Physics

Physicists manipulate material properties with light pulses

Researchers at the University of Konstanz have developed a technique to alter the magnetic properties of materials using laser pulses, effectively transforming one material into another at room temperature. By exciting pairs of magnons in common haematite crystals, the method enables non-thermal control of magnetic states and potential data transmission at terahertz speeds. This breakthrough could allow quantum effects to be studied without extreme cooling.

Researchers identify limits of quantum computers on exotic matter

Scientists have proven that even advanced quantum computers may fail to identify certain exotic quantum phases of matter, describing it as a 'nightmare scenario.' This finding highlights potential boundaries in quantum computation despite its promises. The research, led by Thomas Schuster at Caltech, connects quantum information science with physics fundamentals.

Tiny worm uses static electricity to hunt flying insects

October 17, 2025 Petra Hartmann

Scientists have discovered that a minuscule parasitic nematode employs static electricity to leap onto flying insects, boosting its hunting success dramatically. The research, involving high-speed imaging and mathematical models, reveals how electrostatic forces enable the worm to bridge gaps in midair. This finding highlights the role of invisible electrical interactions in small organisms' survival.

Physicists uncover rotating crystals with lifelike properties

A team of physicists has discovered unusual rotating crystals made of spinning particles that exhibit behaviors resembling living matter, such as twisting instead of stretching and self-reassembly after breaking. These materials, governed by transverse interactions, challenge conventional crystal growth rules. The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggest potential applications in technology and biology.

MIT physicists devise molecular technique to probe atomic nuclei

Physicists at MIT have developed a new method using molecules to investigate the interior of atomic nuclei, employing electrons as messengers in a tabletop setup. By studying radium monofluoride, they detected subtle energy shifts indicating electron interactions inside the nucleus. This approach could help explain the universe's matter-antimatter imbalance.

Dark matter may leave subtle color traces in passing light

Researchers at the University of York suggest that dark matter could subtly tint light red or blue as it passes through, challenging the idea that it is completely invisible. This indirect interaction might allow detection using next-generation telescopes. The finding could simplify the search for the mysterious substance that dominates the universe.

Scientists combine neutrino data to explore matter's dominance

In a landmark collaboration, researchers from the T2K experiment in Japan and NOvA in the United States have merged their data for the most precise study yet of neutrino oscillations. This joint analysis, published in Nature, advances understanding of why matter prevailed over antimatter in the early universe. The effort highlights the power of international teamwork in probing cosmic mysteries.

Auburn scientists create materials to control free electrons

Researchers at Auburn University have developed a new type of material that precisely controls free electrons, potentially revolutionizing quantum computing and chemical manufacturing. By immobilizing solvated electron precursors on stable surfaces, the team achieved tunable electron behavior. The findings were published in ACS Materials Letters.

Early universe radio waves may reveal dark matter

October 25, 2025 Theo Klein

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have proposed detecting faint radio waves from the cosmic dark ages to uncover dark matter's properties. These signals, emitted by hydrogen gas influenced by dark matter clumps just 100 million years after the Big Bang, could be best observed from the Moon. The findings, published in Nature Astronomy, highlight a new method to probe the Universe's earliest moments.

Physicists measure trillion-degree heat in Big Bang plasma

Researchers at Rice University have captured the temperature profile of quark-gluon plasma, the ultra-hot matter from the universe's dawn. By analyzing electron-positron emissions from atomic collisions, they determined precise temperatures at different evolutionary stages. The findings, published in Nature Communications, refine understanding of early cosmic conditions.

Researchers use sugar crystals to hunt for light dark matter particles

Physicists at the Max Planck Institute have developed a novel detector using ordinary table sugar to search for lightweight dark matter particles known as WIMPs. The experiment cooled sucrose crystals to near absolute zero but detected no signs of the elusive particles after 19 hours. This approach targets interactions with hydrogen atoms in sugar, offering a new angle in the long quest to uncover dark matter.

Scientists make germanium superconducting for the first time

October 30, 2025 Theo Klein

Researchers have achieved superconductivity in germanium, a common semiconductor, by precisely doping it with gallium atoms. This breakthrough, detailed in a new study, could enable more efficient quantum devices and cryogenic electronics. The material conducts electricity with zero resistance at 3.5 Kelvin.