{
  "id": 774240,
  "title": "A magnetic path to lower-power computing",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/a-magnetic-path-to-lower-power-computing",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-13T14:00:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-08-magnetic-path-power.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered a geometric rule that determines the behavior of clusters of tiny magnets in nanomagnetic computing systems. These nanomagnets, smaller than a grain of sand, could enable ultralow-energy computing by consuming far less electricity than current electronic devices. The study, published in Communications Materials, identifies a relationship between the structure of the magnetic arrangement and how energy flows through the system. By arranging four nanomagnets in different geometric patterns—a Greek cross, a square, or a midpoint between the two—the researchers observed varying levels of predictability in the energy relaxation process. In the square formation, the magnets reliably settled into a stable configuration, while the cross arrangement encountered an energy barrier, leading to less predictable outcomes. A tipping point was identified when the magnets were positioned at the midpoint between these two geometries, resulting in equally likely outcomes. This finding challenges existing modeling assumptions and opens new possibilities for designing low-energy computing devices. The researchers used a theoretical model treating each magnet as an object with internal structure, revealing hidden interactions at junctions that simplified models might overlook. Engineers could potentially control the reliability of computing devices by adjusting the rotation angle of the nanomagnetic clusters, enabling either deterministic or probabilistic outcomes. This discovery could lead to more energy-efficient computing technologies, potentially reducing the global energy demands of computing infrastructure.",
  "summary": "From smartphones to data centers, modern electronics rely on billions of tiny switches that consume electricity every time they turn on or off. As global demand for computing continues to grow, so does the energy required to power it. Scientists are therefore searching for alternatives that can perform the same tasks while using far less energy.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}