Physics
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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
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Materials ScienceHigh-tech ‘skins’ turn everyday objects into robots
Robotic skins turn inanimate objects into multipurpose machines.
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Particle PhysicsThree new physics experiments could revamp the standard model
New experiments that rely on very large machines have begun to probe the weak points of particle physics.
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Science & SocietyReaders focus on fake news, neutrinos, and more
Readers pondered how to effectively combat fake news, questioned the result of a clinical trial, and wanted to know more about neutrinos.
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Science & SocietyBuilding big experiments to study very little things
Editor in Chief Nancy Shute discusses our behind the scenes look at the giant equipment used to study the smallest bits of matter.
By Nancy Shute -
Particle PhysicsEarly tests pave the way for a giant neutrino detector
A prototype detector demonstrates the technology needed for the DUNE experiment.
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PhysicsNuclear pasta in neutron stars may be the strongest material in the universe
Simulations suggest that the theoretical substance known as nuclear pasta is 10 billion times as strong as steel.
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Materials ScienceHere’s how graphene could make future electronics superfast
Graphene-based electronics that operate at terahertz frequencies would be much speedier successors to today’s silicon-based devices.
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PhysicsSound waves can make bubbles in levitated drops of liquid
A new technique reveals how to make bubbles from droplets suspended in the air.
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PhysicsA new hydrogen-rich compound may be a record-breaking superconductor
The record for the highest-temperature superconductor may be toast.
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AstronomyReaders’ interest piqued by Parker Solar Probe, general relativity and more
Readers had questions about NASA's Parker Solar Probe, Einstein's general relativity theory and underwater cables used as earthquake sensors.
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Quantum PhysicsRubidium atoms mimic the Eiffel Tower, a Möbius strip and other 3-D shapes
Scientists have arranged atoms of the element rubidium into complex three-dimensional structures.
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Materials ScienceA new material harnesses light to deice surfaces
A new sun-powered material could someday melt the ice off airplane wings, wind turbines and rooftops.