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Gauge theories, such as quantum electrodynamics, are a cornerstone of high-energy particle physics. They may also describe the physics of certain unassuming materials. Recent theoretical work moves this idea closer to reality.
Atomic clocks reached a record-breaking uncertainty of less than 10−18 and the time needed to compare clocks is now less than an hour. These results push towards a possible redefinition of the second from a microwave to an optical standard.
The LHCb collaboration announced the observation of CP violation in the decays of the D0 meson, the lightest particle containing charm quarks, which might provide clues to why there is more matter than antimatter in the Universe.
Three Nature papers report the complete topological classification of all known non-magnetic crystalline compounds, revealing thousands of new candidate topological materials waiting to be explored in the lab.
The exact mechanisms involved in ultrafast demagnetization have long been debated. A new study published in Nature uncovers the role played in this process by the angular momentum transfer to the lattice, which is faster than previously thought.
The first papers based on the second data release from the Gaia space observatory are now published and they are already changing our understanding of the evolution of the Milky Way.
