Nature Physics

Nature Physics, Published online: 12 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41567-026-03309-0 Qubits with detectable erasure errors can support more efficient error correction than qubits with unlocated errors. Improved logical qubit performance using erasure conversion has now been demonstrated using ytterbium-171 atoms.

Nature Physics, Published online: 12 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41567-026-03258-8 Ytterbium-171 atoms can store quantum information in different ways, with their own applications and advantages. Now the ability to coherently transfer entangled states between these different qubit types has been demonstrated.

Nature Physics, Published online: 04 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41567-026-03327-y DNA methylation regulates cell differentiation. It is now shown that methylation dynamics in the early embryo follow a universal scaling law, suggesting that physical constraints rather than molecular specifics shape cell fate.

Nature Physics, Published online: 04 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41567-026-03301-8 A two-state regime in deeply undercooled water has long been predicted. Now the existence of two local structures that undergo interconvertible reactions is suggested by simulations, corroborating the two-state picture.

Nature Physics, Published online: 02 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41567-026-03276-6 Tissue phase transitions are key to morphogenesis. Now adhesion-driven rigidification is identified as key to epithelial organization but only if uncoupled from density-driven jamming.

Nature Physics, Published online: 02 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41567-026-03300-9 Periodic atomic arrays can modify collective light scattering, but most studies have focused on one- and two-dimensional systems. Now experiments with a three-dimensional array show strong omnidirectional suppression of coherent light scattering.

Nature Physics, Published online: 02 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41567-026-03282-8 Phase transitions in cellular collectives are triggered by multiple control parameters. Independently tuning cell density and adhesion, both in silico and in vivo, reveals that adhesion dictates the tissue material state. Adhesion-driven solidification in unjammed pluripotent tissues is shown to drive epithelial organi…

Nature Physics, Published online: 01 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41567-026-03302-7 Hong–Ou–Mandel interference has been difficult to extend to ensembles of many massive particles. Measurements on up to 12 neutral atoms now exhibit characteristic multiparticle interference pattern with single-atom resolution and negligible loss.

Nature Physics, Published online: 01 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41567-026-03294-4 Obtaining squeezed states in magnets are a key challenge for future spin-based sensing and information technology. Now thermal squeezing of magnons, where noise drops below thermal levels, is shown in a ferrimagnetic insulator device.

Nature Physics, Published online: 29 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41567-026-03310-7 For about ten years, the lifetime of a nuclear metastable state in singly charged thorium-229 ions has puzzled physicists, because it appeared to be shorter than theoretically expected. The solution provides a hint towards an uncommon decay channel.

Nature Physics, Published online: 28 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41567-026-03296-2 Frost propagation on surfaces is accelerated by the growth of in-plane ice fragments that connect supercooled sessile droplets. Now a competing phenomenon involving suspended out-of-plane ice bridges that decelerate frost propagation is reported.

Nature Physics, Published online: 27 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41567-026-03308-1 Laser light cannot probe or control rotation at the single-atom level in a material. Now electron matter waves with internal torque show promise for studying and manipulating materials on atomic scales.

Nature Physics, Published online: 26 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41567-026-03322-3 The presence of Majorana zero modes is often difficult to confirm experimentally due to the detrimental effects of disorder. Now, a chain of magnetic atoms on a proximatized surface is shown to exhibit robust Majorana states with disorder present.

Nature Physics, Published online: 25 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41567-026-03293-5 Tuning of the Stark effect in black phosphorus is used to build adjustable digital and analogue circuits including a high-performance transistor array for neural networks. It offers a promising opportunity for next-generation electronics.

Nature Physics, Published online: 21 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41567-026-03286-4 The potential similarities in the superconductivity in nickelates and cuprates is a topic of debate. Now a distinct likeness is observed in the electronic properties of these materials, which hints that the microscopic mechanisms may be related.

Nature Physics, Published online: 19 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41567-026-03265-9 Classical approaches to imaging through complex media do not account for the quantum nature of the incident field. Now, images encoded on an entangled two-photon state are shown to transmit through a scattering medium whereas scattered by classical light.

Nature Physics, Published online: 18 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41567-026-03267-7 More spin current can be produced with less energy lost at the source, thanks to inter-magnet pumping that rebalances angular momentum dissipation between sublattices in a ferrimagnetic multilayer.

Nature Physics, Published online: 18 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41567-026-03306-3 In neurons, the mapping from inputs to output involves complex biophysical processes. Despite this complexity, it is now shown that simple artificial models explain a large fraction of the variability in neuronal activity.

Nature Physics, Published online: 15 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41567-026-03312-5 Tissue shape design

Nature Physics, Published online: 15 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41567-026-03297-1 The combination of viscous heat flow and thermoelastic effects leads to a non-diffusive heat transport regime in MoSe2 and MoS2. Moreover, it can be controlled through the variation in sample thickness and by choosing between continuous and pulsed heating.