They won the 2007 Nobel prize in physics for uncovering this so-called giant magnetoresistance effect.

FORBES: Spin Is In

Over the past 30 years several new forms of magnetoresistance have been found.

ECONOMIST: Spintronics

Physicists thought that ballistic anisotropic magnetoresistance would show itself when a magnetised metal wire a few atoms across was placed in a second magnetic field.

ECONOMIST: Spintronics

It is for giant magnetoresistance the basis of modern computer hard-drive memories.

ECONOMIST: The 2007 Nobel science prizes