Physics

  1. Physics

    Fundamental constant didn’t vary after all

    In disagreement with prior findings, an analysis of new quasar observations indicates that alpha, the universal constant that defines the strength of the electromagnetic force, has not varied since the early days of the cosmos.

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  2. Physics

    The Electron’s Other Charge: Workhorse of electricity shows its weak side

    Although electrons are nonnuclear particles, they exert a feeble nuclear force on each other when they snuggle up close, a new experiment shows.

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  3. Physics

    Signs of mass-giving particle get stronger

    The promising search at a collider in Switzerland for the Higgs boson—the crucial and last undetected fundamental particle predicted by the central theory of particle physics—became even more of a cliff-hanger as a new, strong hint of the particle appeared on the eve of the machine's second scheduled demise.

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  4. Materials Science

    Crafty Carriers: Armoring vesicles for more precise and reliable drug delivery

    Materials scientists are designing tough, microscopic drug-delivery vesicles that could reach their targets intact and release their cargoes on cue.

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  5. Physics

    Photon Double Whammy: Careening electrons may rev up solar cells

    A newfound cue ball effect in nanometer-scale crystals of a semiconductor compound may lead to highly efficient solar cells made from such nanocrystals.

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  6. Physics

    Signs of new five-quark particle

    Physicists at a German particle collider unveiled evidence of a new five-quark particle.

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  7. Physics

    Particle breakdowns beat expectations

    A fresh analysis of 2002 accelerator data finds a third instance of a type of breakdown of subatomic kaons that's not supposed to happen so often, suggesting that shadowy, hypothetical particles predicted by a theory called supersymmetry may be influencing kaon behavior.

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  8. Materials Science

    High-temperature ceramics takes flight

    A recent NASA flight test of ultrahigh-temperature ceramic materials might lead to a new aerospace design that would make the space shuttle look downright old-fashioned.

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  9. Materials Science

    Scientists tone down silicon rockers

    Researchers have created pairs of silicon atoms that stay level instead of slowly rocking in place, permitting scientists to study silicon-surface reactions in unprecedented detail.

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  10. Materials Science

    Crystal puts pressure on diamonds

    A new type of synthetic crystal called moissanite allows researchers to study more material at high pressure than is possible with traditional diamond devices.

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  11. Materials Science

    Nanotubes take on the Grand Canyon

    A new technique can turn forests of carbon nanotubes into a foamlike material with ideal properties for making lightweight shock absorbers.

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  12. Physics

    A New Form of Water: Melting ice turns oddly dense

    The density of a recently made film of water far exceeds that of ordinary water, suggesting that the film may be the first isolated sample of a proposed form of water thought to contribute to ordinary water's odd properties.

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