Physics
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Astronomy
Smothered jet may explain weird light from neutron star crash
The neutron star collision whose gravitational waves were detected is still glowing in radio waves. The source of those waves might be a new phenomenon.
- Physics
A new kind of spiral wave embraces disorder
Newly discovered spiral wave chimera is disordered in its center.
- Tech
Electric eels provide a zap of inspiration for a new kind of power source
Battery-like devices inspired by electric eels could someday power wearable and implantable tech or soft robots.
- Astronomy
This year’s neutron star collision unlocks cosmic mysteries
A rare and long-awaited astronomical event united thousands of astronomers in a frenzy of observations.
- Quantum Physics
A quantum communications satellite proved its potential in 2017
Quantum communication through space is now possible, putting the quantum internet within closer reach.
- Physics
Some high-temperature superconductors might not be so odd after all
Unusual high-temperature superconductors might be explained by standard superconductivity theory.
- Physics
Microwaved, hard-boiled eggs can explode. But the bang isn’t the worst part.
Microwaved eggs can explode with a loud, but probably not ear-splitting, bang when pierced.
- Physics
How freezing a soap bubble turns it into a ‘snow globe’
Frigid air makes soap bubbles shimmering orbs thanks to surface tension.
- Physics
In a first, Galileo’s gravity experiment is re-created in space
A key principle of general relativity holds up in a new space-based test.
- Materials Science
New 3-D printed materials harness the power of bacteria
The three-dimensional materials contain live bacteria and could generate wound dressings or clean up pollutants.
- Physics
Collision illuminates the mysterious makeup of neutron stars
Scientists size up neutron stars using gravitational waves and light.
- Quantum Physics
‘Arrow of time’ reversed in quantum experiment
In quantum systems, heat can flow “backward,” from cold to hot.
