Phys.Org (Nov. 17) -- An extensive study by an interdisciplinary research group suggests that the deformation properties of nanocrystals are not much different from those of the Earth’s crust. Researchers representing a broad a range of disciplines contributed to the study, comparing five different experimental systems, on several different scales, with model predictions. The results should be useful for applications in materials testing, failure prediction, and hazard prevention. Also: Science Daily (Nov. 17), Science Blog (Nov. 17).