Physics
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Materials Science
Atom Hauler: Molecular rig snags multi-atom loads
Specialists in atomic-scale construction can now use a new molecule to gather small groups of atoms and drop them, as clusters, at specific locations.
- Physics
Ghostly Electrons: Particles flit through atom-thin islands
Electrical measurements of one-atom-thick slices of carbon reveal extraordinary electronic properties, including electrons that seem massless and move at blazing speeds.
- Physics
Revisiting Einstein’s incomplete theory
New, ultraprecise measurements of single-particle trajectories confirm that there's something missing from Einstein's mathematical model for Brownian motion.
- Physics
That’s the Way the Spaghetti Crumbles
Investigating how uncooked spaghetti breaks has uncovered new mechanisms behind shattering and energy concentration, with possible implications for how structures fail.
- Materials Science
Up to Snuff: Nanotube network fights flames
Researchers have found that infusing plastics with a network of carbon nanotubes reduces their flammability.
- Physics
Light Pedaling: Photonic brakes are vital for circuits
A novel silicon microchip device slows and varies light-pulse speeds—a function considered critical for the development of photonic circuits based on light instead of electrons.
- Physics
A matter of gravity
Gravity Probe B has finished its test of general relativity but results of the study won't be known for another year.
- Physics
Nanobots walk ‘n’ roll
A molecule that waddles on stubby feet and another that drives on ball-like wheels demonstrate scientists' increasing control over the usually haphazard motion of molecules on surfaces.
- Materials Science
Brainy bandages
Researchers have taken a step toward smart bandages that would indicate the presence of an infection in a wound.
- Materials Science
Slim and Sturdy Solar Cells: Nanocrystals offer path to electricity
Researchers have crafted an ultrathin solar cell out of inorganic nanocrystals that have several of the advantages of plastic but avoid some of its shortcomings.
- Materials Science
Explosive tempers
Researchers have demonstrated that carbon nanotubes, once ignited, can detonate explosives.
- Materials Science
Filling in the blanks
Scientists have added precision to a patterning technique called microcontact printing.
