News Physics

Screwy symmetry revealed

Math trick reverses spirals, providing new ways to explore materials

By Devin Powell

- More than 2 years ago

Physicists have put a new twist on the humble corkscrew. Just as a butterfly appears identical to its mirror image, objects made of structures that tilt, twist or spiral possess a symmetry now recognized for the first time.

NEW TWIST Molecular structures that tilt clockwise (orange) or counterclockwise (blue) — as well spirals of either direction — have revealed a new kind of symmetry that could help scientists design new materials.