Biophysics Research update Bacterial ‘cables’ form a living gel in mucus Finding could help treat bacterial infections in patients with cystic fibrosis, say biophysicists Read article: Bacterial ‘cables’ form a living gel in mucus
Nanomedicine Research update Nanoparticles demonstrate new and unexpected mechanism of coronavirus disinfection Titania nanoparticles damage enveloped viruses by directly binding with membrane phospholipids – a previously unknown mode of antiviral action Read article: Nanoparticles demonstrate new and unexpected mechanism of coronavirus disinfection
Materials for energy Research update Organic photovoltaic solar cells could withstand harsh space environments Study challenges long-standing belief that OPV devices systematically degrade when irradiated Read article: Organic photovoltaic solar cells could withstand harsh space environments
Quantum Research update Thousands of nuclear spins are entangled to create a quantum-dot qubit Quantum feedback algorithm turns a problem into a solution Read article: Thousands of nuclear spins are entangled to create a quantum-dot qubit
Condensed matter Research update New class of quasiparticle appears in bilayer graphene "Fractional excitons" form in 2D carbon structure at high magnetic fields Read article: New class of quasiparticle appears in bilayer graphene
Quantum computing Research update Quantum simulators deliver surprising insights into magnetic phase transitions Independent studies used atomic and superconducting qubits Read article: Quantum simulators deliver surprising insights into magnetic phase transitions
Astronomy and space Research update Supermassive black hole displays ‘unprecedented’ X-ray outbursts Rapid X-ray oscillations detected near the innermost orbit of a supermassive black hole could indicate the presence of a nearby orbiter such as a white dwarf Read article: Supermassive black hole displays ‘unprecedented’ X-ray outbursts
Nanomaterials Research update Two-faced graphene nanoribbons could make the first purely carbon-based ferromagnets New asymmetric structures have ferromagnetic states on a single zigzag edge Read article: Two-faced graphene nanoribbons could make the first purely carbon-based ferromagnets
Planetary science Research update Asteroid Bennu contains the stuff of life, sample analysis reveals Rock and dust samples brought back to Earth from the asteroid Bennu contain organic matter and a variety of minerals crucial to the emergence of life Read article: Asteroid Bennu contains the stuff of life, sample analysis reveals
Biomedical devices Research update Tissue-like hydrogel semiconductors show promise for next-generation bioelectronics A new hydrogel material combines the characteristics of biological tissues with the electronic functionalities of semiconductors Read article: Tissue-like hydrogel semiconductors show promise for next-generation bioelectronics