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Listening for quantum oscillations in the Kondo insulator ytterbium dodecaboride

Magnetic quantum oscillations have been unexpectedly observed in insulators, where freely moving charge carriers are not expected to exist. A joint study by researchers from Tokyo University of Science, The University of Tokyo and Kobe University investigated this puzzling behavior in the Kondo insulator YbB12 using ultrasound.

The findings are published in the journal Physical Review B.

While no oscillations were detected in the insulating state, clear signals emerged after the material became metallic, offering new insight into unusual quantum behavior in next-generation materials.

Espresso ‘pucks’ stop behaving predictably above certain pressures

When a physics student asked baristas at the Warsaw Coffee Conference what their biggest question for scientists was, the baristas said they wanted to know how to stop channeling during brewing.

Channeling is an issue that arises as hot water passes through a pressed “puck” of espresso. The water follows the path of least resistance through the coffee grounds, resulting in an uneven brew and bitter flavor.

In Physics of Fluids, researchers from the University of Warsaw set out to determine the physical properties of espresso brewing to improve the preparation process.

Scientists create optical skyrmions using a two-century-old light phenomenon

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) scientists have used a classic optical phenomenon known as the Poisson spot to create stable patterns of light called optical skyrmions, which are tiny, swirling configurations in the properties of light—akin to the spikes of a hedgehog.

The team used a laser directed at a small circular disk instead of the complex and costly engineered materials commonly used to generate these skyrmions. This new method gives scientists a much simpler way to generate, study and adjust optical skyrmions.

Skyrmions are currently a hot scientific subject because they hold the potential to store information, paving the way for future data storage, communications and computing systems.

New breakthrough spots deadly methanol without opening bottles

A new optical technique developed by researchers at the University of St Andrews and Adelaide University allows toxic methanol in alcoholic spirits to be detected without opening the bottle. Published in the Journal of Physics: Photonics, this new work offers a powerful new tool for tackling counterfeit alcohol and improving consumer safety worldwide.

Methanol contamination of spirits such as whiskey, gin and vodka causes hundreds of deaths each year and can lead to serious physical consequences, such as blindness. Recent high-profile incidents have highlighted the danger: In 2024, six tourists died in Laos after drinking alcohol later found to be contaminated with methanol. It is estimated that methanol poisoning has caused tens of thousands of deaths globally, with incidents documented in nearly 80 countries.

Despite this, gold-standard tests for methanol detection are time-consuming and expensive, requiring trained personnel and specialized laboratory equipment.

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