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Statistical physics and thermodynamics provide a framework for relating the behaviour of microscopic particles to the macroscopic properties of a system. Thermodynamics casts these macroscopic, or observable, properties in terms of variables that are subject to constraints imposed by the four laws of thermodynamics, which can be explained by statistical physics.
Patches of turbulence in straight pipe flow (‘puffs’) display collective dynamics that is not well understood. Now, this dynamics is shown to harbour a phase transition of the directed percolation type, displaying jamming at high puff density.
One of the most considered applications for quantum-inspired algorithms is solving combinatorial optimization problems. In this manuscript, the authors benchmark several quantum-annealing-inspired algorithms against other state-of-the-art optimizers and quantum annealer, comparing their success probabilities and time-to-solution.
Understanding how cancer cells regulate their size is still largely an open question. The authors propose a method to infer the division strategy of leukemia cells via live cell fluorescence labeling and flow cytometry measurements combined with a mathematical model based on size-dependent growth and division rates.
Patches of turbulence in straight pipe flow (‘puffs’) display collective dynamics that is not well understood. Now, this dynamics is shown to harbour a phase transition of the directed percolation type, displaying jamming at high puff density.
In many schedule-based systems, timeliness is paramount. A recent study provides insights into delay accumulation in networks, revealing a phase transition with connections to the physics of interfaces.
Spatial heterogeneity in disease transmission rates and in mixing patterns between regions makes predicting epidemic trajectories hard. Quantifying the mixing rates within and between spatial regions can improve predictions.
Spiral waves of cell density can form and propagate through bacterial biofilms. These waves are formed by a self-organization process that coordinates pulling forces between neighbouring cells.
Can many-body systems be beneficial to designing quantum technologies? We address this question by examining quantum engines, where recent studies indicate potential benefits through the harnessing of many-body effects, such as divergences close to phase transitions. However, open questions remain regarding their real-world applications.