A time crystal is a form of matter that shows continuous, repeating patterns over time, much like how atoms in a normal ...

Molecular crystals have emerged as a captivating class of materials that blend the intrinsic order of crystalline solids with the dynamic responsiveness typically associated with soft matter. Their ...

In their study, Zhao and Smalyukh created a space–time crystal in the nematic phase of a liquid crystal. In this phase the crystal’s rod-like molecules align parallel to each other and also flow like ...

Researchers have developed a blueprint for weaving hopfions—complex, knot-like light structures—into repeating spacetime crystals. By exploiting two-color beams, they can generate ordered chains and ...

Glass cells filled with liquid crystals respond to light to make the first time crystals visible to the naked eye, even if you’d still get a better view using magnification. Previous time crystals ...

Crystal growth and solidification dynamics constitute a critical domain within materials science, where the interplay between thermodynamic driving forces and kinetic constraints determines the ...

Katy has a BA in Humanities and Philosophy, with over 20 years of experience in online and print publishing. She was named the Association of British Science Writers' Editor of the Year in 2023. Over ...

In a surprising twist, researchers have identified crystals that are symmetrical but nevertheless absorb light as if they were chiral (Science 2025, DOI: 10.1126/science.adr5478). The discovery ...

Optical microscope image of a representative crystal that possesses centrosymmetry, yet shows differential absorption of circularly polarized light. The crystal is made of lithium, cobalt, selenium ...

A new detector aims to reduce costs while improving the quality of nuclear medicine. Physicians use nuclear medicine techniques such as SPECT scans to observe how the heart pumps, follow patterns of ...