Robert Matthews

Physicist

After studying physics at Oxford, Robert became a science writer. He’s visiting professor in science at Aston University.

Recent articles by Robert Matthews

Why is the sky blue? © Getty Images

Why is the sky blue?

What makes soup explode in the microwave? © Getty Images

Everyday science

What makes soup explode in the microwave?

Trainor_large

From microbiome to mental health The second brain in your gut

What would you see if you could travel at the speed of light? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Why does light travel faster than sound?

What’s the most abundant particle in the Universe? © Getty Images

What’s the most abundant particle in the Universe?

Blue glowing multidimensional object in space, computer generated abstract background, 3D rendering

Everyday science

Is there a fourth dimension?

Why can’t we fly planes into space? © Getty Images

Why can’t we fly planes into space?

How does water evaporate without boiling? © Getty Images

Everyday science

How does water evaporate without boiling?

Is there any hope of curing diabetes? © Getty Images

Is there any hope of curing diabetes?

How is sound created when two objects collide? © Getty Images

Everyday science

How is sound created when two objects collide?

Why does a little bit of moisture make your hands sticky, but a large amount makes them slippery? © Dan Bright

Everyday science

Why does a little bit of moisture make your hands sticky, but a large amount makes them slippery?

Where does the colour go when a material fades in the Sun? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Where does the colour go when a material fades in the Sun?

My mum always beats me at Monopoly and insists on doing an embarrassing ‘victory twerk’. How can I win? © Dan Bright

Everyday science

My mum always beats me at Monopoly and insists on doing an embarrassing ‘victory twerk’. How can I win?

Why does blowing hard on our hands cool them, but just breathing on them warm them? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Why does blowing hard on our hands cool them, but just breathing on them warm them?

Does sound travel further on foggy days? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Does sound travel further on foggy days?