Physics
- Math
His love of math led to a career in quantum computing
James Whitfield began his career when quantum computing was still in its infancy. Today, he’s helping to make it more accessible to educators, researchers and others.
- Materials Science
Experiment: How much water is needed to cook pasta?
In this cooking experiment, let’s find out if we can save time, energy and resources by boiling noodles in less water.
- Chemistry
Scientists Say: Absorb and Adsorb
These words sound and look a lot alike. But crucial differences lie in how they soak up that spill.
- Physics
Friction is the key to cozy knits
Friction between loops of yarn give knit fabrics their ability to take on a variety of shapes.
- Physics
Eyelashes help fling water from our eyes
The “micro-ratchet” structure and curvature of eyelashes could help keep eyes clear of rain, sweat and tears.
- Space
Ancient black holes might solve the mystery of dark matter
Studies of gravitational waves, stars and other features of the universe could reveal whether such “primordial” black holes exist.
- Tech
Move over Iron Man, exoskeletons are getting real
Real-world wearable devices help people stay safe at work and accomplish everyday tasks.
- Brain
Purple exists only in our brains
Most colors represent a single wavelength of light. But your brain invents purple to deal with wavelengths from opposite ends of the visible spectrum.
- Archaeology
Let’s learn about radiocarbon dating
Through the power of radioactivity, carbon dating can reveal the age of many fossils and artifacts.
- Materials Science
This teen materials scientist wants to save the Great Salt Lake
Thermo Fisher JIC finalist Sophia Zhang investigated hydrogels that might conserve water in farming — a big stressor of the lake’s water supply.
- Tech
Bird-inspired airplane wings could boost flight performance
Rows of flaps inspired by a bird wings’ feathers improve airfoil performance to boost lift and reduce drag.
- Physics
Shark intestines inspire pipes with a strictly one-way flow
The pipes contain a twisty coil that lets liquids flow in one direction but not the other.
