Optical physics Research update Uranium gives opal its shine Radioactivity points to gem deposits Read article: Uranium gives opal its shine
Surfaces and interfaces Research update ‘Nanosoldering’ makes a clean contact Technique can make electrical contacts on graphene and other nanostructures
Nanomaterials Research update Nanotube fibres toughen up Material could improve bullet-proof vests Read article: Nanotube fibres toughen up
Soft matter and liquids Research update Tiny rods steer themselves Non-biological chemotaxis is a first Read article: Tiny rods steer themselves
Transport properties Research update Single spins controlled by an electric field Breakthrough could simplify spintronics
Nanomaterials Opinion and reviews The “age of mastery” has begun Michio Kaku shares his visions of the future in a new television series Read article: The “age of mastery” has begun
Surfaces and interfaces Research update Heavy atoms reduce nanoscale friction Tribology with a tiny tip Read article: Heavy atoms reduce nanoscale friction
Soft matter and liquids Opinion and reviews Blog life: Soft Machines Richard Jones on nanotechnology Read article: Blog life: Soft Machines
Transport properties Research update Scanning tunnelling microscope runs faster New RF circuit boosts bandwidth Read article: Scanning tunnelling microscope runs faster
Transport properties Research update Negative-index material modulates light Optical modulator could soon break speed record
Optics & Photonics Briefing This issue explores lasers and detectors, solar power, medical imaging and high-resolution displays