Showing papers in "Physics World in 2017"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors reported the fabrication of a disposable microelectrode array (MEA) using solely inkjet printing technology, which was fabricated with two different functional inks, a self-made gold ink to print conductive feedlines and electrodes and a polymer-based ink to add a dielectric layer for insulation of the feedlines.
Abstract: Inkjet printing is an attractive method for cost-effective additive manufacturing of electronic devices. Especially for applications where disposable sensor systems are of interest, it is a promising tool since it enables the production of low-cost and flexible devices. In this work, we report the fabrication of a disposable microelectrode array (MEA) using solely inkjet printing technology. The MEAs were fabricated with two different functional inks, a self-made gold ink to print conductive feedlines and electrodes and a polymer-based ink to add a dielectric layer for insulation of the feedlines. We printed different MEA designs of up to 64 electrodes with a minimum lateral spacing of 200 μm and a minimum electrode diameter of ~31 μm. As a proof-of-concept, extracellular recordings of action potentials from cardiomyocyte-like HL-1 cells were performed using the all-printed devices. Furthermore, we stimulated the cells during the recordings with noradrenaline, which led to an increase in the recorded beating frequency of the cells. The results demonstrate the feasibility of inkjet printing gold MEAs for cell-based bioelectronics.
28 citations
TL;DR: Henrich and Marenduzzo as discussed by the authors solved the secret of why certain liquids turn blue when cooled, which was a mystery that stumped scientists for more than a century and led to new types of display devices.
Abstract: Why certain liquids turn blue when cooled was a mystery that stumped scientists for more than a century. As Oliver Henrich and Davide Marenduzzo explain, solving the secret of the "blue fog" proved to be an intellectual tour de force – and one that could lead to new types of display devices
8 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the nature of a type of quasiparticle known as a magnetic skyrmion, which looks promising as a "bit" for future data-storage technology, is discussed.
Abstract: Kirsten von Bergmann and Andre Kubetzka explain the nature of a type of quasiparticle known as a magnetic skyrmion, which looks promising as a "bit" for future data-storage technology
3 citations
TL;DR: The world's longest quantum communication line was due to be completed by China as discussed by the authors, a 2000 km link between Beijing and Shanghai, as Physics World went to press, but the line was not completed.
Abstract: China was due to have completed the world's longest quantum communication line – a 2000 km link between Beijing and Shanghai, as Physics World went to press.
3 citations
3 citations
TL;DR: In this article, Czerski discusses her expeditions into stormy seas to find out more about the influence of bubbles in the ocean and its influence on the world. But, she does not discuss the effects of these bubbles on humans.
Abstract: STAND FIRST: A bubble in the ocean may seem insignificant, but consider all the bubbles in all the oceans and you find a powerful influence on the planet.
Physicist and oceanographer Helen Czerski talks about her expeditions into stormy seas to find out more.
3 citations
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2 citations
2 citations
TL;DR: In this article, Arfon Smith argues that we need to adopt better ways of recognizing those who contribute to this largely unrewarded activity, such as software development becoming ever more important in physics research.
Abstract: With software development becoming ever more important in physics research, Arfon Smith argues that we need to adopt better ways of recognizing those who contribute to this largely unrewarded activity.
TL;DR: Ouellette as discussed by the authors describes what could be a new theoretical understanding for the so-called Mpemba effect and why it predicts that cold water could even heat up faster than warm water.
Abstract: Does hot water really freeze faster than cold? Jennifer Ouellette describes what could be a new theoretical understanding for the so-called Mpemba effect – and why it predicts that cold water could even heat up faster than warm water
TL;DR: Sofia Vasilyevna Kovalevskaia is surely the only person in history who became a mathematician because of a botched redecoration project as mentioned in this paper, and she is one of 25 mathematicians profiled in Ian Stewart's book Significant Figures: the Lives and Work of Great Mathematicians.
Abstract: Sofia Vasilyevna Kovalevskaia is surely the only person in history who became a mathematician because of a botched redecoration project. She is one of 25 mathematicians profiled in Ian Stewart's book Significant Figures: the Lives and Work of Great Mathematicians.
TL;DR: The ITER Council has approved an updated schedule for the huge fusion experimental facility that is currently being built in Cadarache, France as discussed by the authors, which is the world's largest fusion facility.
Abstract: The ITER Council has approved an updated schedule for the huge fusion experimental facility that is currently being built in Cadarache, France.
TL;DR: In a bookshop today, or even a gift shop, and you will most likely come across an entire section of colouring books for adults, such as Visions of Numberland: a Colouring Journey Through the Mysteries of Maths by Alex Bellos and Edmund Harriss as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Walk into a bookshop today, or even a gift shop, and you will most likely come across an entire section of colouring books for adults. Visions of Numberland: a Colouring Journey Through the Mysteries of Maths by Alex Bellos and Edmund Harriss is one such book.
TL;DR: According to the latest EU Industrial R&D Investment Scoreboard as mentioned in this paper, companies in the European Union increased their spending on research and development (R&D) in the 2015/16 financial year at a higher rate than the global average.
Abstract: Companies in the European Union increased their spending on research and development (R&D) in the 2015/16 financial year at a higher rate than the global average, according to the latest EU Industrial R&D Investment Scoreboard.