Latest news with #CISS
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Electrons spiral with a purpose: A new platform decodes their selective spin
By combining the principles of physics, chemistry, and biology, scientists have crafted a special programmable platform to explore one of the most puzzling quantum mysteries of our time: why electrons seem to choose sides when passing through certain twisted molecules. This behavior, known as the chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect, has baffled researchers for over two decades. It shows up in biological processes like photosynthesis and cellular respiration, yet no one fully understands how or why it happens. Now, researchers from the University of Pittsburgh have engineered an artificial, controllable system that can mimic the conditions under which this strange effect occurs. Their approach could reshape how we study quantum transport and might also help us design new materials for electronics, energy, and even medicine. "The beauty of our approach is not that it mimics chemistry or biology exactly, but that it allows us to isolate and study individual processes that are relevant in chiral quantum transport," said François Damanet, a physicist and one of the members of the research team. Back in the late 1990s, scientists Ron Naaman and David Waldeck made a surprising discovery. When electrons pass through films of chiral (twisted) molecules, how easily they can move is decided by their spin, which is a quantum property. Instead of a small noticeable effect, they saw spin-dependent changes as high as 20 percent, a result that stunned the scientific community. Since then, the CISS effect has popped up in various biological systems, yet researchers haven't been able to pin down the exact mechanism behind it. This is because real biological molecules are complex. They're soft, flexible, constantly moving, and surrounded by water, all of which makes it nearly impossible to isolate the role of chirality alone. That's where the new platform comes in. The researchers did not try to recreate biology. Instead, they built a clean, programmable playground for electrons. Using a technique developed in 2008, they worked with a special material made from layers of lanthanum aluminate (LaAlO3) and strontium titanate (SrTiO3). By using a fine-tipped microscopic pen, they could draw paths where electrons can travel. To make those paths chiral, they introduced a clever twist: the probe not only moved in a wavy, serpentine pattern across the surface, but its voltage was also modulated up and down in sync. This combination created spiral-like channels that broke mirror symmetry, the key ingredient of chirality. These artificial chiral waveguides weren't just pretty shapes. When electrons flowed through them, surprising quantum effects emerged. The team saw unusual conductance patterns and even observed electrons pairing up in ways that shouldn't be possible under strong magnetic fields. Theoretical models suggested that the spiral geometry created a kind of engineered spin-orbit coupling, which locked the electrons' spin to their direction of motion, just like some theories had proposed for the CISS effect in molecules. What makes this platform so powerful is that it's fully programmable. Researchers can change the shape, size, and strength of the chiral patterns, erase them, and write new ones, all on the same device. "We can systematically vary parameters like the pitch, amplitude, and coupling strength of chiral modulations—something impossible with fixed structures," Damanet said. This new platform doesn't try to copy molecules atom-for-atom. Instead, it gives scientists something they've never had before: precise control. In biological systems, everything is messy—molecules wiggle, environments shift, and vibrations interfere with measurements. However, on this programmable platform, each variable can be changed independently, allowing researchers to test exactly how chirality affects quantum transport. This could help settle long-standing debates about whether spin-orbit interactions, molecular vibrations, or other mechanisms drive the CISS effect. While the system operates at ultra-cold temperatures and uses inorganic materials, it sets the stage for future hybrid setups that could combine these solid-state tools with real molecules. The team is already exploring ways to pair their platform with organic materials or carbon nanotubes, and even to run experiments at higher temperatures. The goal isn't to replace biological studies, but to work alongside them, much like how wind tunnels help engineers test aircraft designs before real-world flights. If successful, this approach could help scientists not only solve the CISS puzzle but also understand other complex quantum systems. It could inspire new materials for spintronics, where electron spin is used in computing, or guide the design of efficient catalysts and bio-inspired energy devices. The study is published in the journal Science Advances.
