Quantum optics Research update Twisted light beams sent 143 km across the sea Orbital angular-momentum states transmitted between Canary Islands Read article: Twisted light beams sent 143 km across the sea
Gravity Research update LIGO detects second black-hole merger "Boxing Day event" confirms the dawn of gravitational-wave astronomy Read article: LIGO detects second black-hole merger
Telescopes and space missions Research update Chiral molecules spotted in interstellar cloud Possible precursors of life detected outside of the solar system for the first time Read article: Chiral molecules spotted in interstellar cloud
Ultrafast science Research update Lasers transform infrared into broadband white light Emitted light is exceedingly directional and could be useful for high-resolution microscopes Read article: Lasers transform infrared into broadband white light
Quantum computing Research update Google gains new ground on universal quantum computer Combination of digital and analogue computing methods may be the route towards a quantum computer Read article: Google gains new ground on universal quantum computer
Magnetism and spin Research update Quantum simulator entangles hundreds of ions Breakthrough could lead to better atomic clocks Read article: Quantum simulator entangles hundreds of ions
Mathematical physics Research update Soft hairs help resolve the black-hole information paradox Stephen Hawking and colleagues claim partial solution to 40-year-old puzzle Read article: Soft hairs help resolve the black-hole information paradox
Biophysics Research update Bumble-bees use their fuzz to detect electric fields Electrosensory capability helps insects to find flowers, say researchers Read article: Bumble-bees use their fuzz to detect electric fields
Cosmology Research update Particle ‘X’ may have snuffed out cosmic lithium New hypothesis seeks to reconcile theory and observations of the early universe Read article: Particle ‘X’ may have snuffed out cosmic lithium
Imaging Research update High-efficiency flat lenses shrink down to the nanoscale Ultrathin lens could replace bulky lenses in smartphones and telescopes Read article: High-efficiency flat lenses shrink down to the nanoscale