Features
Putting Mechanics into Quantum Mechanics
Nanoelectromechanical
structures are starting to approach the ultimate quantum mechanical limits for detecting and
exciting motion at the nanoscale. Nonclassical states of a mechanical resonator are also
on the horizon — Keith C. Schwab and Michael L. Roukes
The Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics of Small Systems 
The interactions of tiny objects with their environments
are dominated by thermal fluctuations. Guided by theory and assisted by new micromanipulation
tools, scientists have begun to study such interactions in detail — Carlos Bustamante,
Jan Liphardt,
and Felix Ritort
Physics and the Real World
No current physics experiment or theory explains the nature—or
even the existence—
of emotions, money, fine art, football games, or people. What can
physics say about such things? — George F. R. Ellis
A Physics Songbag
The editors of PHYSICS TODAY take you on a shuffle and a dip
into the long tradition
of giving a lyrical voice to science. This grab bag of songs concludes
with a lyric-writing contest.
Departments
Books
Math and the Mona Lisa: The Art and Science of Leonardo
da Vinci,
B. Atalay (reviewed by A. E. Shapiro)
Zoological Physics: Quantitative Models of Body Design, Actions, and Physical Limitations of Animals,
B. K. Ahlborn (reviewed
by M. LaBarbera)
A Concise History of Solar and Stellar Physics, J.-L. Tassoul and M.
Tassoul (reviewed by K. Phillips)
Structured Fluids: Polymers, Colloids, Surfactants,
T. A. Witten with
P. A. Pincus, (reviewed by D. Weitz)
An Introduction to Materials Science,
W. González-Viñas and H. L. Mancini (reviewed by C. L. Cahill)
New Books
