ve hypothesized the existence of “dark matter,” which would be invisible to conventional forms of observation. Pran Nath, the Matthews Distinguished University Professor of physics at Northeastern University, says that “95% of […]
April 19, 2024
What is ‘Fallout’? Physicist breaks down the science of Amazon’s sci-fi show and the horrifying reality of nuclear radiation
The world ends on Oct. 23, 2077, in a series of radioactive explosions –– at least in the world of “Fallout,” a post-apocalyptic video game series that has now been adapted into a blockbuster TV show on Amazon’s Prime Video. The literal fallout that ensues creates a post-apocalyptic United States that is full of mutated […]
April 11, 2024
Physics
‘Landmark in survey research’: How the COVID States Project analyzed the pandemic with objectivity
Four years ago David Lazer formed the Northeastern-led effort — resulting in more than 100 cutting-edge reports and national media coverage.
April 05, 2024
You’ve heard of a leap year, but what about a leap second? A physicist explains what is messing with the Earth’s rotation
The effects of climate change can be seen everywhere, in the global refugee crisis, an even worse allergy season and, now, even in the very concept of time. Scientists have recently pinpointed how meltwater from the polar ice caps is throwing off Earth’s rotation to the point that those who really care about precision timekeeping […]
April 02, 2024
What is the ‘3 Body Problem’? Astrophysicist explains concept behind hit Netflix show
“3 Body Problem,” Netflix’s new big-budget adaptation of Liu Cixin’s book series helmed by the creators behind “Game of Thrones,” puts the science in science fiction. The series focuses on scientists as they attempt to solve a mystery that spans decades, continents and even galaxies. That means “3 Body Problem” throws some pretty complicated quantum […]
March 26, 2024
What is a nova outburst? Astrophysicist explains science behind the once-in-a-lifetime event that will light up the sky this year
The total solar eclipse isn’t the only reason to keep your eyes to the sky this year. For the first time in 80 years, a star system 3,000 light years away will be visible to the naked eye thanks to a once-in-a-lifetime nova outburst. NASA announced that the nova, which will create a “new” star […]
March 18, 2024
What will the once-in-a-generation total solar eclipse on April 8 look like?
The moon’s shadow will cast a path of daytime darkness as it traverses the country on a narrow path from Texas to Maine during April 8’s solar eclipse. Those located inside the 115-mile-wide corridor known as the “path of totality” will experience a total eclipse, says Northeastern professor Jonathan Blazek. If it’s not cloudy, stars will […]
March 15, 2024
Efforts to limit fast-food near homes need rethinking, Northeastern researcher says
Amid an obesity epidemic in the United States, you may have heard of efforts to eliminate “food deserts,” or areas with few healthy food options, and limit fast-food chains near where people live. But research from Northeastern University suggests a new approach. “Most of the fast food in this country is consumed far away from […]
March 15, 2024
Can AI help scientists develop drugs? Northeastern Institute for Experiential AI explores how the technology is reshaping pharmaceuticals
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic. Cases outside China had risen 13-fold and the virus was spreading rapidly. Those first six months of the pandemic were challenging, says Sam Scarpino, AI+Life Sciences director at the Institute for Experiential AI at Northeastern, because we didn’t have great options […]
February 29, 2024
Meni Wanunu, developer of sensitive biological sensors, receives Northeastern University NAI Innovator of the Year Award
Meni Wanunu works with small things — very small things, like individual molecules. But how can researchers observe the inner workings of something so miniscule? For advancements in sensors that stretch and scan molecules on their own level, Wanunu has received the Innovator of the Year Award from the Northeastern University chapter of the National […]
February 27, 2024
Yes, the moon is shrinking. Here’s what that means for the planned Artemis III mission — and future lunar visits
As NASA gears up to send human beings back to the moon during the still-to-be-scheduled Artemis III mission, researchers with the federal agency are learning more about the geologic profile of Earth’s lone satellite — including that it, apparently, has been shrinking. A study published recently found that a proposed landing site for NASA’s long-anticipated […]
February 06, 2024