UPD-CS NIP physicist co-authors groundbreaking research on mysterious superconductors

UPD-CS physicist Dr. Miguel Sulangi (left) beams with pride following his successful PhD defense in 2018 alongside Leiden University’s Dr. Jan Zaanen, his thesis advisor and co-author on the recent groundbreaking Nature Materials paper on overdoped cuprate superconductors. (Photo credit: Thea Sulangi)

A team of physicists, including a Filipino researcher, have found that existing theories don’t completely account for the mysterious behavior of high-temperature superconducting materials that have left even Nobel laureates stumped for decades. The team’s discovery, which promises to spark completely new lines of research, was published recently in the prestigious journal, Nature Materials.

Superconducting materials enable electricity to pass through them with no resistance, potentially allowing the creation of everything from magnetic-levitation trains to unprecedentedly powerful supercomputers. For a special kind of materials called high-temperature superconducting cuprates, superconductivity happens when electrons are removed in a process called “doping.”

Baffling even Nobel laureates for decades

Exactly how and why this happens is a mystery that has baffled even Nobel laureates. It was commonly thought, however, that when a large number of electrons are removed—that is, when cuprate superconductors are “overdoped”—they would behave as described by Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) Theory, which was developed in the 1950s and has been used ever since to help explain conventional superconducting materials.

But new experiments by a team of researchers supervised by Dr. Milan P. Allan of Leiden University in the Netherlands has shown that this is not the case. Filipino physicist Dr. Miguel Sulangi from the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science National Institute of Physics (UPD-CS NIP) collaborated with Dr. Allan’s team on the theoretical modeling of these materials.

“Our paper poses a challenge to the present understanding of cuprate superconductors at so-called ‘overdoping,’” Dr. Sulangi said. “This is the latest of a fresh round of papers showing that overdoped cuprates are not as conventional or ‘BCS-like’ as everyone previously thought they were.”

A deeper mystery than originally thought

Dr. Sulangi expressed hope that these new findings would not just rewrite textbooks but also spark new research interest in overdoped cuprates, which have largely been overlooked—particularly by scientists who believed that the materials’ superconductivity could simply be explained by traditional BCS theory. “We hope to convince experimentalists and theorists that these materials are anomalous and worthy of intense study. We want to provoke further research into this,” he explained.

“What makes this study important is that it not only clarifies the nature of overdoped cuprate superconductivity, but it also reveals that the mystery surrounding cuprate superconductors is deeper than we originally thought,” said UPD-CS NIP associate professor Dr. Kristian Hauser Villegas, who was not involved with the study. “It’s good to see more Filipino researchers working at the forefront of physics and other fields, shoulder to shoulder with international colleagues. Hopefully, this encourages more Filipino kids to pursue science and add to our collective contributions to the growth of human knowledge,” he added.

The team described their findings in a paper entitled, Puddle formation and persistent gaps across the non-mean-field breakdown of superconductivity in overdoped (Pb,Bi)2Sr2CuO6+δ.

For interview requests and other concerns, please contact [email protected].

References:

Tromp, W.O., Benschop, T., Ge, JF. et al. Puddle formation and persistent gaps across the non-mean-field breakdown of superconductivity in overdoped (Pb,Bi)2Sr2CuO6+δ. Nature Materials. (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41563-023-01497-1

Source: https://journal.com.ph/upd-cs-nip-physicist-co-authors-groundbreaking-research-on-mysterious-superconductors/

UP Baguio and UPAA Baguio recognizes eight outstanding alumni



To see more photos, please visit the University of the Philippines Baguio Facebook

IN PHOTOS | The University of the Philippines – Baguio recognized the outstanding alumni for their exceptional accomplishments and achievements in various fields.

UP Baguio Chancellor Corazon Abansi and UP Alumni Association Baguio – Northern Luzon Chapter Baguio President Lilia Bautista awarded plaques to eight alumni during the UP Baguio Alumni Homecoming Gala Night over the weekend in Baguio City.

Awardees include Apayao Representative Eleanor Bulut-Begtang, Film and Television Director and Writer Zig Dulay, Nueva Vizcaya State University Professor Emerita Loreta Vivian Galima, Baguio City Health Office Medical Officer Dr. Donnabel Tubera-Panes, Film Television and Theatre Director and Writer Emmanuel Palo, BFAR – National Fisheries Research and Development Institute Scientist Mudjekeewis Santos, PNP Directorate for Personnel and Records Management PCol. Benjamin Sembrano, and President Ramon Magsaysay State University Professor Ferdinand Tamoria.

The awardees have demonstrated exceptional achievements in their chosen fields of endeavor and have given outstanding contributions that bring about significant benefits to the society and distinct honor to the University.

