Physicists observe a new form of magnetism for the first time

The magnetic state offers a new route to “spintronic” memory devices that would be faster and more efficient than their electronic counterparts.

Jennifer Chu | MIT News • mit
June 5, 2025 ~10 min

Four small planets discovered around one of the closest stars to Earth – an expert explains what we know

The small worlds were particularly challenging to discover.

Coel Hellier, Professor of Astrophysics, Keele University • conversation
March 14, 2025 ~6 min


Colliding plasma ejections from the Sun generate huge geomagnetic storms − studying them will help scientists monitor future space weather

While geomagnetic storms can lead to gorgeous aurora displays, they can also damage satellites and GPS.

Shirsh Lata Soni, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Michigan • conversation
Feb. 21, 2025 ~6 min

Unlocking the secrets of fusion’s core with AI-enhanced simulations

Fusion’s future depends on decoding plasma’s mysteries. Simulations can help keep research on track and reveal more efficient ways to generate fusion energy.

Julianna Mullen | Plasma Science and Fusion Center • mit
Feb. 18, 2025 ~7 min

Physicists discover — and explain — unexpected magnetism in an atomically thin material

The work introduces a new platform for studying quantum materials.

Elizabeth A. Thomson | Materials Research Laboratory • mit
Jan. 23, 2025 ~6 min

Physicists magnetize a material with light

The technique provides researchers with a powerful tool for controlling magnetism, and could help in designing faster, smaller, more energy-efficient memory chips.

Jennifer Chu | MIT News • mit
Dec. 18, 2024 ~8 min

MIT spinout Commonwealth Fusion Systems unveils plans for the world’s first fusion power plant

The company has announced that it will build the first grid-scale fusion power plant in Chesterfield County, Virginia.

Zach Winn | MIT News • mit
Dec. 17, 2024 ~6 min

Asteroid grains shed light on the outer solar system’s origins

A weak magnetic field likely pulled matter inward to form the outer planetary bodies, from Jupiter to Neptune.

Jennifer Chu | MIT News • mit
Nov. 6, 2024 ~8 min


Ultra-powered MRI scans show damage to brain’s ‘control centre’ is behind long-lasting Covid-19 symptoms

Damage to the brainstem – the brain’s ‘control centre’ – is behind long-lasting physical and psychiatric effects of severe Covid-19 infection, a study suggests.

Cambridge University News • cambridge
Oct. 8, 2024 ~6 min

The Earth’s inner core is a total mystery – here’s how we’re starting to solve it

The Earth’s core may be much younger than previously thought.

Alfred Wilson-Spencer, Research fellow of Mineral Physics, University of Leeds • conversation
Sept. 5, 2024 ~6 min

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