Two researchers received the Nobel Prize in physics today for
their work on graphene, a super-thin sheet of carbon atoms that
has unusual and potentially useful properties. Andre Geim and
Konstantin Novoselov, currently professors at the University of
Manchester, won the top physics prize for their work on
isolating graphene from graphite--a more ordinary form of carbon
used in pencils--and characterizing its behavior. Graphene holds
potential for profoundly transforming materials science--
everything from computer chips and flexible displays to solar
cells and lighter aircraft. Such products aren't on the verge of
hitting store shelves, but the research is active--for example,
IBM's work on graphene transistors. "As a material it is
completely new--not only the thinnest ever but also the
strongest. As a conductor of electricity it performs as well as
copper. As a conductor of heat it outperforms all other known
materials. It is almost completely transparent, yet so dense
that not even helium, the smallest gas