Physics
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Physics
Superglass could be new state of matter
Simulations of helium-4 show that a superglass, in which atoms flow without friction, is possible.
- Physics
Physicists Hot for Ultracold
Physicists have recently coaxed molecules into ultracold states in which motion is nearly gone.
- Space
First LHC proton collisions postponed further
The world’s most powerful atom smasher won’t reopen for business until the end of June at the earliest, rather than in April as scientists had previously estimated.
- Computing
New theory defines faster MRI
Better equations could improve MRI quality, or even bring quantum computing closer.
- Physics
Standard model gets right answer for proton, neutron masses
Correct calculation strengthens theory of quark-gluon interactions in nuclear particles.
- Physics
Superconductivity does the twist
Electron fluctuations could explain why exotic material conducts without resistance.
- Space
Misplaced muons either mundane or monumental
During an experiment in Fermilab's Tevatron particle accelerator, a group of elementary particles called muons showed up in a strange place. Physicists are considering the likely implications.
- Physics
Take the time to break quantum encryption
A time-travel scenario permitted by Einstein’s general theory of relativity offers a bit of possibility for breaking quantum encryption.
- Chemistry
Blueprint to repel oil and water
The texture of surfaces could be designed so that both water and oil can bead up and thus flow off.
- Space
Half-life (more or less)
Physicists are stirred by claims that the sun may change what’s unchangeable—the rate of radioactive decay.
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- Physics
Book Review: Sun in a Bottle: The Strange History of Fusion and the Science of Wishful Thinking by Charles Seife
Review by Davide Castelvecchi.
