Traditionally, the natural sciences have been divided into two branches: the biological sciences and the physical sciences. Today, an increasing number of scientists are addressing problems lying at the intersection of the two. These problems are most often biological in nature, but examining them through the lens of the physical sciences can yield exciting results and opportunities. For example, one area producing effective cross-discipline research opportunities centers on the dynamics of systems. Equilibrium, multistability, and stochastic behavior-concepts familiar to physicists and chemists-are now being used to tackle issues associated with living systems such as adaptation, feedback, and emergent behavior. Research at the Intersection of the Physical and Life Sciences discusses how some of the most important scientific and societal challenges can be addressed, at least in part, by collaborative research that lies at the intersection of traditional disciplines, including biology, chemistry, and physics. This book describes how some of the mysteries of the biological world are being addressed using tools and techniques developed in the physical sciences, and identifies five areas of potentially transformative research. Work in these areas would have significant impact in both research and society at large by expanding our understanding of the physical world and by revealing new opportunities for advancing public health, technology, and stewardship of the environment. This book recommends several ways to accelerate such cross-discipline research. Many of these recommendations are directed toward those administering the faculties and resources of our great research institutions-and the stewards of our research funders, making this book an excellent resource for academic and research institutions, scientists, universities, and federal and private funding agencies.

In response to requests from Congress, NASA asked the National Research Council to undertake a decadal survey of life and physical sciences in microgravity. Developed in consultation with members of the life and physical sciences communities, the guiding principle for the study is to set an agenda for research for the next decade that will allow the use of the space environment to solve complex problems in life and physical sciences so as to deliver both new knowledge and practical benefits for humankind as we become a spacefaring people. The project's statement of task calls for delivery of two books-an interim report and a final survey report. Although the development of specific recommendations is deferred until the final book, this interim report does attempt to identify programmatic needs and issues to guide near-term decisions that are critical to strengthening the organization and management of life and physical sciences research at NASA.

Vibration Testing and System Dynamics is an interdisciplinary journal serving as the forum for promoting dialogues among engineering practitioners and research scholars. As the platform for facilitating the synergy of system dynamics, testing, design, modeling, and education, the journal publishes high-quality, original articles in the theory and applications of dynamical system testing. The aim of the journal is to stimulate more research interest in and attention for the interaction of theory, design, and application in dynamic testing. Manuscripts reporting novel methodology design for modelling and testing complex dynamical systems with nonlinearity are solicited. Papers on applying modern theory of dynamics to real-world issues in all areas of physical science and description of numerical investigation are equally encouraged. Progress made in the following topics are of interest, but not limited, to the journal: Vibration testing and designDynamical systems and controlTesting instrumentation and controlComplex system dynamics in engineeringDynamic failure and fatigue theoryChemical dynamics and bio-systemsFluid dynamics and combustionPattern dynamicsNetwork dynamicsPlasma physics and plasma dynamicsControl signal synchronization and trackingBio-mechanical systems and devicesStructural and multi-body dynamicsFlow or heat-induced vibrationMass and energy transfer dynamicsWave propagation and testing

This new resource introduces students and researchers to the fundamentals of the Physical Sciences. Entries are written in easy-to-understand language, so readers can use these entries as a solid starting-off point to develop a thorough understanding of this oftentimes confusing subject matter.