Business Recorder
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Nuclear weapons plan remains ‘sole guarantor of peace in SA': Adviser
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's nuclear weapons programme remains the 'sole guarantor of peace and stability in South Asia,' said Lt Gen Khalid Ahmed Kidwai (retired), Adviser to the National Command Authority, on Friday. He made these remarks at a seminar hosted by the Center for International Strategic Studies (CISS) to mark the 27th anniversary of Pakistan's 1998 nuclear tests, widely commemorated as Youm-e-Takbeer. This year's observance assumed added significance in the aftermath of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. Indian military actions, including Operation Sindoor, were widely criticised by speakers at the event as reckless provocations designed to test Pakistan's thresholds in a nuclearised environment. Pakistan responded with a series of precise retaliatory measures under Operation Bunyan un Marsoos, part of the broader Marka-e-Haq campaign. Experts at the seminar said the response reasserted deterrence, restored strategic balance, and marked what they described as a 'decisive paradigm shift' in the regional balance. 'It showcased Pakistan's credible nuclear capability and reaffirmed that this deterrent —operationalised through Full Spectrum Deterrence (FSD) — serves as the cornerstone of peace and strategic stability in South Asia,' said one speaker, adding that the mini-war underscored the deterrent's enduring role in preserving peace. The seminar featured senior officials and strategic thinkers, including Ambassador SohailMahmood, Director General of the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI); Muhammad Naeem, former Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC); Dr Adil Sultan, Dean of Air University; and Brig Dr Zahirul Haider Kazmi (retired), Adviser on Arms Control at the Strategic Plans Division (SPD). Speakers observed a pattern in India's behaviour — using false flag operations as a casus belli to justify limited strikes against Pakistan while disregarding the prevailing nuclear environment. They warned that such actions risk dangerous miscalculations. They emphasised that Pakistan's nuclear capability is a strategic necessity that has effectively deterred full-scale war, even as threats have evolved in complexity and domain. The panel stressed that Pakistan now possesses a comprehensive toolkit of both kinetic and non-kinetic options to respond to any future Indian provocations, and that its response will follow a Quid Pro Quo Plus (QPQ+) approach — swift, proportionate, and precise — designed to neutralize aggression and compel de-escalation. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Emerging technologies: CJCSC for sustained dialogue, international collaboration
ISLAMABAD: Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, has reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to sustained dialogue and international collaboration in addressing the strategic challenges posed by emerging technologies. He emphasised that long-term peace and stability in South Asia hinge on reciprocal nuclear risk reduction measures and a balanced approach within the broader geostrategic landscape. He made these remarks during his keynote address at the opening session of a two-day international conference hosted by the Center for International Strategic Studies (CISS), Islamabad, titled, 'Nuclear Deterrence in the Age of Emerging Technologies.' The event brought together a diverse group of leading international scholars and strategic experts to deliberate on global security issues and share insights on evolving deterrence doctrines. Organised to promote meaningful dialogue on global strategic concerns and articulate Pakistan's perspective on nuclear deterrence, the conference attracted participation from prestigious institutions worldwide. These included the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), National Institute for Defence Studies (NIDS), Australia; Ploughshares Foundation, Canada; China Arms Control and Disarmament Association (CACDA), Peking University; the Center for Polar and Oceanic Studies (China), the European Leadership Network (ELN), LSE School of Public Policy, Center for Energy and Security Studies (CENESS) in Russia, IMEMO RAS, Saint Petersburg State University (Russia), Geneva Center for Security Policy, North Carolina State University (USA), and Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Throughout the sessions, participants exchanged views on the implications of technological advancements on nuclear deterrence, regional stability, arms control, and global disarmament efforts. Experts stressed the urgency of evolving security doctrines to keep pace with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities, and space-based systems. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
CISS to end weather amnesty due to rising costs
DES MOINES, Iowa — Central Iowa Shelters and Services will no longer take in people past its capacity during extreme weather. During times of extreme heat and cold Polk County Emergency Management activates its Weather Amnesty Program, which allows shelters in the county to take in people past their capacity. Melissa O'Neil, Central Iowa Shelters and Services CEO, said the shelter's decision is due to the rising costs of weather amnesty, which over a 10-day period in January cost the shelter $100,500. 'Everything from building insurance had a major increase, food had a major increase. The cost of off-duty officers increased and even our overtime for our employees. So, the cost of us doing weather amnesty over a ten day period really was a red flag,' O'Neil said. WHO 13 Car Cam: Road conditions near Fort Dodge Wednesday evening O'Neil said that 60% of CISS's funding comes from federal dollars which are in jeopardy. 'A lot of uncertainty regarding those federal funding streams and two of them in particular that are on the chopping block. And we have no real guarantee that those funds will be here when we need them. And so we just need to make sure that we're here long term' O'Neil said. CISS plans to let employees make the final call about letting unsheltered people in during extreme weather. 'That was a big part of this decision that, yes, we're going to cap at 150. We'll have flex for 20 cards honoring those other 2080 agreements and contracts we have in place, but ultimately, we want to make sure that our staff are trained and equipped and empowered to make that ultimate decision, because we really don't want anybody to die on the streets,' O'Neil said. CISS plans to continue offering weather amnesty through April. The shelter also plans on cutting its service hours as well as serving breakfast and dinner to those who are not staying at the shelter due to budget constraints. Metro News: Contestants picked for Drake University's Beautiful Bulldog Contest CISS to end weather amnesty due to rising costs Des Moines man accused of beating family members with 30 lbs. dumbbell UPDATE: Missing Ankeny teen found safe Man critically injured after being hit by vehicle in northeast Des Moines Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Des Moines' emergency homeless shelter will limit space during extreme cold, heat
