Gas bubbles are perfectly spherical because this shape offers a minimal surface for any given volume. Even when two bubbles are merging, the results is a larger sphere. But now, researchers from Harvard University have found a way to build stable 'armored' bubbles with non-spherical shapes. They can obtain peapod-, doughnut- and sausage-shaped bubbles by "coating ordinary gas bubbles with a tightly packed layer of tiny particles and then fusing them." This new process might lead to new textures for ice creams or shaving foams and could even be used for delivering drugs. Read more for other details, pictures and references.
Sources: Harvard University news release, via EurekAlert!December 14, 2005; and various web sites
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