Astronomy and space Research update Black hole’s shadow changes from one year to the next New analyses advance understanding of complex dynamic processes governing black holes Read article: Black hole’s shadow changes from one year to the next
Instrumentation and measurement Research update Frequency-comb detection of gas molecules achieves parts-per-trillion sensitivity New sensor offers extreme broadband coverage in the mid-infrared Read article: Frequency-comb detection of gas molecules achieves parts-per-trillion sensitivity
Earth sciences Research update Radioactive anomaly appears in the deep ocean Unexplained peak in the abundance of beryllium-10 in ferromanganese ocean crusts could become an independent time marker for geological dating Read article: Radioactive anomaly appears in the deep ocean
Biophysics Research update A model stretch: explaining the rheology of developing tissue Researchers explain the puzzling scaling law governing how developing epithelial cells stretch over time Read article: A model stretch: explaining the rheology of developing tissue
Modelling and simulation Research update Quantum-inspired technique simulates turbulence with high speed Simulations could take just a few hours rather than several days Read article: Quantum-inspired technique simulates turbulence with high speed
Particle therapy Research update World’s first patient treatments delivered with proton arc therapy Proton arc therapy offers a superior dose distribution compared with existing state-of-the-art proton delivery techniques Read article: World’s first patient treatments delivered with proton arc therapy
Planetary science Research update Astronomers create a ‘weather map’ for a gas giant exoplanet Supersonic winds and water vapour feature in new study of WASP-127b Read article: Astronomers create a ‘weather map’ for a gas giant exoplanet
Modelling and simulation Research update ‘Sneeze simulator’ could improve predictions of pathogen spread 3D nasal cavity model could also inform the design of masks and ventilation systems Read article: ‘Sneeze simulator’ could improve predictions of pathogen spread
Materials Research update Memory of previous contacts affects static electricity on materials Important clue found in the mystery of inconsistent triboelectric series Read article: Memory of previous contacts affects static electricity on materials
Emerging therapies Research update Wireless deep brain stimulation reverses Parkinson’s disease in mice A photothermal, nanoparticle-based deep brain stimulation system restored motor skills in mice with Parkinson’s-like disease Read article: Wireless deep brain stimulation reverses Parkinson’s disease in mice
Physics World podcast Explore our two regular podcast series, Physics World Weekly and Physics World Stories