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Print edition: February 2009
Features
Electricity unplugged
In the near future, wireless electricity could replace the ubiquitous power cable. Aristeidis Karalis looks at a revolutionary new way of transmitting power without wires
The race to build a quantum computer
Quantum computation was a highly speculative enterprise facing serious technological obstacles until a shy young physicist came along. Dave Bacon tells the story of Alexei Kitaev’s big idea
Underneath the surface
From Leonardo da Vinci to Jackson Pollock, physics is shining new light on old art. Calla Cofield reports on the fertile intersection between the two cultures
Quanta
Collector's item
Einstein on the buses
Top job
Storm in a teacup
Poker face
Frontiers
Repulsive Casimir effect captured
Light mystery solved?
Simulation takes the limit off star formation
Bacteria could provide alternative energy supply
Nanowires stick to chips
News & Analysis
China to build giant radio telescope
Hidden sketches by Leonardo da Vinci revealed
Obama signals fresh approach to science
Stanford sets up $100m energy institute
Construction starts on €1bn X-ray free-electron laser
Brookhaven lab gets the nod for $900m light source
SuperB machine set to study antimatter
CERN seeks better communication
Japanese mega-lab nears completion
Top minds sought in China
US neutron source wins upgrade
Fusion ambassador
From boss of the CERN particle-physics lab to head of the UK’s fusion programme, Chris Llewellyn Smith has held some of the top jobs in physics. He talks to Michael Banks about his new roles in the ITER fusion project and a plan to help science in the Middle East
Solar power edges towards grid parity
US teenagers still discouraged from science
India targets bigger and faster grants
Editorial
Science at centre stage
Art and science
Forum
The nuclear threat: a new start
As US President Barack Obama takes office, his leadership will be needed to reduce the dangers of the world’s nuclear weapons and to stop nuclear materials from falling into rogue hands, argues Sidney Drell
Critical Point
Journeys to greatness
To practising physicists, the great equations of physics might seem obvious, logical and trivial. But to their discoverers, Robert P Crease argues, that was far from true
Feedback
RAE wranglings provoke debate
Framework faults
Hands-on innovation
Topological toys
Yours anonymously
What goes up...
More sticky memories
A modest proposal
Comments from physicsworld.com
Reviews
Web life: The Internet Plasma Physics Education Experience
Explore the physics of fusion through interactive games on a simulated tokamak
E=mc² in theory and in practice
Putting ATLAS on the map
Not forbidden fruit
Literary love
A universe of verse
Careers
The science of fine art
Working at the interface of science and art, conservation research extends our knowledge of artworks and helps keep fragile items safe for future generations. Christina Young explains how physics can help to preserve our cultural heritage
Once a physicist: Zhengrong Shi
From laser physics to solar power: the founder and chief executive of Suntech Power
Early-career scientists honoured
Winners of Liebniz Prize announced
Movers and shakers
Lateral Thoughts
What did sociologists ever do for us?
