Back to the Big Bang? At the Large Hadron Collider
Summer 2008 marks the start of a new era in our understanding of the Universe. After a 25 year wait, scientists will turn on the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) – the world’s largest particle accelerator – in Geneva.
Can we freeze time? Using lasers to film the secret lives of atoms - frame by frame
Researchers at Imperial College have developed a way of observing the inner workings of atoms. So far the molecular movement of hydrogen and methane has been 'filmed' but the system could one day enable complex reactions to be understood and controlled at their most basic level.
Can you GLIMPSE the future of the Greenland Ice Sheet?
Global sea level may rise more rapidly than current models predict. Recent research has shown that the velocity of several large glaciers that discharge ice from the Greenland Ice Sheet has increased, in some cases even doubling in speed.
Can you hear black holes collide?
Einstein's general theory of relativity predicts that black holes exist and that they emit "gravitational waves". Although indirect evidence exists for these gravitational waves they have so far proved too elusive to detect.
Does size really matter? Adventures in nanospace
Nanoscience is the science of the very small from one thousandth of a metre down to one billionth of a metre, one nanometre. Researchers at Cardiff University build particles right at the small end of this scale to explore how this affects their reactivity.
Exploring the Solar System: mankind or machine?
The United Kingdom is contributing its unique research expertise to the next generation of missions to other planets in our Solar System. The ExoMars rover due for launch to Mars in 2013, and on show at the exhibition, is being built by Astrium Ltd, a UK company.
From hard-disk to healthcare: What can spintronics do for you?
Spintronics is a new field of research based on a property of electrons known as their spin or magnetic moment. ‘Conventionally the charge of an electron is used for data storage and processing,’ explains Burnell.
How do sharks and crabs sense depth? Crabs in space and out of their depth
Crabs and sharks are providing useful models for human systems of balance and orientation. Now it is also known they can sense water depth.
Is it natural? The physics of perception
Human beings find it quite easy to distinguish between, natural and synthetic materials so what processes enable us to make this distinction? How do we so easily know wood from vinyl or cotton from nylon?
Is there anybody out there? Looking for new worlds
In just 12 years, the number of planets identified outside our Solar System has risen from none to nearly 300. A planet just like Earth has yet to be found, with most being closer in size to Jupiter.
The power of light - the fibre laser revolution?
A laser device that enabled today's Internet is now being exploited in a range of applications from imaging molecules to high precision cutting of metals. In the mid 1980s research at Southampton University, provided a simple solution to the problem of signal attenuation as information travels as light along optical fibres.
Wonder in carbon land: how do you hold a molecule?
Carbon is a unique element because bonds are easily made between carbon atoms. This allows carbon to form complex structures such as the ‘Buckyball’ a tiny cage made up of 60 carbon atoms.