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The nanoparticle contains the cancer drug doxorubicin (green spheres) in its core. Erlotinib is embedded in the red outer shell. Attached to the surface are chains of polyethylene glycol (PEG), in yellow.

Disappearing stripes linked with free electron movement: Scientists used a precision microscope to simultaneously explore electrons' arrangements and movements as charge carriers called holes were added to transform a copper-oxide material from an insulator to a superconductor. With increasing hole density, the material first takes on a mysterious "pseudogap" phase that overlaps and competes with superconductivity. Region I: While still in the pseudogap phase, some electrons occupy static positions apparent as a striped pattern (top inset) while other electrons are free to move and carry current, but only in certain directions (arcs with gaps in lower inset). Region II: At a critical point of hole density, the static stripes disappear and all electrons can move freely in all directions. The point of maximal superconductivity (Max Tc) lies within this region. Finding ways to prevent the static electron arrangement may be one way to push the Max Tc to a higher temperature more suitable for real-world applications.

A GPS station in the mountains of Oregon.

The bright light on the left side of the sun shows an M5.2-class solar flare in progress on May 8, 2014.This image, captured by NASA's SDO, shows light with a 131 Angstrom wavelength, which highlights the extremely hot material in a solar flare and is typically colorized in teal.

Scheme: Activation of the “dormant sergeant” by an external stimulus.

For the first time, NASA scientists have used GPS to find the total weight of winter snowpack and soil moisture in California's Sierra Nevada. The new results complement other satellite measurements and could provide a reality check for computer models used to estimate the state's water and snowpack.

Demonstration of the oleophilic and at the same time hydrophobic properties of a silylated nanocellulose sponge: A droplet of water (blue) sits on the surface, whereas a droplet of oil (red) is absorbed by the material.

An adeno-associated virus capsid (blue) modified by peptides (red) inserted to lock the virus is the result of research at Rice University into a new way to target cancerous and other diseased cells. The peptides are keyed to proteases overexpressed at the site of diseased tissues; they unlock the capsid and allow it to deliver its therapeutic cargo.

This May 5, 2014, image from the Navigation Camera on NASA's Curiosity Mars rover shows two holes at top center drilled into a sandstone target called "Windjana." The farther hole was created by the rover's drill while it collected rock-powder sample material from the interior of the rock.