Quantum Physics
A grapefruit-sized quantum device mapped Earth’s magnetic field from space
On the International Space Station, a cube holding a diamond-based sensor revealed the potential for quantum magnetometers.
Physics
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
More Stories in Physics
- Physics
A new measurement reveals gravity is still hard to pin down
After a 10-year effort, physicists got a value for “Big G” that does not settle the debate over one of nature’s hardest numbers to nail down.
- Cosmology
Exploding black holes could explain an antimatter mystery
Shock waves from tiny black holes in the early universe could explain how antimatter became so rare while matter is common.
- Quantum Physics
Just 10,000 quantum bits might crack internet encryption schemes
Quantum computers based on atoms could provide access to encrypted data much sooner than scientists thought.
- Quantum Physics
Quantum physics can confirm where someone is located
The concept of entanglement links far-flung particles. That relationship can prove that someone is in the location they claim to be.
- Physics
Water has a newfound ‘critical point’ that may help explain its quirks
At cold temperatures, water has two different liquid phases, which become one at the critical point. The discovery could help explain water’s quirks.
- Particle Physics
Antimatter traveled by truck for the first time
Scientists are envisioning an antimatter delivery program that could ferry antiprotons from CERN to other labs around Europe.
- Physics
These insects fly with their legs. Physics explains how
Phantom crane flies change the angle of their splayed legs to increase or reduce drag, helping them navigate varying winds.
- Animals
Female giant rainforest mantises grow up to strike harder than males
Scientists tracked mantis strike force from youth to adulthood, showing females eventually hit far harder than males. Why is a mystery.
- Physics
A static electricity mystery comes to the surface
Seemingly random charging of identical materials depends on the carbonaceous molecules stuck to their surfaces
