Editor's choice
Loop quantum cosmology may explain smoothness of cosmic microwave background
Repulsive gravity at the quantum scale would have flattened out inhomogeneities in the early universe
European centre celebrates 50 years at the forefront of weather forecasting
Andy Brown at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts discusses the growing impact of AI and machine-learning on forecasting
Research updates
Axion quasiparticle appears in a topological antiferromagnet
New finding could aid the search for fundamental axions, say physicists
Fluid electrodes make soft, stretchable batteries
New structure might be used in next-generation wearable electronics
Exoplanet could be in a perpendicular orbit around two brown dwarfs
Observation expands the diversity of known planetary systems
Photonic computer chips perform as well as purely electronic counterparts, say researchers
New light-based chips could boost machine leaning
Brain region used for speech decoding also supports BCI cursor control
Clinical case study provides step towards a multimodal brain–computer interface that combines speech decoding with computer control via cursor and click
Layer-spintronics makes its debut
New technique does away with the need for strong magnetic fields to control spin currents
Celebrating the best of Critical Point
Critical Point has appeared in Physics World magazine since May 2000, written by science historian and philosopher Robert P Crease. Enjoy our pick of the best columns, which bring the perspective of an outsider looking in on the “workshop of science”.
Physics World podcasts
The latest opinion and reviews
Vapourware and unobtanium: why overselling is not (always) a good idea
Honor Powrie warns of the danger of “overselling” in the world of business
Mathematical genius: celebrating the life and work of Emmy Noether
Isabel Rabey reviews Einstein’s Tutor: the Story of Emmy Noether and the Invention of Modern Physics by Lee Philips
Physics World podcast
Explore our two regular podcast series! Physics World Weekly looks at the latest events and headlines in physics, as well as featuring short interviews with scientists and our team of journalists. Physics World Stories takes a more in-depth look at a topic.
Read more of our latest articles
Read article: MR QA from radiotherapy perspective
MR QA from radiotherapy perspective
Learn how to approach the QA of MRI with some practical examples for your MR Linac and your MR simulator
Read article: General Fusion lays off staff due to ‘unexpected and urgent financing constraints’
General Fusion lays off staff due to ‘unexpected and urgent financing constraints’
Canadian firm says it is needs to “navigate a difficult environment”
Read article: Organic magic: Ji-Seon Kim on how carbon-based semiconductors are shaping our present and future
Organic magic: Ji-Seon Kim on how carbon-based semiconductors are shaping our present and future
Ji-Seon Kim talks about the transformative potential of carbon-based semiconductors and the benefits of tangible experiences in the lab
Read article: The mechanics behind rose petal shapes revealed
The mechanics behind rose petal shapes revealed
It’s all about geometric frustrations
Read article: Curiouser and curiouser: delving into quantum Cheshire cats
Curiouser and curiouser: delving into quantum Cheshire cats
Iulia Georgescu tumbles down the rabbit-hole to explore the curiosity that is a quantum Cheshire cat
Read article: India must boost investment in quantum technologies to become world leader, says report
India must boost investment in quantum technologies to become world leader, says report
First report by the National Quantum Mission also warns that India needs to improve its quantum security
Read article: New research suggests gravity might emerge from quantum information theory
New research suggests gravity might emerge from quantum information theory
Theoretical study offers novel insights into the nature of spacetime and matter interactions
Read article: Ask me anything: Hannah Earley – ‘I love theory, but seeing an idea get closer and closer to reality is great’
Ask me anything: Hannah Earley – ‘I love theory, but seeing an idea get closer and closer to reality is great’
Vaire Computing co-founder and chief technical officer Hannah Earley discusses the challenges and rewards of life at an early-stage start-up
Read article: Quantum transducer enables optical control of a superconducting qubit
Quantum transducer enables optical control of a superconducting qubit
Physicists create the first device that can control a superconducting microwave qubit using only light
Read article: Solar wind burst caused a heatwave on Jupiter
Solar wind burst caused a heatwave on Jupiter
New analysis of 2017 data suggest that the Jovian atmosphere is not as self-contained as scientists thought
Read article: Light-activated pacemaker is smaller than a grain of rice
Light-activated pacemaker is smaller than a grain of rice
The world’s smallest temporary pacemaker is self-powered, optically controlled and dissolves when it’s no longer needed
Read article: Driving skills and innovation in the UK’s semiconductor industry
Driving skills and innovation in the UK’s semiconductor industry
This podcast features the director of Swansea’s Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials
Read article: Harvard University sues Trump administration as attacks on US science deepen
Harvard University sues Trump administration as attacks on US science deepen
Harvard University is suing the US government over its plan to block up to $9bn of government research grants to the institution
Read article: Spectacular images of the cosmos released to celebrate Hubble’s 35 years in orbit
Spectacular images of the cosmos released to celebrate Hubble’s 35 years in orbit
A series of spectacular images of the cosmos has been released to celebrate the Hubble Space Telescope's 35 years in space
Read article: Speedy worms behave like active polymers in disordered mazes
Speedy worms behave like active polymers in disordered mazes
The presence of disorder causes worms to speed up, not slow down – a surprising result with applications in robotics
Read article: Superconducting device delivers ultrafast changes in magnetic field
Superconducting device delivers ultrafast changes in magnetic field
System could provide important insights into the dynamics of magnetic materials
Read article: How to support colleagues who are dealing with personal issues
How to support colleagues who are dealing with personal issues
Catilin Duffy says that a few simple steps can help when supporting struggling colleagues
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For more than 60 years, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has applied science and technology to make the world a safer place. Its defining responsibility is ensuring the safety, security and reliability of the nation’s nuclear deterrent
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Start-stop operation and the degradation impact in electrolysis
26 February 2025
Join this webinar by The Electrochemical Society to explore the impact of intermittent operation on electrolyzer degradation
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31 March — 4 April 2025 | Dresden, Germany
This one-week workshop will bring together the communities interested in flat bands of moiré structures and frustrated-lattice materials on the one hand, and strongly correlated electron systems anchored by f-electron materials on the other, with Kondo physics serving as an intellectual link.
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