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networks route light
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It
looks like wires and ribbons that are 500
times narrower than a human hair are champions
at channeling lightwaves through small spaces.
A demonstration that shows minuscule networks
of these wires routing light pulses and filtering
different wavelengths is a step toward chip-sized
communications devices.
Full
story |
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Cell
combo yields blood vessels
It looks like someday in the not-so-distant future
doctors will be able to grow replacement organs
in the laboratory. A key difference between a functional
organ and a lump of cells in a Petrie dish is a
functional organ contains blood vessels that nourish
it. The trick to forming blood vessels in artificially-grown
tissue turns out to be sowing several types of seed
at once.
Physics
maps city complexity
Some cities are easier to get around in than others.
Applying the physics of complex systems to city
streets quantifies these differences and shows that
long roads reduce a city's information load. It
also shows that ease of navigation has not been
a major factor in cities' evolution.
How
It Works
Self-assembly: the natural way to make things
Molecules that recognize each other are at the heart
of things that make themselves.
Briefs
Paint
program renders ink physics
Making a realistic paint program comes down to using
the right math to model the physics of ink and paper.
Silicon
light switch is electric
A small silicon device converts electrical signals
to light signals, promising faster computer chips.
Crystal
promises more light
A photonic crystal dramatically cuts light leakage
in chip-based devices, promising super-efficient
LEDs, lasers, solar cells and displays.
Micro
marbles make nano rings
Microscopic rings have weird properties useful for
manipulating light but they are difficult to make.
Wet microscopic marbles could change that.
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