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 ...

Going back through time, cultures around the world—from ancient Sumer to Indus Valley, China, and South America—have believed crystals could evoke a kind of sorcery, conjure change, and heal disease.

Often compared to the kernels popping and bouncing under the heat conveyed through microwave, the thermosalient ("thermo" relates to heat whereas "salient" means pointing outward of an angle) effect, ...

Imagine you had a crystal ball that revealed when a volcano would next erupt. For the hundreds of millions of people around the world who live near active volcanoes, it would be an extremely useful ...

NYU researchers have found a way to use light to control how microscopic particles assemble into crystals, effectively turning illumination into a tool for shaping matter. By adding light-sensitive ...

Long spikes of crystals emanate from a single point. They glow bright blue but are slowly being overtaken by splotches of bright orange. Credit: Submitted by Prodipta Samadder These crystals are all ...