Physics

  1. Physics

    Solid Surprise: High-pressure oxygen takes unpredicted form

    X-ray analysis of oxygen crystals under high pressure indicated that the substance's two-atom molecules aggregate into groups of four, a crystalline structure that has never been seen before and isn't predicted by current quantum theory.

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  2. Physics

    Neutrino Detector

    Neutrinos are remarkably elusive subatomic particles, and it takes specially designed and constructed detectors to ensnare them. One such detector is the Soudan Underground Laboratory, built 2,400 feet underground in an old mine in Minnesota. The lab’s Web site offers descriptions of the facilities and updates on ongoing experiments. It also has a section for […]

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  3. Physics

    Radiant plasma may combat cavities

    Dentists may someday disinfect teeth with a newly demonstrated, handheld stylus that exudes glowing plasma deadly to cavity-causing bacteria.

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  4. Materials Science

    Logos to Go: Hydrogel coatings provide removable color

    A biodegradable coating could add a temporary splash of color to sports fields, buildings, or even people's bodies.

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  5. Physics

    On-chip lamp scores a bull’s-eye

    Etching nanoscale, concentric ridges around a lamp-on-a-chip known as a light-emitting diode, or LED, brightens the device's glow seven-fold.

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  6. Materials Science

    Solid Information: Chemical composition can determine concrete’s durability

    A new analysis reveals how damage progresses in concrete that's exposed to sulfate.

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  7. Physics

    Terrific Timekeeper: Optical atomic clock beats world standard

    An innovative atomic clock is more precise than the breed of clocks that's been the best for 50 years.

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  8. Physics

    Out of Sight

    Shields that confer invisibility on objects and people may be on the horizon.

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  9. Materials Science

    Seeing the light

    Researchers have developed a smart petri dish that signals cell death with intense light.

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  10. Materials Science

    Greenhouse Glass: Squeezing and heating carbon dioxide yields exotic, see-through solid

    Researchers have forged solid glass from carbon dioxide.

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  11. Physics

    String Trio: Novel instrument strums like guitar, rings like bell

    A new type of musical instrument, equipped with Y-shaped strings, may be the first of a family of string instruments with unusual overtones typically heard in bells or gongs.

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  12. Physics

    As waters part, polygons appear

    When rapidly swirled inside a stationary bucket, liquids can form whirlpools of surprising shapes, such as triangles and hexagons.

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