Physics

  1. Physics

    A new magnetic swirl, or skyrmion, could upgrade data storage

    Magnetic whorls in a new type of material could be easier to control than their predecessors.

    By
  2. Space

    Einstein’s general relativity reveals new features of a pulsar

    Measurements that rely on the physicist’s theory of gravity are letting astronomers view a pulsar in ‘a whole new way.’

    By
  3. Physics

    A predicted superconductor might work at a record-breaking 200° Celsius

    A material made of hydrogen, lithium and magnesium and squeezed to high pressures may be a superconductor even at especially high temperatures.

    By
  4. Tech

    A chip made with carbon nanotubes, not silicon, marks a computing milestone

    Silicon’s reign in cutting-edge electronics may soon over. The carbon nanotube could be its successor.

    By
  5. Chemistry

    Plant-based fire retardants may offer a less toxic way to tame flames

    Flame retardants created from plant materials could be less harmful to the environment than traditional flame-smothering chemicals.

    By
  6. Physics

    Quantum physicists have teleported ‘qutrits’ for the first time

    The technique could be useful for creating a future quantum internet.

    By
  7. Space

    LIGO and Virgo probably spotted the first black hole swallowing up a neutron star

    In a first, astronomers may just have detected gravitational waves from a black hole merging with a neutron star.

    By
  8. Chemistry

    Chemists have created and imaged a new form of carbon

    A new molecule takes its place among buckyballs, carbon nanotubes and other odd forms of carbon.

    By
  9. Physics

    New cloaking devices could hide objects from water waves and currents

    Specially designed materials could help prevent boats from rocking too violently in harbors, researchers say.

    By
  10. Space

    A proposed space telescope would use Earth’s atmosphere as a lens

    One astronomer has a bold solution to the high cost of building big telescopes.

    By
  11. Physics

    Exploding stars scattered traces of iron over Antarctic snow

    Researchers melted half a ton of snow to find just 10 atoms of a radioactive variety of iron.

    By
  12. Physics

    50 years ago, Fermilab turned to bubbles

    The National Accelerator Laboratory, now called Fermilab, used to have a bubble chamber to study particles. Today, most bubble chambers have gone flat.

    By