Physics

Animals

The diabolical ironclad beetle is nearly unsquishable

The diabolical ironclad beetle is an incredibly tough little creature. A peek inside its exoskeleton reveals what makes it virtually uncrushable.

Tech

This artificial skin feels ‘ghosts’ — things you wish were there

Engineers have developed a wearable device that simulates the sense of touch. It may benefit robotic surgery and deep-sea exploration.

Materials Science

Analyze This: Insect shells could help builders on Mars

When mixed with rocky soil, a compound called chitin makes a strong material. It could be pulled from the shells of insects used for food.

Animals

Here’s what bats ‘see’ when they explore the world with sound

High-speed cameras, fancy microphones and slick software are helping scientists get the best look yet at what bats perceive through echolocation.

Tech

‘Frozen smoke’ could protect electronics from annoying static

A fluffy material made from cellulose nanofibers and silver nanowires can protect electronic devices by blocking more than 99.99 percent of disrupting interference, a new study reveals.

Plants

Here’s how giant pumpkins get so big

Cinderella took a ride in a pumpkin coach. Though real pumpkins do get big enough, here’s why their ride would be uncomfortable at best.

Climate

Let’s learn about solar power

Solar power is a way to harness energy from the sun, and lessen our reliance on fossil fuels.

Space

Scientists Say: Gravity

Gravity is a fundamental force that attracts objects with mass to other objects with mass. It decreases with distance.

Tech

Trees power this alarm system for remote forest fires

Wind moving through tree branches is all the energy needed to power devices that can detect a remote fire before it rages into an uncontrolled inferno.

Tech

This high-tech sweeper is designed for super-clingy moon dust

An electron beam is the newest tool being developed to remove sticky and damaging lunar dust from surfaces.

Physics

2020 Physics Nobel goes for delving into black holes

Although Einstein’s general theory of relative suggested black holes might exist, this year’s winner’s helped show they actually are out there.

Physics

How physics lets a toy boat float upside down

Buoyancy’s upward force keeps objects afloat even in unusual conditions.