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Nature Physics, Published online: 22 January 2024; doi:10.1038/s41567-023-02341-8

The phase diagram of confined ice is different from that of bulk ice. Simulations now reveal several 2D ice phases and show how strong nuclear quantum effects result in rich proton dynamics in 2D confined ices.

Nature Physics, Published online: 19 January 2024; doi:10.1038/s41567-023-02357-0

Quasicrystals are ordered but not periodic, which makes them fascinating objects at the interface between order and disorder. Experiments with ultracold atoms zoom in on this interface by driving a quasicrystal and exploring its fractal properties.

Nature Physics, Published online: 19 January 2024; doi:10.1038/s41567-023-02340-9

The kernel method in machine learning can be implemented on near-term quantum computers. A 27-qubit device has now been used to solve learning problems using kernels that have the potential to be practically useful.

Nature Physics, Published online: 19 January 2024; doi:10.1038/s41567-023-02319-6

Light passing through complex media is subject to scattering processes that mix together different photonic modes. This complexity can be harnessed to implement quantum operations.

Nature Physics, Published online: 19 January 2024; doi:10.1038/s41567-023-02364-1

In quasi-crystals, constituents do not form spatially periodic patterns, but their structures still give rise to sharp diffraction patterns. Now, quasi-crystalline patterns are found in a system of spherical macroscopic grains vibrating on a substrate.

Nature Physics, Published online: 19 January 2024; doi:10.1038/s41567-023-02339-2

The dynamics of isolated quantum many-body systems far from equilibrium is the object of intense research. Magnetization measurements in a spinor atomic gas now offer a way to classify universal dynamics based on symmetry and topology.

Nature Physics, Published online: 18 January 2024; doi:10.1038/s41567-023-02336-5

Active flows in biological systems swirl. A coupling between active flows, elongated deformations and defect dynamics helps preserve self-organised structures against disordered swirling.

Nature Physics, Published online: 18 January 2024; doi:10.1038/s41567-023-02337-4

Non-Hermitian systems can be described in terms of gain and loss with a coupled environment—a hard feature to tune in quantum devices. Now an experiment shows non-Hermitian topology in a quantum Hall ring without relying on gain and loss.

Nature Physics, Published online: 18 January 2024; doi:10.1038/s41567-023-02335-6

Cell motion along linear confinements is deterministic. Now a model predicts deterministic oscillations in cellular polarization at a Y junction in a set-up with adhesive patterns.

Nature Physics, Published online: 17 January 2024; doi:10.1038/s41567-023-02333-8

Electric polarization is well defined for insulators but not for metals. Electric-like polarization is now realized via inhomogeneous lattice strain in metallic SrRuO3, generating a pseudo-electric field. This field affects the material’s electronic bands.

Nature Physics, Published online: 17 January 2024; doi:10.1038/s41567-023-02329-4

Phases of matter can host different transport behaviours, ranging from diffusion to localization. Anomalous transport has now been observed in an interacting Bose gas in a one-dimensional lattice subject to a pulsed incommensurate potential.

Nature Physics, Published online: 17 January 2024; doi:10.1038/s41567-023-02334-7

Using the valley degree of freedom in analogy to spin to encode qubits could be advantageous as many of the known decoherence mechanisms do not apply. Now long relaxation times are demonstrated for valley qubits in bilayer graphene quantum dots.

Nature Physics, Published online: 17 January 2024; doi:10.1038/s41567-023-02332-9

The strengths of connections in networks of neurons are heavy-tailed, with some neurons connected much more strongly than most. Now a simple network model can explain how this heavy-tailed connectivity emerges across four different species.

Nature Physics, Published online: 17 January 2024; doi:10.1038/s41567-023-02328-5

Coherence between rotational states of polar molecules has previously been limited by light shifts in optical traps. A magic-wavelength trap is able to maximize the coherence time and enables the observation of tunable dipolar interactions.

Nature Physics, Published online: 17 January 2024; doi:10.1038/s41567-023-02330-x

Topological features such as modularity and small-worldness are common in real-world networks. The emergence of such features may be driven by a trade-off between information exchange and response diversity that resembles thermodynamic efficiency.

BioDynaMo: cutting-edge software helps battle cancer

Choosing the right cancer treatment is a massive undertaking involving multiple stages, high experimental complexity and significant costs. Currently, two main methods are used to find the best possible treatment solutions: in vitro testing and clinical trials. However, predicting the drug effects on each individual patient remains the Holy Grail of personalised medicine.

Born from CERN openlab in the CERN IT department, BioDynaMo is an innovative tool for “in silico” testing, i.e. experimentation carried out on a computer. Based on mathematical models, it creates and runs complex 3D computer simulations that help understand cancer progression and identify the most effective treatment strategies for specific tumour cases.

