Read article: Electrochemical cell could detect airborne SARS-CoV-2 Devices and structures Research update Electrochemical cell could detect airborne SARS-CoV-2 Device could immediately warn occupants when even trace levels of the virus are present
Read article: Physicists measure the fine structure constant directly for the first time Constants and units Research update Physicists measure the fine structure constant directly for the first time New technique could lead to clearer tests of whether this fundamental constant is truly constant
Read article: Spaghettified star ripped apart by a black hole lights up with a relativistic jet Astronomy and space Research update Spaghettified star ripped apart by a black hole lights up with a relativistic jet A star torn apart by a supermassive black hole in a distant galaxy has been caught producing a rare but powerful jet of particles travelling at nearly the speed of light
Read article: Single light source breaks data transmission rate record Optics and photonics Research update Single light source breaks data transmission rate record Microcomb ring resonator could become the basis for a new generation of highly energy-efficient optical transmitters
Read article: How could galactic cosmic rays affect astronauts travelling to Mars? Medical physics Research update How could galactic cosmic rays affect astronauts travelling to Mars? Computational study investigates damage to neurons by galactic cosmic rays under realistic spaceflight conditions
Read article: Five exotic nuclei half-lives revealed in first experiment at FRIB Nuclear physics Research update Five exotic nuclei half-lives revealed in first experiment at FRIB Michigan facility sheds new light on the neutron drip line
Read article: Very dry and very humid indoor environments are worse for COVID spread Biophysics Research update Very dry and very humid indoor environments are worse for COVID spread “Sweet spot” between 40 and 60 per cent relative humidity leads to better outcomes, say researchers
Read article: Handheld diagnostic platform could help combat epidemics Biomedical devices Research update Handheld diagnostic platform could help combat epidemics An automated diagnostic lab kit enables accessible and adaptable pooled viral DNA testing
Read article: Meteorites have a seismic effect on Mars, revealing what lies below the surface Planetary science Research update Meteorites have a seismic effect on Mars, revealing what lies below the surface Impacts give scientists a better understanding of the Red Planet’s interior
Read article: Mushroom-based substrates create flexible and sustainable electronics Semiconductors and electronics Research update Mushroom-based substrates create flexible and sustainable electronics Fungal-grown mycelium skins provide a biodegradable substrate for electronic devices and could help reduce electronic waste