Structure and properties Research update Crystal symmetry controls hydrogen’s quantum tunnelling Discovery could support the development of safer and more efficient hydrogen storage media Read article: Crystal symmetry controls hydrogen’s quantum tunnelling
Structure and properties Research update Want to make a peptide material go from soft to stiff? Just add water Discovery could facilitate the large-scale fabrication of materials that adapt to changing conditions Read article: Want to make a peptide material go from soft to stiff? Just add water
Characterization and modelling Research update Graphite ‘hijacks’ the journey from molten carbon to diamond Machine-learning-based molecular simulations reveal unexpected crystallization pathway Read article: Graphite ‘hijacks’ the journey from molten carbon to diamond
Structure and properties Research update Scientists discover that like-charged particles can sometimes attract Findings contradict central electromagnetic principle that the force between like charges is always repulsive Read article: Scientists discover that like-charged particles can sometimes attract
Quantum Research update Quantum simulator visualizes large-scale entanglement in materials Result draws on 50-year-old theorem from quantum field theory to make entanglement measurement more efficient Read article: Quantum simulator visualizes large-scale entanglement in materials
Structure and properties Research update Cubic ice observed in pure form for the first time Unusual phase develops when water freezes on interfaces at low temperatures Read article: Cubic ice observed in pure form for the first time
Devices and structures Research update Surprising heat transfer behaviour seen in new semiconductor under pressure The anomalous behaviour of boron arsenide under pressure could change the way we think about heat transport under extreme conditions, like those found in the Earth’s interior Read article: Surprising heat transfer behaviour seen in new semiconductor under pressure
Structure and properties Research update ‘Coherent optical engineering’ turns opaque material temporarily transparent New approach could also be used to create artificial materials such as exotic quantum magnets Read article: ‘Coherent optical engineering’ turns opaque material temporarily transparent
Structure and properties Research update Quantum material ‘learns’ like a living creature Discovery of habituation and sensitization behaviours in a Mott insulator could inspire new algorithms for artificial intelligence Read article: Quantum material ‘learns’ like a living creature
Structure and properties Feature Top tips for super sandcastles: explore the weird world of sand What do we really know about the science of sandcastles? Ian Randall grabs his bucket and spade to explore the weird world of sand science Read article: Top tips for super sandcastles: explore the weird world of sand