New Scientist - Physics

1. Extremely cold atoms can selectively defy entropy
   When their quantum properties are precisely controlled, some ultracold atoms can resist the laws of physics that suggest everything tends towards disorder
2. Twisted crystals show hints of a new kind of superconductivity
   A double layer of tungsten diselenide behaves as a superconductor at very low temperatures, which could suggest a new route to developing materials that do so at room temperature
3. A cosmic shape could explain the fundamental nature of the universe
   Physicists have created a 3D shape called the cosmohedron, which can be used to reconstruct the quantum wavefunction of the universe - and potentially do away with the idea of space-time as the underlying fabric of the universe
4. Ultra-thin material creates a magnetic mystery
   The soft metal bismuth may be a wonder material for electronics – particularly because of one surprising behaviour it displays when exposed to magnetic fields
5. Elusive phase change finally spotted in a quantum simulator
   Researchers saw a chain of atoms in a quantum simulator go from being magnetic to not magnetic at all, the first time such a change has ever been seen in one spatial dimension
6. AI could assemble a record-breaking quantum computer out of cold atoms
   A huge number of ultracold atoms have been corralled into a grid that could form the basis of the next largest quantum computer
7. Laser technique measures vast distances with nanometre precision
   A new technique involving lasers can measure long distances more precisely than ever, which could be useful for space telescopes
8. Ultracold indium atoms could make unexpected new types of matter
   For the first time, atoms of the metal indium have been chilled to temperatures a few millionths of a degree above absolute zero, a state where strange quantum phenomena begin to appear
9. Physicists discover the secret to perfect cacio e pepe pasta
   The classic Italian cacio e pepe pasta is notoriously tricky to get right, but physicists have come up with a trick to achieve a perfectly smooth cheese sauce
10. Physicists discover that 'impossible' particles could actually be real
    Every fundamental particle in the universe fits into one of two groups called fermions and bosons, but now it seems there could be other particles out there that break this simple classification and were once thought to be impossible