Physics World Weekender: Celebrating World Pasta Day
A taste for anelloni
See why a new form of pasta invented by Davide Michieletto and Matthew S Turner can teach us about polymers
Noodles of fun as UK researchers create the world’s thinnest spaghetti
At 372 nanometres, the “nanopasta” is not for consumption
‘Flat-pack pasta’ morphs into 3D shapes when cooked
Tiny grooves cause flat pasta to curl up into tubes and spirals
Research updates
Doorway states spotted in graphene-based materials
Low-energy electron emission spectra depend on sample thickness
Chip-integrated nanoantenna efficiently harvests light from diamond defects
Nearly all light emitted by nitrogen-vacancy centres can be collected, providing a boost for these room-temperature quantum technology platforms
Precision sensing experiment manipulates Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle
Though the principle is not violated, a new way of fudging its restrictions could lead to improvements in ultra-precise sensing, say physicists
Eye implant restores vision to patients with incurable sight loss
A tiny wireless implant allows people with sight loss due to age-related macular degeneration to read again
Single-phonon coupler brings different quantum technologies together
Waveguide-style approach promises to pair the versatility of phononic quantum technologies with the tight control of photonic ones
Wearable UVA sensor warns about overexposure to sunlight
Device is flexible and transparent to visible light
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Jesper Grimstrup’s The Ant Mill: could his anti-string-theory rant do string theorists a favour?
Robert P Crease examines a new example of “rant lit” from Danish theorist Jesper Grimstrup
Destroyers of the world: the physicists who built nuclear weapons
Andrew Robinson reviews Destroyer of Worlds: the Deep History of the Nuclear Age 1895–1965 by Frank Close
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Read article: Performance metrics and benchmarks point the way to practical quantum advantage
Performance metrics and benchmarks point the way to practical quantum advantage
NPL is coordinating a broad-scope UK research initiative on performance metrics and benchmarking for quantum computers
Read article: Master’s programme takes microelectronics in new directions
Master’s programme takes microelectronics in new directions
Combining a solid foundation in current production technologies with the chance to explore emerging materials and structures, the course prepares students for diverse careers in mi...
Read article: Illuminating quantum worlds: a Diwali conversation with Rupamanjari Ghosh
Illuminating quantum worlds: a Diwali conversation with Rupamanjari Ghosh
The 2025 Homi Bhabha lecturer Rupamanjari Ghosh is a leading expert in quantum optics and a transformative figure in higher education and science policy in India
Read article: ‘Science needs all perspectives – male, female and everything in-between’: Brazilian astronomer Thaisa Storchi Bergmann
‘Science needs all perspectives – male, female and everything in-between’: Brazilian astronomer Thaisa Storchi Bergmann
Meghie Rodrigues talks to Brazilian astronomer Thaisa Storchi Bergmann about curiosity, black holes and current challenges in research funding
Read article: This jumping roundworm uses static electricity to attach to flying insects
This jumping roundworm uses static electricity to attach to flying insects
The parasitic roundworm Steinernema carpocapsae can leap some 25 times its body length into the air
Read article: Scientists obtain detailed maps of earthquake-triggering high-pressure subsurface fluids
Scientists obtain detailed maps of earthquake-triggering high-pressure subsurface fluids
Advanced seismic imaging techniques could improve earthquake early warning models and aid the development of next-generation geothermal power
Read article: Researchers visualize blood flow in pulsating artificial heart
Researchers visualize blood flow in pulsating artificial heart
Four-dimensional flow MRI reveals that blood flow in an artificial heart resembles that in a healthy human heart
Read article: Evo CT-Linac eases access to online adaptive radiation therapy
Evo CT-Linac eases access to online adaptive radiation therapy
The Elekta Evo provides flexible options for cancer centres looking to implement adaptive radiation therapy
Read article: Physicists explain why some fast-moving droplets stick to hydrophobic surfaces
Physicists explain why some fast-moving droplets stick to hydrophobic surfaces
New experiments and calculations could improve aerosol and microfluidic technologies while shedding more light on airborne disease transmission
Read article: Physicists achieve first entangled measurement of W states
Physicists achieve first entangled measurement of W states
Breakthrough in Japan could pave the way for robust quantum communication and scalable networks
Read article: Physicists apply quantum squeezing to a nanoparticle for the first time
Physicists apply quantum squeezing to a nanoparticle for the first time
Demonstration could shed light on the nature of the classical-quantum transition for small objects
Read article: Phase shift in optical cavities could detect low-frequency gravitational waves
Phase shift in optical cavities could detect low-frequency gravitational waves
Global network could pinpoint astronomical sources
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23 September 2025
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SEMICON Europa
18 — 21 November 2025 | Munich, Germany
SEMICON Europa 2025 is co-located with productronica and will take place in in Munich, Germany. This year’s theme “Global Collaborations for European Economic Resilience” expresses that global collaborations are not just beneficial for Europe’s resilience, they are essential. In today’s interconnected world, Europe cannot afford to operate in isolation. By working closely with other nations, Europe can safeguard its prosperity, sustainability, and security for future generations.
This approach will enable the industry to create a future where technological innovations and environmental sustainability thrive together.
We are thrilled to meet you this year!
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