Astronomers have discovered a binary star system with the closest high-mass young stellar objects ever measured, providing a valuable “laboratory” to test theories on high mass binary star formation. An international team led by the University of Leeds has determined the distance between the massive young star PDS 27 and its orbiting stellar companion to…
A Young Star Caught Forming Like a Planet
Astronomers have captured one of the most detailed views of a young star taken to date, and revealed an unexpected companion in orbit around it. While observing the young star, astronomers led by Dr. John Ilee from the University of Leeds discovered it was not in fact one star, but two. The main object, referred…
The 10-foot-tall Microscopes Helping Combat World’s Worst Diseases
The century old mission to understand how the proteins responsible for amyloid-based diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Huntingdon’s and Parkinson’s work has taken major steps forward in the last 12 months, thanks to a revolution in a powerful microscopy technique used by scientists. High-powered microscopes using electrons instead of light to “see” the actual shape of samples…
Terahertz Technology Creates New Insight Into How Semiconductor Lasers Work
Nature Creates Its Own Plaster to Protect Wounds From Infection
New research has identified the way nature creates its own plaster to try and prevent bacteria and other micro-organisms from penetrating open wounds. Scientists have found that a protein film forms rapidly over a wound as part of the natural clotting process, and it provides protection for at least 12 hours. They believe this bio-film…
Volcano ‘Libraries’ Could Help Plan for Future Volcanic Crises
Out of Chaos Come Quantum Computers
New research gives insight into a recent experiment that was able to manipulate an unprecedented number of atoms through a quantum simulator. A recent experiment by Harvard University and MIT developed a specialized quantum computer, known as a quantum simulator, which could be used to help understand complex quantum processes. The new research, led by…
Deeper Understanding of Quantum Chaos may be the Key to Quantum Computers
New research gives insight into a recent experiment that was able to manipulate an unprecedented number of atoms through a quantum simulator. This new theory could provide another step on the path to creating the elusive quantum computers. An international team of researchers, led by the University of Leeds and in cooperation with the Institute…
Deeper Understanding of Quantum Chaos May be the Key to Quantum Computers
New research gives insight into a recent experiment that was able to manipulate an unprecedented number of atoms through a quantum simulator. This new theory could provide another step on the path to creating the elusive quantum computers. An international team of researchers, led by the University of Leeds and in cooperation with the Institute…
Climate Change Could Increase Volcano Eruptions
Shrinking glacier cover could lead to increased volcanic activity in Iceland, warn scientists. A new study, led by the University of Leeds, has found that there was less volcanic activity in Iceland when glacier cover was more extensive and as the glaciers melted volcanic eruptions increased due to subsequent changes in surface pressure. Dr Graeme…
New Material Keeps Itself Free of Germs
Scientists have developed a novel weapon in the battle against deadly hospital-acquired infections — a textile that disinfects itself. Tests show it can reduce bacteria levels by more than 90 percent. By incorporating the specially-engineered textile in a device designed to be used on hospital doors instead of the traditional aluminum door plate, the part…
A Novel Textile Material That Keeps Itself Germ-Free
Scientists have developed a novel weapon in the battle against deadly hospital-acquired infections – a textile that disinfects itself. And independent tests show it can reduce bacteria levels by more than 90 per cent. By incorporating the specially-engineered textile in a device designed to be used on hospital doors instead of the traditional aluminium door…
High-Tech Sensing Illuminates Concrete Stress Testing
Using the principles of light, University of Leeds scientists have discovered a new way to measure the strength of modern forms of concrete – giving industry a better way to understand when it could fracture. Their approach was based on applying a complex light-refracting coating, designed to display stress positions, to the surface of concrete…