Surfaces and interfaces Research update Graphene loudspeaker could rival commercial speakers and earphones Device uses much less power than conventional speakers Read article: Graphene loudspeaker could rival commercial speakers and earphones
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
Metrology Research update Cellular networks could map rainfall patterns Method could be used for real-time rainfall monitoring Read article: Cellular networks could map rainfall patterns
Ultrafast science Research update Laser pulses cool semiconductor New fridge could chill satellite sensors Read article: Laser pulses cool semiconductor
Optical physics Research update Single molecules detected with plasmonic metamaterial Phase measurement boosts sensitivity Read article: Single molecules detected with plasmonic metamaterial
Ultracold matter Research update Physicists create SQUID-like Bose–Einstein condensate Ultracold atoms could measure rotation Read article: Physicists create SQUID-like Bose–Einstein condensate
Surfaces and interfaces Research update Somersaulting film generates electricity Energy is harvested from water vapour Read article: Somersaulting film generates electricity
Stars and solar physics Feature Cool dust and baby stars Steve Eales revels in the new view of the universe provided by the Herschel Space Observatory Read article: Cool dust and baby stars
Transport properties Research update Quantum-dot photodetector offers short cut for electrons New device dispenses with conventional thin-film architecture Read article: Quantum-dot photodetector offers short cut for electrons