1. The document discusses the scientific background of the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics, which was awarded for theoretical discoveries of topological phase transitions and topological phases of matter.
2. It provides context on phase transitions in materials, including symmetry breaking and order parameters. It discusses topological concepts in quantum Hall effects and spin chains.
3. The key discoveries of Kosterlitz, Thouless, Haldane, and others established a new type of phase transition driven by topological defects, described topological phases that cannot be characterized by symmetry breaking, and predicted unexpected effects from topology in spin chains.
The Tribunal issued an award in an arbitration between the Philippines and China concerning maritime disputes in the South China Sea. Some key points:
- The Tribunal found it had jurisdiction to consider the dispute and that China's claims to historic rights within the 'nine-dash line' were not authorized by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
- The Tribunal also found that none of the disputed features were capable of generating an exclusive economic zone, as they could not sustain human habitation or economic life.
- The Tribunal concluded that China had violated the Philippines' sovereign rights by interfering with fishing and petroleum exploration, constructing artificial islands, and failing to stop Chinese fishermen.
- China did not participate
1. The document discusses the scientific background of the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics, which was awarded for theoretical discoveries of topological phase transitions and topological phases of matter.
2. It provides context on phase transitions in materials, including symmetry breaking and order parameters. It discusses topological concepts in quantum Hall effects and spin chains.
3. The key discoveries of Kosterlitz, Thouless, Haldane, and others established a new type of phase transition driven by topological defects, described topological phases that cannot be characterized by symmetry breaking, and predicted unexpected effects from topology in spin chains.
The Tribunal issued an award in an arbitration between the Philippines and China concerning maritime disputes in the South China Sea. Some key points:
- The Tribunal found it had jurisdiction to consider the dispute and that China's claims to historic rights within the 'nine-dash line' were not authorized by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
- The Tribunal also found that none of the disputed features were capable of generating an exclusive economic zone, as they could not sustain human habitation or economic life.
- The Tribunal concluded that China had violated the Philippines' sovereign rights by interfering with fishing and petroleum exploration, constructing artificial islands, and failing to stop Chinese fishermen.
- China did not participate
George de Mestral observed burrs stuck to his pants and dog's fur after a walk in the woods. Upon examining the burrs under a microscope, he had an idea. He realized the burrs attached through tiny hooks that caught on fabric loops. This inspired him to invent Velcro, which uses small hooks to attach to loops and separate with a pull. Velcro became a popular fastening method, especially for clothing and in aerospace applications.
George de Mestral observed burrs stuck to his pants and dog's fur after a walk in the woods. Upon examining the burrs under a microscope, he had an idea. He realized the burrs attached through tiny hooks that caught on fabric loops. This inspired him to invent Velcro, which uses small hooks to attach to loops and separate with a pull. Velcro became a popular fastening method, especially for clothing and in aerospace applications.