UP Baguio Chancellor Abansi also awarded citations to the outgoing officers of the UP Alumni Association – Northern Luzon Chapter Baguio while the incoming set of alumni officials were inducted into office.

Source: University of the Philippines Baguio Facebook

UP-PGH Division of Cardiovascular Medicine congratulates its graduates who recently passed the 2023 Philippine Specialty Board of Adult Cardiology (SBAC) Examination



The UP-PGH Division of Cardiovascular Medicine is proud to congratulate our graduates who recently passed the 2023 Philippine Specialty Board of Adult Cardiology (SBAC) Examination. 100% passing rate for our newest set of young cardiologists.

Dr. Paul Anthony O. Alad
Dr. Paula Victoria Catherine Y. Cheng
Dr. Aiza Katrina F. Reyes
Dr. Zane Oliver M. Nelson III
Dr. Bryan Paul G. Ramirez
Dr. Sonny C. Sendon
Dr. Bai Sitti Ameerah Asleah B. Tago

Padayon sa ating mga bagong cardiologist para sa bayan! Pagsilbihan ang Inang Bayan nang buong puso!

Source: UP PGH Department of Medicine Facebook

Japan Confers Decoration on Dr. Cynthia Neri Zayas





The Government of Japan announced on April 29, 2023 the conferment of The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon on Dr. Cynthia Neri Zayas, the Philippines’ leading maritime anthropologist and foremost Japanologist, in recognition of her contributions to promoting Japanese culture and society through her research and professorial stints.

We extend our sincere congratulations to Dr. Cynthia Neri Zayas and his family on this Conferment.

Read more on her profile on the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines website

Source: Embassy of Japan in the Philippines 在フィリピン日本国大使館 Facebook

4 Pinoys to receive Japanese spring conferment

Pia Lee-Brago

MANILA, Philippines — Four Filipinos, including former foreign affairs secretary Alberto Romulo and former defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana, will receive the 2023 Spring Conferment of Japanese Decorations for their contributions to forging stronger ties between the Philippines and Japan.

The Japanese government on Saturday announced the recipients of the 2023 Spring Conferment of Japanese Decorations.

Dr. Cynthia Neri Zayas, the country’s leading maritime anthropologist, and Gamaliel Cordoba, former commissioner of the National Telecommunications Commission, are also recipients of the award.

Romulo, who served as foreign affairs secretary from 2004 to 2011, will be awarded the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun while the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star will be awarded to Lorenzana.

Zayas will be awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette. Cordoba will receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines, Romulo contributed to the formulation of the Japan-Philippines Joint Statement titled “Partnership between Close Neighbors for Comprehensive Cooperation,” which forms the basis for today’s strategic partnership between the two nations.

By leading negotiations with Japan on the “Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement,” the Japanese embassy in Manila said Romulo helped elevate the two countries’ economic relationship to new heights.

Meanwhile, Lorenzana served as defense secretary from 2016 to 2022. During his term, the embassy said the defense cooperation and exchanges between Japan and the Philippines were significantly enhanced.

It was also under his tenure in 2020 that a contract was concluded between the Department of National Defense and Mitsubishi Electric Corp. Inc. for the delivery of air surveillance radar systems, marking the first overseas transfer of defense equipment between Japan and the Philippines.

Having completed her master’s and doctoral degrees in Japan, Zayas collaborated with Japanese anthropologists in pioneering maritime anthropological studies in the Philippines.

“Her internationally recognized works on the cultures of disasters and free women divers, or ‘ama,’ in Japan have deepened the understanding of Japanese society worldwide,” the embassy said in a statement.

Zayas was also instrumental in introducing Japanese traditional performing arts to the Philippines. She continues to promote Japanese culture and society through her research and professorial stints at the University of the Philippines.

The embassy said Cordoba has made significant contributions to advancing cooperation between Japan and the Philippines in the field of telecommunications. He vigorously promoted the application of ISDB-T, a terrestrial digital television broadcasting standard devised by Japan.

He significantly contributed to the Philippine government’s decision to adopt ISDB-T in June 2010 and to the reaffirmation of its adoption in November 2013. He also initiated efforts for the smooth launch and dissemination of ISDB-T in the Philippines, in cooperation with the Japanese public and private sectors.

“The government of Japan warmly congratulates these four outstanding Filipinos and appreciates their significant contributions to forging stronger ties between Japan and the Philippines,” the embassy’s statement read.

In November, the late former foreign affairs secretary Albert del Rosario received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun from Emperor Naruhito of Japan for being instrumental in building the Japan-Philippines bilateral relationship toward becoming a “strategic partnership” and ensuring the safety of ships in the waters around the Philippines.

