Physics
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Physics
Putting the pressure on light
Changing pressure helps scientists gauge the speed of light in composite materials.
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Ecosystems
Churning the numbers
Some of the ocean’s small swimmers may be having a big impact on ocean mixing.
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Earth
Salty water power
A study reports a new, cheaper way to harvest energy from salt water and fresh water.
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Tech
Electric grid still very vulnerable to electromagnetic weaponry
BLOG: Smart grid advocates weigh in on the vulnerability of the U.S. electrical infrastructure to electromagnetic pulse radiation.
By Janet Raloff -
Life
Beetle masters optics
Researchers may gain inspiration from the shell of Chrysina gloriosa, which twists light in a particular way.
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Earth
A hundred new nukes?
Here are some issues to contemplate while deciding whether to welcome the nuclear-power renaissance that Sen. Alexander has just proposed.
By Janet Raloff -
Paleontology
Diggin’ dinos
Structures found in Australian rocks may be the filled-in remains of the world’s oldest dinosaur burrows.
By Sid Perkins -
Physics
Raindrops go it alone
A new study using a high-speed camera finds the shattering of solitary drips can produce a variety of sizes.
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Computing
Random numbers faster
Researchers have devised a way to use a laser to create strings of orderless bits for encryption.
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Chemistry
A new low for nano ice
A new study shows that nanoparticles of frozen water melt at drastically lower temperatures than water in bulk.
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Physics
Pseudo pores help fling spores
New studies reveal that a thick, soft plant expels its progeny in an unexpected way.
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Physics
Graphene gains nearly perfect liquid status
Scientists have found that electrons in a layer of carbon atoms can become a strongly interacting swirling soup.