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LIGO mirrors have been cooled to near their quantum ground state

Physics World

Now, an international team of researchers has cooled the interferometers’ large mirrors close to their quantum ground state. By cooling objects massive enough to potentially feel a detectable gravitational force, the researchers hope to open a new window into gravity’s possible effects on quantum mechanics. Very cool”. “I

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Shading the Great Barrier Reef from the sun might slow bleaching-induced coral decline

Frontiers

This knowledge can help with solar radiation management in marine ecosystems, including the Great Barrier Reef. As frequency and severity of mass bleaching events are expected to increase in the future, researchers are looking for ways to protect corals from excessive radiation and temperatures.

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Solar panels can heat the local urban environment, systematic review reveals

Physics World

Specifically, we found that photovoltaics can significantly warm the urban environment during the day, but typically cool the urban environment at night. Other studies, particularly modelling studies, had previously suggested a daytime cooling effect of photovoltaics. What research did you include in your study?

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Fast electrons accelerate the production of medical isotopes

Physics World

Technetium-99m ( 99m Tc) is a metastable radionuclide that emits gamma radiation which can be detected in the body by a medical gamma camera. The company then realized that, in contrast with present electron accelerators, its technology could be scaled to meet the specifications needed for large-scale radioisotope production.

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European conference spotlights quantum for business

Physics World

Science and innovation are essential ingredients for a technological revolution, but they are not enough alone. Other driving factors are the need for businesses to adopt new technology to encourage interactions between the developers and the potential end users to discover applications.

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Glossary of Greenhouse Gas Terms

Greenbuilding Law

Albedo The amount of solar radiation reflected from an object or surface, often expressed as a percentage. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Any gas that absorbs infrared radiation in the atmosphere. Alternative Energy Energy derived from nontraditional sources (e.g., compressed natural gas, solar, hydroelectric, wind).

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Getting physical with the climate crisis

Physics World

Extreme heat is not just an abstract notion: if we can’t cool our bodies enough, we’re in danger of neurological failure, organ failure and even death, with the risks highest for children and the elderly. On balance, clouds nearer the stratosphere warm us, whereas low-lying clouds tend to cool us because their greenhouse effect is smaller.

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