Story perspectives

Researchers Discover Water's Critical Phase at Low Temperatures

3/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

Stockholm University researchers identified a critical point where water has two liquid phases at low temperature and high-pressure.
The finding, published in Science, explains water's anomalous behavior, including expansion below 39 degrees Fahrenheit.
The study used ultra-fast X-ray lasers to observe water before freezing and capture its dynamics.
Anders Nilsson, co-author, said the critical point could clarify water's unusual properties.
Robin Tyburski compared the near-critical region to a black hole.

1 of 1

Story summary

Stockholm University researchers identified a critical point where water has two liquid phases at low temperature and high-pressure.
The finding, published in Science, explains water's anomalous behavior, including expansion below 39 degrees Fahrenheit.
The study used ultra-fast X-ray lasers to observe water before freezing and capture its dynamics.
Anders Nilsson, co-author, said the critical point could clarify water's unusual properties.
Robin Tyburski compared the near-critical region to a black hole.