Physics
- Space
The incredible shrinking proton
If the subatomic particle really is smaller than thought, a cherished theory may need tweaking.
- Space
Making lemonade with quantum lemons
Physicists produce “spooky action at a distance,” using a phenomenon that would usually disrupt it.
- Physics
Memories made of light
Physicists find a more efficient way to store quantum information in a crystal, a step towards super-secure quantum communications.
- Physics
Physics in free fall
Physicists drop supercold atoms down an elevator shaft to see what will happen.
- Physics
Bouncing beads outwit Feynman
Ratchet-and-pawl thought experiment whirs to life, extracting work from bouncing beads.
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- Physics
A giant proposal for a new type of molecule
Atoms linked across vast distances, can point in two directions at once
- Physics
Law & Disorder: A Companion
More resources about how physicists and philosophers understand time.
- Materials Science
Quantum photocells might cheat efficiency limits
Factoring in quantum coherence could increase efficiency of harnessing sunlight in photovoltaic cells.
- Humans
Teeth as a forensic clock
Here’s something we’re likely to see that endearing techno whiz kid, Abby Sciuto, whip out of her forensic arsenal next season on NCIS. They’re chemical and nuclear technologies to date teeth. When paired up, new research indicates, they’ll identify not only when people were born but also the age at which they clocked out — thereby pointing to the general date of death.
- Physics
Some ‘ball lightning’ reports may be hallucinations
Magnetic fields generated by real bolts could trigger visual effects in the brain.
- Earth
BP’s estimate of spill rate is way low, engineer suggests
“It’s not rocket science.” That’s how a Purdue University mechanical engineer described his calculations of startling amounts of oil spewing into the Gulf of Mexico from fissures in heavily damaged piping at a BP drill site. During a May 19 science briefing convened by a House subcommittee, Steve Wereley walked members of Congress through his use of particle image velocimetry to explain how he and other engineers track changes in video images of gases or liquids to estimate the volumes billowing before their eyes.
