NUS Physics Channel

There has never been such an urgency to address climate change and its impact on societies and economies around the world as of now. 2024 was the first time the average temperature topped 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels. Read the report here for more: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/2024-earth-hottest-year-climate. A solid understanding of the physical processes and interactions which define the climate system will go a long way in the development of detailed climate mitigation and adaptation plans. To groom local talent in the field of climate science, NUS Physics now offers a Minor in Meteorology and Climate Science. Click here for more: https://www.physics.nus.edu.sg/student/minor-in-meteorology-and-climate-science/

Observations of black hole mergers with gravitational wave detectors such as the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory and Virgo Observatory provided scientists with evidence that black holes exhibit diverse masses and spins, suggesting their formation in different ways. Besides gaining insight into the diverse origins of these astrophysical phenomena, the research will also help astrophysicists further refine computer models which simulate the formation of black holes. Read here for more: https://phys.org/news/2025-01-black-holes-revealed-gravitational-analysis.html

Physics@NUS extends its warmest wishes to all its Telegram subscribers as we usher in 2025. The department remains committed to enriching its curriculum and offering all College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS) students diverse learning and research opportunities in physics as they explore other disciplines. Hear from CHS student Ryan Shawn Phillips, who shares how this broad-based education has positively impacted his academic journey: https://www.science.nus.edu.sg/blog/2024/12/studying-the-nature-of-the-world-physics-and-philosophy/

In 2024, several groundbreaking discoveries in physics contributed to our understanding of the universe. The award of the Nobel Prize in Physics to the pioneers of artifical intelligence underscores the role of physics in advancing AI. Read here for more as we wrap up 2024 in physics: https://www.quantamagazine.org/the-year-in-physics-20241217/

These scientific feats set new records in 2024 https://www.sciencenews.org/article/science-records-2024

What does it mean to have an expanding Universe? Could quantum mechanics, which describes how physics works on a very small scale, be unified with gravity, which governs large-scale physics? Read further for more: https://www.sciencealert.com/a-physicist-explains-how-to-imagine-the-universes-mind-bending-expansion

Determining the passage of time down at the quantum scale called for a novel approach. Read how scientists measure time without requiring a precise starting point by exploring the interference of Rydberg wave packets in space: https://www.sciencealert.com/physicists-found-an-entirely-new-way-of-measuring-time

Prof Lim Hock (left) receiving his award from NUS President Prof Tan Eng Chye Physics @NUS sends its heartiest congratulations to Emeritus Professor Lim Hock on receiving the Distinguished Science Alumni Award at the Faculty of Science's 95th Anniversary Gala Dinner on 22 Nov! The Distinguished Science Alumni Award honours alumni who have distinguished themselves in national leadership, service, research excellence, or the betterment and promotion of science. Prof Lim Hock has the unique distinction of being the founding director of three national research and technological institutes in Singapore—the Centre for Remote Sensing, Imaging and Processing, Temasek Laboratories at NUS and the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative. A recipient of multiple accolades, including two National Day Awards, Prof Lim has been a constant source of inspiration for students and faculty. Passionate about teaching, he is currently preparing a new course in meteorology and climate science to be offered next semester.

We know Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concert was oversubscribed, but do you know what else is? The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)! JWST has been challenging the understanding of our cosmos. It's been spotting the furthest galaxies and exoplanets. The hype is real and astronomers are contesting for a chance to use it. Want to know why JWST is considered the GOAT of space telescopes? Read this article to find out more: 🚀✨ https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/11/more-and-more-astronomers-are-eager-to-use-the-james-webb-space-telescope/

Professor Cees Dekker from Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands, visited NUS Physics recently as part of the Distinguished Visitor Lecture Series. An expert in biophysics at the nanoscale, Prof Delft shared his works on building artificial nanoscale turbines, nanopore-based sequential reading of peptides, and real-time imaging of DNA loop extrusion. At the end of his colloquium, Prof Dekker had his audience enthralled with a song (lyrics credit GPT) titled “Science in Singapore”. The atmosphere in the auditorium was definitely uplifting as the chorus echoed in the air:  Science is rising, opening doors, Nanopores, we’re asking for more, Chromosome motors, DNA’s core, Science in Singapore, we’re knocking on more!

Scientists reveal how various physical manipulations of graphene, such as layering and twisting, impact its optical properties and conductivity. Read here for more: https://phys.org/news/2024-11-physicists-reveal-layers-impact-graphene.html

Can a classical computer outperform a quantum one on a task that some thought only quantum computers could solve? Read how scientists did just that and how their work help clarify the boundary that divides the abilities of quantum and classical computers and also provides a framework for testing new quantum simulations: https://phys.org/news/2024-10-classical-quantum-game.html

This week, Professor Jens Gundlach from the University of Washington in Seattle visited NUS Physics as part of the Distinguished Visitor Lecture Series to give presentations on gravitational waves, biophysical innovations, and nanopore technology. The NUS Physics Society organised an "Ask Me Anything" session to facilitate interaction between students and Prof Gundlach. The event began with some light-hearted conversation and pizza for all attendees. Students posed questions ranging from gravity, life in the US to careers in physics, all of which Prof Gundlach replied enthusiastically.

James Webb Space Telescope finds supernova 'Hope', so named because it gives astronomers hope to better understand the universe's changing expansion rate. Read here for more: https://www.space.com/james-webb-space-telescope-hubble-tension-supernova-hope

Image generated by Dall-E The Nobel Prize in Physics 2024 was awarded to John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton “for foundational discoveries and inventions that enable machine learning with artificial neural networks”. They utilised tools from physics to develop methods that are the foundation of today's powerful machine learning. As a fundamental science, physics accentuates its presence in our daily lives, and the award further underscores its role. Currently, NUS Physics offers courses on machine learning, Bayesian statistics, and complex systems analysis and modelling as it seeks to expand its AI curriculum. AI is transforming the way physics research is carried out too. Dr Alvin Chua, for example, uses AI to study gravitational waves, Assoc Prof Duane Loh employs AI in bioimaging research and Dr Feng Ling investigates complex networks to deepen our understanding of machine learning algorithms. Two faculty members joining in 2025 will explore the use of AI to study condensed matter physics and astronomy.

Dr Sabine Hossenfelder, theoretical physicist and science communicator, shares her speculation for the likely candidates for the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics in this light-hearted video: https://youtu.be/KMTNHqEpTnw?si=81D2d4TtJOjUXPOs

An enjoyable and aromatic Mookata gathering at the Science foyer on Sep 13 attracted nearly 60 staff and students. The event, organised by the NUS Physics Society, is a cherished tradition initiated by students and has since found a special place in  the department. Click here for more photos and report: https://www.physics.nus.edu.sg/physics-mookata-event/

Figure illustrates scanning tunneling microscopy images of the reaction pathway of mTBPT on a Cu(111) substrate, showing the transition before and after selenium doping. (Credit: Nature Communications) A research team led by Professor Andrew Wee from NUS Physics has achieved controlled conformational arrangements in nanostructures using a flexible precursor and selenium doping, enhancing material properties and structural homogeneity. Their method advances on-surface synthesis for the design and development of engineered nanomaterials. Read here for more: https://www.science.nus.edu.sg/blog/2024/09/controlling-molecular-arrangements-using-selenium-doping/

Illustratum offers a creative space for young minds to share their passion for physics. It’s all about transforming complicated theories into something everyone can vibe with. Read how Illustratum 2024 @ NUS Physics has brought physics to life and emboldened the budding generation to explain big science: Illustratum-2024 | NUS Physics