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AI for materials needs to be more physics-aware

Researchers introduce a benchmark to assess the physics-awareness of machine learning models for atomic interactions, which translate quantum characteristics into macroscopic physical properties. The benchmark evaluates models' ability to predict thermal and mechanical properties of materials, addressing potential errors in forces that...

The impact of thermocapillary convection on phase-change material melting process under varying gravity conditions

Researchers investigated the influence of thermocapillary convection on phase-change material melting under varying gravity conditions. The study found that aspect ratio is a key factor in determining the dominant convective regime, with thermocapillary effects dominating in flat cavities and natural convection dominating in cavities w...

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace: Science & Technology·DateAug 26, 2026

Light engines in the quantum world

Physicists at the University of Basel have developed a theoretical approach to reconcile thermodynamics and quantum physics. By using a miniature heat engine in a cavity, they can absorb and emit light particles, creating a

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 17, 2026

Out of order: using AI to decode the bizarre personality of water

Researchers at The University of Osaka used AI to evaluate characterization frameworks for molecular order in liquid water. They found that machine learning models can accurately capture key structural information, shedding light on the relationship between structural fluctuations and thermodynamic states of water.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 6, 2026

Dynamic black holes explained by simple thermodynamics?

Researchers at Penn State have developed a new measure for entropy that is more closely tied to the black hole's physical properties of spin and energy. This allows them to extend the first and second laws of thermodynamics to dynamic black holes, enabling better understanding of their processes.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 2, 2026

From dusk till dawn

Researchers used the James Webb Space Telescope to measure how star light absorption changes as WASP-121 b rotates, probing its atmosphere longitude by longitude. The data indicate that hot winds heat the evening terminator region, causing it to absorb more stellar radiation and expand.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Astronomy·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateJun 10, 2026

Topology sheds light on the nature of black holes

Topological methods have become a robust testing ground in black hole physics, revealing distinctive topological attributes of diverse black hole solutions. The review summarizes recent work toward universal topological classifications of black holes, organizing them according to their global topological number and winding numbers.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Physics Mechanics and Astronomy·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 9, 2026

New study reveals how a key receptor tells apart two nearly identical drug molecules

Researchers investigated the binding thermodynamics of doxepin geometric isomers to the histamine H1 receptor, revealing differences in enthalpy and entropy contributions. The study highlights the importance of considering conformational constraints in designing ligands with optimized thermodynamic properties.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2026

When heat flows like water

EPFL researchers have theoretically shown that heat can flow toward warmer regions in highly ordered materials, enabling the design of electronics with minimized heat loss. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient thermal management across multiple sectors, from consumer electronics to energy storage and data centers.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 13, 2026

The (metabolic) cost of life

A new paper proposes a way to calculate the thermodynamic costs of metabolic processes, ranking them according to their biological efficiency. The method estimates the improbability of a network behaving in a certain way, considering maintenance and restriction costs.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Statistical Mechanics Theory and Experiment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 6, 2026

For computational devices, talk isn't cheap

Researchers have determined that computational devices must dissipate at least as much heat as the useful information transmitted, challenging earlier views of communication costs. This finding has implications for building energy-efficient systems and could inspire future computer architecture.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalPhysical Review Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 22, 2025

When neural spikes break time's symmetry

Researchers developed a method that characterizes collective dynamics of neural activity using principles from thermodynamics. They found that neurons dynamically reshape their interactions during behavior and that the brain's internal temporal asymmetry shifts during task engagement, shedding light on efficient computation.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 14, 2025

Surprising nanoscopic heat traps found in diamonds

Researchers discovered 'hot spots' around atomic defects in diamonds that briefly distort the surrounding crystal, affecting quantum-relevant defects. The findings indicate optical techniques used to control defects may unintentionally generate small pockets of heat, potentially affecting diamond-based quantum devices.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2025

Game-changing heat shield to revolutionize aerospace manufacturing with long-life engines

Researchers at Hanbat National University have developed a game-changing heat shield technology that provides dual-layer protection for high-temperature alloys. The sequential B-Si coating technology allows these alloys to withstand extremely high temperatures, potentially transforming the aviation industry.

SourceHanbat National University Industry–University Cooperation Foundation·JournalJournal of Materials Research and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2025

Rice physicists probe quark‑gluon plasma temperatures, helping paint more detailed picture of big bang

A research team led by Frank Geurts measured quark-gluon plasma temperatures at various stages of its evolution, providing critical insights into a state of matter believed to have existed just microseconds after the big bang. The study revealed two distinct average temperatures depending on the mass range of dielectron pairs, indicati...

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 14, 2025

From engines to nanochips: Scientists redefine how heat really moves

Researchers at Auburn University and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory have developed a unified statistical theory of heat conduction that explains the unusual ways heat moves in tiny materials. This breakthrough has significant implications for the design of nanochips, AI processors, and advanced energy technologies.

