Physics
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- 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.
- Physics
Laser builds mirror by pushing beads together
The light technique may one day be used to build giant telescopes in space.
- Quantum Physics
Gell-Mann, Hartle spin a quantum narrative about reality
The “consistent histories” approach to quantum physics removes any role for people in creating “quasiclassical” reality.
- Physics
Transfixing tetrahedrons
Dervishes are Sufi Muslims who represent the revolving heavens with their spinning dance.
- Quantum Physics
‘QBists’ tackle quantum problems by adding a subjective aspect to science
Advocates of a program called “Quantum Bayesianism” take a subjective approach to resolving the paradoxes of quantum physics.
- Computing
Materials’ light tricks may soon extend to doing math
A simulation paves the way toward metamaterials that can perform ultrafast complex mathematical operations using light waves.
- Physics
Google search fails to find any sign of time travelers
A search of the Internet for signs of time travelers from the future fares no better than the party hosted by Stephen Hawking that nobody attended.
- Physics
Tom’s top 10 time travel movies
The lack of a credible scientific basis doesn’t stop movie makers from making films about time travel.
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- Physics
Year in Review: Below absolute zero, but hot
Lab trickery pushes atoms to a negative temperature.
- Animals
Penguin huddles move like traffic jams
When one emperor penguin takes a step, he sets off a wave of movement.
