Create a Physics World account to get access to all available digital issues of the monthly magazine. Your Physics World ...

Researchers have uncovered friction without contact—driven entirely by magnetic interactions. As two magnetic layers slide, ...

Electrically tunable ionic hydrogels use small voltages to switch friction at metal contacts between high-friction and ultra-low-friction states, enabling voltage-programmed grip, release and motion ...

Friction is an intrinsic physical phenomenon to curling. Without it, objects in motion would move endlessly, without slowing down. This would cause many safety-related problems: Cars or trains could ...