Two Canadian researchers discovered a new form of matter yesterday. They call it “supersolid helium,” and it’s stiffer than any solid matter ever seen on Earth. Above you can see an image of solid helium, which is created by freezing and applying intense pressure to the normally light gas. The researchers made their helium SUPERsolid by applying shear to it — in other words, they squashed it from an angle. Image by Gunter Wagner/Institute for Crystal Growth, Germany. [Eurekalert]
