Chemists glimpse the fleeting “transition state” of a reaction
New technique for observing reaction products offers insights into the chemical mechanisms that formed them.
Is there dark matter at the center of the Milky Way?
A new analysis puts dark matter back in the game as a possible source of energy excess at the galactic center.
How biomarkers can record and reconstruct climate trends
Scientists reveal the genes and proteins controlling the chemical structures underpinning paleoclimate proxies.
Using light to generate order in an exotic material
Physics experiment with ultrafast laser pulses produces a previously unseen phase of matter.
System provides cooling with no electricity
Passive device relies on a layer of material that blocks incoming sunlight but lets heat radiate away.
Putting the “bang” in the Big Bang
Physicists simulate critical “reheating” period that kickstarted the Big Bang in the universe’s first fractions of a second.
A new way to corrosion-proof thin atomic sheets
Ultrathin coating could protect 2D materials from corrosion, enabling their use in optics and electronics.
Watching electrons using extreme ultraviolet light
MIT researchers have developed a new technique to reveal the uncharted dynamics of electrons in materials.
Astrophysical shock phenomena reproduced in the laboratory
Lab-scale experiment could help scientists understand interstellar and galactic-scale smashups.
Lowering emissions without breaking the bank
New research provides a look at how India could meet its climate targets while maintaining economic growth
Seeking new physics, scientists borrow from social networks
Technique can spot anomalous particle smashups that may point to phenomena beyond the Standard Model.
A new way of making complex structures in thin films
Self-assembling materials can form patterns that might be useful in optical devices.
Experiments show dramatic increase in solar cell output
Method for collecting two electrons from each photon could break through theoretical solar-cell efficiency limit.
Getting more heat out of sunlight
Material developed at MIT can passively capture solar heat for home heating or industrial applications.