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: D-Wave Systems claims quantum advantage, but some physicists are not convinced
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: CO2 laser enables long-range detection of radioactive material
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: Quantum behaviour in brain neurons looks theoretically possible
Metrology Research update Magnetically launched atoms sense motion New method in atom interferometry is used for inertial sensing Read article: Magnetically launched atoms sense motion
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 Read article: How would an asteroid strike affect life on Earth?
Condensed matter Research update Earth’s core could contain lots of primordial helium, experiments suggest Noble gas forms compounds with iron at extremely high pressures Read article: Earth’s core could contain lots of primordial helium, experiments suggest
Materials for energy Research update Perovskite solar cells can be completely recycled New finding could pave the way to a sustainable perovskite solar economy Read article: Perovskite solar cells can be completely recycled
Quantum computing Research update Cat qubits open a faster track to fault-tolerant quantum computing Amazon team claims its Ocelot chip could speed up development by 3‒5 years Read article: Cat qubits open a faster track to fault-tolerant quantum computing
Biomedical devices Research update Nanosensor predicts risk of complications in early pregnancy A flower-shaped nanosensor detects biomarkers in the blood associated with the risk of gestational diabetes and other pregnancy complications Read article: Nanosensor predicts risk of complications in early pregnancy
Mathematical physics Research update Curious consequence of special relativity observed for the first time in the lab Real 3D objects appear rotated rather than contracted when moving at relativistic speeds Read article: Curious consequence of special relativity observed for the first time in the lab