Transport properties Research update Solar cells become thinner and cheaper Researchers have created a new type of very thin, inexpensive solar cell Read article: Solar cells become thinner and cheaper
Superconductivity Research update Novel crystals form under pressure Researchers have discovered new elemental structures at high pressure
Ultracold matter Research update Gold floats in magnetized oxygen Physicists have magnetically levitated objects in liquid oxygen Read article: Gold floats in magnetized oxygen
Particles and interactions Research update Breaking charge symmetry with nuclei Researchers have detected a rare nuclear reaction that has never been seen before
Plasma physics Research update Z-fusion makes progress Physicists have observed thermonuclear fusion neutrons from a "Z-pinch" device for the first time Read article: Z-fusion makes progress
Microscopy Research update New neutrons for European scientists The UK will fund a major upgrade to the ISIS neutron source
Superconductivity Research update Can diamond now be a superconductor? A physicist claims he has seen room-temperature conductivity in diamond Read article: Can diamond now be a superconductor?
Renewables Research update Energy R&D needs more investment Parliamentary committee lambasts the UK government’s energy policy
Lasers Research update Solar surgery makes progress Researchers have improved a surgical technique based on solar radiation Read article: Solar surgery makes progress
Optical physics Research update Double funding boost for Daresbury UK lab receives £11.5m for light source and £25.7m for science park
Optics & Photonics Briefing This issue explores lasers and detectors, solar power, medical imaging and high-resolution displays