Scientists Create Supersolid From Helium

jabberjaw writes "Nature is reporting that Pennsylvania State University researchers Eun-Seong Kim and Moses Chan have created a 'supersolid' from helium-4. Although a crystalline solid, the supersolid can flow much like a liquid. This is due to the fact that the empty compartments in the crystal move coherently, thus waves can progress through the lattice. The supersolid state can be compared to the superfluid state. Perhaps a condensed matter physicist can dumb the article down for layfolk such as myself?"

Comments

Liquid Metal

[Blaskowicz]

Great news. Now we can understand how the T1000 works!
I hope they'll build one soon; it could be a great war machine AND sex toy

Re:Slightly OT

[Anonymous Coward]

Then I have a good idea for an infinite motion machine. Put the liquid helium, as well a turbine, inside of a Klein bottle. As the helium tries to escape out of the hole it will only lead back into the bottle - meanwhile producing electricity through the turbine!

And if the whole "perpetual motion" thing doesn't work out, at least you've got one hell of a killer bong...