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Sustainability Times
2 days ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Shortest X-Ray Pulse in History': US Scientists Smash Records With Ultrabrief Bursts That Could Transform Atomic Imaging Forever
IN A NUTSHELL ✨ Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have generated the world's shortest hard X-ray pulses , marking a significant advancement in laser technology . , marking a significant advancement in . 🔬 These pulses, lasting less than 100 attoseconds , allow scientists to observe electron dynamics with unprecedented precision. , allow scientists to observe with unprecedented precision. 💡 The breakthrough was achieved through a new type of laser effect, leading to cleaner and more controlled X-ray pulses than ever before. than ever before. 🌌 This innovation opens up vast opportunities for scientific advancements in fields such as chemistry, physics, and materials science. In an extraordinary scientific breakthrough, researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have successfully generated the shortest hard X-ray pulses ever recorded. This remarkable achievement allows scientists to observe electrons in slow motion, providing unprecedented insights into their behavior. By leveraging a powerful new type of laser effect, scientists have managed to produce X-ray pulses that are less than 100 attoseconds long, marking a significant milestone in the field of laser technology. The Magic of Attosecond Pulses An attosecond is an incredibly brief period of time, equivalent to one quintillionth of a second. To comprehend the magnitude of this feat, consider that an attosecond is to one second what one second is to the age of the universe since the Big Bang. The creation of these short X-ray pulses has opened a new frontier in laser science, allowing us to observe electron dynamics with stunning precision. The research team, led by physics professor Uwe Bergmann, has observed strong lasing phenomena in inner-shell X-ray lasing and successfully simulated and calculated the evolution of these pulses. This discovery is crucial because current X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) produce 'messy' pulses with uneven timing and varying wavelengths, limiting their application. Cleaner, more controlled X-ray pulses could revolutionize the field, leading to new and advanced laser applications. 'Deepest Hole on Earth': Quaise Energy Unveils Revolutionary Wave Drilling Tech to Pierce the Planet's Crust Like Never Before Harnessing the Power of X-ray Laser Pulses The study aimed to create tightly focused X-ray laser pulses directed at copper or manganese samples. Despite their initial messiness, these pulses were incredibly intense, akin to concentrating all the sunlight hitting Earth onto a single, tiny spot. The emitted X-ray light, analyzed by a detector, revealed unexpected patterns—bright hotspots instead of a smooth signal. Through 3D simulations, researchers discovered that as the X-rays traveled through the sample, they formed filaments, explaining the observed anomalies. Further experimentation showed that increasing the input pulse intensity led to unexpected spectral broadening and multiple spectral lines, attributed to Rabi cycling. Ultimately, the team succeeded in generating stimulated emission pulses lasting just 60 to 100 attoseconds, setting a new record for the shortest hard X-ray pulse. 'I Built a Laser from Hell': YouTuber Unleashes World's Strongest Handheld Beam That Instantly Melts Metal and Ignites Anything Unleashing a Myriad of Opportunities This groundbreaking research paves the way for numerous opportunities within the scientific community. As Bergmann notes, many nonlinear technologies and phenomena used in laser science have not been fully explored with hard X-rays. With Angstrom wavelengths providing atomic spatial resolution and sensitivity to different elements, hard X-rays hold immense potential for scientific advancements. While XFELs have existed for about 15 years, scientists are still in the early stages of understanding and applying them effectively. This study marks the first successful attempt to 'clean up' hard X-ray pulses and demonstrate strong lasing phenomena on this unprecedented timescale. The details of this achievement have been published in the journal Nature, contributing to the growing body of knowledge in laser science. Living Skin for Buildings: Smart Facade in Germany Moves Like an Organism to Slash Cooling Needs and Energy Use The Future of X-ray Pulses The generation of the shortest hard X-ray pulses by the University of Wisconsin–Madison team represents a significant leap forward in laser technology. By capturing electron dynamics at the attosecond timescale, researchers can gain insights into the fundamental processes governing atomic and molecular interactions. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize fields such as chemistry, physics, and materials science. As we continue to explore the possibilities offered by these ultrashort X-ray pulses, we may uncover new methods for manipulating matter and energy at the atomic level. The implications for future technologies and scientific discoveries are vast and exciting, leaving us to ponder: What new horizons will this groundbreaking achievement open for the next generation of scientists and researchers? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (28)
Medscape
13-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Time to Monitor Serum Hydroxychloroquine Levels in Lupus?
