The familiar heat, wear and general grinding to a halt of friction are all caused by what's going on at the microscopic level when two things rub. And down there, even the smoothest surfaces usually ...

It’s no wonder earthquakes are so difficult to predict. Even simple laboratory simulations of the friction breakdowns that send tectonic plates lurching into motion are maddeningly difficult to ...

It was once a game of luck using misshapen stones from Scotland’s riverbeds first thought to be played out on frozen waters in the mid-16th Century. In the four-and-a-half centuries since, a sport ...

Introduction Have you ever driven up a mountain, seen a sign reading "Hazard! Icy Roads Ahead," and wondered why ice makes roads dangerous to drive on? The answer has to do with friction—specifically, ...

As honeybees collect pollen and nectar from flowers, they repeatedly bend and straighten their abdomens – yet with a minimal amount of friction. Scientists have discovered what makes this possible, ...

What happens when the work of scientists puts them in conflict with people in power? In some countries their jobs, their freedom or even their lives are threatened. This week's episode of Science ...

Curling is a thrilling sport filled with strategy, skill, sweeping, surprise and science! Curling is a mesmerizing sport filled with strategy, skill, surprise, a lot of yelling, and science—yes ...

It was once a game of luck using misshapen stones from Scotland’s riverbeds first thought to be played out on frozen waters in the mid-16th Century. In the four-and-a-half centuries since, a sport ...

This week's issue of C&EN introduces a new twist to a venerable feature: "Science Friction with Bob Wolke" debuts as a regular feature in Newscripts. Science Friction will appear every other week, and ...