Physics

  1. Quantum Physics

    History affects superfluid’s flow, study shows

    The speed to stop the stirring motion can be slower than what was need to set the fluid spinning in the first place, which shows that what happens to the current state of the superatom depends on what it has already experienced.

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  2. Math

    Goldberg variations: New shapes for molecular cages

    Scientists have figured a way to iron out the wrinkles in a large class of molecular cages.

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  3. Physics

    Getting warmer in attempt to reach ignition

    Fusion energy output hits modest milestone at National Ignition Facility.

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  4. Materials Science

    Making it work, on paper and just maybe in practice

    Last spring, Science News reported on the lack of progress by the main U.S. nuclear fusion effort. As the researchers still contend, laser-initiated fusion should work. It works on paper. But in practice, even a set of extremely powerful lasers failed to trigger the fusion of hydrogen nuclei and the concomitant chain reaction and release of net energy expected.

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  5. Materials Science

    Graphene-based material prevents blood clots

    When researchers coated a plastic film with the new material, clotting was greatly reduced and continued even after three days.

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  6. Chemistry

    Carbon monoxide junked for making plastic

    Using a catalyst, chemists can swap in the less dangerous carbon dioxide.

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  7. Materials Science

    Scientists throw crystals a curve

    Particles inside a sphere assemble into ordered ribbons, not lumps.

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  8. Materials Science

    Graphene strands free electrons from resistance

    Ribbons of carbon can form electron freeways, potentially paving the way to new kinds of electronics.

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  9. Quantum Physics

    Tom’s Top 10 interpretations of quantum mechanics

    Quantum mechanics has given birth to dozens of interpretations, which themselves need interpretations.

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  10. Particle Physics

    Single-pole magnet emerges in frozen concoction

    An experiment has simulated the long-sought magnetic particle.

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  11. Materials Science

    Bone inspires strong, lightweight material

    Tiny synthetic structures modeled after bone are as sturdy as metal.

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  12. Physics

    Quarks celebrate their 50th anniversary

    In a 1997 interview with Context blogger Tom Siegfried, Murray Gell-Mann discussed the origin of the idea for the subatomic particles that he named quarks.

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