BARCELONA, Spain — Monitoring serum hydroxychloroquine levels could help to ensure that patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are being treated with the drug optimally, according to research reported at European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) 2025 Annual Meeting. Shivani Garg, MD, PhD Shivani Garg, MD, PhD, an assistant professor of medicine and medical director of the Lupus and Lupus Nephritis Clinics at the School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, presented the findings of an observational study that confirmed and extended the results from an earlier study carried out by her research group that the ideal serum hydroxychloroquine level lay somewhere between a lower limit of 750 ng/mL and an upper limit of 1150 ng/mL for most patients with SLE. The new study also showed that as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) increases, so does serum levels of hydroxychloroquine in the blood. This suggested that monitoring serum hydroxychloroquine levels may be particularly useful in people with chronic kidney disease. Justification to Monitor Alfred Kim, MD, PhD Alfred Kim, MD, PhD, told Medscape Medical News that Garg's data gave justification to the idea that serum hydroxychloroquine levels need to be checked as a matter of routine. 'I think rheumatologists have been behind in checking drug blood levels in general. We don't check as routinely as compared to say nephrologists and gastroenterologists,' said Kim, who is an associate professor of medicine and associate professor of pathology and immunology at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis. One of the known long-term risks associated with taking hydroxychloroquine is retinal toxicity, which is why regular eye examinations are undertaken. It takes time for the eye damage to accumulate, however, so 'how do you assume without knowing the levels that you're actually not introducing risk or not knowingly introducing risk downstream?' Kim said there has been a tendency 'to follow clinical response and assume that if patients are not showing acute toxicity, that there will be no long-term toxicity.' This is 'obviously incorrect,' he said, and added that a 'culture change' is happening. Optimum Dose Debated 'Hydroxychloroquine, or HCQ, is the cornerstone of lupus treatment as it prolongs both disease- and damage-free survival. However, the optimum dose of hydroxychloroquine is under great debate,' Garg said during her presentation. Hydroxychloroquine is dosed according to body weight, with a recommended dose of 5 mg/kg. Prior data have shown that doses above this level double the risk for retinopathy compared with the level of 4-5 mg/kg/d, while those at 5 mg/kg/d or below are associated with a two- to six-fold increased risk for disease flares. Measuring serum levels of hydroxychloroquine reflects metabolism, clearance, and adherence, Garg argued, and thus measuring and monitoring these levels could be a potential solution to ensuring the perfect balance between toxicity and efficacy. Considering that 65% of hydroxychloroquine is cleared by the kidneys, one of the aims of the study was to identify if there are any thresholds of kidney function associated with supratherapeutic levels over time. Study Design and Findings Garg and colleagues combined prospectively collected data from two longitudinal cohorts from France and the US, encompassing a total of 1240 patients with SLE who had been treated with hydroxychloroquine. The median age of the cohort was 40 years, and 92% were women. Just over half (58%) were being treated with doses of more than 5 mg/kg/d and 42% with doses of 5 mg/kg/d or lower. The cumulative hydroxychloroquine dose was 2318 g, and mean serum levels of the drug were 947 ng/mL. The mean SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) was 2.8, and 4.4% had experienced cardiac or retinal toxicity. On the first study visit, patients gave whole blood samples to have serum hydroxychloroquine levels measured using liquid chromatography in tandem with mass spectrometry or mass spectrometry alone. Researchers collated data on patient outcomes, including disease activity measured by SLEDAI, and toxicity, notably retinopathy and cardiotoxicity. Analyses were then performed to find the upper threshold for serum hydroxychloroquine levels at which toxicity occurred and the threshold at which a 'ceiling effect' for disease response occurred. Data were also analyzed according to patients' eGFR at the baseline visit, and any subsequent visits if available. Results showed that serum hydroxychloroquine levels in excess of 1150 ng/mL were associated with 2.2-fold increased risk for systemic toxicity, even after excluding retinopathy. Moreover, serum hydroxychloroquine levels above this limit did not appear to provide any further clinical benefit. Results also showed that having an eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2— indicating stage 3 or greater chronic kidney disease — was associated with a 2.5-fold greater likelihood of serum hydroxychloroquine levels in excess of 1150 ng/mL, risking toxicity. Garg told Medscape Medical News: 'Right now, we don't monitor because we didn't know how to interpret the [serum] levels. This study gave data on this.' In the long run, the findings could mean that patients with serum hydroxychloroquine levels within the proposed target 'get a green check. But if the levels are too high, you might need to scale down the dose.' This study received no commercial funding. Garg and Kim had no financial disclosures or conflicts of interest to report.