Self-Healing Polymers

Dive into the uses, mechanisms, and chemistry behind these cutting-edge materials, and the inevitable challenges that such creations might face in practice

Mathematics in politics

Introduction Since around 500 B.C., the ancient Greek civilization introduced one of the earliest forms of democracy. Back then, voters would write their choices on broken pieces of pottery called ‘ostraka’. Imagine a world where the outcome of a major election isn’t just about the number of people

Stay Curious, Be Adaptable: A Profile of Sanjay Patel OE

Sanjay Patel and his wife Leslie were involved in the rebuilding of a wind tunnel. That I couldn’t grab a second to ask why indicates the pace of a Sanjay Patel conversation. He’s a whirlwind of insight, brilliance and empathy, his thoughts speeding far ahead of one’s

Relief Channels and Re-Meandering to Mitigate Flooding

Floods can devastate cities, but what if we fought water with nature instead of just concrete? While relief channels redirect raging rivers, a quieter revolution is unfolding: re-meandering rivers to slow floods, restore ecosystems, and rethink how we shape the land.

Learning from Air Accident Investigations

In 1989, a hidden engine defect doomed United Flight 232, killing 112. Decades later, Qantas Flight 32 suffered a similar failure but landed safely. Smarter systems and lessons learned turned potential tragedy into triumph. Two flights, one cause, two very different outcomes.

Quantum Batteries – Powering the Future at the Speed of Light?

Quantum batteries could revolutionise energy storage, offering faster charging and higher capacity. While still experimental, early prototypes show promise, potentially transforming how we power electric vehicles and renewable systems.

A Quantum Leap Forward — Google’s Willow Chip

Two months ago, as you were opening the ninth window on your advent calendar mid-way through Trials, Google announced what may be the biggest breakthrough to date in the field of quantum computing. What has, for a long time, simply been an intellectual curiosity of some physicists came a lot

The Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk - A Revolution in Aerial Combat

The F-117 Nighthawk redefined aerial combat with groundbreaking stealth technology, overcoming extreme engineering challenges to become a precision bomber that evaded both radar and infrared detection.

From Commensal to Pathogen: The Mechanisms Behind Bacteria

Explore the roles of host susceptibility, virulence factors, genetic adaptation, and environmental triggers in the sudden change of the bacteria from commensal to virulent

Alfred Nobel's Life and Legacy

An introduction to the complicated life and contrasting legacy of the man behind the prizes.

Quantum Genetics

When people think of genetic mutations, they would normally think that they're caused by radiation, carcinogens or copying errors when replicating DNA. However, recent studies show quantum tunnelling also has an effect here.

Superalloys in Aerospace

An introduction to the incredible materials which make modern aviation possible.

Engineering

Fast Cars and Cheese - The Eton College Design Trip 2025

Fast cars, cheese, and cutting-edge design. The Eton College 2025 Design trip to Italy blended roaring engines with rich tradition. From Ferrari and Ducati to Parmigiano Reggiano, students explored engineering, culture, and craftsmanship at its finest.

Computer Science

Vacuum tubes and computing

Andrew Jia In the modern world, vacuum tubes see use in a very limited range of applications and may be regarded as obsolete technology. However, they have played an important role in computing history. The first vacuum tube device was conceived in 1904 by John Fleming and took the form

Engineering

Formula 1: Science and Technology in Pole Position

F1 is more than just a race - it’s a showcase of engineering brilliance. With turbocharged V6s, energy recovery systems, and state-of-the-art aerodynamics, teams battle for every fraction of a second. Explore the tech behind the world's fastest sport and how it fuels innovation beyond the track.

Physics

Einstein's Field Equations

Einstein's Field Equations are among the most famous equations in all of physics, and yet what do they describe, and how do they work?

Biology

A Revolution in Neuroprosthetics: Restoring Touch with a Brain-Controlled Bionic Hand

Discover how a group of researchers in Sweden are pioneering the world's first bionic limb that can sense touch

Closing the Lab

The End of British Science Week A Note From AZB British Science Week: Celebrating Discovery, Innovation, and Future Scientists Every year, British Science Week (this year running from 7th – 16th March… yes, slightly longer than a week…) brings together schools, communities, and scientists across the UK to celebrate the incredible

Engineering

The Science Behind Carbon Capture

Can carbon capture save the planet, or is it just another costly distraction? Methods like post-combustion capture and direct air capture aim to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels. However, concerns about cost, energy use, and effectiveness raise questions about its role in fighting climate change.

A Week of Science and Discovery

You're receiving this email because you are affiliated with Eton College. (Best viewed on the website) We as EtonSTEM are delighted to announce that it is the start of British Science Week, which is a ten-day celebration for anything and everything STEM. Throughout the week, we’ll be

Bouncy Eggs: Day 3 of British Science Week!

Reminder of This Year's Theme: Adapt and Change We are midway through British Science Week, so it's a great time to remind you to observe how STEM shapes the world around us. With the rapid development of technology, it is important to know how to adapt

Bouncy Eggs: Day 3 of British Science Week

Reminder of This Year's Theme: Adapt and Change We are midway through British Science Week, so it's a great time to remind you to observe how STEM shapes the world around us. With the rapid development of technology, it is important to know how to adapt

The Resurrection of Woolly Mammoths!? Day 2 of British Science Week

You're receiving this email because you are affiliated with Eton College. (Best viewed on the website) Welcome to Day 2 of British Science Week, and today's main focus is biology. We will observe how biology shapes the world around us, and what crazy things scientists are

Biology

The Microbiome

Take a brief dive into the microbial populations within our bodies several orders of magnitude larger than that of humans on Earth, and the critical functions these microbes play in our health