Magnetism

Magnetism

Auroras tonight: How to spot the 2024 northern lights

A massive solar storm is set to create a spectacular light show tonight, possibly as far south as the midwest US.
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Make a simple electromagnet

This sounds like a very attractive activity.
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Terminator-style stretchable metal created in lab

New droplets of liquid metal could be used in soft robots or flexible electronics.
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'Nano tweezers' could help to diagnose and treat cancer

Magnetic tweezers, consisting of an iron bead in a finely-tuned magnetic field, can probe the inside of cells.
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Humans may have an ancient ability to sense magnetic fields

Crystals found in our grey matter may help us to navigate using the Earth's magnetic field.
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Why is the magnetic north pole racing westward?

The magnetic north pole is moving so fast it’s defying predictions and ruining maps. Dr Ciaran Beggan of the British Geological Survey brings us up to speed.
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Levitating particles could reveal how planets form

Using sound waves to suspend particles in the air could show how particles arrange themselves.
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Why is the magnetic north pole moving? - Ciaran Beggan

The magnetic north pole is rocketing towards Siberia at 50 kilometres per year. Why is this happening, and what does it mean for us?
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Why are some materials magnetic?

It’s the result of the motion of electrons inside atoms.
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How do ocean tides create magnetic fields?

Michael Faraday wondered if electrical conductors moving through magnetic fields might lead to a natural source of electricity- turns out it might.
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The Earth's magnetic field reverses more often – now we know why

New research proposes a link between plate tectonics and reversals of the Earth’s magnetic field.
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Are there any quantum effects that we can see in everyday life?

To see how the quirky quantum behaviour of atoms influences everything around us, look no further than the humble fridge magnet.
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Who really invented the MRI machine?

Several scientific pioneers were involved in the development of this magnetic medical breakthrough.
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Extract iron from cereal

Try not to let this one put you off your corn flakes.
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Make a futuristic ferrofluid

Create crazy shapes and weird blobs of matter with this fun ferrofluid experiment.
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How does an MRI scanner work?

This ingenious device uses the science of magnetism to safely see inside your body.
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Do all planets have magnetic fields?

On Earth we use the planets magnetic field for navigation, but there may be some planets where you would get lost.
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How it works: EDS Maglev Trains

Not only are maglev trains are some of the fastest in the world but they're perfect if you need a lift...
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Why are some stars magnetically attracted?

The rules of attraction go galactic!
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Could a geomagnetic reversal kill us all?

The Maya apocalypse of December 2012 may have been a myth, but that hasn't stopped us from speculating about the disasters that really could happen this month. In this online exclusive, journalist and TV presenter Alok Jha investigates the possibility of a catastrophic change in the Earth's magnetic field.
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How do magnetic limescale inhibitors work?

Magnetic limescale inhibitors work to stop minerals in hard water adhering to pipes but when it comes to their effectiveness they get mixed reviews.
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Why some people have a good sense of direction

Which way now? Louise Ridley explains why some people have a better sense of direction than others.
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Do magnets wear out?

Demagnetisation is a slow process but magnets can lose their strength over time. This generally happens in two ways.
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