American Institute of Physics

Fresh Crater on Oceanus Procellarum. Credit: NASA/GSFC/Arizona State University The lunar sample returned by China’s 2020 lunar mission contained minerals that provide clues to their origin.Earth’s moon achieved its Swiss cheese appearance from celestial objects crashing into its surface, forming impact craters. But craters weren’t all that was left behind; the intense pressure and temperature of such a collision also impacts the rocks and dust covering the lunar surface, known as regolith, altering its mineral…

The 1725 Newsham fire engine inspired the authors to examine the Windkessel effect and capture the physics behind the enduring technology of a steady stream of water under pressure. Credit: Photo used courtesy of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Museum PurchaseStabilizing the flow of water in pumping systems marked a significant breakthrough in the 18th century.Today, the technology behind water pressure is widespread, benefiting anyone who takes a shower, irrigates a garden, or combats fires. However, in the 17th…

Recent research published in Physics of Fluids by scientists from Boston University and the University of Utah has introduced a novel aspect of bloodstain analysis. This study focuses on the “tails” of bloodstains, which can provide additional information about the blood drop’s size, speed, and angle of impact. These findings, which have implications for reconstructing crime scenes and verifying witness accounts, represent a significant advancement in forensic science.A new study in forensic science reveals that the…

A breakthrough in solar-powered water harvesting uses an innovative gel and system design to efficiently extract water from the atmosphere. This technology could revolutionize water access in arid, sunny regions, meeting critical needs for drinking water and other uses. (Artist’s concept.) Credit: SciTechDaily.com Atmospheric water harvester provides water to arid communities using hygroscopic gel and salts. More than 2.2 billion people currently live in water-stressed countries, and the United Nations estimates that…

Researchers have highlighted the importance of contextualizing physics education to reflect real-world energy issues. In a recent paper, they discuss how educators are incorporating case studies on power plants to teach students about the broader impacts of energy decisions. Their work emphasizes the need for a holistic approach that considers scientific, ethical, ecological, and cultural factors, encouraging students to participate in informed community decision-making. Reframing power in terms of social and cultural…