Citation: Why petting your cat leads to static electricity (2024, September 18 ... A new quantum dot photoreductant uses 99% less light energy for organic reactions. Jul 3, 2025.

But, while static electricity may be cute to think about when petting a cat, sparks can result in industrial fires and explosions. It can also hinder consistent dosing for powdered pharmaceuticals.

Static electricity was first observed in 600 B.C., but researchers have struggled to explain how rubbing causes it. In 2019, researchers discovered nanosized surface deformations at play. The same ...

Tech & Science Why petting your cat leads to static electricity. It would now appear, according to Northwestern researchers, that nanosized surface deformations are a factor.

Shear: the secret behind static. Greek philosopher Thales of Miletus first reported friction-induced static electricity in 600 BC. After rubbing amber with fur, he noticed the fur attracted dust.