Surprising Science — May 7, 2010

Lasers of War

Northrop Grumman is testing a high-powered, lightweight laser that can be used by U.S. soldiers in combat settings. Use of lasers on the battlefield could change warfare significantly.

bigthinkeditor

Northrop Grumman is testing a high-powered laser that can be used by U.S. soldiers in combat settings. The “nd:YAG” laser is powerful enough to inflict damage, but it is made out of the materials are compact and transportable. The military has long wanted to develop lasers for the battlefield; they are precise, fast, and they don’t run out of ammo (as long as you have power).

A technician in a clean suit inspects a large, segmented, hexagonal mirror inside a circular gray structure.

Hard Science

Why a James Webb Space Telescope mystery doesn’t (necessarily) break cosmology

The JWST's observations of well-developed galaxies early in universal history may coincide with accepted astronomical theory after all.

A book titled "Cultures of Growth" by Mary C. Murphy lying on a dark blue fabric surface.

Business

“Cultures of growth”: How small changes can build stronger, more successful teams

Psychologist Mary C. Murphy explains why growth-mindset teams outperform those centered around a lone genius.

Starts With A Bang

The Universe might never run out of hydrogen

The most common element in the Universe, vital for forming new stars, is hydrogen. But there's a finite amount of it; what if we run out?

Abstract monochrome sketch of two figures, one with head bowed and the other looking downward, conveying a contemplative or somber mood, suggestive of the Chiron effect.

Neuropsych

The Chiron effect: Are “wounded healers” better healers?

Sometimes you just want to hear, "I know what it's like."

Two women in vintage clothing, wearing bows in their hair, engaging in a tend-and-befriend moment on a grassy field, lying facing each other, smiling and talking.

Neuropsych

“Tend and befriend”: The simple relationship hack for burnout resilience

You really can get by with a little help from your friends — if you also look beyond your personal to-do list.

Up Next

Surprising Science

Time and Again

By creating the first theoretical model of a wormhole 75 years ago, Albert Einstein and Nathan Rosen allowed science-fiction writers to consider the idea of time travel, writes Dave Goldberg.