Physics

Materials Science

Let’s learn about glass

Unlike the atoms in other solids, the atoms in glass don’t exist in an orderly crystal structure. They’re more jumbled up, like the atoms inside liquids.

Tech

This crumb-sized camera uses artificial intelligence to get big results

Researchers have developed a camera the size of a coarse grain of salt that takes amazingly clear photos.

Physics

Explainer: Telescopes see light — and sometimes ancient history

Different kinds of telescopes on Earth and in space help us to see all wavelengths of light. Some can even peer billions of years back in time.

Chemistry

Snail slime + gold could boost the power of sunscreens and more

These two strange ingredients could make skin-care products that are better for both our skin and the environment.

Chemistry

Explainer: What is a metal?

Metals can bend and pull without snapping, and conduct electricity. The reason: Their atoms tend to lose electrons to neighboring atoms.

Materials Science

Analyze This: This material for 3-D printing is made by microbes

Bacteria with tweaked genes pump out proteins that can be used in a 3-D printer. With microbes in the mix, the living ink can make drugs or suck up chemicals.

Chemistry

Could reusable ‘jelly ice’ cubes replace regular ice?

These hydrogel “jelly ice cubes” are made mostly of gelatin and water. They won’t melt, even when thawed, and may provide new food cooling options.

Chemistry

This glitter gets its color from plants, not a synthetic plastic

In the new material, tiny arrangements of cellulose reflect light in specific ways to create vibrant hues in an environmentally friendly glitter.

Humans

Snap! High-speed video captures the physics of snapping fingers

Inspired by the infamous snap of the Avengers rival Thanos, scientists set out to investigate the physics behind finger-snapping.

Physics

Explainer: Understanding electricity

Here’s what allows you to plug in and power up the devices in your life.

Chemistry

Scientists Say: Experiment

An experiment is a set of procedures to learn about the world — and an important part of the scientific process.

Animals

Here’s why ducklings swim in a row behind mom

Baby ducks save energy by surfing their mother’s waves, but only if they do it in an orderly line.