New Atlas

Physics Audio available

Missing in axion: Dark matter experiment rules out more candidate particles

Michael Irving March 31, 2019

Physicists have been hunting for dark matter for decades. Hypothetical particles called axions are a long-standing candidate, but a new experiment has now found that they don’t exist – at least within a certain mass range.

A new experiment has narrowed the search for dark matter particles, by eliminating a candidate known ...

Space Audio available

The Sun's magnetic field might be 10 times stronger than we thought

David Szondy March 31, 2019

A new study indicates that the Sun's magnetic field is 10 times more powerful than previously thought. By analyzing a solar flare using the Swedish Solar Telescope David Kuridze was able to determine that the magnetic field is an order of magnitude greater than measured by Earthbound instruments.

The Sun's magnetic field controls many phenomena, such as this solar flare seen by NASA's Solar ...

Biology Audio available

Mental compass: New evidence suggests humans can sense Earth's magnetic field

Michael Irving March 18, 2019

Magnetoreception, or the ability to sense the Earth’s magnetic field, pops up throughout the animal kingdom, but it’s generally thought to be something humans missed out on. But new research has found changes in human brain wave activity that seems to be in response to a changing magnetic field.

A new study has found evidence that humans can detect changes in the geomagnetic field

Science Audio available

Earth's north magnetic pole sprints toward Siberia

David Szondy February 4, 2019

Scientists at the US NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) bureau have had to update its World Magnetic Model (WMM) almost a year early because the Earth's north magnetic pole is moving faster than predicted, which could affect global navigation.

An update to the World Magnetic Model (WMM) was required early due to the north magnetic ...

Environment Audio available

Ancient crystals suggest Earth's core is 4 billion years younger than the planet

Michael Irving January 29, 2019

The Earth is almost 4.5 billion years old, but it’s young at heart – literally. Researchers from the University of Rochester have now dated the solid inner core of the planet to just 565 million years, making it a relative toddler compared to the rest of Earth.

A new study dates the Earth's inner core to just 565 million years old – much ...

Robotics

3D printed, magnetic mesh "robots" float, bend and grab on demand

Michael Irving January 23, 2019

When you imagine robots, you probably aren’t picturing stretchy meshes that can float on water, but that’s exactly what researchers have developed. These soft structures are 3D printed and embedded with magnetic particles that let them stretch and compress to pick up and move small objects.

This claw robot can retract when a magnetic field is switched on

Health & Wellbeing Audio available

Device uses magnetic fields to increase muscle strength

Ben Coxworth January 22, 2019

Although exercise is the best way of building muscle, there are cases where people need some help – such people can include those who are frail, or are laid up by injuries. That's where a new prototype device comes in, that uses magnetic fields to "fool" muscles into thinking they're being used.

Assoc. Prof. Alfredo Franco-Obregón (left) with the MRegen device

Electronics

Experimental refrigeration system uses magnetic fields and shape-shifting alloys

Michael Irving September 18, 2018

Refrigerator technology hasn’t changed much in decades. Now researchers in Europe have shown promising early results with an experimental cooling system that uses magnetic fields and shape-shifting memory alloys.

The Dresden High Magnetic Field Laboratory of the HZDR, where the new magnetic cooling system was ...

Space Audio available

The giant rogue planet abuzz with auroral radio signals

Michael Irving August 5, 2018

A brown dwarf was recently downgraded to planet status (albeit a huge one), and now astronomers have discovered that it generates an enormous magnetic field, which could provide a new tool in the search for exoplanets.

An artist's rendition of SIMP J01365663+0933473, a massive rogue planet with a surprisingly strong magnetic field

Medical

New MRIs are so strong, they could cause mercury to leak from your teeth

Matt Kennedy July 4, 2018

The fact mercury makes up roughly 50 percent of the content of dental amalgam is a contentious subject for many, and a new study that found MRIs can release the toxic heavy metal from fillings is sure to give those in the anti-amalgam camp even more to chew on.

A new study has found that new ultra-high-strength MRIs can cause toxic mercury to leak from ...