Soft matter and liquids Research update Algae ‘breaststroke’ is synchronized from within Internal fibres co-ordinate flagella, not fluid forces, say biophysicists Read article: Algae ‘breaststroke’ is synchronized from within
Stars and solar physics Research update Magnetic fields near the Milky Way’s black hole seen for the first time Event Horizon Telescope clearly resolves dynamical features at the event horizon Read article: Magnetic fields near the Milky Way’s black hole seen for the first time
Telescopes and space missions Research update Launch of LISA Pathfinder probe heralds new era in search for gravitational waves Concept mission will test whether a space-based gravitational-wave observatory is feasible Read article: Launch of LISA Pathfinder probe heralds new era in search for gravitational waves
Dark matter and energy Research update Universe’s missing mass found in the cosmic web Long, diaphanous filaments contain vast amounts of ordinary matter Read article: Universe’s missing mass found in the cosmic web
Optical physics Research update New laser creates a swirling vortex of light Topological-defect laser could be used to manipulate tiny particles Read article: New laser creates a swirling vortex of light
Transport properties Research update Quantum-dot films convert infrared photons into visible light New material could lead to better solar cells and cameras Read article: Quantum-dot films convert infrared photons into visible light
Energy storage and management Research update New high-capacity battery goes with the flow Redox-flow batteries could store excess energy in electrical grids Read article: New high-capacity battery goes with the flow
Soft matter and liquids Research update How to make better dental fillings last longer Neutrons and terahertz radiation used to track ions as dental cement hardens Read article: How to make better dental fillings last longer
Ultrafast science Research update Physicists entangle qubits in a semiconductor at room temperature In addition to quantum-computing applications, the system could be used as an in vivo biological sensor Read article: Physicists entangle qubits in a semiconductor at room temperature
Transport properties Research update Cyborg roses become transistors and logic gates Conductive polymer turns living plants into electronic devices Read article: Cyborg roses become transistors and logic gates