Ancient Greeks discovered that when animal fur and amber were rubbed together, the fur could be used to attract feathers, glass dust and other lightweight objects. It wasn’t until 1600 AD, however, ...

Ticks can be attracted across air gaps several times larger than themselves by the static electricity that their hosts naturally accumulate, researchers at the University of Bristol have discovered.

Caterpillars respond defensively to electric fields similar to those emitted by their natural predators, scientists have found. Caterpillars respond defensively to electric fields similar to those ...

MINNEAPOLIS — When someone touches something and gets shocked, it's awkward and a bit painful. What causes static electricity? And what actually happens when you get shocked? Visitors of the ...

Static electricity was first observed in 600 B.C., but researchers have struggled to explain how rubbing causes it. In 2019, researchers discovered nanosized surface deformations at play. The same ...

Door handles, taps, playground slides, furry pets… Getting zapped by static electricity is a common experience. But the physics that causes the spark is surprisingly intricate. If you're getting ...

WASHINGTON — Your skin is dry, lips are chapped and you are constantly being shocked when you open doors, touch your dog or go in for a kiss from your partner. But why? These are all impacts from cold ...

The triboelectric effect, also known as triboelectric charging, is a fascinating phenomenon that occurs when certain materials come into contact and then separate, resulting in an exchange of electric ...

Caterpillars respond defensively to electric fields similar to those emitted by their natural predators, scientists at the University of Bristol have found. In the study, published today in the ...

Student hosts and scientists explore the shocking magic of static electricity hands-on. HudsonAlpha’s Neil Lamb and student host Sophia are feeling electric as they explore the “magic” of static ...