Physics

  1. Materials Science

    New invisibility cloak hides in the fog

    A simple invisibility cloak relies on hazy environments to mask objects.

    By
  2. Physics

    Precision measurement of antimatter made

    The charge of antihydrogen atoms is essentially neutral, even out to eight decimal places, a new precision measurement made at CERN shows.

    By
  3. Chemistry

    Decay of Leonardo da Vinci drawing reflected in light

    Light that bounces off a Leonardo da Vinci drawing, widely considered a self-portrait, has revealed extensive chemical damage that causes yellowing.

    By
  4. Life

    A new twist on a twist

    Nature abounds with perfect helices. They show up in animal horns and seashells, in DNA and the young tendrils of plants. But helix formation can get complicated: In some cases, the direction of rotation can reverse as a helix grows.

    By
  5. Materials Science

    Jets of salty water make cellulose strands stronger

    When blasted by jets of water, nanoscale fibers of cellulose align to form ultra-tough strands that rival the strength of steel, a new study shows.

    By
  6. Quantum Physics

    Maybe classical clockwork can explain quantum weirdness

    Nobel laureate Gerard ’t Hooft proposes that a classical cause-and-effect reality underlies the probabilistic strangeness of quantum physics.

    By
  7. Quantum Physics

    The least physics you need is a lot in ‘Quantum Mechanics’

    Leonard Susskind and Art Friedman walk readers through the basics needed to understand the quantum realm.

    By
  8. Astronomy

    Feedback

    Readers discuss the speed of spinning particles, what defines a planet and how to see invisible shrimp.

    By
  9. Cosmology

    2014 Kavli Prize winners announced

    Cosmic inflation, nanoscale imaging and a better understanding of memory earn million-dollar honors with the Kavli Prize.

    By
  10. Particle Physics

    Proton’s magnetic properties pinned down

    A precise measurement of a proton’s magnetic properties could help reveal subtle differences between matter and antimatter.

    By
  11. Quantum Physics

    Nobel laureates offer new interpretations of quantum mysteries

    Two Nobel laureates offer novel interpretations to explain the mysteries of quantum mechanics.

    By
  12. Tech

    Coffee beans sing distinct tune

    Measuring the crackling noises made by roasting coffee beans could help engineers create automatic acoustic roasters.

    By