Pick of the week
From galaxies to groceries: how Sarah Bridle made the switch from cosmology to food
Gleb Yakubov talks to Sarah Bridle a physicist who has studied food at the University of York
Quarks and qubits: how quantum computing could transform particle physics
This podcast also explores the intersection of general relativity and quantum information
Research updates
Scientists discover sugar in interstellar space
The first detection of sugar in the interstellar medium could shed more light on how life began on Earth
Structured light could deliver a new method for diagnosing eye disease
A quantum optics technique that boosts the visibility of subtle peripheral vision patterns called Boehm's brushes could provide a new test of retinal health
Solar tower power plants get a data boost
Accessible new database could accelerate research on solar thermal power generation and allow wider deployment
Experiments provide new insights into the reverse sprinkler problem
New experiments suggest that a reverse sprinkler is driven by angular momentum induced at its centre as water is drawn in
Quantum entanglement explains why strange metals are so strange
New measurements and a tool from quantum metrology provide new insights into metals with unusually high electrical resistance
Super-loud gravitational waves offer a new way to study black hole event horizons
Region near the "surface of no return" was previously only accessible with theoretical models
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The latest opinion and reviews
In the age of AI, we must double down on the skills that make us experts
Nicole Sharp says that our scientific judgement has never been more important
Evidence in action: how science helps us make better decisions
Anita Chandran reviews Beyond Belief: How Evidence Shows What Really Works by Helen Pearson
Physics World podcasts
Physics World podcast
Explore our two regular podcast series! Physics World Weekly looks at the latest events and headlines in physics, as well as featuring short interviews with scientists and our team of journalists. Physics World Stories takes a more in-depth look at a topic.
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Word wave puzzle no.6
Can you work out the word in this puzzle?
Read article: Word wave puzzle no.6
Shaping the field of medical imaging: a fireside chat with Simon R Cherry and Xinchen Deng
Join us for an in‑depth conversation with Simon Cherry, former editor‑in‑chief of Physics in Medicine & Biology (PMB), as he shares his expert perspective on the evolving la...
Read article: Shaping the field of medical imaging: a fireside chat with Simon R Cherry and Xinchen Deng
Nanopositioning, customization and control: opening new frontiers in optical computing
SmarAct and Akhetonics have developed a test platform for next-generation optical processors
Read article: Nanopositioning, customization and control: opening new frontiers in optical computing
The science of being ‘cultured’: a slide puzzle
Can you reconstruct this food-as-culture image in our interactive slide puzzle?
Read article: The science of being ‘cultured’: a slide puzzle
John Bell and the most obscure journal in physics
Iulia Georgescu looks at the curious history of the journal Physics
Read article: John Bell and the most obscure journal in physics
Environmental Research: Climate, fireside chat
Explore the current state of climate research, including changes in the field over the last five years since the launch of the journal, and direct us toward the future
Read article: Environmental Research: Climate, fireside chat
Quiz of the week: what makes strange metals so strange?
Have you been keeping up to date with physics news? Try our short quiz to find out
Read article: Quiz of the week: what makes strange metals so strange?
Word flower puzzle no. 6
How many words can you find in this puzzle?
Read article: Word flower puzzle no. 6
Redefining radiotherapy QA: meeting the needs of modern treatment workflows
Radiotherapy QA must adapt to a new era of adaptive treatments, AI and automation
Read article: Redefining radiotherapy QA: meeting the needs of modern treatment workflows
The 2026 Physics World Instrumentation & Vacuum Briefing is out now
SI units, quantum sensors, compact particle acceleration and improved radiotherapy all feature in a new free-to-read briefing
Read article: The 2026 Physics World Instrumentation & Vacuum Briefing is out now
First medical X-ray images taken in space achieve diagnostic quality
Diagnostic X-ray images recorded during an orbital spaceflight exhibited similar contrast and spatial resolution to those taken preflight on Earth
Read article: First medical X-ray images taken in space achieve diagnostic quality
AI’s black box problem: discovering physics we don’t understand
Claire Malone wonders what happens if AI produces answers we can’t – or don’t – understand
Read article: AI’s black box problem: discovering physics we don’t understand
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Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
For more than 60 years, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has applied science and technology to make the world a safer place. Its defining responsibility is ensuring the safety, security and reliability of the nation’s nuclear deterrent
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From bunkers to bright spaces: the future of smart shielded radiosurgery treatment rooms
Join the audience for a live webinar at 4 p.m. GMT/5 p.m. CET on 31 March 2026
Discover how smart shielding enables bright, modern radiosurgery rooms beyond traditional bunker designs
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Innovations in Applied Mechanics 2026
23—26 September 2026 | London, UK
Innovations in Applied Mechanics brings together two previous, highly successful conferences MPSVA – Modern Practice in Stress and Vibration Analysis and DAMAS – International Conference on Damage Assessment in Structures to present research findings in stress analysis, vibration dynamics and structural damage assessment with the intention of providing directed focus on the state-of-the-art in theoretical and experimental methodology.
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