Telescopes and space missions Research update Pleiades distance debate resolved, say radio astronomers New study contradicts controversial Hipparcos analysis Read article: Pleiades distance debate resolved, say radio astronomers
Nuclear power Research update Ion beams simulate nuclear-reactor damage Seven years in a reactor recreated in just four days Read article: Ion beams simulate nuclear-reactor damage
Telescopes and space missions Research update Neutrinos spotted from Sun’s main nuclear reaction "Direct confirmation" supports the standard solar model Read article: Neutrinos spotted from Sun’s main nuclear reaction
Transport properties Research update Cracking the code for single-molecule junctions First accurate calculation of “porphyrin” conductance achieved Read article: Cracking the code for single-molecule junctions
Ultrafast science Research update Strontium’s nuclear ‘spin symmetry’ revealed Discovery will be crucial for building yet more precise atomic clocks Read article: Strontium’s nuclear ‘spin symmetry’ revealed
Ultrafast science Research update Controlling ferromagnetic domains using light Unexplained discovery could have major impact on data-storage methods Read article: Controlling ferromagnetic domains using light
Stars and solar physics Research update NASA’s Stardust mission snares first dust from beyond the solar system Analysis begins on seven particles that could be of interstellar origin Read article: NASA’s Stardust mission snares first dust from beyond the solar system
Telescopes and space missions Research update Nearby galaxy harbours rarest type of black hole M82's black hole is 400 times the Sun's mass Read article: Nearby galaxy harbours rarest type of black hole
Solar cells Research update Making better solar cells with polychiral carbon nanotubes New device absorbs across a wider portion of the solar spectrum Read article: Making better solar cells with polychiral carbon nanotubes
Magnetism and spin Research update Electrons in magnetic field reveal surprises Quantum properties dictate electrons' rotational frequency Read article: Electrons in magnetic field reveal surprises