In fusion power generation, “self-heating”*2—in which the plasma*1 heats itself using the energy generated by the fusion reaction to maintain high temperatures—is essential. However, this process is complex, and there was a lingering question: “Can an unstable plasma heat itself using waves it generates?”A research group led by Professor Katsumi Iida, Associate Professor Mikio Yoshinuma, and Associate Professor Tatsuya Kobayashi of the National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS), along with Professor Hayato Kato of Tohoku University, conducted detailed measurements of how the velocity distribution of particles in the plasma changes over time (phase-space dynamics) using the Large Helical Device (LHD)*3 at NIFS.As a result, they observed for the first time a phenomenon in which waves generated by plasma instabilities heat the plasma itself, thereby demonstrating one process of “self-heating.” Based on these research findings, further progress is expected in the study of plasma self-heating mechanisms, which are essential for the realization of fusion power generation. Additionally, applications to the study of space plasmas—such as the Earth’s magnetosphere, where similar plasma heating phenomena occur—are also anticipated.

Researchers have solved a longstanding physics puzzle, explaining why electronic devices can fail catastrophically when exposed to radiation. Their findings may hold the key to engineering new electronics that can better withstand extreme environments, with applications ranging from nuclear energy to space exploration.

Scientists at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and global automotive supplier Motherson are collaborating to develop a magnetic heating technology that could significantly reduce the time and energy needed to cure industrial coatings. The collaboration combines NTU’s expertise in magnetic materials and polymer science with Motherson’s automotive engineering and manufacturing capabilities to adapt the technology for industrial production. Motherson is a leading global design, engineering, manufacturing, assembly and logistics specialist, supporting customers from more than 475 facilities across 47 countries. Its operations span automotive and aerospace components, as well as other industries. Known as Spinheat, the NTU-developed technology uses specially designed magnetic nanoparticles added to materials such as paints, adhesives and resins. When exposed to an alternating magnetic field, the particles generate heat within the material, allowing coatings to cure without heating the entire component in an industrial oven. This could reduce energy consumption, carbon emissions and the space required for curing equipment, thus offering a greener, more efficient alternative for the automotive and aerospace sectors.

Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a flexible robot that functions like an elephant’s trunk to grip objects, with a goal of one day sending teams of these machines to aid in space exploration or to help with any number of other complex tasks. 

The robots are described in detail in Nature Machine Intelligence and are designed to address limitations in current robotic systems, which are more commonly built from rigid blocks that limit the shapes they can form.