EPJ Plus Highlight - New instrument probes how complex molecules form on cosmic dust
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- Published on 29 May 2026
Researchers have designed a non-destructive mass spectrometer that traps and measures individual nanoparticles, which could contribute to our understanding of how complex organic molecules form in interstellar space
Throughout interstellar space, molecules attached to the surfaces of dust grains are constantly being transformed through a combination of chemical reactions and physical forces. How these physicochemical processes play out is strongly tied to the sizes of dust grains – underpinning the formation of complex organic molecules. To study these processes, experiments so far have reproduced them on thick multilayer ice layers, but these surfaces can't fully capture the intrinsic properties of cosmic dust grains.
Through new research published in EPJ Plus, Stefano Bovino and colleagues at the University of Concepción, Chile, introduce a more advanced experimental approach, involving a non-destructive mass spectrometer for charged nanoparticles. Their setup could help researchers to deepen their understanding of how complex molecules can form in the harsh environment of outer space.
EPJ Plus Focus Point Issue: Mathematics and Physics at the Quantum-Classical Interface
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- Published on 29 May 2026
Guest Editors: Denys I. Bondar, Ilon Joseph, Giuseppe Marmo, Cesare Tronci
The study of the quantum-classical interface has been leading to new horizons in the fundamental understanding of many-body quantum systems as well as the control of quantum systems through the steering of classical components. The study of this area requires a combination of different approaches in both mathematics and physics, thereby forming an ideal platform for the rise of new concepts and methods in both fields and beyond. Given the intrinsic interdisciplinary aspects accompanying the study of the quantum-classical divide, this focus point brings together communities with different expertise in order to approach and advance problems lying across this interface. It is clear that standard methods in quantum mechanics are not sufficient to tackle this kind of problems, nor can classical mechanics alone resolve the underlying issues. There must be a synergy between different fields and this focus point has been seeking to accelerate new approaches and new collaborations along these lines. Achieving this synergy requires breaking language barriers and considering concepts that may be far from standard viewpoints. This focus point signifies the fact that the community is ready to embark on such a challenge by bringing together – once again – both mathematics and physics.
All articles are available here and are freely accessible until 31 July 2026. For further information, read the Editorial.
EPJ Plus Highlight - Speeding up radioactive decay in ultra-cold metallic environments
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- Published on 21 May 2026
A new framework aims to test whether embedding radioactive nuclei in ultra-cold metal matrices could accelerate their decay, and could offer a new route to managing nuclear waste
When cooled to ultra-cold temperatures and embedded in metallic surroundings, radioactive nuclei may decay at faster rates. So far, however, the mechanisms underlying this possibility have remained poorly understood.
Through new research published in EPJ Plus, a team from the Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN) and the Tor Vergata University of Rome, in collaboration with the Institute for Nuclear Research of (NASU) in Kyiv, has developed a comprehensive new framework for assessing the effect, and how it can best be investigated in real experiments. Their results could lead to new answers in fundamental nuclear physics and may even pave the way for new methods for accelerating the decay of radioactive waste into less harmful materials.
EPJ Plus Highlight - Morphology shapes the performance of perovskite X-ray detectors
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- Published on 08 May 2026
Researchers have identified a key trade-off between the thickness and the quality of the film of hybrid perovskite devices and their performance in flexible X-ray detectors
Thin films of hybrid perovskites have emerged as promising candidates for optoelectronic devices, including radiation detectors, but much remains to be learned about how their performance is linked to their morphology.
Through new analysis published in EPJ Plus, Sara Cepić and colleagues at the University of Bologna, Italy, have gained detailed insights into the link between film morphology and the performance of a perovskite-based X-ray detector. Their results could help researchers in future studies to optimise the performance of radiation detectors.
EPJ Plus Highlight - Image processing brings new clarity to RTe3’s electronic structure
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- Published on 05 March 2026
By applying image segmentation to ARPES data, researchers reconcile Fermi surface measurements with magnetic quantum oscillations and precisely determine the size of tiny electron pockets in rare-earth tritellurides.
Rare-earth tritellurides (RTe₃) are a class of two-dimensional quantum materials known for their diverse electronic properties. One of the most powerful tools for studying them is angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), which probes the allowed energies and momenta of electrons in solids. Despite its strengths, conventional ARPES methods are not well suited to producing fully accurate two-dimensional momentum maps, limiting researchers’ view of the complex electronic landscape these materials host.
In new research published in EPJ Plus, a team led by Alexander Morocho and supervised by Prof. Pavel D. Grigoriev at the National University of Science and Technology (MISiS), Moscow, demonstrates how this limitation can be overcome through careful image processing of ARPES data combined with comparisons to magnetic quantum oscillations. Their results could help physicists better understand the origins of exotic quantum effects in RTe₃ compounds, possibly paving the way for new applications.
EPJ Plus Focus Point: Nuclear microprobe technology and applications
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- Published on 05 March 2026
Guest Editors: Noelia Maldonado, María Dolores Ynsa, Belén Cortés, José Olivares Villegas, Teresa Pinheiro, Esther Enríquez, M. Carmen Jiménez-Ramos, Gastón García
This Focus Point issue includes 19 papers showcasing the diversity and innovation within the nuclear microprobe community, ranging from microelectronic radiation testing and ion-beam-induced charge microscopy to advances in microbeam systems, quantum device fabrication, and biomedical applications. The contributions originate from the 19th International Conference on Nuclear Microprobe Technology and Applications (ICNMTA2024), which was held at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid in June 2024.
