Physics

An international team has provided experimental evidence of bulk altermagnetism in MnTe. Using resonant X-ray nanoimaging, they resolved magnetic domains and confirmed their altermagnetic nature, establishing a powerful tool for future 3D and real-time studies of magnetic textures.

In 1867, Lord Kelvin imagined atoms as knots in the aether. It was soon disproven. But a new study suggests his discarded idea may yet hold the key to why the universe exists.

Scientists at Tohoku University have uncovered how electric fields, surface properties, and charge dynamics work together to shape catalytic reactions. The findings reveal why pH so strongly influences reaction efficiency, and how understanding this interplay can guide the design of smarter, more sustainable catalysts.

A research team has broken down walls, or moved magnetic domain walls to be exact, in the field of spintronics. They uncovered a new mechanism that enables faster and more efficient movement of magnetic domain walls in spintronic materials. By harnessing dual spin torques in a cobalt–iridium–platinum multilayer structure, the team demonstrated a unique form of spin-driven motion. The findings could inform the design of next-generation, low-power spintronic memory devices.

Researchers at Tohoku University have taken a major step forward in the global hunt for dark matter, an invisible substance that makes up about 27% of the universe, by designing a new type of quantum sensor network that could significantly improve our chances of detecting it.

Tohoku University researchers dispel the “plasma effect” myth in spark plasma sintering, showing that both SPS and hot pressing achieve equally effective, rapid densification of LLZO solid electrolytes.

A rock described as a flaky pastry may sound delicate, but researchers at Tohoku University found that when they fold under compressive forces in just the right way, they can actually be strong. These findings may help with earthquake risk assessment.

Producing ammonia – a valuable chemical compound used in many fields – takes enormous amounts of energy. Researchers at Tohoku University have found a more efficient option that converts harmful pollutants in water to ammonia.

Researchers from The University of Osaka, AIST, Okayama University, and the University of Tokyo applied an innovative computational-analysis technique to clarify the atomic structure of soft, easily deformable regions in amorphous silicon. They discovered that these regions combine medium-range order with local disorder, a finding that will guide the design of more durable amorphous materials.

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a photonic router that can direct single and entangled (quantum) photons at unprecedented levels of efficiency. This may bring us closer to realizing superfast quantum tech.

Element-selective atomic-scale observations of the magnetovolume effect in ferromagnetic Fe-Ni fcc-based alloys

Solves a long-standing challenge in fundamental physics

【Intriguing behavior of such electrons in particular materials produced by chemical synthesis】 Unpaired electrons located at linear band dispersion (LBD) are exceptional and called Dirac electrons (DE). They are paid attention to because of the unique electronic properties such as temperature (T)-independent resistivity, as if they belong to neither metallic nor non-metallic substances. In this study, we have developed a series of new organic Dirac electron systems and discovered universal features of magnetic behavior originating from LBD.

This promising new catalyst can speed up the oxygen evolution reaction to create clean energy.

Self-healing hydrogel, Cool crawler, AI and world's longest crop experiment & Freeze-framing cells. Plus how media interest helps engineers and society. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice

Researchers at Tohoku University have applied explainable machine learning to identify key factors for nickel-based catalysts that improve CO₂ methanation. The findings show how data-driven methods can guide catalyst design and support progress toward carbon recycling and sustainable energy.

Scientists at The University of Osaka and Tohoku University have developed a groundbreaking technique for creating nanoscale magnetic thin films with embedded functionality. By leveraging the stretchability of flexible substrates, they can precisely control the atomic spacing within these nanofilms, effectively “programming” desired magnetic properties directly into the material. This innovative approach, published in Applied Physics Letters, overcomes limitations of conventional deposition methods and paves the way for advancements in various fields, from electronics to fundamental materials science.

Counterintuitively, hot days are more likely to produce hail.

Researchers from Tohoku University, NIMS, and JAEA have demonstrated for the first time the technological advantages of antiferromagnets. Their study, published in Science, shows that antiferromagnets enable faster, more efficient memory operations than conventional ferromagnets.

This new crystal growth technology uses tungsten to create single crystals that can stand extreme temperatures - a new achievement in the field.

Researchers at Tohoku University have unified experimental and computational data into one valuable resource: a map that instantly guides scientists to suitable materials out of countless candidates.

Researchers at The University of Osaka have developed a novel technique to enhance the performance and reliability of silicon carbide (SiC) metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) devices, a key component in power electronics. This breakthrough utilizes a unique two-step annealing process involving diluted hydrogen, to eliminate unnecessary impurities and significantly improve device reliability.

Researchers at The University of Osaka and collaborating institutions have developed a cryo-optical microscopy technique that rapidly freezes live cells with millisecond precision during optical imaging. This enables detailed quantitative imaging of fast cellular events via optical microscopy techniques, including super-resolution fluorescence and Raman microscopy. With near-instant immobilization, a single time point in the cells can then be visualized with multiple imaging techniques, providing new insights across cell biology, biophysics, and medical research.

Recent research on fullerene’s role as a metal-free catalyst may redefine our understanding of how carbon nanomaterials can be used in clean energy technologies.

Most currently used fuel cells can only operate efficiently above 500°C, but researchers found a way to essentially cut that number in half.

Researchers report a Cu-based catalyst on graphitic carbon nitride with tunable atomic configurations, revealing that intercalated Cu dual-atom selectively drives CO2 reduction to methane with 88% efficiency while single-atom and nanoparticle catalysts favor hydrogen evolution.

Whispers in the gut, "Memory foam" for space 🚀, Potassium power 🔋& Intelligent multitasking. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice

First direct observation of quantum Kelvin–Helmholtz instability reveals eccentric fractional skyrmions

Altermagnets are a newly discovered class of magnets that exhibit unique magnetic behavior. They lack net magnetization but still influence the polarization of reflected light. This makes them difficult to study using conventional optical techniques. A research group has overcome this stumbling block using a new formula, enabling them to clarify the magnetic properties and origins of an organic crystal altermagnet.

A joint research team from Japan has observed "heavy fermions," electrons with dramatically enhanced mass, exhibiting quantum entanglement governed by the Planckian time – the fundamental unit of time in quantum mechanics. This discovery opens up exciting possibilities for harnessing this phenomenon in solid-state materials to develop a new type of quantum computer.