Physics

  1. Materials Science

    Explosive tempers

    Researchers have demonstrated that carbon nanotubes, once ignited, can detonate explosives.

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  2. Materials Science

    Filling in the blanks

    Scientists have added precision to a patterning technique called microcontact printing.

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  3. Materials Science

    Heart of the Matter: Scanning scope digs deeper into microchips

    Researchers have developed a noninvasive imaging technique that lets them see deep inside a microchip.

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  4. Materials Science

    Carbon nanotubes get nosy

    Researchers have demonstrated that individual nanotubes, decorated with DNA, can rapidly detect a number of gases.

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  5. Physics

    Transistor laser flaunts twin talents

    A transistor that doubles as a laser can now operate at room temperature, bringing it to the verge of practical applications.

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  6. Physics

    Champion of strength is forged in mighty anvil

    A new form of carbon created in an anvil and composed of microscopic needles of diamond has emerged as the strongest known material.

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  7. Materials Science

    Sun and Sand: Dirty silicon could supply solar power

    Scientists have proposed a way to control the distribution of contaminants in silicon, potentially opening up the use of cheaper starting materials for making solar cells.

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  8. Materials Science

    Fog Be Gone: Nanocoating clarifies the view

    Scientists have created a nanocoating that prevents fogging and reflection on glass surfaces.

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  9. Physics

    Warm Ice: Frozen water forms at room temperature

    Ultrathin films of ice observed at room temperature and ordinary atmospheric pressure should be more widespread than previously thought, according to new experiments indicating that weaker-than-expected electric fields induce such freezing.

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  10. Materials Science

    Fine Fabric: New, fast way to make sheets of nanotubes

    Scientists have come up with a way to efficiently produce thin, transparent sheets of carbon nanotubes that are several meters long.

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  11. Materials Science

    Nanotube carpet mimics gecko feet

    Carbon nanotubes can outdo the extraordinary sticking power of a gecko's foot hairs.

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  12. Physics

    Materials scientists go flat out

    By separating flakes of single-layer crystals from several ordinary materials, physicists have discovered what may be both the world's thinnest materials and a technologically promising new class of substances.

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