Surfaces and interfaces Research update Kirigami solar cells follow the Sun Simple new design cheaply increases solar-cell efficiency Read article: Kirigami solar cells follow the Sun
Optical physics Research update New laser sweeps out its own frequency Technology could reduce the cost of LIDAR and retinal imaging systems Read article: New laser sweeps out its own frequency
Transport properties Research update Levitating diamonds could improve motion sensors Hybrid quantum system combines light, motion and spin Read article: Levitating diamonds could improve motion sensors
Mathematical physics Research update Do general anaesthetics trigger a phase transition in the brain? Model suggests tiny change in communication could have large effect on neuron interaction Read article: Do general anaesthetics trigger a phase transition in the brain?
Structure and dynamics Research update Protein pulling reveals a new way that molecules resist external forces Atomic-force-microscopy study could help in the development of protein-inspired machines Read article: Protein pulling reveals a new way that molecules resist external forces
Telescopes and space missions Research update Galactic shape-shifting signals a decrease in star formation across cosmic history Study suggests that most stars are born in spiral galaxies but end up in elliptical ones Read article: Galactic shape-shifting signals a decrease in star formation across cosmic history
Transport properties Research update Physicists claim ‘loophole-free’ Bell-violation experiment Photons and diamonds used to simultaneously close detection and locality loopholes for the first time Read article: Physicists claim ‘loophole-free’ Bell-violation experiment
Plasma physics Research update Antimatter ‘surfs’ to higher energies on a plasma wave New positron acceleration technique could boost energies in next-generation colliders Read article: Antimatter ‘surfs’ to higher energies on a plasma wave
Particles and interactions Research update Nanotubes energize laser-accelerated ions A layer of carbon nanotubes can triple the energy of laser-accelerated carbon ions Read article: Nanotubes energize laser-accelerated ions
Transport properties Research update ‘Decorated’ graphene is a superconductor Depositing lithium on 2D material generates Cooper pairs Read article: ‘Decorated’ graphene is a superconductor