How to make electrons behave like a liquid
Analysis predicts exotic behaviors such as “negative resistance,” based on fluid-like effects.
Breaking through the bacteria barrier
New microfluidic device may speed up DNA insertion in bacteria, the first step in genetic engineering.
Humans settled, set fire to Madagascar’s forests 1,000 years ago
Stalagmites reveal huge shift in ancient Madagascar’s plant life, unrelated to climate change.
Gravitational waves detected 100 years after Einstein’s prediction
LIGO opens a new window on the universe with the observation of gravitational waves from colliding black holes.
Q&A: Rainer Weiss on LIGO’s origins
MIT physicist developed the concept for LIGO as a teaching exercise.
Scientists make first direct detection of gravitational waves
LIGO signal reveals first observation of two massive black holes colliding, proves Einstein right.
Sneezing produces complex fluid cascade, not a simple spray
High-speed imaging shows how fluid breaks apart in air, may help identify super-spreaders.
A new quantum approach to big data
System for handling massive digital datasets could make impossibly complex problems solvable.
Self-stacking nanogrids
Polymer nanowires that assemble in perpendicular layers could offer route to tinier chip components.
How aerosols drive the rain
Study finds human-made aerosols exert strong influence on the geography of precipitation.
Cutting down runway queues
Model that predicts time from gate departure to takeoff could cut airport congestion, fuel waste.
A healthy breakdown
Researchers discover how some organisms process oxalate, a molecule that can harm humans.
Global reductions in mercury emissions should lead to billions in economic benefits for U.S.
Benefits from international regulations may double those of domestic policy.