In a recent scientific publication, scientists affiliated with CERN, the Technical University of Munich and the University of Texas at Austin demonstrated the significant potential of advancing medical therapy with the help of BioDynaMo. The model successfully replicates medical data on recorded tumour growth and the effects of two anti-cancer drugs, Doxorubicin and Trastuzumab. By fitting the BioDynaMo models to the available pre-clinical data, scientists proved the platform’s ability to simulate different levels of efficacy of various drugs, treatment combinations and dosage regimens.

BioDynaMo is an open source project that strives to provide the most efficient and performant simulation platform for agent-based models. It accommodates a diverse range of use cases and can address research questions in oncology, neuroscience, epidemiology and many more disciplines. With its ability to simulate almost two billion agents (or cells), BioDynaMo is a powerful tool for analysing many different complex systems. Since 2015, BioDynaMo's consortium of scientists has been working on developing and optimising the engine, improving its performance and usability. For more information, click here.

The BioDynaMo project is funded with the support of CERN’s budget for knowledge transfer for the benefit of medical applications and of the CERN and Society Foundation. Find out how you can support the BioDynaMo project here.

ndinmore Tue, 01/16/2024 - 11:54 Byline Marina Banjac Publication Date Tue, 01/16/2024 - 11:43

CERN Alumni Third Collisions: A confluence of reconnection, networking and celebration  

"Great stories of entrepreneurship! It was amazing to see the impact that CERN alumni are making in society." These are the words of a CERN alumni who took part in the Second Collisions event, in 2021. These sentiments echo the anticipation surrounding the upcoming Third Collisions event, taking place at CERN from 9 to 11 February.

In less than a month, CERN will play host to several hundred alumni, marking the third reunion of this network, now entering its seventh year of existence. The event promises a rich tapestry of experiences, blending insightful talks, stimulating panels, and the chance to reconnect with former colleagues. The focus of the talks and panels extends beyond the scientific realm, delving into pressing topics like climate change, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. The event serves as a nexus for networking, providing opportunities for alumni to reconnect and engage with members of the CERN community.

A notable addition to this year's programme is the inaugural jobs fair, bringing together companies and EIROforum organisations actively seeking individuals with skills cultivated at CERN. CERN Alumni companies will also feature, as will CERN teams such as Knowledge Transfer, CERN Courier, and the CERN & Society Foundation, amongst others. Many companies will be in place, as of the afternoon of Thursday, 8 February, in the Main Building, and will eagerly welcome those at CERN contemplating their next professional venture.

The Third Collisions aren't just about work; they encompass a spectrum of events, sparking CERN nostalgia, including a welcome reception, gala dinner, and multiple coffee breaks that facilitate informal networking. The agenda also boasts diverse entertainment options, ranging from a ski outing to a MusiClub alumni DJ set and the screening of "Almost Nothing", followed by a Q&A with one of the directors. Fitness activities are also on the menu, ensuring a well-rounded experience for all participants.

The event's detailed programme, list of speakers, and additional information can be accessed here.

To facilitate participation, a small financial contribution is requested, ensuring the smooth execution of this grand event. For the first time, participants are welcome to bring a plus one (over 18s only), enhancing the sense of community and celebration.

Additionally, the organising committee is seeking volunteers to contribute to the event's success. Those willing to lend a helping hand will have their registration fees waived, further emphasising the collaborative spirit that defines the CERN and CERN Alumni communities. Please contact alumni.relations@cern.ch for more information.

Join us at CERN Alumni Third Collisions, which promise to be an extraordinary blend of knowledge exchange, professional networking, and celebration, reinforcing the impact of CERN alumni on society and echoing the continuous legacy of excellence set by CERN and its remarkable alumni.

anschaef Tue, 01/16/2024 - 10:37 Byline CERN Alumni programme Publication Date Tue, 01/16/2024 - 10:34

Nature Physics, Published online: 16 January 2024; doi:10.1038/s41567-023-02369-w

Scalable quantum computers require quantum error-correcting codes that can robustly store information. Exploiting the structure of well-known classical codes may help create more efficient approaches to quantum error correction.

Nature Physics, Published online: 16 January 2024; doi:10.1038/s41567-023-02355-2

Quantum technologies change our notion of measurement. Chenyu Wang elaborates on how quantum squeezing enhances the precision of gravitational-wave interferometers.

Nature Physics, Published online: 16 January 2024; doi:10.1038/s41567-023-02381-0

Two-dimensional crystals have revolutionized fundamental research across a staggering range of disciplines. We take stock of the progress gained after twenty years of work.