The simulation of quantum dynamics is a challenging task to solve with classical resources. An experiment with a trapped-ion quantum processor now shows the efficient simulation of the evolution of large-scale many-body quantum systems.

X-ray ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy captures the charge migration in neutral silane molecules, which shows in the spectra as pairs of quantum beats.

A self-assembled DNA structure is coupled to a nanopore and exhibits continuous rotation in the presence of nanoscale flows driven by electric fields or ionic gradients.

Measurements of four different infinite-layer nickelates show that magnetic behaviour coexists with superconductivity. This is different from what is seen in cuprates, giving a strong distinction between the two classes of oxide superconductors.

Quantum computing with trapped ions requires qubits that can store and manipulate quantum information, and others that can be used for destructive incoherent operations. Different states of ytterbium-171 ions can be used to realize both qubit types

Interactive protocols can verify that a quantum computer exhibits a computational speedup using only classical analysis of its output. Exploiting a connection to Bell’s theorem gives a simpler protocol that is much less demanding for experiments.

A fundamental technical challenge in the analysis of network data is the automated discovery of communities — groups of nodes that are strongly connected or that share similar features or roles. In this Comment we review progress in the field over the past 20 years.

Across the world, decisions on investment and policy are made under the assumption of continuous economic expansion. Fundamental physical limits may soon put an end to this phase of development, as foreshadowed by the 1972 report The Limits to Growth.

The impact of legal metrology often remains unnoticed in our everyday lives. Pavel Klenovsky, Marc Wouters and Wilfried de Waal instruct us in trade and legal regulations.