Read article: Neutrons cluster in nuclear reactors Nuclear physics Research update Neutrons cluster in nuclear reactors First experimental observation of a phenomenon predicted a decade ago could help improve reactor safety
Read article: Optimal size for wind farms is revealed by computational study Renewables Research update Optimal size for wind farms is revealed by computational study Efficiency declines in farms exceeding 30 km in length
Read article: Machine learning could save firefighters from deadly flashovers Modelling and simulation Research update Machine learning could save firefighters from deadly flashovers System uses data from heat sensors to predict when fires will intensify
Read article: Messages scrambled by black holes stand their ground against quantum computers Quantum computing Research update Messages scrambled by black holes stand their ground against quantum computers Featureless “cost functions” prevent quantum machine learning algorithms from reconstructing scrambled information
Read article: Infrared cloaking device could make objects invisible to thermal cameras Modelling and simulation Research update Infrared cloaking device could make objects invisible to thermal cameras Device uses heat pumps to redistribute thermal energy
Read article: How to keep a skipping stone on a steady path across water Soft matter and liquids Research update How to keep a skipping stone on a steady path across water Study could help aircraft and spacecraft land more safely on water
Read article: Machine learning could help slow epidemic spread Modelling and simulation Research update Machine learning could help slow epidemic spread Neural network outperforms standard contact tracing at choosing who to test for disease
Read article: Pollutants and other aerosols trigger more intense thunderstorms Atmosphere Research update Pollutants and other aerosols trigger more intense thunderstorms New “humidity entrainment” mechanism helps explain long-observed association between atmospheric particles and storm activity
Read article: Face shields cannot protect wearers from virus particles carried by vortex rings Modelling and simulation Research update Face shields cannot protect wearers from virus particles carried by vortex rings Computer simulations reveal shortcomings of popular face coverings
Read article: Electrically tuneable network learns fast Nanomaterials Research update Electrically tuneable network learns fast Researchers used a deep learning approach to optimize complex multi-terminal nanoelectronics devices for the first time
Physics World podcast Explore our two regular podcast series, Physics World Weekly and Physics World Stories