atoms
Latest about atoms
Scientists just got 1 step closer to creating a 'superheavy' element that is so big, it will add a new row to the periodic table
By Harry Baker published
Scientists have discovered a new way of creating superheavy elements by firing supercharged ion beams at dense atoms. The team believes this method could potentially help synthesize the hypothetical "element 120," which would be heavier than any known element.
Watch atoms fuse into world's 'smallest bubble' of water in 1st-of-its-kind 'nanoscale' video
By Harry Baker published
A new study captured never-before-seen footage of hydrogen and oxygen atoms combining to form a miniature water droplet out of "thin air." The newly improved reaction could one day help astronauts make water in space.
Atoms squished closer together than ever before, revealing seemingly impossible quantum effects
By Victoria Atkinson published
Using a clever laser technique, scientists have squished pairs of atoms closer together than ever before, revealing some truly mind-boggling quantum effects.
Dusty 'Cat's Paw Nebula' contains a type of molecule never seen in space — and it's one of the largest ever found
By Victoria Atkinson published
Scientists have detected a new, unusually large molecule never seen in space before. The 13-atom molecule, called 2-methoxyethanol, was detected in the Cat's Paw Nebula.
Scientists accidentally create world's tightest, smallest knot
By Kiley Price published
The tangle is known as a trefoil knot — and it's made up of just 54 atoms.
Earth's solid inner core is 'surprisingly soft' thanks to hyperactive atoms jostling around
By Harry Baker published
Atoms within the enormous ball of iron in Earth's inner core may move around much more than previously thought, which could explain recent findings about the core's surprising softness.
Scientists tried to solve the mystery of the helium nucleus — and ended up more confused than ever
By Anna Demming published
Helium is the simplest element in the periodic table with more than one particle in its nucleus, yet state of the art theory and experiments on it don't add up.
Elemental Shift: Periodic Table Gets Weight Changes
By Charles Q. Choi last updated
Ten elements that help make up the universe, including carbon, are getting their very atomic weights altered.
Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now
Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.