Nature Physics
Nature Physics offers news and reviews alongside top-quality research papers in a monthly publication, covering the entire spectrum of physics. Physics addresses the properties and interactions of matter and energy, and plays a key role in the development of a broad range of technologies. To reflect this, Nature Physics covers all areas of pure and applied physics research. The journal focuses on core physics disciplines, but is also open to a broad range of topics whose central theme falls within the bounds of physics.
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Optimal learning of quantum channels in diamond distance
Nature Physics, Published online: 12 November 2026; doi:10.1038/s41567-026-03499-7
Quantum channels can be used to describe the evolution of quantum states, including both unitary evolution and measurement. Now the optimal number of uses needed to learn an unknown channel to any fixed accuracy has been found. -
Altermagnetism in a new light
Nature Physics, Published online: 11 November 2026; doi:10.1038/s41567-026-03532-9
Altermagnets host spin-split bands despite zero net magnetization. A photonic crystal now reproduces this symmetry-driven phenomenon using circular polarization as a spin analogue. -
Active-flow-driven DNA remodelling generates millimetre-scale mechanical oscillations
Nature Physics, Published online: 09 November 2026; doi:10.1038/s41567-026-03505-y
Active matter can exhibit turbulent or coherent flows. Now it is shown that active flows can entangle DNA polymers, leading to a non-equilibrium transition from disordered turbulence to periodic motion. -
The edge of the Sun
Nature Physics, Published online: 09 November 2026; doi:10.1038/s41567-026-03515-w
Defining the solar radius is not as easy as it might seem. José Vaquero tells us a story of eclipses, meridian lines, astronomical archives and space observations. -
The cost of easy answers
Nature Physics, Published online: 09 November 2026; doi:10.1038/s41567-026-03525-8
The cost of easy answers