Physics
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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
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PhysicsNew claim staked for metallic hydrogen
Scientists report transforming hydrogen into a metal at high pressure, but some experts dispute the claim.
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TechLegos inspire versatile fluid-filled devices
Tiny devices shuttle fluid around using reconfigurable Lego-like bricks.
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PhysicsConstruction of tiny, fluid-filled devices inspired by Legos
Tiny devices shuttle fluid around using reconfigurable Lego-like bricks.
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PhysicsChemists strike gold, solve mystery about precious metal’s properties
A longstanding puzzle about gold’s properties has been solved with more complex theoretical calculations.
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Materials ScienceNew ‘smart’ fibers curb fires in lithium-ion batteries
To stifle battery fires, scientists create component with heat-release flame retardant.
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ChemistryNew molecular knot is most complex yet
The knot is woven from 192 atoms of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen and forms a triple braid with eight crossing points.
By Meghan Rosen -
PaleontologyReaders weigh in on dinos, dark matter and more
Ancient bird calls, the search for dark matter and more in reader feedback.
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Particle PhysicsDark matter still missing
The XENON100 experiment found no evidence of an annually varying dark matter signal.
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PhysicsNew form of hydrogen created
Scientists have created negatively charged clusters of hydrogen for the first time.
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Physics‘Time Travel’ tours a fascinating fiction
James Gleick’s entertaining book Time Travel focuses more on fantasy than real science.
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PhysicsAntimatter hydrogen passes symmetry test
Antihydrogen atoms behave similarly to normal hydrogen atoms.
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PhysicsYear in review: Gravitational waves offer new cosmic views
The first direct detection of gravitational waves will open a new window on black holes and introduce a new era in astronomy.