First steps of water condensation observed

Water molecules condensing on a surface have been 'watched' for the first time under ambient conditions. The US team conducting the research found that the first two layers - each two molecules thick - form as ice, with subsequent layers forming into liquid droplets. 

Since water is present on most surfaces, the findings could have important impacts in many fields, from understanding erosion and rain precipitation to the development of semiconductors or nanotechnology.  More...

http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2010/September/03091001.asp