Physics World Weekender
Physics and painting
Robert P Crease looks at how physics has influenced several artistic movements
The physics behind ‘fractal painting’ revealed
The technique involves mixing colourful inks with alcohol and applying it to a surface coated with a layer of acrylic paint
Research updates
Single silicon chip processes optical and microwave signals
Researchers create a photonic engine that can manipulate microwave and optical signals and convert the signals between the two domains
Statistical physics reveals how ‘condenser’ occupations limit worker mobility
New statistical physics analysis of the French labour market could improve the efficiency of employment markets and help workers adapt to shocks like technological change or econom...
Micronozzle could give laser-driven particle accelerators a boost
Simulations suggest that new design could deliver gigaelectronvolt protons
Ultrafast PET imaging could shed light on cardiac and neurological disease
An ultrasensitive small-animal PET scanner can image the entire body of a rat with sub-second temporal resolution
Cosmic conflict continues: new data fuel the Hubble tension debate
New measurements of the universe’s expansion using James Webb Space Telescope appear to resolve the Hubble constant conflict – or do they?
Conflicting measurements of helium’s charge radius may be reconciled by new calculations
Theorists move quickly to explain discrepancy
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Physics World podcasts
The latest opinion and reviews
Delving into the scientific mind, astronomy’s happy accidents, lit science experiments at home, the art of NASA: micro reviews of recent books
Condensed natter: Physics World editors give their compressed verdicts on top new books
‘The Trump uncertainty principle’ is destroying the position and momentum of US science
The Trump administration is ripping US science apart, warns Robert P Crease
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: Large-scale commercial applications of quantum computing remain a distant promise, claims report
Large-scale commercial applications of quantum computing remain a distant promise, claims report
Inaugural MIT Quantum Index Report finds that venture capital funding is providing billions of dollars into the field
Read article: Students mark Jodrell Bank anniversary with epic LEGO model of the Lovell Telescope
Students mark Jodrell Bank anniversary with epic LEGO model of the Lovell Telescope
The model will now go on display at the University of Manchester's Schuster Building
Read article: Nanostructured plastics deliver energy innovation
Nanostructured plastics deliver energy innovation
US company Peak Nano has engineered thin films of layered polymers to enhance the performance and extend the lifetime of high-voltage capacitors for critical electrical infrastructure
Read article: New optical cryostat combines high cooling capacity, low vibrations and large sample area
New optical cryostat combines high cooling capacity, low vibrations and large sample area
Pulse-tube cryocooler and innovative design deliver shorter cooling times and larger experimental payloads
Read article: Harnessing the power of light for healthcare
Harnessing the power of light for healthcare
Nick Stone discusses some of the many ways in which light can be used for diagnostic and therapeutic applications
Read article: Vera C Rubin Observatory reveals its first spectacular images of the cosmos
Vera C Rubin Observatory reveals its first spectacular images of the cosmos
Pictures include the Trifid and Lagoon nebulas and the Virgo cluster
Read article: Simulation of capsule implosions during laser fusion wins Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion Outstanding Paper Prize
Simulation of capsule implosions during laser fusion wins Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion Outstanding Paper Prize
The work is an important step to understanding the physics at the heart of inertial confinement fusion
Read article: AI algorithms in radiology: how to identify and prevent inadvertent bias
AI algorithms in radiology: how to identify and prevent inadvertent bias
A multidisciplinary research team shares tips on how to mitigate bias in artificial intelligence models used in radiology
Read article: Laser World of Photonics showcases cutting-edge optical innovation
Laser World of Photonics showcases cutting-edge optical innovation
Attendees at this year’s Laser World of Photonics trade show can discover the latest trends in photonics technology, attend workshops and technical presentations, and interact wi...
Read article: Liquid carbon reveals its secrets
Liquid carbon reveals its secrets
Researchers characterize the structure of liquid carbon for the first time, thanks to experiments at the European XFEL
Read article: Tiny laser delivers high-quality, narrowband light for metrology
Tiny laser delivers high-quality, narrowband light for metrology
Laser diode device enables rapid measurement
Read article: Astronomers capture spectacular ‘thousand colour’ image of the Sculptor Galaxy
Astronomers capture spectacular ‘thousand colour’ image of the Sculptor Galaxy
The image revealed around 500 planetary nebulae that can be used as distance markers to their host galaxies
Read article: US astronomy facing ‘extinction level’ event following Trump’s 2026 budget request
US astronomy facing ‘extinction level’ event following Trump’s 2026 budget request
US president Trump sets out his budget request for 2026, which if passed, will see science hit like never before, as Peter Gwynne reports
Read article: Short-lived eclipsing binary pulsar spotted in Milky Way
Short-lived eclipsing binary pulsar spotted in Milky Way
Rare sighting could allow astronomers to test theories of binary star systems
Read article: How quantum sensors could improve human health and wellbeing
How quantum sensors could improve human health and wellbeing
Matt Jones explores the opportunities that quantum physics offers for the healthcare sector
Read article: Handheld device captures airborne signs of disease
Handheld device captures airborne signs of disease
Portable biomarker detector could also be used in non-contact diagnostics
Read article: ‘Can’t get you out of my head’: using earworms to teach physics
‘Can’t get you out of my head’: using earworms to teach physics
Physics teacher Kate Urell uses catchy tunes to help her students remember their lessons
Read article: Yale researcher says levitated spheres could spot neutrinos ‘within months’
Yale researcher says levitated spheres could spot neutrinos ‘within months’
David Moore claims his table-top set-up is on the cusp of detecting ghostly particles, reports Matin Durrani
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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
Stay up to date with the latest international conferences, symposia and exhibitions for interdisciplinary scientists working across academic research and industry
Flat Bands, Strong Correlations, and Heavy Fermions
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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