Everyday science Opinion and reviews An illuminating, if imperfect, celebration of friction Mike Follows reviews Friction: a Biography by Jennifer R Vail Read article: An illuminating, if imperfect, celebration of friction
Thin films and coatings Research update Bacteria-killing paint could dramatically improve hospital hygiene A novel antimicrobial coating can be applied to a range of surfaces to destroy bacteria and viruses Read article: Bacteria-killing paint could dramatically improve hospital hygiene
Thin films and coatings Research update Scientists discover secret of ice-free polar-bear fur Findings could lead to more environmentally-friendly anti-icing surfaces and lubricants Read article: Scientists discover secret of ice-free polar-bear fur
Thin films and coatings Research update Simple sanding technique makes superhydrophobic surfaces New approach can make almost any material surface extremely water-repellent Read article: Simple sanding technique makes superhydrophobic surfaces
Optical physics Research update Anti-reflection coating allows perfect light transmission New technique completely eliminates wave reflections and could improve wireless reception as well as biomedical imaging techniques Read article: Anti-reflection coating allows perfect light transmission
Thin films and coatings Research update New theory explains why metallic oxides are transparent Electron-lattice interactions allow light to pass through these industrially important thin films, researchers say Read article: New theory explains why metallic oxides are transparent
Thin films and coatings Research update Water transforms into gold-coloured metallic solution New laboratory technique bypasses the need for astronomically high pressures Read article: Water transforms into gold-coloured metallic solution
Thin films and coatings Research update Ultrathin glass films exhibit exotic liquid phase New form of glass is extremely dense and highly stable Read article: Ultrathin glass films exhibit exotic liquid phase
Thin films and coatings Research update Transparent coating captures aerosol droplets from air Polymer-based liquid could reduce transmission of infectious respiratory diseases like COVID-19 Read article: Transparent coating captures aerosol droplets from air
Thin films and coatings Research update Liquid metal flows smoothly at room temperatures Applied voltage and oxide "skin" overcome droplet-forming tendencies driven by high surface tension Read article: Liquid metal flows smoothly at room temperatures