Physics
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Physics
Hot Stuff: A usually ultracold, odd state forms when warm
An exotic quantum state that had previously appeared only under conditions of astonishing cold has made its room-temperature debut.
- Materials Science
Rice-straw sweaters
Textile scientists have for the first time extracted from rice straw natural cellulose fibers that can be spun into yarn.
- Physics
Solid Surprise: High-pressure oxygen takes unpredicted form
X-ray analysis of oxygen crystals under high pressure indicated that the substance's two-atom molecules aggregate into groups of four, a crystalline structure that has never been seen before and isn't predicted by current quantum theory.
- Physics
Neutrino Detector
Neutrinos are remarkably elusive subatomic particles, and it takes specially designed and constructed detectors to ensnare them. One such detector is the Soudan Underground Laboratory, built 2,400 feet underground in an old mine in Minnesota. The lab’s Web site offers descriptions of the facilities and updates on ongoing experiments. It also has a section for […]
- Physics
Radiant plasma may combat cavities
Dentists may someday disinfect teeth with a newly demonstrated, handheld stylus that exudes glowing plasma deadly to cavity-causing bacteria.
- Materials Science
Logos to Go: Hydrogel coatings provide removable color
A biodegradable coating could add a temporary splash of color to sports fields, buildings, or even people's bodies.
- Physics
On-chip lamp scores a bull’s-eye
Etching nanoscale, concentric ridges around a lamp-on-a-chip known as a light-emitting diode, or LED, brightens the device's glow seven-fold.
- Materials Science
Solid Information: Chemical composition can determine concrete’s durability
A new analysis reveals how damage progresses in concrete that's exposed to sulfate.
- Physics
Terrific Timekeeper: Optical atomic clock beats world standard
An innovative atomic clock is more precise than the breed of clocks that's been the best for 50 years.
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- Materials Science
Seeing the light
Researchers have developed a smart petri dish that signals cell death with intense light.
- Materials Science
Greenhouse Glass: Squeezing and heating carbon dioxide yields exotic, see-through solid
Researchers have forged solid glass from carbon dioxide.
