The realization of so-called topological materials – which exhibit exotic, defect-resistant properties – has opened up a new realm in materials discovery.

Several of the hotly studied topological materials to date are known as topological insulators. Their surfaces are expected to conduct electricity with very little resistance, somewhat akin to superconductors but without the need for incredibly chilly temperatures, while their interiors do not conduct current.

A team of researchers working at the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) discovered the strongest topological conductor yet, in the form of thin crystal samples that have a spiral-staircase structure. The team’s study of crystals, dubbed topological chiral crystals, is reported in the journal Nature. (1)

We try to find ways to conduct electricity better through the materials we build. But the best way not to block the flow of something is not to build anything in its path in the first place.

We have split the cosmos into pieces.

And we try to find our way from one piece to the other.

But what is the next number of zero?

Strange.

Can you find the next number of one?

Ask simple questions.

And your inability to answer will guide you through the dark forest of knowledge…

It used to be an illuminated forest.

Full of the light of ignorance.

But you chose to illuminate it. And everything went dark.

One step…

Two steps…

Three steps…

Strange.

From the moment I started walking…

It feels like I am not walking at all…