Physics
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Materials Science
Making it work, on paper and just maybe in practice
Last spring, Science News reported on the lack of progress by the main U.S. nuclear fusion effort. As the researchers still contend, laser-initiated fusion should work. It works on paper. But in practice, even a set of extremely powerful lasers failed to trigger the fusion of hydrogen nuclei and the concomitant chain reaction and release of net energy expected.
- Materials Science
Graphene-based material prevents blood clots
When researchers coated a plastic film with the new material, clotting was greatly reduced and continued even after three days.
- Chemistry
Carbon monoxide junked for making plastic
Using a catalyst, chemists can swap in the less dangerous carbon dioxide.
- Materials Science
Scientists throw crystals a curve
Particles inside a sphere assemble into ordered ribbons, not lumps.
- Materials Science
Graphene strands free electrons from resistance
Ribbons of carbon can form electron freeways, potentially paving the way to new kinds of electronics.
- Quantum Physics
Tom’s Top 10 interpretations of quantum mechanics
Quantum mechanics has given birth to dozens of interpretations, which themselves need interpretations.
- Particle Physics
Single-pole magnet emerges in frozen concoction
An experiment has simulated the long-sought magnetic particle.
- Materials Science
Bone inspires strong, lightweight material
Tiny synthetic structures modeled after bone are as sturdy as metal.
- Physics
Quarks celebrate their 50th anniversary
In a 1997 interview with Context blogger Tom Siegfried, Murray Gell-Mann discussed the origin of the idea for the subatomic particles that he named quarks.
- Materials Science
Etched glass stops cracks in their tracks
Adding wavy lines to glass reduces the material’s notorious brittleness.
- Materials Science
Nanotube whiskers could aid robot-human interaction
Tiny hairlike sensors made from nanomaterials are more sensitive than existing devices to detect tiny pressures.
- Quantum Physics
Atomic clock sets world records for precision, stability
The strontium atomic clock is about 50 percent more precise than the previous record holder made of a single charged aluminum atom and rivals the ytterbium atomic clock for the title of most stable.