All articles are available here and are freely accessible until 23 April 2026. For further information, read the Editorial.
EPJ Plus Focus Point: CBRNE events: prevention, mitigation, consequences and recovery
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- Published on 04 March 2026
Guest Editors: Andrea Malizia, Marco D’Arienzo, Gian Marco Contessa, Francesco d’Errico, Susana de Souza Lalic, Frank Duschek, Vasilis Vasiliou, Antony M. Hooker, Pasquale Gaudio
CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive) events remain among the most complex and disruptive threats facing contemporary societies, demanding integrated scientific and technological responses across multiple domains. This Focus Point of The European Physical Journal Plus brings together a curated collection of contributions that address the entire CBRNE risk-management cycle, from prevention and early detection to impact assessment, emergency response, and recovery. The articles highlight advances in radiation and nuclear detection, chemical and biological sensing, aerosol science, forensic analysis, and high-fidelity modelling, alongside innovative approaches in decontamination, responder protection, digital governance, and critical-infrastructure resilience. Particular attention is given to field-deployable technologies, UAV-based sensing platforms, decision-support tools, and scenario-based modelling frameworks that bridge research and operational practice. By integrating physics, engineering, biosciences, and digital technologies, this Focus Point provides a multidisciplinary and operationally relevant perspective on CBRNE preparedness and resilience. It offers researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers scientifically robust insights and scalable solutions to address non-conventional threats in an increasingly interconnected world.
All articles are available here and are freely accessible until 23 April 2026. For further information, read the Editorial.
EPJ Plus Highlight - GEMINI: Suppressing seismic noise for future gravitational-wave detectors
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- Published on 04 March 2026
By refining seismic isolation and control strategies deep underground, GEMINI aims to unlock the low-frequency frontier of gravitational-wave astronomy
Since the first observation of gravitational waves in 2015, detectors including LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA have analysed numerous ripples in the fabric of spacetime, pushing our understanding of astronomy and fundamental physics to new limits. However, the capabilities of these existing ground-based detectors have been constrained by seismic noise: ambient seismic vibrations in the Earth’s crust that overlap with the frequencies of gravitational waves below around 10 Hz. So far, this has made it difficult for researchers to distinguish this noise from genuine low-frequency gravitational-wave signals.
Through a new study published in EPJ Plus, a team led by Tomislav Andric at the Gran Sasso Science Institute explores the future potential of GEMINI: a cutting-edge underground testbed dedicated to seismic isolation and control technologies. Their study provides a valuable roadmap for planned next-generation detectors, including the Einstein Telescope and the Lunar Gravitational-Wave Antenna (LGWA) – possibly paving the way for a new wave of astronomical discoveries.
New EPJ Plus Section: Radiation Physics and CBRNe Science
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- Published on 03 March 2026
EPJ Plus is proud to announce the launch of a new section “Radiation Physics and CBRNe Science” established to provide a unified scientific platform where radiation physics and CBRNe science are equally represented as complementary and interdependent domains.
Within this integrated framework, the section aims to host high-quality research that advances fundamental understanding, technological innovation, and operational preparedness across all chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNe) dimensions, with radiation physics standing alongside chemical, biological, and explosive sciences as a core component of integrated risk management. In this context, the section provides a dedicated platform for studies addressing radiation-related phenomena across the entire electromagnetic spectrum, ranging from routine exposures in medicine, industry, energy, and research to accidental or intentional releases of radiological and nuclear materials in complex emergency and security scenarios.
Beyond original research articles, the section also welcomes progress reports, roadmaps and white papers, technical documents, and protocols as well as tutorials and reviews. Contributions may also take the form of perspectives and position papers, case studies, and lessons-learned analyses or validation and intercomparison studies.
By establishing “Radiation Physics and CBRNe Science” as a new section, EPJ Plus affirms its commitment to interdisciplinary research that bridges physics, engineering, life sciences, and security domains while fostering a community of researchers and practitioners working at the frontier of non-conventional risk science.
For more details please read this Editorial written by the Managing Editors of this new section, Gian Marco Contessa (Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy) and Andrea Malizia (Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy).
EPJ Plus Highlight - A roadmap for radiation protection in human space exploration
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- Published on 10 February 2026
Comprehensive new review outlines the risks posed by space radiation, and the strategies needed to safeguard astronauts on long missions into outer space
Among the many challenges of human space exploration, radiation remains one of the most serious threats to astronaut health. Before the next extended interplanetary voyages, researchers must better understand both the risks posed by space radiation and how they can be mitigated.
In a comprehensive review published in EPJ Plus, a team led by Livio Narici at the University of Rome Tor Vergata examines the complex nature of the space radiation environment, its biological effects, and the latest strategies for risk assessment and mitigation. Drawing together results from lab studies, space missions, and analogue experiments, the team identify key knowledge gaps and propose a detailed roadmap for protecting human health during future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
