Microsoft researchers claim to have created the first "topological qubits," storing information in an exotic state of matter—potentially marking a major breakthrough in quantum computing.Alongside this announcement, they published a peer-reviewed paper in Nature and outlined a roadmap for further development. Their Majorana 1 processor is designed to house up to a million qubits,...
Credit: PixabayWhile the chances are slim, an asteroid large enough to destroy an entire city could strike Earth in less than eight years. However, even if this space rock is on a collision course, experts assure us that humanity now has ways to defend itself.NASA recently reported that the probability of asteroid 2024 YR4...
Scientists have developed a novel optical system to enhance LIGO’s sensitivity, pushing gravitational-wave detection to unprecedented depths. This breakthrough could unlock cosmic secrets and revolutionize astrophysics. Credit: SciTechDaily.comBy refining mirror correction techniques, scientists can now push laser power to extreme levels, unlocking new insights into the early universe and black hole physics.A recent study...
Credit: PixabayWhen Isaac Newton penned his famous laws of motion in 1687, he likely never imagined they would still spark debate over 300 years later. Writing in Latin, he outlined three fundamental principles governing motion in the universe. Over the centuries, scholars have translated, analyzed, and debated them extensively.However, philosopher of language and mathematics...
Credit: PixabayWhen people think of motors, they typically envision those in vehicles or machines. However, biological motors have existed for millions of years, especially in microorganisms. Many bacteria rely on tail-like structures called flagella, which rotate to propel them through fluids. This movement is powered by a protein complex known as the flagellar motor.The...
Credit: PixabayResearchers have found a way to preserve quantum properties in 3D materials using magnetic confinement. By stabilizing excitons—energy-carrying quasiparticles—through the magnetic properties of chromium sulfide bromide, they address a major challenge in quantum technology.Quantum effects typically only work at small scales, making them hard to apply in real-world systems like quantum computers. However,...
Credit: PixabayPeople taking semaglutide for diabetes or weight loss have frequently reported a decreased desire for alcohol. Now, a new study provides strong evidence supporting these claims, revealing a remarkable 30% reduction in alcohol consumption per drinking day among those on the medication, compared to just a 2% decrease with a placebo.Led by University...
Artist’s concept of a fast-moving star system. (NASA/JPL-Caltech/R. Hurt (Caltech-IPAC))Near the Milky Way's central bulge, about 24,000 light-years from Earth, a peculiar pair of celestial objects is racing through space at unprecedented speeds.Scientists believe this duo consists of a high-velocity star and its orbiting exoplanet, according to a new study. If confirmed, it would set...
Credit: PixabayGenetic variants regulate key genes involved in DNA repair, energy production, and immune interactions, offering fresh insights into inherited cancer risks. Surprisingly, inflammation-related genes also emerged as potential cancer drivers, marking a major step toward precise genetic screening and personalized prevention.Thousands of tiny DNA sequence changes have been linked to cancer risk, but...
A superconductor (the dark material) makes a magnetic cube levitate. The field of the magnet induces currents in the superconductor that generate an equal and opposite field, balancing out the gravitational force on the cube.(Oak Ridge National Laboratory)From the Bronze Age to the Industrial Revolution and beyond, new materials have driven technological advancements and shaped civilizations....
