Physics
-
TechNanocrystal ‘painted’ films may someday help relieve summer heat
The rainbow palette and cooling powers of new plant-based films comes from their microscopic surface patterns of tiny crystals.
-
PhysicsExplainer: Reflection, refraction and the power of lenses
The inner workings of microscopes, telescopes, eyeglasses and other lens-based devices rely on two important laws of optics.
-
TechNew technologies could keep people cool in a warming world
New approaches to air conditioning aim to keep people cool with fewer greenhouse-gas emissions as our world warms.
-
ChemistryExperiment: Keep your candy cool with the power of evaporation!
In this science project, use the energy produced when water evaporates to cool down chocolate-covered candy so it doesn't melt.
-
ClimateDue to global warming, major league hitters are slugging more home runs
Major League Baseball has seen an average of 58 more home runs each season since 2010. The apparent reason: reduced friction on the balls in warmer air.
-
TechA new solar-powered gel purifies water in a flash
The unusual, fruit-inspired structure of this material provides quick filtration that could satisfy people's daily water needs.
-
SpaceScientists Say: Accretion Disk
Cosmic swirls of gas, dust and plasma, accretion disks reveal the shadowy silhouettes of black holes and more.
-
TechMagnetic fields melt and re-form new shape-shifting devices
Miniature machines made of gallium and magnetic particles can switch from solid to liquid and back.
-
PhysicsScientists Say: Magnetism
Magnetism is an aspect of one of the four fundamental forces of nature: electromagnetism.
-
ChemistryChemists have unlocked the secrets of long-lasting Roman concrete
By searching ancient texts and ruins, scientists found a concrete recipe that could make buildings stronger — and help address climate change.
-
AnimalsRandom hops always bring jumping beans to shade — eventually
It’s not fast, but jumping beans use randomness to maximize their chances of getting out of the sun’s heat.
-
PhysicsA powerful laser can control the paths that lightning takes
In a mountaintop experiment, a laser beamed at the sky created a virtual lightning rod that snagged several bolts.