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Researchers have designed the first theoretical model that describes the occurrence of multiple solitary optical waves, referred to as dark photovoltaic spatial solitons. The findings by Yuhong Zhang, a physicist from the Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics of the Chinese Academy of Science, and his colleagues is about to be published in the European Physical Journal D

(PhysOrg.com) -- Custom modifications of equipment are an honored tradition of the research lab. In a recent paper, two materials scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology describe how a relatively simple mod of a standard scanning electron microscope (SEM) enables a roughly 10-fold improvement in its ability to measure the crystal structure of nanoparticles and extremely thin films. By altering the sample position, they are able to determine crystal structure of particles as small as 10 nanometers.

Lead sulfide (PbS) forms when an equal number of lead and sulfur atoms exchange electrons and bond together in cubic crystals. Now scientists have determined that a structure comprising 32 lead-sulfur pairs is the smallest possible cubic arrangement that exhibits the same coordination as bulk lead sulfide. (The coordination number is the number of nearest neighbors each atom in the crystal has.)

How's this for an upgrade: Two men competing in a trans-Atlantic rowing challenge were rescued this morning by Crystal Serenity after a huge swell sunk their boat 480 miles southwest of the Canaries.

In the latest installment of Fast Company’s future-gazing series, Crystal Ballin’, Elena Silenok of Clothia envisions an era of magic mirrors, virtual closets, and the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy by Alicia Silverstone. FAST COMPANY: What is your startup, Clothia

Aside from providing evidence that Hef’s taste in women is slipping in his old age,  Crystal Harris’  claim that Playboy mogul Hugh Hefner lasts only "two seconds" in the sack is an unlikely charge.  In reality  old men drag it out too long.

Rare earths are an expensive and necessary component of strong permanent magnets.