Boiling water minus the bubbles

University of Melbourne researchers have found a way to stop liquid from bubbling when heated. They have engineered a textured steel surface which produces no bubbles when water is boiled, reducing damage to surfaces and preventing explosions.

“This would be advantageous for use in industrial situations such as nuclear power plants, where vapour explosions are best avoided, or where gentle heating is desirable,” said Professor Derek Chan, of the university’s department of mathematics and statistics.