SourceAuburn University Department of Physics·JournalPhysical Review B·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2025

Supercritical fluids once thought uniform found to contain liquid clusters

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology experimentally demonstrated the existence of nanometer-sized liquid clusters in supercritical fluids, overturning the prevailing notion of a single phase. These clusters persisted for up to an hour and have significant implications for industrial processes and natural environments.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalCommunications Physics·DateSep 30, 2025

Research findings offer new insight into blood thinners and bone builders

A team of Virginia Tech researchers has discovered new insights into blood thinners and bone builders, heparin. The findings may lead to designing safer and more reliable heparin therapies. Heparin's molecular composition affects its ability to bind calcium, influencing its effectiveness in biomineralization and blood clotting.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 4, 2025

Researchers succeed in building a low temperature hydrogen fuel cell, thanks to a scandium superhighway

Scientists at Kyushu University have created a solid oxide fuel cell that operates at a low temperature of 300°C, overcoming a major hurdle in their development. The breakthrough uses scandium to create a 'ScO6 highway' for protons to travel efficiently, enabling the production of affordable hydrogen power.

SourceKyushu University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2025

Universal method unlocks entropy calculation for liquids

Researchers developed a universal approach to calculate liquid entropy using fundamental physical principles, achieving remarkable consistency with existing data. The new method predicts entropy accurately for various liquids, including sodium, and has significant implications for optimizing chemical reactions and material properties.

SourceThe University of Osaka·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 15, 2025

Hot weather causes children to sweat at the same rate as adults, study shows

Research from the University of Sydney reveals that children aged 10-16 years sweat at the same rate as adults in extreme heat, contradicting previous advice on dehydration and hyperthermia risk. The study's findings emphasize the importance of proper hydration for children during physical activity.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 10, 2025

The quantum physics of forgetting information

Researchers at TU Wien have measured what happens when quantum physical information is lost, confirming Rolf Landauer's principle that deleting information always results in entropy transfer and energy loss. This study explores the connection between thermodynamics, information theory, and quantum physics.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2025

Creating ice layer by layer: the secret mechanisms of ice formation revealed

Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, used molecular-scale simulations to understand ice formation. They found that the arrangement of water molecules in the two layers closest to the surface is crucial for nucleation, promoting a low-dimensional hexagonal crystal lattice at the surface.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·DateJun 4, 2025

The generalization of statistical mechanics makes it possible to regularize the theory of critical phenomena

Researchers have developed a new approach to regularize the theory of critical phenomena by generalizing statistical mechanics. The new method, based on non-additive entropy, provides finite values for quantities that diverge in traditional theories, offering insights into complex systems.

Tapping a new toolbox, engineers buck tradition in new high-performing heat exchanger

Engineers at UW–Madison created a twisty high-temperature heat exchanger that maximizes heat transfer using topology optimization and additive manufacturing. The optimized design achieved a 27% higher power density than the traditional heat exchanger, enabling a more compact and lighter design suitable for aerospace applications.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2025

How computational guidelines and data-driven is reshaping inorganic material synthesis?

Machine learning (ML) techniques can identify materials with high synthesis feasibility and suggest suitable experimental conditions. Computational models derived from thermodynamics and kinetics enhance predictive performance and interpretability of ML models, optimizing experimental design and increasing synthesis efficiency.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 23, 2025

A colloidal crystal model for controlled polymorph selection

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a colloidal crystal model to control specific polymorph formation, advancing understanding of polymorph control for material fabrication and drug development. The study found that particle additives can effectively control polymorph formation and probability by size and cluster stability.

SourceTohoku University·JournalCommunications Physics·DateApr 22, 2025

Making the physics of glass more transparent

Koun Shirai bridges conventional physics and nonequilibrium materials to provide robust thermodynamic description of glasses. He redefines equilibrium as energy extraction impact, allowing tools of thermodynamics to apply to glasses.

SourceOsaka University·JournalFoundations·TypeObservational study·DateApr 6, 2025

Relax, I'm cool

Researchers at Kyoto University develop thermomajorization theory to unify different distance measures, eliminating ambiguities in previous studies. The approach reveals the Mpemba effect is not restricted to specific temperature ranges, but can emerge across a wide spectrum of thermal conditions.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 21, 2025

Overcoming stacking constraints in hexagonal boron nitride via metal-organic chemical vapor deposition

Scientists at POSTECH and University of Montpellier successfully synthesized wafer-scale hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) with an AA-stacking configuration using metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). This achievement introduces a novel route for precise stacking control in van der Waals materials.

Enhancing transverse thermoelectric conversion performance in magnetic materials with tilted structural design

Researchers developed artificial materials with improved transverse magneto-thermoelectric conversion performance through structural design. The findings provide new guidelines for designing materials and new ways to utilize the anomalous Nernst effect for practical applications.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2024

Hybrid theory offers new way to model disturbed complex systems

A hybrid method links bottom-up behaviors and top-down causation in a single theory to capture interactions between small-scale behaviors and system-level properties in disturbed systems. The approach has been tested in examples such as post-fire forest ecosystems and pandemics, predicting ecological patterns and system dynamics.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 6, 2024