---

A spin trio for strong coupling

To make qubits for quantum computers less susceptible to noise, the spin of an electron or some other particle is preferentially used. Researchers have now developed a method that makes it possible to couple such a spin qubit strongly to microwave photons.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180726161115.htm

---

New family photos of Mars and Saturn from Hubble

In summer 2018 the planets Mars and Saturn are, one after the other, in opposition to Earth. During this event the planets are relatively close to Earth, allowing astronomers to observe them in greater detail. Hubble took advantage of this preferred configuration and imaged both planets to continue its long-standing observation of the outer planets in the solar system.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180726161031.htm

---

Enduring 'radio rebound' powered by jets from gamma-ray burst

Astronomers using ALMA studied a cataclysmic stellar explosion known as a gamma-ray burst, or GRB, and found its enduring 'afterglow.' The rebound, or reverse shock, triggered by the GRB's powerful jets slamming into surrounding debris, lasted thousands of times longer than expected. These observations provide fresh insights into the physics of GRBs, one of the universe's most energetic explosions.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180726161026.htm

---

New two-dimensional material could revolutionize solar fuel generation

Scientists have obtained from hematite a new material with application as a photocatalyst, christened 'hematene.' The three-atom thick hematene is a ferromagnetic material, as opposed to the iron ore from which it was created.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180726161017.htm

---

Black holes really just ever-growing balls of string

Black holes aren't surrounded by a burning ring of fire after all, suggests new research.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180726161015.htm

---

Thin gap on stellar family portrait

A thin gap has been discovered on the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram (HRD), the most fundamental of all maps in stellar astronomy, a finding that provides new information about the interior structures of low mass stars in the Milky Way Galaxy, according to a new study.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180726161004.htm

---

Galaxy outskirts likely hunting grounds for dying massive stars and black holes

Findings from a new study provide further evidence that the outskirts of spiral galaxies host massive black holes. These overlooked regions are new places to observe gravitational waves created when the massive bodies collide, the authors report.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180726160951.htm

---

High-precision on-site analysis of precious metals in metallurgical waste spills

Researchers report the application of a portable and efficient method for the on-site analysis of wastewaters for the quantitative analysis of their gold, platinum and palladium content.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180726160841.htm

---

A new catalyst for water splitting that is the best of both worlds

Taking water and ripping it apart into hydrogen and oxygen could form the basis of artificial photosynthetic devices that could ultimately power homes and businesses. However, catalysts, including those used to 'split' water, have either worked well but are expensive and unstable, or are affordable and stable, but don't work as well. Now, researchers report a new catalyst that is really the best of both worlds.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180726090331.htm

---

Mapping mountaintop coal mining's yearly spread in Appalachia

A new mapping tool shows, in more detail than ever before, the land laid bare by mountaintop coal mining in central Appalachia each year, going back more than three decades. The tool uses satellite imagery to identify and map the annual extent of mining activity across portions of Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. The researchers say the updated maps will make it easier to assess and mitigate mining's environmental and health impacts.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180726085959.htm

---

Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/top/technology/