Category Archives: Physics

Beams of energy that can move chunks of matter around might seem only to be science fiction, like the tractor beams of Star Trek, but such optical traps have existed for nearly three decades. Now researchers show they can use … Continue reading →

Superconductors are extraordinary materials in which electricity flows without resistance, potentially enabling advances such as ultra-fast magnetically levitating trains. Now scientists find that even a fairly common liquid solvent can transform into a superconductor with the help of high pressure. … Continue reading →

When matter heats, it generally expands. Now scientists reveal that when several metallic liquids get heated, the distance between atoms can actually contract, findings detailed in this week’s Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Using synchrotron x-ray diffraction and … Continue reading →