Mathematical physics Research update Loops of ribbon inspire physicists Research could boost our understanding of proteins and plants Read article: Loops of ribbon inspire physicists
Magnetism and spin Research update Spiralling spin liquid revealed by neutron scattering Long-awaited result could boost magnetic data storage Read article: Spiralling spin liquid revealed by neutron scattering
Ultracold matter Research update Atom assembler makes defect-free arrays Ability to rearrange atoms one-by-one could be used to simulate quantum systems Read article: Atom assembler makes defect-free arrays
Astroparticle physics Research update Cosmic-ray showers create more muons than expected Observations by the Pierre Auger Observatory clash with LHC data Read article: Cosmic-ray showers create more muons than expected
Biophysics Research update Bacteria nanospheres may help camouflage tiny crustaceans Living coating appears to hide transparent creatures from predators Read article: Bacteria nanospheres may help camouflage tiny crustaceans
Imaging Research update Neutron holograms image the interiors of objects New technique could boost materials research and quantum computing Read article: Neutron holograms image the interiors of objects
Magnetism and spin Research update New Ising-machine computers are taken for a spin Optics and electronics boost processing power of unconventional computers Read article: New Ising-machine computers are taken for a spin
Acoustics Research update Building-block metamaterials shape 3D acoustic holograms 3D-printing method makes manipulating sound waves easier and cheaper Read article: Building-block metamaterials shape 3D acoustic holograms
Soft matter and liquids Research update Liquid flow in capillaries contradicts conventional wisdom Certain shapes of capillary cannot keep liquid contained, however narrow they are Read article: Liquid flow in capillaries contradicts conventional wisdom
Lasers Research update Physicists break record for laser-electron interaction New experiment beats efficiency of free-electron lasers by turning 30% of electron-beam energy into light Read article: Physicists break record for laser-electron interaction
Optics & Photonics Briefing This issue explores lasers and detectors, solar power, medical imaging and high-resolution displays