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Britta Curl-Salemme's social media activity drew ire. PWHL fans won't let her forget it
As the Professional Women's Hockey League Finals unfold, Britta Curl-Salemme, a 25-year-old league newcomer from Bismarck, N.D., has emerged as one of the stars of the playoffs. Through two games, the Minnesota Frost forward has two goals, the most of any player in the Finals. Her game-tying and then overtime-winning goals on Thursday against the Ottawa Charge helped tie the series 1-1 heading into Saturday's Game 3 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn. Advertisement But Curl-Salemme has also been met with a chorus of boos every time she's touched the puck in the best-of-five series, which began in Ottawa on Tuesday. It's fair to wonder: Is she the new league's first-ever 'villain'? 'I'm sure people think that. I try not to get too involved with the outside noise or perspectives. I don't think that's helpful to me,' Curl-Salemme said on Friday. 'If that's the way it shakes out and I'm doing my job and I'm doing what I'm proud of, and the things I'm supposed to be doing, then that may be it. But I'm not too worried about it.' Why, exactly, has Curl-Salemme been so polarizing? Advertisement After a successful college career, where she won three NCAA championships with the University of Wisconsin, Curl-Salemme was widely viewed as one of the top prospects in the PWHL's 2024 draft class. But her social media activity stirred controversy in the weeks leading up to the draft. Her 'likes' on X included posts that many viewed to be transphobic — including one post that called Target a 'perverted company' for selling LGBTQ+ merchandise — and politically polarizing. Curl-Salemme was booed the night of the draft by Minnesota's home crowd at Roy Wilkins Auditorium. Her selection drew criticism from fans across the PWHL, a league that has welcomed LGBTQ+ fans. 'I can't really speak to the reasons behind it,' Curl-Salemme said when asked about why she's been met with such animosity throughout her rookie campaign. Advertisement Curl-Salemme wasn't made available to the media after Game 1 or 2 in Ottawa, despite multiple requests. Her comments on Friday in a Zoom media call were among Curl-Salemme's first on fans' reaction to her since posting her apology for the 'hurt' caused by her social media activity nearly a year ago. 'I specifically recognize that my social media activity has resulted in hurt being felt across communities, including LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals, and I just want to apologize and take ownership of that,' she said in her statement at the time. 'I do not and I've never held hate or judgment towards any groups or individuals.' Despite the apology, the booing has continued in some road cities in the regular season and into the playoffs in Ottawa. Curl-Salemme's mix of skill and physicality has made her an important part of Minnesota's top-six as it tries to win a second straight PWHL championship. But she's also been criticized throughout the season for crossing the line — something that hasn't earned her many new fans outside of the Twin Cities. Advertisement She has also been suspended three times in her rookie season, including for an illegal hit to the head against Toronto defender Renata Fast in the semifinals. On Tuesday, in Game 1 of the Finals, she collided knee-on-knee with Ottawa forward Kateřina Mrázová, which Ottawa head coach Carla MacLeod called a dangerous play. There was no penalty called, or any disciplinary action from the league. That only drew more ire from fans in Canada's capital. 'I'm sure it's annoying as hell being an opponent or being an opposing fan (with) the style that I play and, you know, I kind of try to embrace that obviously to a certain point,' Curl-Salemme said. 'I want to be a nuisance. I want to make it hard to play against me. So yeah, I'm sure that's part of it. But that's not why I do it either.' She added that finding the line between physicality and a bad hit has been a work in progress. 