Physics
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Particle Physics
LHC reports pentaquark sightings
Two particles discovered at the Large Hadron Collider are composed of five quarks, not two or three like nearly every other known quark-based particle.
By Andrew Grant -
Astronomy
Source of blazars’ super brightness comes into focus
Astronomers take a close look at a blazar, a galaxy whose central black hole emits gamma rays and other high-energy material toward Earth.
By Andrew Grant -
Physics
Swimming bacteria remove resistance to flow
The collective motion of swimming bacteria can virtually eliminate a water-based solution’s resistance to flow.
By Andrew Grant -
Physics
The arrow of time
Gravity may explain how time always runs forward, even though the laws of physics should permit it to run backward.
By Andrew Grant -
Physics
Magnetic test boosts case for record-setting superconductor
New measurements bolster the case that hydrogen sulfide is superconducting at about 200 kelvins, roughly 40 kelvins higher than any other known material.
By Andrew Grant -
Physics
In retirement, Nobelist takes up moon bouncing
A lifelong amateur radio enthusiast, Joseph Taylor sends signals via the moon.
By Julia Rosen -
Quantum Physics
Quantum dots get a second chance to shine
Quantum dots, semiconductor particles that can emit a rainbow of colors, have been put to work observing living cells, with possible benefits for medical diagnosis.
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Physics
‘The Science of TV’s the Big Bang Theory’ educates as it entertains
A science book inspired by fictional scientists helps readers understand everything from particle physics to potato electricity.
By Meghan Rosen -
Science & Society
Deflategate favored foul play over science
Science didn’t get center stage in the rulings on whether the New England Patriots underinflated footballs during championship game against the Indianapolis Colts.
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Science & Society
Max Planck, originator of quantum theory, tormented by war and personal loss
A biography by physicist Brandon Brown illuminates the personal struggles of the physics pioneer.
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Physics
Common campfire build confirmed as best
A standard method for building fires, making the height about equal to the width, is the most efficient structure for stoking the hottest flames, calculations show.
By Beth Mole -
Physics
Rogue waves don’t always appear unannounced
Scientists may be able to forecast the arrival of anomalously large ocean swells, suggest scientists who analyzed the moments before rogue water waves and freak light flashes.
By Andrew Grant