Physics
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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
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		PhysicsCasper the Quantum Ghost
Researchers find that a strange kind of imaging relies on quantum mechanics.
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		TechScientists propose lab-grade black holes
Creating tiny, artificial black holes could help uncover what happens to particles on the edge of full-sized black holes.
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		PhysicsPutting the pressure on light
Changing pressure helps scientists gauge the speed of light in composite materials.
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		EcosystemsChurning the numbers
Some of the ocean’s small swimmers may be having a big impact on ocean mixing.
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		EarthSalty water power
A study reports a new, cheaper way to harvest energy from salt water and fresh water.
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		TechElectric grid still very vulnerable to electromagnetic weaponry
BLOG: Smart grid advocates weigh in on the vulnerability of the U.S. electrical infrastructure to electromagnetic pulse radiation.
By Janet Raloff - 			
			
		LifeBeetle masters optics
Researchers may gain inspiration from the shell of Chrysina gloriosa, which twists light in a particular way.
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		EarthA hundred new nukes?
Here are some issues to contemplate while deciding whether to welcome the nuclear-power renaissance that Sen. Alexander has just proposed.
By Janet Raloff - 			
			
		PaleontologyDiggin’ dinos
Structures found in Australian rocks may be the filled-in remains of the world’s oldest dinosaur burrows.
By Sid Perkins - 			
			
		PhysicsRaindrops go it alone
A new study using a high-speed camera finds the shattering of solitary drips can produce a variety of sizes.
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		ComputingRandom numbers faster
Researchers have devised a way to use a laser to create strings of orderless bits for encryption.