'I think I was excited just to play in a league that allows more physicality because I think it suits me,' she said. '(But) you've got to be able to find that line of, how do I stay in control and do it in a way that's not going to hurt my team or an opponent. Advertisement 'I'm never going out on the ice trying to hurt somebody or do something stupid. That's obviously never the intention, but I think it's just going to take a little bit of maturity in my game and just figuring out how to play that way.' Despite the criticism and the boos, Curl-Salemme's teammates have stood behind her and said they are 'lucky' to have her in the locker room. On Thursday night, she was given the team's player-of-the-game belt to a rousing cheer. Frost coach Ken Klee credited Curl-Salemme for her ability to remain calm and deliver in 'hostile environments.' Curl-Salemme said the crowd reaction doesn't change the way she plays, nor does it give her any extra satisfaction when she comes through in a tough road environment like in Ottawa. Advertisement 'Personally, I'd rather play in front of a full crowd that's booing me than an empty one,' she said. 'That type of passion is really cool to see. I can't control how they may feel towards me. 'I think they enjoy that passion and putting it towards something. So it's fun to go there. It's fun to get a win too.' This article originally appeared in The Athletic. Minnesota Wild, NHL, Women's Hockey 2025 The Athletic Media Company
New York Times
24-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Britta Curl-Salemme's social media activity drew ire. PWHL fans won't let her forget it
As the Professional Women's Hockey League Finals unfold, Britta Curl-Salemme, a 25-year-old league newcomer from Bismarck, N.D., has emerged as one of the stars of the playoffs. Through two games, the Minnesota Frost forward has two goals, the most of any player in the Finals. Her game-tying and then overtime-winning goals on Thursday against the Ottawa Charge helped tie the series 1-1 heading into Saturday's Game 3 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn. Advertisement But Curl-Salemme has also been met with a chorus of boos every time she's touched the puck in the best-of-five series, which began in Ottawa on Tuesday. It's fair to wonder: Is she the new league's first-ever 'villain'? 'I'm sure people think that. I try not to get too involved with the outside noise or perspectives. I don't think that's helpful to me,' Curl-Salemme said on Friday. 'If that's the way it shakes out and I'm doing my job and I'm doing what I'm proud of, and the things I'm supposed to be doing, then that may be it. But I'm not too worried about it.' Why, exactly, has Curl-Salemme been so polarizing? After a successful college career, where she won three NCAA championships with the University of Wisconsin, Curl-Salemme was widely viewed as one of the top prospects in the PWHL's 2024 draft class. But her social media activity stirred controversy in the weeks leading up to the draft. Her 'likes' on X included posts that many viewed to be transphobic — including one post that called Target a 'perverted company' for selling LGBTQ+ merchandise — and politically polarizing. Curl-Salemme was booed the night of the draft by Minnesota's home crowd at Roy Wilkins Auditorium. Her selection drew criticism from fans across the PWHL, a league that has welcomed LGBTQ+ fans. Women's hockey was my safe space as a trans person. Super disappointing to see someone enter the league that would make my community feel anything but welcome. Trans people belong in sports. Trans women are women. — Harrison Browne (@Hbrowne24) June 11, 2024 'I can't really speak to the reasons behind it,' Curl-Salemme said when asked about why she's been met with such animosity throughout her rookie campaign. Curl-Salemme wasn't made available to the media after Game 1 or 2 in Ottawa, despite multiple requests. Her comments on Friday in a Zoom media call were among Curl-Salemme's first on fans' reaction to her since posting her apology for the 'hurt' caused by her social media activity nearly a year ago. Advertisement 'I specifically recognize that my social media activity has resulted in hurt being felt across communities, including LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals, and I just want to apologize and take ownership of that,' she said in her statement at the time. 'I do not and I've never held hate or judgment towards any groups or individuals.' Despite the apology, the booing has continued in some road cities in the regular season and into the playoffs in Ottawa. Curl-Salemme's mix of skill and physicality has made her an important part of Minnesota's top-six as it tries to win a second straight PWHL championship. But she's also been criticized throughout the season for crossing the line — something that hasn't earned her many new fans outside of the Twin Cities. She has also been suspended three times in her rookie season, including for an illegal hit to the head against Toronto defender Renata Fast in the semifinals. On Tuesday, in Game 1 of the Finals, she collided knee-on-knee with Ottawa forward Kateřina Mrázová, which Ottawa head coach Carla MacLeod called a dangerous play. There was no penalty called, or any disciplinary action from the league. That only drew more ire from fans in Canada's capital. 