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Nature 413, 260-261 (20 September 2001) | doi:10.1038/35095141

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Surface physics: A new crack at friction

David A. Kessler

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One of the dirty little secrets of physics is that there is no generally accepted explanation of the basic laws of friction. An advance in the theory of cracks will stimulate fresh thinking on the question.

Friction is a ubiquitous feature of everyday life. Without it, we couldn't walk, tyres wouldn't roll, and ballpoint pens would fail to write.