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 The Barton Creek
The recognition of UT Austin physicist Allan MacDonald's work in twistronics has significant implications for the local tech industry. With Austin already a hub for semiconductor manufacturing and tech innovation, breakthroughs in materials science like MacDonald's discovery could further solidify the city's position as a leader in the field. The potential applications of twistronics in electronics, energy transmission, and quantum computing also align with the city's goals of promoting sustainable energy and technological advancement. As the city continues to grow and attract new businesses, the presence of cutting-edge research institutions like UT Austin will be a major draw for companies looking to invest in innovative technologies. The local community can expect to see potential collaborations between UT Austin and local tech companies, leading to new opportunities for job creation and economic growth.
About this story
Original reporting by KXAN (NBC Austin) - Local News . The Barton Creek 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 The Barton Creek readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Eric Henrikson at KXAN (NBC Austin) - Local News. To learn more about how The Barton Creek selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Barton Creek, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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