Unlock the secrets of microscopic processes with microrobots! Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and University of Ljubljana are using physical intelligence to manipulate colloidal fluids of nematic liquid crystals with magnetically controlled microrobots. This groundbreaking work, published in Advanced Functional Materials, lays the foundation for understanding small-scale interactions and has exciting potential applications in the optical device industry and beyond.

Are you fascinated by the science behind materials? Do you enjoy exploring and testing the properties of different materials? If so, a career in Materials Engineering might be the perfect fit for you! As a Materials Engineer, you will work to develop and improve the materials used in a wide range of products, from electronics to construction materials. You will use your knowledge of chemistry and physics to analyze the properties of different materials and determine how they can be optimized for specific applications. One exciting aspect of this field is the potential for innovation. For example, Materials Engineers have been instrumental in the development of new materials like graphene, which has the potential to revolutionize industries such as electronics and aerospace. Typical duties in this field include conducting experiments and tests to analyze the properties of materials, designing and developing new materials, and collaborating with other engineers and scientists to improve existing products. There are also many areas of specialization within Materials Engineering, such as biomaterials, nanomaterials, and metallurgy. To become a Materials Engineer, you will typically need a bachelor's degree in Materials Science or a related field. Popular undergraduate programs and majors include Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Physics. Helpful personal attributes for success in this field include strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a passion for problem-solving. You should also have excellent communication skills, as you will often be working closely with teams of other engineers and scientists. Job prospects for Materials Engineers are strong, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 2% increase in employment from 2019 to 2029. There are many potential employers in both the public and private sectors, including companies like Apple, Boeing, and NASA. In summary, a career in Materials Engineering offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects, develop new and innovative materials, and contribute to a wide range of industries. If you have a passion for science and a desire to make a real impact, this might be the perfect career for you!

Chocolate is not just an art, it's also a science. Discover how chocolatiers use the complex physics of chocolate to create the perfect texture, taste, and appearance. Learn about the six-phase polymorphic crystal structure of chocolate and how chocolatiers manipulate it through tempering. Explore the similarities between chocolate and carbon and how chocolatiers use their knowledge of physics to regulate the spread of flavor in their creations. Join master chocolatier Richard Tango-Lowy and physicist Joshua Erlich on a journey through the fascinating world of chocolate physics.

MIT physicists have observed a resonance in colliding ultracold molecules for the first time, shedding light on the mysterious forces that drive molecules to chemically react. The team found that a cloud of super-cooled sodium-lithium (NaLi) molecules disappeared 100 times faster than normal when exposed to a very specific magnetic field, indicating that the magnetic field tuned the particles into a resonance, driving them to react more quickly than they normally would. These findings suggest that scientists could one day harness particles’ natural resonances to steer and control certain chemical reactions.

The periodic table may seem like just another table of information, but it is so much more. It is a tool that scientists use to understand the world around us. By organizing all the chemical elements in order by atomic number, the periodic table creates a recurring pattern of properties called the periodic law. This allows us to predict the behavior of elements we haven't even discovered yet! Through the history of the periodic table, we can see how scientific discoveries and technological advancements build upon one another. Learning about the periodic table not only expands your scientific knowledge but also helps you develop analytical and critical thinking skills. By exploring this fascinating topic, you may even be inspired to pursue a career in science and help advance our understanding of the world.

Discover the fascinating story of how a broken soda fountain led to the creation of ICEE, the science behind its slushy texture, and the complex chemistry of its flavor syrup. Explore the avalanche-like physics of how ICEE solidifies and the Joules-Thomson effect that makes it puff up. Learn about the inventor, Omar Knedlik, and how his entrepreneurial spirit led to the mass production of his invention, eventually renamed Slurpee by 7-Eleven.

In our modern world, we are surrounded by electronic devices, from smartphones to laptops and beyond. But have you ever wondered about the foundation of these devices? Enter the silicon wafer, the building block of modern electronics. In this write-up, we'll explore the fascinating world of silicon wafers, from their origins to their use in modern technology. Silicon wafers are thin, circular slices of silicon that are used to create microchips, the tiny electronic components that power our devices. These wafers are made by growing a crystal of silicon and then slicing it into thin wafers. This process is known as "wafer fabrication," and it is a complex process that requires precision and expertise. One of the key figures in the development of silicon wafers is Gordon Moore, the co-founder of Intel. In 1965, Moore proposed what is now known as "Moore's Law," which states that the number of transistors that can fit on a microchip will double every 18-24 months. This law has held true for over 50 years and has been a driving force behind the incredible progress in electronics technology. Another influential figure is Andrew Grove, the former CEO of Intel. Grove was instrumental in making Intel a leader in the semiconductor industry, and he was a strong advocate for the importance of research and development in the field. Silicon wafers are used in a vast array of electronic devices, from smartphones and laptops to cars and even spacecraft. In fact, NASA's Mars rovers are powered by microchips built using silicon wafers. Without silicon wafers, our modern world as we know it would not be possible. Silicon wafers may seem like a small, insignificant component, but they are the foundation of the modern electronics industry. Learning about the origins and applications of silicon wafers can inspire students to explore the exciting world of electronics technology and pursue their interests in science and engineering.

