News: Physics

Read the latest news from the College of Natural Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin

Research

UT Scientists Spied a Skyrmion. What is that?

This, and six other questions about a recent first in physics, answered.

A 3D vector field plot illustrating the direction and magnitude of vectors in a plane. Arrows are color-coded: blue arrows point towards a spot below the left side, red arrows point towards a point above the right side, and green arrows indicate intermediate directions and magnitudes.

Research

Physicists Reveal Muscles’ Molecular Secret to Balancing Strength and Stamina

The findings could have implications for robotics, prosthetics and energy efficient machines.

John McGrath at a lab bench with machinery

Research

University of Texas-led Team Solves a Big Problem for Fusion Energy

Their method to speed up the design of “magnetic bottles” offers an answer to a complex 70-year-old challenge.

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Accolades

Guggenheim Foundation Names 3 at UT in 100th Class of Fellows

Swarat Chaudhuri, a computer scientist, and Feliciano Giustino, a physicist, are among this year’s fellows.

Three headshots are surrounded by graphics representing the Guggenheim Foundation and UT Austin.

UT News

TAU Systems’ Laser Driven Particle Accelerator Receives UT Investment

Founded by UT physics professor Björn Manuel Hegelich, TAU Systems is developing TAU Labs, an R&D center and radiation testing facility.

A modern office building surrounded by palm trees has the word TAU over an entryway.

Features

Quantum Science and Technology Turn 100

The College of Natural Sciences is celebrating a century of quantum science and technology.

Illustration shows a group of atoms with arrows indicating the directions of their electron spins

Accolades

Six UT Faculty Members Awarded Prestigious Sloan Research Fellowships

The annual award recognizes early-career scientists whose work demonstrates exceptional promise.

Portrait of six scientists

Announcements

Texas Science Festival-Goers to Enjoy Fusion of Curiosity and Discovery

The University of Texas at Austin will host the science-themed, STEAM-inspired festival from Feb. 21-March 6.

Playful graphics evoke multiple themes in science from astronomy to cellular life in a graphic with the words Texas Science Festival 2025

Accolades

Chelikowsky Receives 2025 Hill Prize in Physical Sciences

Three UT Austin scientists and engineers received high-risk high-reward awards this year from TAMEST.

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Research

Dark Matter Might Have Formed Earlier than Thought

The new model is called WIFI, which stands for dark matter production during Warm Inflation via Freeze-In.

A horn-shaped illustration shows how the universe expanded rapidly during a period called cosmic inflation, with black dots representing the formation of dark matter particles throughout this period