Physics & Astronomy

Understanding How Liquid-Crystal Skyrmions Behave Like Elastic Multipoles Using electric fields and simplified mathematical models to explain how soft-matter solitons form chains and clusters Introduction Liquid crystals can support small, swirling structures known as skyrmions, which are localized regions where the orientation of the molecules twists into a stable pattern. Although these structures are formed from changes in a continuous material, they can move through the l

original article: https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP10(2025)215 Introduction Physicists are actively searching for hidden, lightweight subatomic particles known as "dark sector" particles or exotic scalars. These theoretical particles interact so weakly with normal matter that they are practically invisible, making them incredibly difficult to detect. Discovering them could help explain major mysteries of the universe, such as the nature of dark matter. Historically, scientists hav

A recent study suggests that Mars' early thick atmosphere may be locked up in the planet's clay-rich surface, offering new insights into the Red Planet's ancient climate and potential for habitability. Conducted by a team of researchers from MIT, the study suggests that the clays on Mars could contain significant amounts of carbon dioxide, which once constituted a dense atmosphere. This discovery not only sheds light on the Red Planet's geological history but also opens up ex