The week in physics: Excavator ants; US energy science; Biden's scientific appointments

Ants make efficient excavators Forward this email  View in your browser THE WEEK IN PHYSICS: 6–10 SEPTEMBER Ants make efficient excavators The insects' technique redistributes forces around their tunnels and prevents the structures from collapsing when material is removed. Christine Middleton US is falling behind in basic energy sciences, DOE panel finds A new report recommends several strategies for better retaining talent and maintaining world-leading facilities. Andrea Peterson Advertisement New AR amplifier designed for EMC applications The new 75S1G6C achieves at a minimum 75 W CW, from 1 - 6 GHz. The 75S1G6C, when combined with a U series amplifier, forms a unique two amplifier solution covering 10 kHz - 6 GHz, a testing range typically requiring three to four amplifiers. Learn more. FROM THE VAULT: March 1987 Forensic physics of vehicle accidents The reconstruction of accidents and the analysis of the mechanisms of injury are the focuses of an emerging interdisciplinary field that is leading to safer vehicle design. Arthur C. Damask Webinar LIVE WEBINAR: Qubit control and measurement solutions to accelerate quantum computing applications Learn how to design and operate a qubit control setup working directly at microwave frequencies without IQ mixer calibration, using a simple Python interface to control the measurement instruments. Register now. Biden rounds out appointments to top science positions Although many of the administration's nominees are in place, several key positions remain unfilled. William Thomas Behind the Cover: September 2021 Computed tomography scans primarily reveal the mass density of an object. On this month's cover, one such scan shows the head of a human femur. R. Mark Wilson Whitepaper Low-Level Measurements of Nanostructures It's challenging to characterize ultra-small structures, where measurable signals are close to the noise floor. This tech note explains a new approach to more confidently characterize such materials. Read now. FROM THE SEPTEMBER MAGAZINE The Amazon is reaching its carbon tipping point The tropical forest can no longer be counted on to help clean up humanity's environmental mess. Johanna L. Miller Get notified about our webinars and whitepapers Sign up Get Physics Today delivered for just $25 per year Subscribe FEATURED JOBS > Assistant/Associate/Full Professor: Astrophysics   |  Georgia Institute of Technology > Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Chemistry  |  University of Basel Are you hiring? Do you want your job to appear here? Post with Physics Today and select the "Featured Job Listing: Physics Today 'The Week in Physics' e-newsletter" upgrade to easily showcase your job to 66 000 physicists and engineers. Physics Today is published by the American Institute of Physics 1 Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD 20740 USA +1 301 209 3100 © 2021 American Institute of Physics. Unsubscribe  |  Email Preferences  |  Privacy Policy  |  Contact Us