Earth sciences Research update Isotope study puts a chill on ancient oceans Early life may have formed in seas cooler than previously thought Read article: Isotope study puts a chill on ancient oceans
Soft matter and liquids Research update X-ray diffraction microscopy peers into tiny cells 'Plunge-freezing' living cells could improve 3D imaging Read article: X-ray diffraction microscopy peers into tiny cells
Nuclear physics Research update Laser creates record-breaking protons High-energy protons could yield compact source for cancer therapy Read article: Laser creates record-breaking protons
Soft matter and liquids Research update Why blood cells move in slippers Study might show why cells take on lopsided shape Read article: Why blood cells move in slippers
Nanomaterials Research update ‘Universal’ equation describes how materials behave at nanoscale 'No supercomputers involved', says physicist Read article: ‘Universal’ equation describes how materials behave at nanoscale
Telescopes and space missions Research update Carbon swaddles baby neutron star Nascent surface too hot for hydrogen Read article: Carbon swaddles baby neutron star
Surfaces and interfaces Research update Lotus leaves shake off water Vibrations maintain water-repellency in nature Read article: Lotus leaves shake off water
Superconductivity Research update High-temperature superconductor goes super thin Experimentalists start to hone in on puzzling phenomenon Read article: High-temperature superconductor goes super thin
Ethics Research update Dark-matter paper raises questions over data sharing Is it unfair that NASA data are immediately made available to all? Read article: Dark-matter paper raises questions over data sharing
Ultrafast science Research update Helium atoms get the ride of their life 'Ponderomotive' forces could boost surface science Read article: Helium atoms get the ride of their life
Optics & Photonics Briefing This issue explores lasers and detectors, solar power, medical imaging and high-resolution displays