Topical review

The forces involved in different processes in the cells range from few piconewtons to hundreds of nanonewtons. Image taken from Meenakshi Prabhune et al 2017 J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 50 233001, © IOP Publishing, All Rights Reserved.

Size matters: Small force sensors reveal big information

By Georgia Longstaff on September 15, 2017

Biological cells have a wide range of complex functions, and a number of these are driven by tiny, molecularly generated forces acting within the cell. We asked Dr. Meenakshi Prabhune to talk to us about the latest tools for measuring… Read More ›

Focus on bimetric theory

By Rebecca Gillan on September 12, 2017

It goes without saying that finding answers to questions raised by the Standard Model and General Relativity remains a huge part of theoretical physics. Recent developments in bimetric theory, a topical review published in Journal of Physics A: Mathematical and Theoretical is the second most most highly cited article in the journal from 2016. Here we talk to one of the authors of the review, Angnis Schmidt-May, from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, to discover why this field is so active and what discoveries she’d like to see.

Focus on quantum thermodynamics

By Rebecca Gillan on August 30, 2017

The interface between quantum information and thermodynamics is currently a very active area. The topical review The role of quantum information in thermodynamics — a topical review, published in Journal of Physics A: Mathematical and Theoretical is the most highly cited 2016 article in the journal. Here we talk to one of the authors of the review, Marcus Huber, from Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information Vienna, to discover why this field is so active and where he thinks it’s heading.

Advanced strategies for magnetic sensor integration with biomedical devices

By Dean Williams on June 2, 2017

Next generation biomedical smart systems will rely on creative integration of microfluidics and magnetic sensors for high-performance biosensors

Introducing graphene and other 2D materials in magnetic tunnel junctions, a review

By Dean Williams on May 10, 2017

Could 2D materials open new avenues for magnetic tunnel junctions and spin electronics?

Fig. 1. Magnetic cooling principle demonstrated in terms of the spin and phonon systems of a solid. The application of the magnetic field leads to the alignment of spins and reduces the magnetic entropy Smag. Under adiabatic conditions (the total entropy is constant), the reduction in the magnetic entropy is compensated by an increase in the phonon part of the entropy Sph, i.e. by intensified lattice vibration (see a largely exaggerated phonon wave in step I). As a result of the increased lattice vibration the temperature rises. The evolved heat is removed from the system to the environment (step II). On thermal isolation of the solid from the environment and removal of the magnetic field, the spins randomise causing an increase in Smag and the corresponding reduction in Sph (step III). This step leading to the temperature reduction forms the basis of the magnetic cooling. Image taken from Julia Lyubina 2017 J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 50 053002, © IOP Publishing, All Rights Reserved.

Magnetic cooling: how cool is that!

By Dean Williams on February 17, 2017

More than 15 % of energy is spent worldwide on various forms of cooling. In addition to the energy bill, the compressor in cooling units can bring a rich palette of sounds to your home: think of all this clanking,… Read More ›

Glass transition: 100 years on

By Jade Holt on February 6, 2017

Because of their complex macromolecular architecture, polymers do not crystallize easily. In a recent review Simone Napolitano, Emmanouil Glynos and Nicholas B Tito discuss this transition of polymers from a liquid to a glassy state.

Example of a plasma in contact with a cell culture from the 2012 Plasma Roadmap, Copyright IOP Publishing, All Rights Reserved.

Roadmap Reviews: a success story

By Dean Williams on June 28, 2016

Back in 2012, the Editorial Board of JPhysD had an idea for a brand new article type: a Roadmap Review. Of course, in several communities, the idea of a roadmap – a perspective article looking at past and future developments… Read More ›

A photograph of a completed digital optical module.

KM3NeT: The next big thing in neutrino physics

By Colin Adcock on June 24, 2016 • ( 2 )

A square kilometre neutrino telescope deep in the Mediterranean sea. We find out more with spokesperson Maarten de Jong.

A plasma-catalysis reactor

Plasma–catalysis: the known knowns, the known unknowns and the unknown unknowns

By Dean Williams on May 24, 2016

Can the application of plasma make catalysis more effective?

Graphene nanoribbons: opening the gap

By Dean Williams on March 22, 2016

The demand for smaller and smaller electronic devices has led to great strides towards the use of novel materials like graphene. One of the obstacles to the use of graphene is its lack of band gap, meaning it is difficult… Read More ›

Teiko Heinosaari: An invitation to quantum incompatibility

By Rebecca McCutcheon on February 17, 2016

Topical Review offering a concise overview of some of the central aspects of incompatibility.

Agarose gel. Copyright IOP Publishing

The physics of food

By Colin Adcock on December 15, 2015 • ( 2 )

Food is amazing, and not just to eat. So before you tuck into your dinner tonight or think about celebratory delights like Champagne, take a look at how your food works.