Diamonds are a computer's best friend.

• Position: Physics - Brief article

For the first time, physicists have demonstrated that information can flow through a diamond wire. In an experiment featured in the journal Nature Nanotechnology, electrons did not flow through diamond as they do in traditional electronics; rather, they stayed in place and passed along a magnetic effect called "spin" to each other down the wire--like a row of sports spectators doing "the wave."

Spin one day could be used to transmit data in computer circuits--and this experiment revealed that diamond transmits spin better than most metals in which researchers have observed the effect previously. Researchers worldwide are working to develop so-called "spintronics," which simultaneously could make computers faster and more powerful.

Diamond has a lot going for it when it comes to spintronics, indicates lead investigator Chris Hammel. It is hard, transparent, electrically insulating...