Education and outreach Feature The power of the blackboard Philip Ball on why we physicists still love our blackboards Read article: The power of the blackboard
Condensed matter Feature Skyrmions: a twisted future in data-storage technology Magnetic skyrmions are both physically intriguing and technologically promising, explains Kirsten von Bergmann and André Kubetzka Read article: Skyrmions: a twisted future in data-storage technology
Surfaces and interfaces Feature Smooth sailing Superhydrophobic surfaces with the right microscopic structures could help reduce friction on ships, as CJ Kim explains Read article: Smooth sailing
Quantum sensors Feature The cutting edge of quantum physics Daniel Twitchen and Matthew Markham explain how diamonds could become a quantum physicist’s best friend Read article: The cutting edge of quantum physics
Cosmology Feature Simulating the universe: solving Einstein’s equations of general relativity in a cosmological setting Computers are now so powerful that researchers have been able to solve Einstein’s equations of general relativity in a cosmological setting, as Tom Giblin, James Mertens and Glenn Starkman reveal Read article: Simulating the universe: solving Einstein’s equations of general relativity in a cosmological setting
Business and innovation Feature Bridging the gap in nanotech A theoretical nanoscientist examines the interface between academic research and industry Read article: Bridging the gap in nanotech
Materials Feature Commercializing the ‘wonder material’ Improvements in graphene processing are beginning to pay off, especially for aerospace applications Read article: Commercializing the ‘wonder material’
Particle and nuclear Feature Maintaining high standards: the importance of materials-science research to the nuclear industry Karl Whittle, Mahmoud Mostafavi and Philip D Edmondson explore the materials-science challenges involved in monitoring nuclear reactor components Read article: Maintaining high standards: the importance of materials-science research to the nuclear industry
Nuclear fusion Feature The long road to ignition Margaret Harris reports on progress towards fusion’s “break-even” point at the US National Ignition Facility Read article: The long road to ignition
Mathematics and computation Feature The geometry of our world: M-theory and 11D geometry Jason Lotay looks at the power of geometry to bring us a step closer to an elusive unified theory of physics Read article: The geometry of our world: M-theory and 11D geometry
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