The week in physics: Celebrations of the international quantum year; Network optimization via string theory

The Week in Physics Celebrations of the international quantum year Events held around the world have recognized the past, present, and future of quantum science and technology. Toni Feder JAN 26, 2026 The new math of network optimization, courtesy of string theory Modeling the shapes of tree branches, neurons, and blood vessels is a thorny problem, but researchers have just discovered that much of the math has already been done. Johanna L. Miller JAN 29, 2026 Q&A: Trity Pourbahrami helps scientists communicate their work After a foray into international health and social welfare, she returned to the physical sciences. She is currently at the Moore Foundation. Toni Feder JAN 29, 2026 ADVERTISEMENT Science Policy Moves Fast. Don't Fall Behind. FYI : Science Policy News is your trusted source for what's happening now and what's coming next. Get clear, reliable coverage of science policy through content designed for how you read: a weekly planning newsletter, in-depth articles, and a concise monthly recap. Choose one or all three and stay informed! From the vault The formation of interstellar molecules Cosmic rays may provide the energy flux necessary for the continual synthesis of molecules in dense hydrogen gas clouds, according to this detailed model of the carbon, oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen chemistry of those regions. Eric Herbst and William Klemperer JUN 01, 1976 Exposing life's limits with dimensionless numbers A crude device for quantification shows how diverse aspects of distantly related organisms reflect the interplay of the same underlying physical factors. Steven Vogel JAN 27, 2026 Crossword: February 2026 Doug Mar JAN 30, 2026 ADVERTISEMENT Your Free REU Post Reaches Two Job Boards! Capitalize on a high concentration of student and early-career applicants with exceptionally high response rates—post your REU or internship for FREE on the Physics Today Jobs Network. Your opening will automatically post to both SPS Jobs and Physics Today Jobs. Select the REU/Internship option! Post a Job Get Job Alerts Browse All Jobs Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Munich Quantum Valley gGmbH (MQV) Munich Quantum Valley gGmbH (MQV) (Garching bei München, Bayern (DE)) View Job Two-Year Visiting Assistant Professor of Physics Davidson College (Davidson, North Carolina) View Job Postdoctoral Fellow Position in Quantum Optical Physics: Theoretical, Simulation, Modeling Indiana University Physics Department (Bloomington, Indiana) View Job Assistant Professor – PhD Program in Physics The Graduate Center, CUNY (New York City, New York (US)) View Job Assistant Professor of General Faculty (Teaching Track) University of Virginia, Dept of Physics (Charlottesville, Virginia) View Job Science Policy News, Director AIP (College Park, Maryland (Hybrid)) View Job Physics Today is published by the American Institute of Physics. To manage your AIP email preferences and newsletter subscriptions, click here. Or unsubscribe from all AIP emails. © 2026 American Institute of Physics Physics Today 1 Physics Ellipse College Park, MD 20740 +1 (301) 209 3100