capacity. ... "Light is usually very fast, but the structures I created can slow broadband light significantly," says Gan. "It's as though I can hold [emphasis mine] the light in my hand." I like the notion of 'holding' a rainbow better than 'trapping' one. (ETA April 18, 2011: The original sentence, now placed at the end of this posting, has been replaced with this: There's a big difference between the two verbs, trapping and holding and each implies a difference relationship to the object. Which would you prefer, to be trapped or to be held? What does it mean to the one who does the trapping or the holding? Two difference relationships to the object and to the role of a scientist are implied. It's believed that the metaphors we use when describing science have a powerful impact on how science is viewed and practiced. One example I have at hand is a study by Kevin Dunbar mentioned in my Jan. 4, 2010 posting (scroll down) where he illustrates how scientists use metaphors to achieve scientific breakthroughs. Logically, if metaphors help us achieve breakthroughs, then they are quite capable of constraining us as well. Meanwhile, this gives me an excuse to include this video of a Hawaiian singer, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole and his extraordinary version of Somewhere over the Rainbow. Happy Weekend! The original (April 15, 2011) sentence: It's more gentle and implies a more humble attitude and I suspect it would ultimately prove more fruitful.