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Tracing Quantum’s First Steps: Physicists Return to Helgoland

One hundred years after Heisenberg’s legendary retreat on Helgoland, physicists return to the island to celebrate the achievements of quantum mechanics and to debate its future. Read More »

Viewpoint

What Shapes the Lives of the Gut’s Microbial Inhabitants

A biophysical model sheds light on how the subtle interplay of fluid dynamics and bacterial growth controls the fluctuating population of microbes in the human gut. Read More »

synopsis

Modeling Muddy Flows

A theoretical model of a surface-wave instability matches observations of a muddy debris flow in an Alpine valley. Read More »

Research News

First Takes of the Largest Astronomical Movie Ever

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory has released its first images—a small preview of a decadal survey that will observe an unprecedented number of stars and galaxies, helping researchers tackle the biggest mysteries in astrophysics and cosmology. Read More »

Viewpoint

Topological Twist for Phase Transitions

Contrary to conventional wisdom, so-called order parameters that distinguish symmetry-governed phases of matter can have topological structure. Read More »

Focus

New Approach to Controlling Light Signals

A concept based on an exotic effect in periodic structures may be useful for developing future photonic devices. Read More »

Research News

Expanding Climate Stripes

In bringing attention to climate change, this year’s Show Your Stripes Day includes new stripe patterns depicting temperature changes in the ocean and atmosphere, as well as in future-climate scenarios. Read More »

synopsis

Enhanced Light Emission Improves Atom Readout

An atom’s quantum state can be determined quickly and accurately thanks to a strategy for making the atom brighter. Read More »

synopsis

Modeling a French Election

A fine-grained database of Twitter posts gathered during the 2017 French presidential election validates a popular network model of opinion dynamics. Read More »

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