Physics

  1. Physics

    Light Projects

    This colorful, interactive Web site provides a lively introduction to the nature of light and spectra. A product of Project LITE (Light Inquiry Through Experiments) at Boston University, the site offers a variety of applets, activities, and materials on topics ranging from color mixing and afterimage effects to moire patterns and geometrical optics. A fascinating […]

    By
  2. Materials Science

    Nice Threads

    Once researchers figure out how to spin strong fibers out of carbon nanotubes, real-world applications such as long-distance power-transmission cables, lightweight aircraft materials, and electronic textiles become feasible.

    By
  3. Materials Science

    Branching Out: Semiconducting nanotrees could boost electronics

    Forests of semiconducting nanotrees could form the basis of future solar cells, low-energy lighting, and other optical or microelectronic devices.

    By
  4. Physics

    Holey Water: Punctured fluid stays riddled

    Extreme vibrations and high concentrations of tiny particles, such as cornstarch, in water can create holes in the liquid.

    By
  5. Physics

    After 40-year prep, gravity test soars

    The Gravity Probe B satellite, which was built to test aspects of general relativity, finally hurtled into space.

    By
  6. Physics

    The Rise of Antibubbles

    Tiny globules of water enclosed by thin shells of air in water that look like bubbles but don't act like them have recently become the objects of serious study.

    By
  7. Materials Science

    Next High-Tech Polishing Fluid: Tea—A new brew for the computer industry

    A concoction based on green tea may speed up manufacturing of precision components for computer hard-disk drives while reducing toxic wastes.

    By
  8. 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.

    By
  9. 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.

    By
  10. 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.

    By
  11. 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.

    By
  12. 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.

    By