Glass is a material that we use every day, but have you ever wondered how it works? Glass is made from silicon dioxide, which is heated until it becomes a flowing liquid. As it cools, the molecules lose energy and become an amorphous solid, allowing light to pass through without being scattered. The subatomic level of glass is what makes it transparent, as the electrons in glass are spaced far enough apart that visible light can't provide enough energy for them to jump between them. This unique property has made glass an essential material for many uses, from windows to lenses. Understanding the science behind glass can help you appreciate the importance of this material in modern civilization.

Teflon, a material that doesn't stick to anything, was stumbled upon accidentally in 1938 by a chemist named Roy Plunkett. Teflon's properties make it perfect for things that need to be slippery, chemical-resistant, or waterproof, which means it has a lot of applications. It can be found all over the place, from raincoats to industrial ball bearings to artificial joints. The incredible properties of PTFE, the chemical name for Teflon, come from its molecular structure. It's a polymer, meaning it's made of long chains of repeating units of atoms strung together. PTFE has tight carbon-fluorine bonds that ignore the normal, intermolecular forces that help substances stick to each other. Even the famously adhesive feet of geckos usually can't get a grip on it. Learning about the properties of materials like Teflon can inspire independent exploration of science and engineering, which can lead to exciting career opportunities in fields like materials science and chemical engineering.

Are you interested in exploring the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on our daily lives? Look no further than Stanford University's latest research on energy-efficient memory storage for AI training. In a recent breakthrough, researchers at Stanford found a material that could revolutionize the way we store data using electron spin directions, resulting in faster and more efficient processing. This new memory storage method, known as spin orbit torque magnetoresistive random access memory (SOT-MRAM), could enable AI training on devices like your phone or smartwatch. Check out the full article in Nature Materials to learn more!

Are you a fan of s'mores? Do you want to learn the science behind making the perfect gooey treat? In a quest for perfection, a writer turned to physics and thermodynamics to determine the ideal s'more technique. By considering the heat transfer from marshmallow to chocolate, the writer computed the specific heat and latent heat of melting of both ingredients, and conducted experiments to determine the optimal temperature for the marshmallow. The results? A marshmallow heated to 160°F produces the perfect s'more! This delicious experiment shows that science can be fun and tasty too.

Researchers at MIT and other institutions have found a way to increase the emission of light from the interaction between photons and electrons by a hundredfold, with potential applications in modern technologies and scientific research.

Are you interested in using your creativity and problem-solving skills to make a positive impact on the world? Then a career in chemical engineering might be right up your alley! Chemical engineering is a field that combines knowledge of chemistry, physics, and mathematics to design and develop new products and processes. As a chemical engineer, you could work in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, energy, food and beverage, and more. For example, you might work on developing new medicines to treat diseases, or on designing more efficient and sustainable ways to produce energy. One exciting aspect of chemical engineering is the potential for innovation and discovery. For example, chemical engineers have been instrumental in developing new materials like graphene, which has the potential to revolutionize industries from electronics to transportation. In terms of day-to-day duties, chemical engineers might be involved in everything from designing experiments and analyzing data to overseeing production processes and troubleshooting problems that arise. There are also many areas of specialization within the field, such as materials science, process design, and environmental engineering. To become a chemical engineer, you'll typically need to earn a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Some popular undergraduate programs include the chemical engineering programs at MIT, UC Berkeley, and the University of Texas at Austin. In addition to technical knowledge, there are a few personal attributes that can be helpful in a career in chemical engineering. These include strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively. As for job prospects, chemical engineering is a field with plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement. Some notable employers include companies like Procter & Gamble, ExxonMobil, and DuPont, as well as government agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. In conclusion, if you're interested in using your scientific knowledge to make a difference in the world, a career in chemical engineering might be the perfect fit for you. With plenty of opportunities for innovation and growth, this field offers the chance to make a real impact on society and the environment. So why not explore this exciting career path today?

The future of resource extraction lies in space exploration. Asteroids, leftovers from the formation of the planet 4.5 billion years ago, contain rare and precious materials such as platinum, iron, and nickel. The mining industry on Earth is harmful to the environment and people, but space mining could provide a clean and sustainable alternative. Cheaper space travel is necessary to make asteroid mining profitable, and scientists and economists are working on solutions such as electric spaceships. Once a stable asteroid is secured, space mining and processing equipment can extract valuable materials through a process that uses giant mirrors to focus sunlight and heat up asteroid rock. Even a small percentage of a single asteroid's mass in precious metals could be worth billions of dollars. The benefits of space exploration and asteroid mining are vast, and the possibilities for discovery and innovation are endless.

