Physics

  1. Physics

    Dial-a-Splash: Thin air quells liquid splatter

    How much liquids splatter when drops hit surfaces depends on the surrounding air pressure.

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  2. Materials Science

    Tiles stack for shell strength in abalone

    In abalone shells, microscopic tiles of calcium carbonate stack on top of each other in a highly ordered arrangement to create a superstrong material.

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  3. Physics

    Putting a new spin on silicon

    Embedding ions of manganese in silicon imparts a magnetic field to the otherwise nonmagnetic semiconductor.

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  4. Materials Science

    Petrified wood: Quick and easy

    Materials scientists have turned wood into stone in a matter of days, mimicking a natural process that takes millions of years.

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  5. Materials Science

    Infrared Vision: New material may enhance plastic solar cells

    The vision of flexible, low-cost, lightweight plastic solar cells has moved one step closer to reality with the creation of a material that can harness infrared light.

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  6. Materials Science

    Magnetic nanorods on cruise control

    Chemists have created miniature engines out of nanoscale metallic rods that propel themselves using chemical energy.

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  7. Physics

    Twinkle Toes: How geckos’ sticky feet stay clean

    Besides allowing geckos to cling to walls and ceilings, the millions of tiny fibers on the undersides of these lizards' toes clean themselves with each step.

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  8. Physics

    Probe bares heart of X-ray inferno

    Physicists have snapped the first real-time pictures of the exploding core of the world's most powerful X-ray source other than a nuclear bomb.

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  9. Materials Science

    Sweet Glow: Nanotube sensor brightens path to glucose detection

    An implantable glucose sensor based on carbon nanotubes could allow patients with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels without the need for daily pinprick tests.

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  10. Materials Science

    Concrete Nation

    From ultrahigh-performance concrete that bends like metal to concrete blocks that transmit light, scientists are pushing the physical and architectural limits of this ubiquitous construction material.

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  11. Materials Science

    Mussel glue inspires coating for medical implants

    An antifouling coating inspired by the sticky adhesive secreted by mussels could protect future medical implants from failure.

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  12. Materials Science

    Glass materials let Venetian art shine

    Sixteenth-century Venetian painters mixed glassy materials with their paints to expand their palettes and enhance the vibrancy of their colors.

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