The September 2013 issue of Physics World is out now

By Matin Durrani

Physics World September 2013.

If you’re a member of the Institute of Physics (IOP), it’s time to get stuck into the September 2013 issue of Physics World, which has a great range of articles that are sure to pique your interest.

Remember that all members of the IOP can  access the entire new issue free via the digital version of the magazine or by downloading the Physics World app onto your iPhone or iPad or Android device, available from the App Store and Google Play, respectively.

This month we catch up with the latest developments in what seems almost like science fiction: creating artificial organs with a 3D printer that uses a patient’s own cells as ink. We also look at the life of Laura Bassi, who in 18th-century Italy became possibly the first ever female professional physicist. Our final feature this month examines the interplay between chaos in art and science, which has included everyone from Jackson Pollock to Edward Lorenz.

Don’t miss either a great Lateral Thought about the link between physics and bringing up babies, while this month’s careers article has some top tips for anyone wanting to get a job in industry.

For the record, here’s a run-down of highlights in the issue.

Zeroing in on exoplanets – As NASA ends attempts to restore its ailing Kepler spacecraft,
Daniel Clery looks at the next generation of planet-hunting telescopes.

Raising funds to support physics – With the IOP running many initiatives that benefit physics and physicists, outgoing president Sir Peter Knight calls for your help to back a new fundraising campaign to expand its work even further.

Dramatizing science – Writing a play – even a short one – is harder than it seems, as Robert P Crease discovers.

Just press print – Patients requiring an organ transplant may one day no longer have to wait for a matching donor. As Stephen Ornes explains, researchers are making progress towards creating human organs with techniques such as 3D printing, using the patient’s own cells for ink.

Laura Bassi and the city of learning – She might not be a household name, but Laura Bassi was one of the shining stars of 18th-century Italian physics – and could well have been the first woman to have forged a professional scientific career, as Paula Findlen explains.

A fascination with fractals – Richard Taylor describes how art and science are intertwined through a shared endeavour to understand nature’s chaos.

The seven chemical wonders – Matin Durrani reviews Seven Elements That Have Changed the World by former BP chief executive John Browne.

To the world’s end, in 15 questions – Virginia Trimble reviews Edge of the Universe: a Voyage to the Cosmic Horizon and Beyond by Paul Halpern.

On the inside track – Industrial scientist Brent Neal explains what physics graduates and PhD students can do to make themselves stand out to recruiters.

Once a physicist – This month we talk to Chris Arnade, who is a documentary photographer who works among homeless addicts and prostitutes in Hunts Point, New York.

Life in the Baby Universe – In this month’s Lateral Thoughts, Philip Shemella examines the joys of life with young children.

If you’re not yet a member, you can join the Institute as an IOPimember for just £15, €20 or $25 a year. Being an IOPimember gives you a full year’s access to Physics World both online and through the apps.