Read article: Neil Turok chosen to lead Perimeter Institute Quantum optics Research update Neil Turok chosen to lead Perimeter Institute Cambridge cosmologist says his switch to the Canadian centre is the "opportunity of a lifetime"
Particles and interactions Research update Nobel laureates petition Bush over funding shortfall Twenty top physicists call for over $500m in 'emergency' cash to plug poor 2008 US science budget
Read article: Polar vortex replicated in a bucket Soft matter and liquids Research update Polar vortex replicated in a bucket Researchers make triangular, square and other polygonal vortices appear in swirling water
Read article: Weiler to remain NASA science chief Telescopes and space missions Research update Weiler to remain NASA science chief Interim chief accepts permanent position and plans to continue hard-nosed approach to project overruns
Structure and dynamics Research update Atom laser makes its first measurement The ability to modify an atom-laser beam should open up avenues in quantum information
Read article: Prospect of US science debate wanes Education and outreach Research update Prospect of US science debate wanes ScienceDebate organizers “not optimistic” about a May debate
Read article: How lasers really work Lasers Research update How lasers really work Random lasers give up their secrets
Read article: “Pine tree” nanowires do the Eshelby twist Nanomaterials Research update “Pine tree” nanowires do the Eshelby twist Unusual structures could back up 55-year-old theory of material defects
Read article: Auroral light is polarized after all Telescopes and space missions Research update Auroral light is polarized after all New measurements of the Northern Lights overturn 50 years of conventional wisdom
Transport properties Research update Dawn of the memristor There is a fourth standard circuit element in addition to resistors, capacitors and inductors
Physics World podcast Explore our two regular podcast series, Physics World Weekly and Physics World Stories