In the quest toward finding the correct theory of quantum gravity, Utah State University physicists Oscar Varela and Abhay Katyal, with former USU postdoctoral fellow Ritabrata Bhattacharya, describe their progress in testing the holographic principle which, they say, is a key property of any valid theory of quantum gravity. The team published their findings in the April 6, 2025 online issue of the American Physical Society’s Physical Review Letters.

In this week’s JASA Express Letters, researchers in Japan capture sound fields around musical triangles. They wanted to understand the physical properties of the triangle instrument, test assumptions about the contribution of the triangle shape, and capture clear documentation through pictures of the sound waves around the triangle. Using acousto-optic imaging to study detailed characteristics of sound vibration pattern, the team found results that suggest resonance may occur in the triangle's semi-open space.

Researchers in China model the motions of groups of manta rays to study how group dynamics affect their propulsion, studying different formations of three manta rays: in tandem, in a triangular setup with one manta ray in front leading two behind, and in an inverse triangular configuration with one manta ray trailing the other two. They found the tandem formation only significantly increases propulsion for the middle manta ray, and the two triangular setups result in overall decreased efficiency compared to a single swimmer on its own. These findings can help optimize formations for underwater vehicle operations.

A collaborative research team has pioneered a laser-driven micro-pinch with 3D-PIC simulation to generate ultra-intense neutron pulses. By compressing deuterium in nanowires to over 120 times its initial density, the method achieves neutron fluxes up to1026 cm-2s-1, offering transformative potential for nuclear astrophysics, neutron imaging, and precision neutron measurements.

Researchers at the University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology recently connected their campuses with an experimental quantum communications network using two optical fibers.