MS-PS4-2
Develop and use a model to describe that waves are reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through various materials.
- Physics
A 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.
- Tech
Think of this new tech as sunglasses for our windows
Keeping buildings cool can use a lot of energy. Thanks to quantum computing, engineers designed a coating to cut the warming light that enters windows.
- Computing
A single chip like this could transmit a world’s worth of data
The internet has a big environmental footprint. But this new type of tech could help reduce the climate impact of computing.
- Materials Science
Analyze This: Algae behind blue-glowing waves light up a new device
Some algae glow blue when they experience forces. Held in transparent plastic, they now make devices light up in response to gentle pushes and tugs.
- Earth
Scientists Say: Seismology
Seismology is the branch of science focused on seismic waves — vibrations that run through or around Earth.
- Humans
When it comes to dance, it’s all about the bass
During a concert, people danced more when they were bathed in sounds that were too low for their ears to hear.
- Climate
Green energy is cheaper than fossil fuels, a new study finds
Switching over to clean, renewable power — and away from fossil fuels — could save trillions of dollars by 2050, a new study finds.
- Chemistry
Was that fingerprint left during a crime? A new test may answer that
In what could be a boon to forensics, Iowa State University chemists have come up with a way to analyze the age of fingerprints.
- Tech
Will the internet soon reach the one-third of people without it?
Access to the internet is a human right, yet much of the world can’t get online. New tech has to be affordable and usable to end this digital divide.
- Tech
A tool as small as a human cell can scan for contaminants and more
Tiny spectrometers might someday show up on smart devices. They could help people scan for ingredients or contaminants in foods and other materials.
- Chemistry
Scientists Say: Fluorescence
This property causes materials — including some animals’ skin, fur or feathers — to glow under light.
- Materials Science
These fabrics change color as they stretch
Stretchy, color-shifting cloth may lead to new art, fashions and sensors. A century-old Nobel-prize-winning invention served as its inspiration.
