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By shaping and shrinking light, engineers alter a material's magnetic properties

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a new approach to switch magnetic states using light, which could lead to faster and more efficient data storage. By shaping and shrinking light, they were able to overcome limitations of previous methods and achieve optical switching in thicker magnetic materials.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 2026

Scientists create rare material that could pave the way for faster, greener computer memory

Researchers at the University of Warwick have created a new material combining magnetism and electrical polarisation, making it possible to switch magnetic information using an electric field. The material works at close to room temperature, a significant breakthrough for energy-efficient computer memory.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2026

Magnetic fields put a new spin on surface chemistry

A groundbreaking study reveals that electron spin influences chemical reactions at surfaces, and controlling spin orientation with magnetic fields can dramatically change reaction rates. The study demonstrates the potential for spin-based control of surface chemistry, opening up new possibilities for selective catalysis and reactivity.

Aging microplastics may strengthen the grip of fluorinated pesticides in agricultural soils

Researchers found that aging microplastics can increase the binding of fluorinated pesticides like fluensulfone in agricultural soils. The smallest aged particles showed the strongest effects, with 30-35% of retained fluensulfone bound to PVC microplastics.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalEnvironmental and Biogeochemical Processes·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 21, 2026

Just 50°C decides whether an ultrathin magnetic film stays flat or falls apart

A new study from the University of Toyama found that a 50°C difference in heating temperature significantly affects the structure and stability of ultrathin FePd films. Films heated to 150°C maintained their flat surface, while those at 200°C exhibited controlled solid-state dewetting, enabling self-organized magnetic structures.

SourceUniversity of Toyama·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2026

Element-specific x-ray study shows both iron and cobalt suppress thermal expansion in stainless invar alloys, with iron's effect stronger

Researchers used synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy and atomic-scale computer simulation to measure how iron and cobalt atoms individually respond to temperature change. Iron and cobalt both contribute to suppressing thermal expansion, but iron's effect is stronger and shifts with small changes in the iron-to-cobalt ratio.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2026

Magnetic encounters: how intermolecular collisions affect magnetism

Scientists at the University of Osaka developed a theoretical framework to explain the anomalously large magnetic susceptibility of organic radical fluids. They found that dynamic magnetic interactions during molecular collisions enhance the magnetic susceptibility, explaining the phenomenon beyond conventional theories.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 15, 2026

Detecting the hidden magnetism of altermagnets

Altermagnets exhibit unique magnetic structure due to unconventional symmetries, enabling spin-polarized electron currents. A new method reveals this hidden structure using circularly polarized light and resonant photoelectron diffraction.

SourceChiba University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2025

Demonstration of altermagnetism in RuO₂ thin films -- A new magnetic material for the AI era

Researchers have demonstrated altermagnetism in RuO₂ thin films, a promising new magnetic material for high-speed, high-density memory devices. The discovery overcomes limitations of conventional ferromagnets and has the potential to enable more energy-efficient information processing.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2025

Breakthrough iron-based magnetic material achieves major reduction in core loss

A new iron-based magnetic material achieves a 50% reduction in core loss compared to initial amorphous materials, particularly in the high-frequency range. This breakthrough is expected to contribute to next-generation transformers and EV components, leading to more energy-efficient electric machines.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2025

Shedding new light on invisible forces: hidden magnetic clues in everyday metals unlocked

Researchers develop new method to detect subtle magnetic signals in common metals like copper, gold, and aluminum, using a laser and large-amplitude modulation of the external magnetic field. This breakthrough could lead to advances in semiconductor industry, spintronic devices, and quantum systems.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2025

Turning non-magnetic materials magnetic with atomically thin films

Scientists at Tohoku University discovered that chromium selenide transforms into a magnetic material when reduced to atomically thin layers, challenging previous theoretical predictions. The research opens new possibilities for spintronics applications and could lead to faster, smaller, and more efficient electronic components.

University of Houston physicists hit major milestone in advancing superconductor applications

Researchers at the University of Houston have achieved a major milestone in finding superconductors that work in everyday conditions. By stabilizing high-pressure-induced superconducting states at ambient pressure, they have opened up new avenues for fundamental research and practical applications.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2025

Physicists develop new method to visualize magnetic nanostructures with high resolution

Researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg have developed a new method to visualize magnetic nanostructures with a resolution of around 70 nanometres. This breakthrough enables the analysis of spintronic components and has significant implications for energy-efficient storage technologies.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2024

New route to ‘quantum spin liquid’ materials discovered for first time

Researchers at the University of Birmingham create a ruthenium-based material with complex disordered magnetic properties, fulfilling the Kitaev quantum spin liquid state requirements. This breakthrough opens up new pathways for exploring these states of matter and provides a route to magnetic properties that don't follow classical laws.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2024

Synthesis of a new compound with excellent intrinsic magnetic properties using smaller amounts of rare earth elements

Scientists have successfully synthesized a new SmFe-based magnetic compound, exhibiting superior intrinsic magnetic properties compared to traditional NdFeB compounds. The compound's high magnetization and anisotropy field make it suitable for electric vehicle applications without the need for critical rare-earth elements.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalActa Materialia·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2024

Breakthrough research uncovers hidden phenomena in ultra-clean quantum materials

Researchers have discovered unusual transport phenomena in ultra-clean SrVO3 samples, contradicting long-standing scientific consensus. The study's findings challenge theoretical models of electron correlation effects and offer insights into the behavior of transparent metals.

Transforming common soft magnets into a next-generation thermoelectric conversion materials by 3 minutes heat treatment

A team of scientists at NIMS and Nagoya University has developed a novel method to create transverse thermoelectric conversion materials from common soft magnetic alloys. By applying a short period of heat treatment, they significantly improve the performance of anomalous Nernst effect, leading to enhanced energy efficiency and thermal...

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2024

Evolution: Weak magnetic field may have supported diversification of life on Earth

Researchers found that a weak magnetic field coincided with significant oxygen increase in the atmosphere and oceans between 591-565 million years ago, supporting evolution of complex organisms. This weakening led to increased hydrogen escape, resulting in more oxygen and potentially driving animal radiation during Ediacaran Period.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateMay 2, 2024

Under pressure

Scientists have created a novel instrument that enables the precise measurement of superconductors under extreme pressure, overcoming existing limitations. The new tool uses quantum sensors integrated into a standard pressure-inducing device, allowing for direct imaging of the material's behavior.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2024