Physics
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Materials Science
‘Impermeable’ graphene yields to protons
Graphene sheets, impermeable to all atoms and molecules, can be penetrated by protons, new study shows.
- Cosmology
Gamma rays offer mixed messages on identity of dark matter
Conflicting results from Fermi telescope puzzle astronomers about dark matter’s true identity.
- Physics
Magnetic detector identifies single protons
An MRI-like machine can scan an individual proton, raising prospects that a similar technique could eventually image biological molecules one by one.
- Physics
Laser tractor beam tugs on beads
A new experiment is the first to construct a tractor beam that can pull objects over long distances with light.
- Physics
Perfect fluid of electrons may flow inside superconductor
Understanding superconductors’ viscosity could help inspire scientists to find ways to improve the electric power grid.
- Physics
Complete double rainbow encircles Australian town
A photographer in a helicopter captured a double circular rainbow while flying around a storm near Perth, Australia.
- Particle Physics
New particle could help physicists understand subatomic glue
A newfound particle will allow scientists to probe the universe’s strongest force.
- Physics
Falling raindrops break terminal velocity
Unknown mechanism causes tiny raindrops to fall faster than terminal velocity.
- Quantum Physics
Hawking radiation spotted within sonic black hole
Lab-created sonic black hole emits energy as famed physicist Stephen Hawking predicted, though the experiment may not be definitive.
- Materials Science
Blue LEDs win Nobel Prize in physics
Light-emitting diodes have led to more energy-efficient bulbs that are elbowing out incandescents.
- Chemistry
Lasers wrest oxygen from carbon dioxide
By zapping oxygen molecules off carbon dioxide, an experiment hints that Earth may have had breathable air long before the dawn of plants.
- Physics
Blue light-emitting diode earns three researchers Nobel Prize in physics
The invention of blue light-emitting diodes has been awarded the 2014 Nobel Prize in physics.