St. Luke’s Medical Center Welcomes New President and Chief Executive Officer



Manila, Philippines – St. Luke’s Medical Center, the premier healthcare institution in the Philippines, ushers in a new leadership that would allow the hospital to continue to deliver high-quality health services to its patients while remaining at the forefront of medical innovation.

On April 26, 2023, in Taguig City, St. Luke’s board of trustees approved the appointment of Dr. Dennis P. Serrano as the new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective May 1, 2023. Prior to this appointment, he was the hospital’s Executive Vice President for One Healthcare System.

With Dr. Serrano’s appointment, his predecessor, Dr. Arturo S. De La Peña, takes a new role in leading St. Luke’s Medical Research & Policy Institute and St. Luke’s Innovation & Transformation Center. He is also a board member of St. Luke’s Medical Center.

Dr. Serrano brings decades of experience in the medical field to his new role. A graduate of the UP College of Medicine in 1989, he took on his residency training in urology at the PGH and finished it in 1994. In 2005, Dr. Serrano attained his Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration from UP Manila.

He is one of the key individuals behind the success and continuous innovation at St. Luke’s Medical Center, where he spearheaded the Institution’s Robotic Radical Prostatectomy program in 2010. Other than his contribution to the medical center, he held leadership roles in various medical associations, both local and international.

His expertise, experience, and commitment to excellence will be instrumental in leading St. Luke’s Medical Center to provide the best care for its patients and community. He plans to focus on enhancing the patient experience and the culture of care for its employees. This will involve creating a more supportive environment for patients, implementing better tools for staff efficient workflow, and increasing communication between patients, their family members, and physicians. All these efforts would ensure that all patients get the best possible care in a safe and supportive environment while also creating a culture of appreciation among its employees.

Source: https://www.stlukes.com.ph/news-and-events/news-and-press-release/St-Lukes-Medical-Center-Welcomes-New-President-and-Chief-Executive-Officer

ProfEd faculty bags distinguished dissertation award in Taiwan

Ms. AL Ramirez



Asst. Prof. Donne Jone Sodusta, a faculty member at the Division of Professional Education of the College of Arts and Sciences, UP Visayas was given the Distinguished Dissertation Prize of the Taiwan Association for Sociology of Education (TASE). This is for his dissertation paper titled “Contriving and Curating Indigeneity: Problematization of the Philippines’ Indigenous Peoples Education.”

Sodusta earned his PhD degree at the National Dong Hwa University in Taiwan through the Taiwan Elite University postgraduate scholarship. His areas of research and interests are in policies and practices in multicultural education issues and indigenous peoples’ education.

He is currently teaching research and social sciences subjects to graduate students of the UPV Graduate School and the high school students of UP High School in Iloilo.

More photos on UP Visayas Facebook

UP Diliman is the lone top performing school in the April 2023 Electronics Engineers Licensure Examination



The University of the Philippines Diliman is the lone top performing school in the April 2023 Electronics Engineers Licensure Examination.

UP Diliman posted an 87.50% passing rate with alumni John Vincent A. Portugal in the 4th top spot, Moises Angelo Q. Sanchez in the 8th top spot, and Constantine Nicolai U. Tan in the 9th top spot.

Pagbati, mga Iskolar ng Bayan! Padayon!

Read more here: https://www.prc.gov.ph/…/april-2023-electronics…

Source: University of the Philippines Facebook

UPLB prof bags 2023 VAM award



Dr. Christian A. Rosales, an assistant professor at the Department of Human and Family Development Studies (DHFDS) of the College of Human Ecology (CHE) received the prestigious 2023 Virginia A. Miralao (VAM) Excellence in Research Award from the Philippine Social Science Council (PSSC).

His winning entry, “Pigs and ritual-hunting among the highland Tau-Buhid in Mounts Iglit-Baco Natural Park, Philippines,” explores the relationship of Tau-Buhid, a Mangyan community, with domesticated pigs through a combined multispecies ethnography and political ontology.

The paper bested several scientific works from other young social scientists across the country for its contribution to the indigenous community. It showed the cultural activities and traditional resource management integral to the sociality of the of Tau-Buhid who are commonly faced with political struggles.

Dr. Rosales is the first UPLB faculty member to receive the award with a statuette especially designed by noted Filipino artist Toym Imao.

The conferment ceremony took place on April 18, 2023, at the UPLB Rural Economic Development and Renewable Energy Center (REDREC) Auditorium. Also present at the event was Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr., who is a former board member of PSSC.

The PSSC, a long-standing umbrella organization of professional social science groups in the Philippines, founded the VAM award in 2010 to honor the finest article, book chapter, or book written by a promising young scholar in the profession. (Janine R. Lardizabal)

Source: https://uplb.edu.ph/all-news/uplb-prof-bags-2023-vam-award/