Physics
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Physics
It’s Likely That Times Are Changing
A century ago, mathematician Hermann Minkowski famously merged space with time, establishing a new foundation for physics; today physicists are rethinking how the two should fit together
- Physics
A difficult breakup
By identifying a new way to wrestle fluorine from carbon compounds, chemists may now be able to break down certain types of greenhouse gases before they reach the atmosphere.
- Physics
Short-lived particle questions long-lived theory
In sifting through the ashes of a short-lived subatomic particle called the kaon, physicists are slowly accumulating new hints that the theory of elementary particles might one day have to be modified.
- Math
Do subatomic particles have free will?
Math Trek: If we have free will, so do subatomic particles, mathematicians claim to prove.
- Physics
Stars ablaze in other skies
A new study suggests that a surprising number of universes, even those with laws of physics different from those in our universe, can still support stars.
- Physics
Invisible hand, and a quick one at that
God doesn’t play dice, Einstein said in his critique of quantum theory. But any alternative theory to quantum mechanics would require certain quantum events to influence each other 10,000 times faster than the speed of light, physicists have shown.
- Physics
Invisibility within sight
Two new studies take steps toward practical materials that can bend light backward, which could lead to invisibility cloaks.
- Physics
Carbon tubes, but not nano
Trying to grow better, longer nanotubes, researchers accidentally discover a new type of carbon filament, colossal carbon tubes, which are tens of thousands of times thicker.
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- Math
Welcome to the Quantum Internet
Quantum encryption is here, but the laws of physics can do much more than protect privacy.
- Chemistry
Small steps toward big energy gains
New studies with different fuel cell catalysts show promising results.
- Computing
Building ‘The Matrix’
Simulating new materials could help in building them — but only quantum simulators could fully model reality. A team reports a first step in realizing quantum simulation.
