Putting Liquids Under Molecular-Scale Confinement

When a liquid is confined, for example, between two surfaces, its properties change as the confined region approaches molecular dimensions. Such confinement-induced changes play an important role in diverse areas from geology to biology. In their Perspective, [Israelachvili and Gourdon][1] highlight the report by [ Heuberger et al .][2], who have devised an extended surface forces apparatus (eSFA) that allows highly accurate measurements of the forces and densities of confined liquids. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/292/5518/867 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/292/5518/905