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A researcher has developed a new technique to detect long wave infrared (LWIR) photons of different wavelengths or 'colors.' The new detection and imaging technique will have applications in analyzing materials by their spectral properties, or spectroscopic imaging, as well as thermal imaging applications.

Non-reciprocal interactions can increase the order in an active system. The researchers created a model to describe the emerging patterns depending on the amount of non-reciprocity in an active system.

Researchers have developed a 3D-printed device that generates twisting light beams with orbital angular momentum (OAM), a form of rotational energy that can carry more data than regular beams.

Researchers have unlocked a new method for producing one class of 2D material and for supercharging its magnetic properties.

The future of breast cancer screening and risk-reducing strategies is being shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), according to a recent review article.

Theoretical physicists along with an experimental team have found evidence of a quantum spin liquid in a material known as pyrochlore cerium stannate. They achieved this by combining state-of-the-art experimental techniques, including neutron scattering at extremely low temperatures, with theoretical analysis. By measuring the way in which neutrons interact magnetically with the electron spin in pyrochlore, the researchers observed the collective excitations of spins interacting strongly with light-like waves.

Wildlife photos return today, but I have precious few batches in the tank. If you got ’em, please send ’em, lest this feature disappear.

Today UC Davis mathematician Abby Thompson, who survived cancelation, is back with pictures of California tide pools. Abby’s captions are indented, and you can enlarge the photos by clicking on them.

November-December tidepools (Northern California).  The weather at the coast over the Thanksgiving weekend was spectacular- sunny, warm, with no wind; perfect for poking around in the tide pools.    As usual I got help with some of the IDs from people on inaturalist.

Mussel-covered rock (probably Mytilus californianus); I liked the pattern made on the sand as the tide retreated:

Calliostoma ligatum (blue-ringed top snail):

Eupentacta quinquesemita (stiff-footed sea cucumber) Probably; it’s a little hard to tell with sea cucumbers. This one was a couple of inches long.

Hemigrapsus nudus (Purple shore crab). This is one of the most common crabs on this stretch of shore.   This one was small (maybe 2” across the back) but testy, apparently ready to take me on:

Dendronotus subramosus (nudibranch). Nudibranchs are often scarce at this time of year, but the calm sea seems to have brought them out:

Phidiana hiltoni (nudibranch) Posing for the camera:

Anthopleura artemisia (moonglow anemone). I’ve posted a few pictures of this species.   The color varies so much that they all look quite different.   I’ve never seen one that’s blue before; it was striking next to the brilliant orange sponge:

Hermissenda opalescens: (nudibranch):

Cervus canadensis nannodes (Tule elk) from tiny creatures to large (although this species is small for elk). This picture is from Point Reyes National Seashore, where there’s a reserve.    A short, highly recommended hike takes you to where the elk can be found wandering about:

Tomales Point at sunset, as the tide was beginning to turn:

Camera info:  Mostly Olympus TG-7, in microscope mode, pictures taken from above the water.    The last two pictures were taken with my iphone.