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Jammed Cells Expose the Physics of Cancer

Gabriel Popkin Quanta Magazine
The subtle mechanics of densely packed cells may help explain why some cancerous tumors stay put while others break off and spread through the body.

Where Does The Mass Of A Proton Come From?

Ethan Siegel Forbes
We may be close to understanding the interactions of quarks and gluons within the nucleus of atoms, and when we do one of the longest-standing mysteries of physics, where the mass of the known matter of the universe comes from, may finally yield to humanity.

A Debate Over the Physics of Time

Dan Falk Quanta Magazine
According to our best theories of physics, the universe is a fixed block where time only appears to pass. Yet a number of physicists hope to replace this “block universe” with a physical theory of time.

books

Seven Brief Lessons on Physics

Ashutosh (Ash) Jogalekar The Curious Wavefunction
In what reviewer Ashutosh (Ash) Jogalekar calls a "poignant and beautiful, simple and without frills and from the heart" exposition, Italian physicist Carlo Rovelli guides us through seven of the main ideas of physics. These are, Jogalekar writes, not just ideas that have advanced our understanding of science, but they are also ideas that have "expanded our consciousness and connected us to our origins and future."

Entanglement Made Simple

Frank Wilczek Quanta Magazine
Quantum entanglement is thought to be one of the trickiest concepts in science, but the core issues are simple. And once understood, entanglement opens up a richer understanding of concepts such as the “many worlds” of quantum theory.

Even Avogadro Didn’t Know Avogadro’s Number

Rhett Allain Wired
Avogadro's number is sort of like a bridge. It bridges chemistry and atomic physics. In chemistry we measure bulk properties like mass, pressure, volume, temperature. However, when we consider these things from an atomic perspective we look at individual atoms and the momentum, velocity of these particles. Avogadro's number connects these two ideas and allows us to explore atomic-level things by measuring macroscopic level quantities. It’s a big deal.

Friday Nite Videos -- October 3, 2014

Portside
Subway Flashmob: Bolero. A History Of The Minimum Wage. Anti-matter Explained. People's Climate March -- Aerial Footage. Bill O'Reilly's Anti-Terrorist Mercenaries.
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