Central Iowa's largest homeless shelter will no longer accept extra people in times of extreme cold or heat, saying it can't afford it. Polk County's weather amnesty program goes into effect during extremely cold and hot temperatures, requiring shelters such as Central Iowa Shelter & Services (CISS) to house more people beyond its 150-bed limit. Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority provides rides to warming and cooling shelters during this time. But because of budget constraints, CISS will not exceed the number of beds people normally can access: 100 for men and 50 for women, CEO Melissa O'Neil said during a Polk County Board of Supervisors meeting last week. The agency will keep 20 additional overflow slots for communities that have agreements with CISS, including West Des Moines, Clive and Waukee, O'Neil said. The organization's food services and hours also are taking a hit, she added. The cap comes months after Des Moines passed a new law banning people from sleeping in public places. The ban largely shifts a burden of care on homeless service providers who have previously said they were already strapped for resources well ahead of its implementation. More: 'Getting rid of us': Des Moines' homeless fear what they'll lose as camping ban begins The restriction was not an easy decision, O'Neil told supervisors March 11, pointing to the agency's origins: CISS was created in 1992 when five people living in the streets of Des Moines died after they were denied shelter. Last January, Polk County found approximately 715 homeless people — 147 of who were unsheltered — on a single night during a bi-annual point-in-time count. "This decision to cap our facility weighed very heavy on our hearts as we also try to work to make sure we have a balanced budget and that we're here to provide support long term," O'Neil told supervisors. The organization will participate in weather amnesty through April, O'Neil wrote in an email to the Des Moines Register. Except for reduced numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic, CISS has experienced seasonal highs and lows since the current facility at 1420 Mulberry St. opened in 2012, O'Neil told the Register. Those increased numbers have placed a "significant strain on resources, making it necessary to ensure we can continue providing sustainable services to those in shelter," she wrote. O'Neil estimates CISS spends about $66 per person in its facility per day. This includes overnight shelter, three meals, case management, job training programs, laundry, utility bills and security. Nearly 1,800 people visited CISS' emergency shelter between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, and stayed an average 28 days, according to the organization's 2023 annual report. On March 11, Polk supervisors approved nearly $299,000 in Emergency Rental Assistance funds to CISS for critical infrastructure repairs related to lighting, security cameras and a fire panel that's out of code. A second funding allocation to CISS could go before the supervisors as soon as March 25 to replace HVAC units and equipment in the community kitchen and help address hot water concerns, O'Neil wrote. The agency, which has an approximate $6.5 million annual budget, is largely funded with federal dollars for operations. But it relies on donations to pay the costs to house additional people during extreme weather, O'Neil said. CISS spent $100,500 over 10 days under weather amnesty in January, she said. That extra cost went to additional staff, food and off-duty officers who monitor the building 24 hours a day. What's more, O'Neil projects that extra cost would rise to an estimated $136,000 during the same 10-day weather amnesty period in fiscal year 2026, which starts July 1. "So those extra costs are really starting to weigh financially on CISS," she said. O'Neil said she hopes the announcement spurs more community conversation about the "wear and tear" of the facility's maintenance and staff, as well as the need for more emergency shelters in the metro. Part of the effort will be getting service providers across Iowa to "do their part," O'Neil said. In a recent call with emergency shelter and service providers across the state, O'Neil said she learned multiple shelters were at 75% occupancy and not doing weather amnesty. CISS has spent $250,000 of its federal funds outside of the county to keep people in their hometowns in fiscal year 2025, O'Neil said. That includes $75,000 in Poweshiek County. "We understand the financial (implications) of this. We understand the concerns that are going to be in the downtown community and we really hope that we can keep having conversations so we're prepared for next winter. "But at this point in time, we just have to draw the line," she said. Polk County supervisor Angela Connolly, who estimates the weather amnesty program runs about 30 to 45 days each year, is concerned about how the county will fill the gap. "I would like her to figure out how to keep this in operation so that she can continue to meet weather amnesty … so, I'm hoping that the community can step up," Connolly said of O'Neil during the meeting. "We cannot continue to go down this path and I don't think … the city of Des Moines can do it by themselves." Polk County's extreme temperature plan ran for 30 days between December and the end of February this season, Polk County officials told the Register. More: See inside a former Days Inn Hotel converted into permanent housing for homeless people CISS' business hours and meal services also are poised to change in May. Two years ago, CISS operated day services from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., O'Neil wrote. But after meeting with community leaders, the organization changed its hours from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. to allow unsheltered people to enter before the morning commute downtown and keep them inside for the evening commute. Those hours are no longer financially sustainable, O'Neil told the Register. CISS will remain a 24/7 facility. But business hours will change from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the agency will no longer provide breakfast and dinner to all unsheltered people — only those who spend the night at CISS, O'Neil said. Free lunch will still be available from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to anyone who stops by CISS. People also can still access showers, the clothing closet and food pantry during business hours. Currently, CISS staff serves about 200 meals each day for breakfast, about 250 for dinner, and from 250 to 300 meals for lunch, O'Neil told the Register. For extreme heat, the temperatures must reach a 95-degree heat index or higher, and two consecutive days where the heat index doesn't drop below 75 degrees at night, according to the county. For extreme cold, temperatures must reach any of the following: a 10-degree wind chill for three consecutive days or more, a 5-degree wind chill for two consecutive days or more, or a 0-degree wind chill for one or more days. For more information, visit Virginia Barreda is the Des Moines city government reporter for the Register. She can be reached at vbarreda@ Follow her on X at @vbarreda2. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines homeless shelter stops overflow during extreme cold, heat
