Explore 25 science experiments that defied the laws of physics, revealing mind-bending phenomena that challenge intuition.

Researchers found friction can occur without contact, driven by magnetic dynamics, and does not always increase with load. The effect could enable controllable, wear-free technologies.

When load increases steadily, so does friction, but in the realm of magnetization dynamics, things aren’t so simple.

Researchers have uncovered friction without contact—driven entirely by magnetic interactions. As two magnetic layers slide, ...

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in ...

Dumping literal tons of hot volcanic material down a lab flume may finally have revealed how searing mixtures of hot gas and rock travel so far from volcanic eruptions. These pyroclastic flows can ...

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 ...

Because of friction, sleds don't technically touch the snow and instead ride on a small layer of water created by the heat of the sled sliding down the hill. Sledding is one of many ways Wisconsinites ...

The best part about living in Vermont is that we get to experience all of the seasons. Sometimes cool weather appears out of nowhere and we don’t have the proper attire so we rub our hands together to ...