local
How a UT Austin scientist's 1.1-degree twist changed physics
By Eric Henrikson at KXAN (NBC Austin) - Local News
· June 19, 2026
· 1 min read
A UT Austin physicist who helped create the field of twistronics is receiving the 2026 Kavli Prize in Nanoscience. Allan MacDonald's discovery showed how slightly twisting two ultra-thin sheets of graphene can unlock extraordinary new properties with potential applications in electronics, energy ...
Key takeaway Allan MacDonald's discovery showed how slightly twisting two ultra-thin sheets of graphene can unlock extraordinary new properties with potential applications in electronics, energy transmission and quantum computing.
Why this matters in Barton Creek News
The recognition of UT Austin physicist Allan MacDonald's groundbreaking work in twistronics is a testament to the city's thriving scientific community. As a hub for innovation and research, Austin's unique blend of academic institutions and tech industry presence creates a fertile ground for discoveries like MacDonald's to take root. The potential applications of his research, particularly in electronics and energy transmission, could have significant implications for the city's own infrastructure and sustainability efforts. With Austin's growing population and increasing demand for efficient energy solutions, the work being done at UT Austin could play a crucial role in shaping the city's future. Furthermore, the connection to quantum computing also aligns with the city's goals of becoming a leader in emerging technologies, making MacDonald's discovery a notable milestone for the local scientific community.
About this story
Original reporting by KXAN (NBC Austin) - Local News . Barton Creek News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXAN (NBC Austin) - Local News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 19, 2026 ·
Source: KXAN (NBC Austin) - Local News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A UT Austin physicist who helped create the field of twistronics is receiving the 2026 Kavli Prize in Nanoscience. Allan MacDonald's discovery showed how slightly twisting two ultra-thin sheets of graphene can unlock extraordinary new properties with potential applications in electronics, energy ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 19, 2026 by KXAN (NBC Austin) - Local News and curated for Barton Creek News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Eric Henrikson at KXAN (NBC Austin) - Local News. To learn more about how Barton Creek News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Barton Creek News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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