Fundamental physics rule violated as same-charge particles attract

It’s a fundamental principle of physics that particles with opposite charges attract each other, while those with the same charge repel. But now, scientists at the University of Oxford have found that under certain circumstances, particles can attract … Continue reading Fundamental physics rule violated as same-charge particles attract

Smallest and tightest knot ever tied is made of just 54 atoms

The new knot takes the basic structure of a trefoil knot (pictured)

Whether it was in your shoelaces or earbud cables, we’ve all accidentally tied knots that we can’t untangle – but we don’t expect to win any world records with them. Now scientists have done exactly that, accidentally tying the world’s smallest and tightest knot in a tiny structure made of just 54 atoms.

Continue Reading

Category: Science

Tags: , , , , ,

Continue reading Smallest and tightest knot ever tied is made of just 54 atoms

Smallest and tightest knot ever tied is made of just 54 atoms

The new knot takes the basic structure of a trefoil knot (pictured)

Whether it was in your shoelaces or earbud cables, we’ve all accidentally tied knots that we can’t untangle – but we don’t expect to win any world records with them. Now scientists have done exactly that, accidentally tying the world’s smallest and tightest knot in a tiny structure made of just 54 atoms.

Continue Reading

Category: Science

Tags: , , , , ,

Continue reading Smallest and tightest knot ever tied is made of just 54 atoms

Reverse Engineering Smart Meters, Now with More Fuming Nitric Acid

If you’re lucky, reverse engineering can be a messy business. Sure, there’s something to be said for attacking and characterizing an unknown system and leaving no trace of having been …read more Continue reading Reverse Engineering Smart Meters, Now with More Fuming Nitric Acid

“Swiss army knife” of life and energy buffet found on Saturnian moon

The most promising places to look for life beyond Earth might not be Mars but icy moons orbiting gas giants. Saturn’s moon Enceladus has just climbed the list, as NASA data reveals it’s home to a molecule thought to be key to the origin of life, and su… Continue reading “Swiss army knife” of life and energy buffet found on Saturnian moon

Key chemical found at the edge of galaxy suggests alien life is common

Phosphorus – a key ingredient for life as we know it – was thought to be relatively rare in space. But now, astronomers have detected a surprising amount of the stuff on the fringes of the galaxy, suggesting life may be more common in the cosmos.Contin… Continue reading Key chemical found at the edge of galaxy suggests alien life is common