Physical Sciences

Turbulence in space might solve outstanding astrophysical mystery

Monday, Nov 5, 2018

by Raphael Rosen, Communications and Public Outreach, Princeton Plasma Physics Lab

Contrary to what many people believe, outer space is not empty. In addition to an electrically charged soup of ions and electrons known as plasma, space is permeated by magnetic fields with a wide range of strengths. Astrophysicists have long wondered how those fields are produced, sustained, and magnified. Now, scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) have shown that plasma turbulence might be responsible, providing a possible answer to what has been called one of the most important unsolved problems in plasma astrophysics.
Researchers simplify tiny structures' construction drip by drip

Wednesday, Nov 7, 2018

by Scott Lyon, Office of Engineering Communications

Popping the top on house paint usually draws people to look inside the can. But Princeton researchers have turned their gaze upward, to the underside of the lid, where it turns out that pattern of droplets could inspire new ways to make microscopically small structures.
‘These Vibes Are Too Cosmic’ brings science to WPRB

Thursday, Oct 25, 2018

by Danielle Alio, Office of Communications; Liz Fuller-Wright, Office of Communications

At the unlikely intersection of talk radio, modern music and the Princeton graduate physics program is “These Vibes Are Too Cosmic,” a radio show bringing cutting-edge science research and groovy tunes to your dial every Tuesday at 6 p.m.
Physicist Bernevig honored by American Physical Society

Thursday, Oct 25, 2018

by Liz Fuller-Wright, Office of Communications

The American Physical Society (APS) announced today that Bogdan Andrei Bernevig was one of three winners of the APS James C. McGroddy Prize for New Materials “for the theoretical prediction, design and realization of non-magnetic and magnetic topological semi-metals and new types of topological insulators.”
Why do mosquitoes choose us? Lindy McBride is on the case.

Tuesday, Oct 23, 2018

by Liz Fuller-Wright, Office of Communications

Few animals specialize as thoroughly as the mosquitoes that carry diseases like Zika, malaria and dengue fever.
June Huh shares New Horizons in Mathematics Prize

Wednesday, Oct 17, 2018

by Liz Fuller-Wright, Office of Communications

June Huh, a visiting associate research scholar in mathematics at Princeton and a visiting professor at the Institute for Advanced Study, will receive a 2019 New Horizons in Mathematics Prize.
Biologist Stoddard wins Packard Fellowship for early-career scientists

Monday, Oct 15, 2018

by Liz Fuller-Wright, Office of Communications

The David and Lucile Packard Foundation announced that Mary Caswell “Cassie” Stoddard is one of 18 researchers to receive a Packard Fellowship for Science and Engineering, targeted to innovative, early-career scientists and engineers.
PPPL designated historic mechanical engineering site

Monday, Oct 8, 2018

by John Greenwald, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) on Oct. 5 presented the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) with an engraved plaque designating the laboratory an ASME historic mechanical engineering landmark for its achievements in the quest to develop magnetically controlled fusion energy.
Princeton faculty Brangwynne, Sly; arts fellow Okpokwasili awarded MacArthur Fellowships

Thursday, Oct 4, 2018

by by Jamie Saxon, Steven Schultz and Molly Sharlach

Two Princeton professors — one who explores the interior structures of cells, and another who mathematically defines thresholds between shifting, complex systems — have been awarded 2018 MacArthur Fellowships. Choreographer and performer Okwui Okpokwasili, a Hodder Fellow in the Lewis Center for the Arts, also received an award.
Princeton engineering alumna Frances Arnold wins Nobel Prize in Chemistry

Wednesday, Oct 3, 2018

by Liz Fuller-Wright, Office of Communications

The 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded today to Princeton alumna Frances Arnold "for the directed evolution of enzymes." She received half of the award, while the other half was divided between George Smith of the University of Missouri-Columbia and Sir Gregory Winter of the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology at the University of Cambridge "for the phage display of peptides and antibodies."