Physicists at [http://jila.colorado.edu/ JILA] have for the first time observed chemical reactions near absolute zero, demonstrating that chemistry is possible at ultralow temperatures and that reaction rates can be controlled using quantum mechanics, the peculiar rules of submicroscopic physics.

This result will help scientists understand previously unknown aspects of how molecules interact, a key to advancing biology, creating new materials, producing energy, and other research areas. The work also may provide practical tools for "designer chemistry" and other applications such as precision measurements and quantum computing. The results and techniques are described in the Feb. 12 issue of Science.