Issues

The new laureates helped lay the foundation for today’s flourishing fields of optical communication and digital photography.

The ribosome is a massive molecule that decodes genes to make proteins. In 2000, three independent groups determined its structure with atomic resolution.

A torque magnetometer can measure the currents with a precision two orders of magnitude greater than is possible with the usual tool of choice, a superconducting quantum interference device.

Chromosomes in a cell nucleus aren’t randomly arranged. Studying their twists and turns reveals organization on several length scales.

An elaborate, remote-controlled revamping of JET has begun.

Congressionally imposed restrictions limit NASA managers’ capacity to streamline operations.

Billions of dollars will flow into “smart grid” projects.

The rapid growth of light pollution threatens the future of astronomical observation. Detailed modeling of how light from the ground propagates through the atmosphere suggests ways to limit the damage.

In his brilliant but troubled life, Peirce was a pioneer in both metrology and philosophy.

In a letter to his piano tuner, the great theoretical physicist talks about how the nonzero stiffness of piano strings affects tuning, and he conjectures that piano tuners may need to pay more attention to ear-created harmonics.

Scientists understand the individual characteristics of roads and tires that contribute to tire-pavement noise. Nonetheless, engineering a quiet ride remains a challenge.