EtonSTEM

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

Engineering

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.

Engineering

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.

Engineering

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.

Computer Science

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.

Biology

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

Chemistry

Alfred Nobel's Life and Legacy

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

Biochemistry

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.

Physics

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

Physics

No Pump? No Problem: The Wilson Airless Basketball

No pump? No problem. Wilson’s Airless Gen1 Basketball ditches traditional basketball design for an airless lattice that somehow still bounces. No punctures, no pressure loss, just a $2,500 price tag and a weirdly quiet bounce. Will it replace traditional basketballs? Read more to find out.

Biology Featured

The Brain: Memories and Emotions

Have you ever wondered how your brain really functions—your thoughts, your memories and how we, humble humans, can achieve the feats we do? Well, wonder no longer, as this article will unveil how memories and emotions are created through phenomena such as active potentials and more

Chemistry Featured

Hydrogen Cars

Hydrogen powered cars present a sustainable transport alternative to electric cars. However, there are many questions to be answered: are they more environmentally friendly? Are they economically viable?

Muscle Growth: A brief guide

Introduction: The human anatomy is composed of a complex system of bones, nerves, organs, and muscles that allow us to function without much thought as to the mechanisms behind these different components of our body. Anatomy (the composition of the human body and the functions its components have) is a