Optical physics Research update Laser beam casts a shadow in a ruby crystal Complex photon-photon interactions make a beam of light behave like a solid object Read article: Laser beam casts a shadow in a ruby crystal
Environment and energy Research update Generative AI has an electronic waste problem, researchers warn Without mitigation measures, the computing infrastructure for large language models could generate 2.5 million tons of e-waste a year by 2030 Read article: Generative AI has an electronic waste problem, researchers warn
Quantum computing Research update Quantum processor enters unprecedented territory for error correction Errors on Google Quantum AI device drop below threshold needed to “win” the error-correction game Read article: Quantum processor enters unprecedented territory for error correction
Soft matter and liquids Research update Squishy silicone rings shine a spotlight on fluid-solid transition Model shows how highly deformable particles, grains and cells respond to external forces Read article: Squishy silicone rings shine a spotlight on fluid-solid transition
Materials for energy Research update Conditioning prepares aluminium-ion batteries for real-world use Pre-cycling smooths out problems with solid-electrolyte interface, helping devices last longer Read article: Conditioning prepares aluminium-ion batteries for real-world use
Radiotherapy Research update Speeding up MR-guided radiotherapy with VMAT Researchers present the first dosimetric evaluation comparing VMAT and IMRT on the MR-linac Read article: Speeding up MR-guided radiotherapy with VMAT
Biomedical devices Research update Laser-based headset assesses stroke risk using the brain’s blood flow Researchers develop cerebral equivalent of a cardiac stress test for stroke risk assessment Read article: Laser-based headset assesses stroke risk using the brain’s blood flow
Astroparticle physics Research update Extended cosmic-ray electron spectrum has a break but no other features HESS extends the measured energy of electrons and positrons to 40 TeV Read article: Extended cosmic-ray electron spectrum has a break but no other features
Semiconductors and electronics Research update Vertical-nanowire transistors defeat the Boltzmann tyranny New gallium antimonide/indium arsenide transistor is more energy-efficient than silicon-based devices Read article: Vertical-nanowire transistors defeat the Boltzmann tyranny
Biophysics Research update Mathematical model sheds light on how exercise suppresses tumour growth A simple mathematical model examines the intricate relationship between exercise, immune function and cancer Read article: Mathematical model sheds light on how exercise suppresses tumour growth