Reviews & Analysis

The Turing mechanism provides a paradigm for the spontaneous generation of patterns in reaction–diffusion systems. A framework that describes Turing-pattern formation in the context of complex networks should provide a new basis for studying the phenomenon.

Confinement of helium in a micrometre-size box rounds the sharp transition and depresses the specific-heat maximum. But coupling an array of boxes through a thin, non-superfluid film is now shown to raise that maximum, while the boxes also enhance superfluidity in the film.

The critical point of a fluid is defined as the point beyond which it ceases to exhibit distinct liquid- or gas-like states. A crossover between liquid-like and gas-like behaviour observed by inelastic X-ray scattering suggests subtle effects involving nanoscale fluctuations in the one-phase region above the critical point.

The optical spectrum of a single quantum dot is strongly affected by coherent tunnelling to a nearby sea of electrons.

Experiments aimed at finding Einstein's elusive gravitational waves have reached their designed sensitivity. Yet we are still waiting for the first detection. What can we learn from this?

The process of diffusion isn't usually expected to be able to generate useful work. But when a neutrally buoyant wedge object is placed in a fluid with a vertical density gradient, the diffusion-driven flow of material can indeed generate a measureable horizontal propulsion.

Little is known about the mechanisms that govern the injection of spins into organic molecules. A new study suggests that the metal/organic interface is key, paving the way for a new field in which interfaces are specifically designed for spin applications. This is this field of 'spinterface' science.

A newly identified physical process in the interaction of strong laser fields with matter paves the way for broadband amplification of light in the extreme ultraviolet to soft-X-ray spectral region.

Is the mysterious pseudogap in the copper oxide superconductors a signature of preformed pairs or a competing ordered state? Measurements of broken symmetries suggest that the pseudogap cannot originate from superconductivity alone.

An experiment reveals that micrometre-sized superconducting circuits follow the laws of quantum mechanics, and thus defy common experience of how macroscopic objects should behave.

Biological cells are remarkably capable force sensors and mechanical actuators. Fresh data and extended modelling lead us closer to uncovering just how they do it.

In photosynthesis, the Sun's energy is harvested and converted into biomass, greening the planet. Evidence is growing that quantum mechanics plays a part in that process. But exactly how, and why, remains to be explored.

The orientation of the magnetic field wrapped around a galaxy cluster has been measured for the first time, through a previously unexplored combination of traditional astronomy and computer simulations.

Most computer processors work in series, performing one instruction at a time. This limits the speed with which they can carry out certain types of task. A parallel computational approach based on arrays of simultaneously interacting molecular switches could provide a more efficient solution.

Clouds of uncharged particles such as sand or volcanic ash become charged by some undetermined mechanism. Experiments now show that nearby electric fields could be responsible.

Magnetic monopoles are sources or sinks of magnetic field that have been detected experimentally but remain abstract. Thanks to an artificial lattice of magnetic nanowires, it is now possible to observe monopoles and watch them move.

An experiment with ultracold gases reveals how weakly interacting atoms cooperate to protect long-range coherence against disorder-induced localization, and should offer insight into long-standing questions on the complex interplay of interactions and disorder in quantum systems.