The growth in “open-science hardware”, which is letting scientists in developing nations get their hands on cost-effective hi-tech equipment, is the cover story of Physics World magazine – out now in print and digital format.
The August 2018 issue also looks at how measurements of ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays are testing our understanding of high-energy physics, as well as how analogue systems are shedding light on monopoles and black holes.
Elsewhere, discover our tips to create a fulfilling career and don’t miss our reviews of two great new biopics: one of actor-turned-scientist Hedy Lamarr and the other of Pakistani Nobel laureate Abdus Salam.
Remember that if you are a member of the Institute of Physics, you can read the whole of Physics World magazine every month via our digital apps for iOS, Android and Web browsers.
For the record, here’s a run-down of what else is in the issue.
• China targets gravitational-wave missions – The National Space Science Center in Beijing has announced the development of two space-based missions, including a fully fledged gravitational-wave detector, as Ling Xin reports
• Investing in the climate – Quintin Rayer and Richard Millar say that individual investors can play their part in encouraging firms to address climate change
• Running for office – Robert P Crease meets a physicist who is trying to get into politics – and finds out what you need to succeed
• AC/DC lessons – James McKenzie reveals what we can learn from the “current wars” between Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison
• Meet the ultras – Ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays are the most energetic and rarest of particles in the universe – and also one of the most enigmatic. Benjamin Skuse reveals how cosmic-ray mysteries are continuing to test our understanding of high-energy physics
• Open-science hardware in the developing world – In the developing world it’s difficult to get and maintain the hi-tech equipment we associate with modern laboratories. But could open-science hardware provide a lifeline? Rachel Brazil investigates
• Studying impossible systems – How do you study a phenomenon that cannot be replicated on Earth? You study one that has nothing to do with it, but looks incredibly similar mathematically. Matthew R Francis examines how these analogue systems are being used to study monopoles and black holes
• A tale of two lives – Tushna Commissariat reviews Bombshell: the Hedy Lamarr Story, directed by Alexandra Dean
• Abdus Salam back in the spotlight – Matin Durrani reviews Salam: the First ****** Nobel Laureate, directed by Anand Kamalakar and produced by Zakir Thaver and Omar Vandal.
• Thinking points for career bliss – Graduates and more experienced job-seekers alike need to be aware, willing and able to ensure they find the most fulfilling career path, says Jack Bailey
• Once a physicist – meet David Levey, a recently ordained Buddhist monk at the Oxford Buddha Vihara, Oxford, UK.
• How to answer cosmic queries – Jillian Scudder on the question people pose
