Physicists Create "Impossible" New Form of Matter: Supersolids

Megalith

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American and Swiss researchers had gotten bored with the basic states of matter and decided to create a substance that combines the properties of both solids and superfluids. I have no clue what kind of breakthroughs this will lead to, but the scientific community can at least gloat about proving a long-held theory. Apparently, the feat was managed by cooling atoms to nanokelvin temperatures and then manipulating them with lasers.

MIT physicists have created a new form of matter, a supersolid, which combines the properties of solids with those of superfluids. By using lasers to manipulate a superfluid gas known as a Bose-Einstein condensate, the team was able to coax the condensate into a quantum phase of matter that has a rigid structure—like a solid—and can flow without viscosity—a key characteristic of a superfluid. Studies into this apparently contradictory phase of matter could yield deeper insights into superfluids and superconductors, which are important for improvements in technologies such as superconducting magnets and sensors, as well as efficient energy transport.
 
A flight seat that can hold you through massive G's? Shrug
 
A flight seat that can hold you through massive G's? Shrug

The seat is just a tool. The real issue with massive G's is the lack of blood getting to your brain (hence why flightsuits in fighters squeeze the extremities).
 
This is stuff that needs a cold temperature and high vacuum to exist, so no normal every day items will be made out of it. Potentially improve superconducting stuff. Although most of the research money will probably focus on the applications for more efficient power delivery systems.
 
Maybe 3d printed versions of humans made of this material will become tortured souls killing people in the mist of a terrible war.
 
Maybe 3d printed versions of humans made of this material will become tortured souls killing people in the mist of a terrible war.

This, obviously, seems like what is most likely to happen. Obviously.
 
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