Imaging Research update Deep-sea imaging reveals how tectonic plates slide New layer of melt seen at plate–mantle boundary Read article: Deep-sea imaging reveals how tectonic plates slide
Astroparticle physics Research update New radiation ring spotted in Van Allen belt Temporary but long-lived "storage ring" of electrons seen Read article: New radiation ring spotted in Van Allen belt
Particles and interactions Research update Search for ‘unparticles’ focuses on Earth’s crust Evidence for a fifth force could lie beneath our feet Read article: Search for ‘unparticles’ focuses on Earth’s crust
Stars and solar physics Research update Searching for magnetic monopoles in polar rocks Method advantageous for a range of monopole masses and charges Read article: Searching for magnetic monopoles in polar rocks
Policy and funding News Multimedia highlights of 2012 From the fault lines of San Francisco to the insane traffic of Mumbai Read article: Multimedia highlights of 2012
Telescopes and space missions Research update GRAIL mission peers beneath the Moon’s fractured surface Map of lunar gravity sheds light on early solar system Read article: GRAIL mission peers beneath the Moon’s fractured surface
Planetary science Research update How Earth’s wandering poles return home Combination of two mechanisms bring poles back to original location Read article: How Earth’s wandering poles return home
Philosophy, sociology and religion Research update Guilty verdict for Italian earthquake scientists Committee issued false reassurances, says court Read article: Guilty verdict for Italian earthquake scientists
Telescopes and space missions Research update Solar wind most likely source of water on the Moon Lunar water reserve could even be used as rocket fuel Read article: Solar wind most likely source of water on the Moon
Telescopes and space missions Research update Meteorite points to asteroid Vesta’s dynamo Magnetic field could shield Vesta from solar wind Read article: Meteorite points to asteroid Vesta’s dynamo