Materials for energy Research update Transparent and insulating aerogel could boost energy efficiency of windows Tiny pores block heat while transmitting light Read article: Transparent and insulating aerogel could boost energy efficiency of windows
Quantum computing Research update Qubit ‘recycling’ gives neutral-atom quantum computing a boost Reducing atom loss and re-using already-measured atoms enables more complex quantum computations Read article: Qubit ‘recycling’ gives neutral-atom quantum computing a boost
Quantum Research update Atomic system acts like a quantum Newton’s cradle Quantum simulator enables scientists to test laws of transport phenomena at the quantum level Read article: Atomic system acts like a quantum Newton’s cradle
Gravity Research update Motion through quantum space–time is traced by ‘q-desics’ Subtle quantum effects could be observed in how particles traverse cosmological distances Read article: Motion through quantum space–time is traced by ‘q-desics’
Earth sciences Research update Will this volcano explode, or just ooze? A new mechanism could hold some answers Discovery of shear-induced bubble formation sheds more light on the divide between eruption and effusion Read article: Will this volcano explode, or just ooze? A new mechanism could hold some answers
Planetary science Research update Components of RNA among life’s building blocks found in NASA asteroid sample Samples from the near-Earth asteroid Bennu found to contain molecules and compounds vital to the origin of life Read article: Components of RNA among life’s building blocks found in NASA asteroid sample
Accelerators and detectors Research update Leftover gamma rays produce medically important radioisotopes GeV-scale bremsstrahlung from an electron accelerator can be used to produce copper-64 and copper-67 Read article: Leftover gamma rays produce medically important radioisotopes
Stars and solar physics Research update Astronomers observe a coronal mass ejection from a distant star Burst from M-dwarf star could be powerful enough to strip the atmosphere of any planets that orbit it, with implications for the search for extraterrestrial life Read article: Astronomers observe a coronal mass ejection from a distant star
Particle and nuclear Research update Sterile neutrinos: KATRIN and MicroBooNE come up empty handed Fourth flavour not seen in beta-decay and oscillation Read article: Sterile neutrinos: KATRIN and MicroBooNE come up empty handed
Characterization and modelling Research update Scientists explain why ‘seeding’ clouds with silver iodide is so efficient New characterization of the material's surface reveals how an atom-level rearrangement aids the formation of ice crystals and promotes precipitation Read article: Scientists explain why ‘seeding’ clouds with silver iodide is so efficient
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