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Scientists discover sugar in interstellar space
The first detection of sugar in the interstellar medium could shed more light on how life began on Earth
Structured light could deliver a new method for diagnosing eye disease
A quantum optics technique that boosts the visibility of subtle peripheral vision patterns called Boehm's brushes could provide a new test of retinal health
Research updates
Super-loud gravitational waves offer a new way to study black hole event horizons
Region near the "surface of no return" was previously only accessible with theoretical models
First medical X-ray images taken in space achieve diagnostic quality
Diagnostic X-ray images recorded during an orbital spaceflight exhibited similar contrast and spatial resolution to those taken preflight on Earth
Metasurface grating gives solar telescopes a boost
New optical device could fly on future space missions that study solar magnetic fields and space weather
Satellite-based sensor system designed to detect nuclear weapons in space
Proposed inspector satellite could one day provide a means for verifying the Outer Space Treaty
Metamaterial boosts heat transfer on the nanoscale
New finding could help improve technologies such as on-chip cooling and thermophotovoltaic systems
Powerful cosmic winds may have destroyed galaxies in the early universe
Astronomers discover a huge plume of gas streaming out of a galaxy during rapid star formation
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In the age of AI, we must double down on the skills that make us experts
Nicole Sharp says that our scientific judgement has never been more important
Evidence in action: how science helps us make better decisions
Anita Chandran reviews Beyond Belief: How Evidence Shows What Really Works by Helen Pearson
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Environmental Research: Climate, fireside chat
Explore the current state of climate research, including changes in the field over the last five years since the launch of the journal, and direct us toward the future
Read article: Environmental Research: Climate, fireside chat
From galaxies to groceries: how Sarah Bridle made the switch from cosmology to food
Gleb Yakubov talks to Sarah Bridle a physicist who has studied food at the University of York
Read article: From galaxies to groceries: how Sarah Bridle made the switch from cosmology to food
Quiz of the week: what makes strange metals so strange?
Have you been keeping up to date with physics news? Try our short quiz to find out
Read article: Quiz of the week: what makes strange metals so strange?
Word flower puzzle no. 6
How many words can you find in this puzzle?
Read article: Word flower puzzle no. 6
Redefining radiotherapy QA: meeting the needs of modern treatment workflows
Radiotherapy QA must adapt to a new era of adaptive treatments, AI and automation
Read article: Redefining radiotherapy QA: meeting the needs of modern treatment workflows
The 2026 Physics World Instrumentation & Vacuum Briefing is out now
SI units, quantum sensors, compact particle acceleration and improved radiotherapy all feature in a new free-to-read briefing
Read article: The 2026 Physics World Instrumentation & Vacuum Briefing is out now
AI’s black box problem: discovering physics we don’t understand
Claire Malone wonders what happens if AI produces answers we can’t – or don’t – understand
Read article: AI’s black box problem: discovering physics we don’t understand
Quiz of the week: what techniques can be combined to predict the frequency of extreme weather events?
Have you been keeping up to date with physics news? Try our short quiz to find out
Read article: Quiz of the week: what techniques can be combined to predict the frequency of extreme weather events?
Study reveals the energy cost of Hannibal’s Alpine crossing
The Col du Clapier route would have been the more energetically favourable
Read article: Study reveals the energy cost of Hannibal’s Alpine crossing
Frost spreads across surfaces via suspended ‘ice bridges’
Previously unknown pathway involving superhydrophobic surfaces could influence the development of new anti-icing techniques
Read article: Frost spreads across surfaces via suspended ‘ice bridges’
Does the Bullet Cluster contain a lot less dark matter than we thought?
New analysis of JWST observations suggests that the Bullet Cluster of galaxies might only have half as much dark matter as previously believed
Read article: Does the Bullet Cluster contain a lot less dark matter than we thought?
Measuring the invisible: how internal dosimetry shapes radiation protection
Assessing the impact of radiation exposure is crucial for protecting the health of workers, but expert judgement is needed to interpret the results
Read article: Measuring the invisible: how internal dosimetry shapes radiation protection
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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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From bunkers to bright spaces: the future of smart shielded radiosurgery treatment rooms
Join the audience for a live webinar at 4 p.m. GMT/5 p.m. CET on 31 March 2026
Discover how smart shielding enables bright, modern radiosurgery rooms beyond traditional bunker designs
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Innovations in Applied Mechanics 2026
23—26 September 2026 | London, UK
Innovations in Applied Mechanics brings together two previous, highly successful conferences MPSVA – Modern Practice in Stress and Vibration Analysis and DAMAS – International Conference on Damage Assessment in Structures to present research findings in stress analysis, vibration dynamics and structural damage assessment with the intention of providing directed focus on the state-of-the-art in theoretical and experimental methodology.
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