Designing materials that steer light is a slow kind of trial and error. Each candidate structure must be tested in computer ...

One of the most frequently asked questions about quantum computers is a simple one: When will they be useful? If you talk to people in the field, you’ll generally get a response in the form of another ...

Studying physics can be very useful—even when it comes to machine learning. A digital "super-brain" with built-in knowledge ...

An illustration of the 2D perovskite material that was studied by the researchers. The yellow parts illustrate the linker molecules while the purple and pink parts show the perovskite layer. More ...

More stable and efficient materials for solar cells are needed in the green transition. So-called halide perovskites are highlighted as a promising alternative to today's silicon materials.

Does it really take years of practice and dedication on the basketball court to compete with the talents of NBA players? Apparently not. All you need is some basic knowledge of physics, access to ...

Scientists used some of the most advanced plasma simulations ever created to uncover how the universe builds enormous magnetic fields out of turbulence. The discovery could reshape our understanding ...

Like a shaggy dog in springtime, some black holes have to shed. New computer simulations reveal how black holes might discard their magnetic fields. Unlike dogs with their varied fur coats, isolated ...

This episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast features Pat Hanrahan, who studied nuclear engineering and biophysics before becoming a founding employee of Pixar Animation Studios. As well as ...

Ant colonies can descend several metres underground, house millions of insects and last for decades, despite being made without the benefit of machinery and reinforcing material. The secrets of these ...