Print edition: August 2003
Features
Quantum criticality in metals
Phase transitions that occur at absolute zero have an impact at much higher temperatures
How particles can be therapeutic
Subatomic particles are proving highly effective in the treatment of cancer
X-rays pinpoint tumour targets
Developments in intensity-modulated radiation therapy
From the laboratory to the patient
Turning medical-physics research into products that hospitals will buy
Lighting up medicine with lasers
Lasers play a central role in modern medicine
The mechanical body
Biomechanics is a hot topic in biomedical engineering
Wanted: multi-talented physicists
A brief history of positron-emission tomography
A brief history of CT
A brief history of ultrasound
A brief history of MRI
Physics in Action
Magnetic angle for gamma rays
The discovery of polarized gamma-ray bursts suggests that they are powered by strong magnetic fields in the explosions of massive stars
Extraterrestrial plasma crystals
Dusty-plasma experiments on the space station reveal 3D crystal growth in zero gravity
Post-deadline
Super-fast microscope rides high
Amino acid found in deep space
Cosmic mirage
News & Analysis
Pentaquarks arrive en masse
Superheavy elements: nuclear physicists confirm discovery of element 110
Gang of four head west
Astronomy is stellar field for younger women
Hawking's big night out
A smart way to the Moon
High hopes for extreme magnetic fields
Quickening the pulse in fusion research
Korea joins push for fusion
Gran Sasso plumbs new depths
UK industry given nanotech boost
New BNFL boss faces testing time
Playing Havok with physics
Max Planck institutes face restructure
X-ray firm eyes medicine
Particles win prizes
New mission for former NASA boss
Background man in the foreground
A cosmic approach to research funding
Editorial
Critical Point
Feedback
Women and work
Reviews
Diving down in search of utopia
Adventures of a 19-th century submariner
Cosmic consequences of an odd noise
A breezy and engaging introduction to the basics of cosmology
Careers
How to become a life-saver
Lateral Thoughts
Alcohol and physics seemed a good idea