'I'm sure it's annoying as hell being an opponent or being an opposing fan (with) the style that I play and, you know, I kind of try to embrace that obviously to a certain point,' Curl-Salemme said. 'I want to be a nuisance. I want to make it hard to play against me. So yeah, I'm sure that's part of it. But that's not why I do it either.' She added that finding the line between physicality and a bad hit has been a work in progress. 'I think I was excited just to play in a league that allows more physicality because I think it suits me,' she said. '(But) you've got to be able to find that line of, how do I stay in control and do it in a way that's not going to hurt my team or an opponent. Advertisement 'I'm never going out on the ice trying to hurt somebody or do something stupid. That's obviously never the intention, but I think it's just going to take a little bit of maturity in my game and just figuring out how to play that way.' Despite the criticism and the boos, Curl-Salemme's teammates have stood behind her and said they are 'lucky' to have her in the locker room. On Thursday night, she was given the team's player-of-the-game belt to a rousing cheer. Minnesota Frost versus the world 😎 — x – Minnesota Frost (@PWHL_Minnesota) May 23, 2025 Frost coach Ken Klee credited Curl-Salemme for her ability to remain calm and deliver in 'hostile environments.' Curl-Salemme said the crowd reaction doesn't change the way she plays, nor does it give her any extra satisfaction when she comes through in a tough road environment like in Ottawa. 'Personally, I'd rather play in front of a full crowd that's booing me than an empty one,' she said. 'That type of passion is really cool to see. I can't control how they may feel towards me. 'I think they enjoy that passion and putting it towards something. So it's fun to go there. It's fun to get a win too.'
Fox News
22-05-2025
- Fox News
Two students dead in suspected murder-suicide at University of Wisconsin-Platteville
This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Two female students have died in a suspected murder-suicide at a residence hall at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. A spokesperson with the university confirmed with Fox News Digital that Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms, both 22, were found with gunshot wounds at Wilgus Hall, a student residence hall, in what authorities believe to be a murder-suicide at approximately 4 p.m. local time on Monday, May 19. Helms, an elementary education major, was pronounced dead at the scene. Martin, a psychology major and assistant resident director, was transported to Southwest Health, and then flown to UW Hospital, where she later died. A preliminary autopsy found that Martin was determined to have died by gunshot wound, and Helms died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the school said, noting that "all indications at this time from the preliminary autopsy suggest a murder-suicide." The university's police arrived at the scene following a call for a "disturbance." Photos following the incident captured college students being escorted out of the residence halls as police investigated the incident. The school said that "no other subjects are suspected to have been involved in the incident." The university canceled final exams for the remainder of the week. Counseling is being offered to the campus community, and a toll-free emotional support line is available at (844)602-6680 or (720)272-0004. Helms graduated magna cum laude with a degree in elementary education, and Martin graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology on Saturday, May 17, according to the university's graduation program. Helms was from Baraboo, Wisconsin, and transferred to UW-Plateville in the spring of 2023 after attending UW-Baraboo. Martin was from Beloit, Wisconsin, and had served as an assistant resident director on campus for the past three years, according to a "Student Staff Spotlight" posted by the university residence life office on Facebook. The university said in a Facebook message on Tuesday, "Thank you to all who have reached out to us through messages and offered to support in so many meaningful ways. We are overwhelmed by your kindness." "We are a close community, and this outpouring of care is a powerful reminder of who we are. We do not take it for granted. #PioneerStrong," they added. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers wrote on Facebook, "I've been briefed on the situation at UW-Platteville, and we will continue to remain in close contact with university officials. As we await more information, please keep UW-Platteville students, faculty, staff, and the greater Platteville community in your thoughts." The UW-Platteville Police Department declined to comment on the incident, referring Fox News Digital to the university's statement.
