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National Science Foundation’s X-Labs initiative draws fire as ‘terrible idea’
Criticism comes from former presidential science adviser and NSF director Neal Lane
‘Back to the future’ messages are more efficient
Closed time-like curves allow greater information capacity when sending messages backwards in time
Research updates
Mouldable glass screen could make mammograms clearer and much more comfortable
New device produces higher-resolution X-ray images using a much lower dose of radiation
Affordable AI-powered endomicroscope lines up for early cancer detection
Handheld imaging device combines advanced optics with deep learning to enable early detection of epithelial cancers
New model of ocean waves sheds fresh light on the spread of microplastic pollution
Waves that decay over time can transport particles vertically as well as horizontally
‘Superallowed’ alpha decay seen for the first time
Observations could help us better understand how alpha particles form inside atomic nuclei
Can we create a shield to protect Earth from solar storms?
A space-based system could help deflect potentially catastrophic interplanetary weather
Encapsulation enhances surface structure imaging of 2D quantum material
New technique allows researchers to probe the top layer of an atomically thin topological quantum material for the first time
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Meet the demons: four mythical creatures that inhabit science
Scientists can learn a lot from diabolical creatures, Robert P Crease reveals
An open access future is only possible by addressing its problems
AI offers a challenge to the open-access business
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Quiz of the week: what are researchers using to detect the motion of silent whales?
Have you been keeping up to date with physics news? Try our short quiz to find out
Read article: Quiz of the week: what are researchers using to detect the motion of silent whales?
From ideas to industry: a theoretical physicist’s journey into Silicon Valley
From a classroom science demonstration to using quantum optics to improve the energy efficiency of deep learning – Ryan Hamerly on his career path
Read article: From ideas to industry: a theoretical physicist’s journey into Silicon Valley
‘Amaze, amaze, amaze’: in Project Hail Mary, science and friendship save the day
Andrew Glester and Tushna Commissariat delve into the science and story of Project Hail Mary
Read article: ‘Amaze, amaze, amaze’: in Project Hail Mary, science and friendship save the day
UTC Quantum Center: collaboration turns quantum discovery into quantum impact
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga signals its quantum ambitions
Read article: UTC Quantum Center: collaboration turns quantum discovery into quantum impact
Quiz of the week: how do scientists hope to protect Earth from dangerous solar storms?
Have you been keeping up to date with physics news? Try our short quiz to find out
Read article: Quiz of the week: how do scientists hope to protect Earth from dangerous solar storms?
Mass spectrometry delivers fusion insights
A quadrupole mass analyser designed for fusion research combines radiation hardness with the ability to distinguish between the light atomic species involved in the nuclear reactio...
Read article: Mass spectrometry delivers fusion insights
Physics World’s Margaret Harris honoured for ‘Feature of the Year’
Exploration of quirky Nobel prizes bags ABSW award
Read article: Physics World’s Margaret Harris honoured for ‘Feature of the Year’
A demon of a puzzle: interactive cryptic crossword
Try this thermodynamics-themed cryptic crossword, republished in interactive form
Read article: A demon of a puzzle: interactive cryptic crossword
Cosmic crisis averted as supernovae put dark energy back on track
New study confirms accelerating expansion of the universe
Read article: Cosmic crisis averted as supernovae put dark energy back on track
Quiz of the week: what’s the secret to the Venus flytrap’s swift closure?
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Read article: Quiz of the week: what’s the secret to the Venus flytrap’s swift closure?
New class of magnons live a hundred times longer
Discovery could help in the development of on-chip quantum information technologies that can be scaled down to the nanoscale
Read article: New class of magnons live a hundred times longer
Word wave puzzle no.5
Can you work out the word in this puzzle?
Read article: Word wave puzzle no.5
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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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From bunkers to bright spaces: the future of smart shielded radiosurgery treatment rooms
Join the audience for a live webinar at 4 p.m. GMT/5 p.m. CET on 31 March 2026
Discover how smart shielding enables bright, modern radiosurgery rooms beyond traditional bunker designs
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Innovations in Applied Mechanics 2026
23—26 September 2026 | London, UK
Innovations in Applied Mechanics brings together two previous, highly successful conferences MPSVA – Modern Practice in Stress and Vibration Analysis and DAMAS – International Conference on Damage Assessment in Structures to present research findings in stress analysis, vibration dynamics and structural damage assessment with the intention of providing directed focus on the state-of-the-art in theoretical and experimental methodology.
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