The fastest-spinning object ever made could help spot quantum friction in a vacuum

A sensor made with a swiftly revolving nanoparticle can detect minute torques

researchers working on torque sensor

A new torque sensor that uses a fast-spinning nanoparticle can detect tiny forces, say scientists Tongcang Li (left), Jonghoon Ahn (right) and colleagues.

Vincent Walter, Purdue University

To detect the quantum friction of empty space, scientists are going for a spin.