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Fluid gears make their debut
New work could promote the development of next-generation machines without mechanical interlocking teeth
New quantum-enabled proteins could improve biosensing
Researchers use directed evolution to create magneto-sensitive fluorescent proteins that can interact with magnetic fields and radio waves
Research updates
Samples from the far side of the Moon shed light on lunar asymmetry
Unusual isotopic ratio in samples brought back by Chang'e-6 reveals clues about the early history of Earth's satellite
Unusual astronomical event might be a ‘superkilonova’
Merger of two neutron stars in the aftermath of a supernova may have been observed for the first time, though questions remain
Pockets and pillars capture ricocheting molecules in vacuum pump
Passive system could give quantum sensors a boost
Metasurfaces create super-sized neutral atom arrays for quantum computing
Technique lays the groundwork for neutral-atom quantum computers with more than 100,000 qubits, say physicists
Schrödinger cat state sets new size record
Clusters containing thousands of metal atoms obey the laws of quantum mechanics, say physicists
Interactions between dark matter and neutrinos could resolve a cosmic discrepancy
Finding challenges the standard model of cosmology
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The pros and cons of patenting
Honor Powrie reveals her love–hate relationship with patents
The Future Circular Collider is unduly risky – CERN needs a ‘Plan B’
Michael Riordan calls on CERN to face financial and geopolitical reality
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Earth, air, fire, water: the growing links between climate change and geophysical hazards
Scientists are uncovering how climate change influences seismic activity, volcanic hazards and extreme weather, as Michael Allen uncovers
Read article: Earth, air, fire, water: the growing links between climate change and geophysical hazards
CERN upgrade to LHCb experiment threatened by UK funding cuts
Upgrade to the UK-led project is unlikely to go ahead if UK funding cuts are not reversed
Read article: CERN upgrade to LHCb experiment threatened by UK funding cuts
The 10th annual Physics World Careers guide showcases job options for physicists
Boost your career by checking out the free-to-read 96-page digital guide
Read article: The 10th annual Physics World Careers guide showcases job options for physicists
Joined-up thinking in quantum metrology: why collaboration is the secret of success
NPL has joined forces with other leading National Metrology Institutes to shape the international standards effort in quantum technologies
Read article: Joined-up thinking in quantum metrology: why collaboration is the secret of success
Using AI boosts scientific productivity and career prospects, finds study
Yet the work shows that using AI can lead to a shrinking of research focus
Read article: Using AI boosts scientific productivity and career prospects, finds study
Implanted electrodes provide intuitive control of prosthetic hand
Signals recorded by implanted electrodes enable accurate prosthetic control of hand and wrist movements under real-world conditions
Read article: Implanted electrodes provide intuitive control of prosthetic hand
New cosmic map will put dark-matter theories to the test
COSMOS-Web uses JWST’s enhanced imaging capabilities
Read article: New cosmic map will put dark-matter theories to the test
Top-cited authors from India and North America share their tips for early-career researchers
Pointers on how to boost the impact of your work
Read article: Top-cited authors from India and North America share their tips for early-career researchers
Twenty-three nominations, yet no Nobel prize: how Chien-Shiung Wu missed out on the top award in physics
Mats Larsson and Ramon Wyss reveal why Chien-Shiung Wu never won a Nobel prize
Read article: Twenty-three nominations, yet no Nobel prize: how Chien-Shiung Wu missed out on the top award in physics
Multi-ion cancer therapy tackles the LET trilemma
Particle therapy using a mix of carbon-, oxygen- and neon-ion beams helps tune the fine balance between range robustness, uniform dose and high linear energy transfer
Read article: Multi-ion cancer therapy tackles the LET trilemma
New project takes aim at theory-experiment gap in materials data
MaterialsGalaxy platform will reduce unhelpful “silos” within the field, say scientists
Read article: New project takes aim at theory-experiment gap in materials data
Cavity-based X-ray laser delivers high-quality pulses
Electron undulator amplifies X-ray beam
Read article: Cavity-based X-ray laser delivers high-quality pulses
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Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
For more than 60 years, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has applied science and technology to make the world a safer place. Its defining responsibility is ensuring the safety, security and reliability of the nation’s nuclear deterrent
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Reversible degradation phenomenon in PEMWE cells
Join the audience for a live webinar at 6 p.m. GMT/1 p.m. EST on 4 February 2026
Sponsored by The Electrochemical Society, Hiden Analytical, Scribner Associates, Gamry Instruments
Investigate how voltage dips below 1.5 V trigger reversible PEMWE performance gains, driven by iridium oxidation dynamics and reaction kinetics
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Food Physics 2026
4—5 February 2026 | Leeds, UK
Physics plays a crucial role in the design of delicious, healthy, and nutritious food and beverages. This annual conference, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2026, brings together academics and industry professionals to share the latest developments and explore opportunities for physicists to tackle multidisciplinary challenges. These challenges range from sustainability to food manufacturing and the design of multiphase microstructures.
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