Read article: Atomic anomaly explained without recourse to hypothetical ‘dark force’ Dark matter and energy Research update Atomic anomaly explained without recourse to hypothetical ‘dark force’ Effect observed in 2020 arises from changes in nuclear structure, not new physics
Read article: The enigma of Trappist-1 b: a thick atmosphere or airless rock? Planetary science Research update The enigma of Trappist-1 b: a thick atmosphere or airless rock? Thermal emission measurements from the exoplanet Trappist-1 b suggest two plausible yet contradictory scenarios
Read article: Novel zinc alloys could make bone screws biodegradable Biomedical devices Research update Novel zinc alloys could make bone screws biodegradable New coarser-grained alloys are strong enough to challenge stainless steel and titanium as materials for orthopaedic implants, say researchers
Read article: Quantum computers extend lead over classical machines in random circuit sampling Quantum computing Research update Quantum computers extend lead over classical machines in random circuit sampling New Zuchongzhi 3.0 processor can solve in minutes a problem that would take a supercomputer billions of years
Read article: Cell sorting device could detect circulating tumour cells Biomedical devices Research update Cell sorting device could detect circulating tumour cells Researchers harness standing acoustic waves to separate microspheres that mimic circulating tumour cells in a blood sample
Read article: D-Wave Systems claims quantum advantage, but some physicists are not convinced Quantum computing Research update D-Wave Systems claims quantum advantage, but some physicists are not convinced Firm’s quantum annealer simulates magnetic phase transitions
Read article: CO2 laser enables long-range detection of radioactive material Detectors and sensors Research update CO2 laser enables long-range detection of radioactive material Remote detection of radioactive material could play an important role in nuclear disaster response and nuclear security
Read article: Quantum behaviour in brain neurons looks theoretically possible Biophysics Research update Quantum behaviour in brain neurons looks theoretically possible A study probing quantum phenomena in brain neurons could provide fresh insight into how our brains function
Read article: Magnetically launched atoms sense motion Metrology Research update Magnetically launched atoms sense motion New method in atom interferometry is used for inertial sensing
Read article: How would an asteroid strike affect life on Earth? Planetary science Research update How would an asteroid strike affect life on Earth? New simulations reveal that the climate, atmospheric chemistry and even global photosynthesis would be dramatically disrupted by an asteroid collision
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