Fiber optics is a revolutionary technology that has transformed long-distance communication. Unlike traditional copper wires, fiber optic cables carry pulses of light, which represent digital data. These cables can transmit an enormous amount of information over great distances, with minimal power loss. Fiber optics has enabled the creation of the internet, which has become a planetary computer connecting people across the globe. However, the vast majority of internet traffic is processed in data centers, where electrical cables waste half their running power as heat. To address this problem, researchers have developed integrated photonics, a technology that uses ultrathin silicon wires to guide light. This allows for the creation of tiny photonic chips that plug into servers and convert electrical signals to optical and back, enabling power-efficient fiber connections. Integrated photonics also has the potential to break open wireless bandwidth limitations and make hyperfast wireless connectivity a reality. By learning about fiber optics and integrated photonics, students can gain a deeper understanding of the technology that powers the internet and the potential for future innovation.

Have you ever wondered what lies beyond the pages of a closed book? Imagine being able to see the words on the pages without ever opening the cover. This is the exciting concept behind the technology developed by a group at MIT. Using terahertz waves, they can now read through closed books and uncover the hidden information inside. To do this, they had to overcome a series of challenges including the need for a radiation source that can penetrate the paper, the ability to distinguish between different pages, and the recognition of characters that are partially hidden. Learning about these academic concepts not only expands your knowledge of science and technology but also opens up new possibilities for studying antique documents and other important materials. Take the first step towards exploring the unseen world and discover the thrill of uncovering hidden information.

Unlock the future of electronics with 2D materials! MIT engineers have developed a revolutionary method to fabricate tiny transistors from 2D materials like transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) that conduct electricity better than silicon. The method allows chip manufacturers to grow these materials on existing silicon wafers, preserving their perfect crystalline form. Get ready to catch up to Moore's Law with next-generation electronic devices!

Nanotechnology is a fascinating field of study that explores the science of the very small. Imagine being able to manipulate and control matter at the atomic and molecular level! This is the world of nanotechnology. It is a highly interdisciplinary field that combines physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering to create new materials, devices, and systems that have the potential to revolutionize our world. One of the most exciting aspects of nanotechnology is the potential for new and innovative products that can improve our lives in countless ways. For example, scientists are currently researching how to use nanotechnology to develop new drug delivery systems, create more efficient solar panels, and even build tiny robots that can be used for medical purposes. Some of the most inspiring academic discourse in nanotechnology has come from researchers like Richard Smalley, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on carbon nanotubes, and Sumio Iijima, who discovered the first carbon nanotubes. Their groundbreaking research has paved the way for countless other scientists to explore the possibilities of nanotechnology. If you're interested in studying nanotechnology at the undergraduate level, you can expect to take courses in subjects like nanomaterials, nanoelectronics, and nanobiotechnology. You'll also have the opportunity to specialize in areas like nanomedicine or nanophotonics, depending on your interests. The potential career paths for someone with a degree in nanotechnology are vast and varied. You could work in industries like electronics, energy, or healthcare, developing new products and technologies that could change the world. Some specific examples of potential employers include Intel, IBM, and General Electric. To succeed in the field of nanotechnology, you'll need a strong background in science and math, as well as excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills. You'll also need to be creative and innovative, as the field is constantly evolving and new discoveries are being made all the time. If you're interested in exploring the world of nanotechnology further, there's no better time to start than now. With so much potential for innovation and discovery, it's an exciting field that is sure to inspire and challenge you for years to come.

Quantum computing is no longer a futuristic concept as researchers from MIT and other institutions have made a major breakthrough in quantum technology. They have developed a new superconducting parametric amplifier that achieves noise squeezing over a broad frequency bandwidth of up to 1.75 gigahertz while maintaining a high degree of squeezing, leading to faster and more accurate quantum systems. This breakthrough has significant implications for multiqubit systems and other metrological applications that demand extreme precision.

Have you ever heard of the field of nanotechnology? It's a rapidly growing and exciting field that is revolutionizing the way we live, work, and play. Nanotechnology is the study and manipulation of materials on a molecular or atomic scale, and it has the potential to transform everything from medicine to electronics. Imagine creating tiny robots that can swim through your bloodstream and target cancer cells, or developing ultra-light and ultra-strong materials for airplanes and cars. These are just a few examples of the amazing possibilities that nanotechnology offers. As a nanotechnologist, you would work with these tiny materials to create new products and technologies. You might design and develop new materials, work on improving existing ones, or create entirely new devices and systems. You could work in a variety of fields, from medicine to electronics to energy. Typical duties in nanotechnology might include conducting experiments, analyzing data, designing and building prototypes, and collaborating with other scientists and engineers. There are also many areas of specialization within nanotechnology, such as nanoelectronics, nanobiotechnology, and nanomaterials. To get started in this field, you'll need a strong background in science and engineering. Many nanotechnologists have degrees in materials science, chemistry, physics, or electrical engineering. Some popular undergraduate programs and majors include nanotechnology engineering, materials science and engineering, and chemical engineering. In addition to technical skills, there are certain personal attributes that can be helpful in this field. These might include a strong attention to detail, excellent problem-solving skills, and a creative and innovative mindset. The job prospects for nanotechnologists are excellent, with many exciting opportunities available in both the public and private sectors. Some notable employers in this field include IBM, Intel, and Samsung, as well as government agencies such as NASA and the National Institutes of Health. So if you're looking for a career that is both challenging and rewarding, consider exploring the field of nanotechnology. Who knows what amazing discoveries and inventions you might be a part of in the future!