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Shedding new light on oil slick rainbows and other thin film physics

Shedding new light on oil slick rainbows and other thin film physics

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This microscope image shows rainbow colors in a flat sheet of layered liquids. Credit: David Hoffman/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory When sunlight reflects off an oily puddle in a parking lot, it creates a swirling rainbow of colors. This is because of the thin film interference principle, which explains how light reflects off different layers, or …

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Does the film around detergent pods really biodegrade? A debate rages.

Does the film around detergent pods really biodegrade? A debate rages.

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Comment this story Comment Easy-to-use detergent pods have become ubiquitous in American homes, containing just the right combination and the right amount of cleaning agents to leave clothes fresh and dishes sparkling. But now a debate rages over whether they can contribute to the growing problem of plastic pollution that threatens human health and the …

Does the film around detergent pods really biodegrade? A debate rages. Read More »