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Print edition: April 2003
Features
The cosmic microwave background
The Universe is surprisingly easy to model but difficult to understand
Are the laws of nature changing with time?
The fine-structure constant might not be constant after all
Physics in Action
Making light of a difficult phase
A new technique can produce attosecond light pulses that could be used to control electrons
Astrophysics and air travel
A proportional counter that mimics human tissue can measure cosmic-radiation exposure at high altitudes
Exploding excited electron bubbles
First observations of excited electron bubbles in superfluid helium reveal puzzling features
When photonic crystals meet Fibonacci
Photonic crystals based on the Fibonacci sequence could be the optical chips of the future
Optical microscopy sets new record
Post-deadline
Tapping in to the brain
Just add water to make a new superconductor
Hydrogen-7 makes its debut in the lab
News & Analysis
Mixed fortunes for Daresbury...
Stage set for Meitner's Swedish debut
Lift-off for SIRTF mission
ALMA gets the all clear
Physicists turn on the charm
US starts up missile defences
Can diamond now be a superconductor?
Run II overcomes obstacles at Fermilab
Particle pioneer takes centre stage
Islamic debate on science
Cosmologist arrested in war protest
Europe suffers brain drain
Literary acclaim for physicist
Ig Nobels prove to be more than a joke
Strings take to the stage
Rutherford embarks on ambitious construction project
Editorial
Physics and industry
Under-investment and a shortage of physics graduates are bad news for physics- based industries
Physics around the world
Forum
Setting new sights for the ICTP
Critical Point
Reviews
Four colours and one zero
Why are just four colours needed to fill in a map?
Exploring the potential of superconductivity
A new handbook for superconductivity
Losing individuality in a quantum realm
Shared identitity - quantum objects are always the same
Careers
Adventures of a tough teacher
Lateral Thoughts
Confessions of an eclipse consultant
