Model of a quantum tornado in momentum space. (think-design/Jochen Thamm)Physicists in Germany have demonstrated that electron inertia can create "tornadoes" inside a quantum semimetal, revealing a new layer of complexity in electron motion.Electrons rarely stay still, and their movements can take unexpected forms. In tantalum arsenide, a quantum material, researchers found that electrons form vortices—not...
At the intersection of robotics and social science, researchers explore how heterogeneity, influence, and uncertainty drive smarter collective decisions—whether in human groups, robot swarms, or biological collectives. Credit: SCIoIWhen groups make decisions—whether humans, robots, or animals—not all members contribute equally. Some have more reliable information, while others hold greater social influence. A new study...
An eight-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS) unexpectedly turned into a nine-month wait for a return to Earth.
Credit: DepositphotosDonating blood on a regular basis not only helps save others, but it may also enhance your own blood’s health at a genetic level, according to a new study.A team of international researchers compared blood samples from 217 men who had donated blood over 100 times to those from 212 men who had...
Wildfires can erupt faster than current systems can detect them – and do immense damage if they're not tackled soon after they startMarcus Kauffman / UnsplasThe first satellite in a new constellation designed to detect wildfires early and with high precision has successfully reached Earth's orbit. This breakthrough could revolutionize how we respond to uncontrolled fires.Named...
Water droplets with different charges could trigger "microlightning" strikes that kickstarted life on EarthDepositphotosDr. Frankenstein may not have needed a lightning bolt to spark life after all. A new Stanford study suggests that constant "microlightning" between water droplets could have provided the jolt that jumpstarted life on Earth.One of the biggest mysteries in evolution...
Image Credits:CoreshellThe shift to electric vehicles is largely a story centered on China. Government subsidies there have not only fueled automakers but also strengthened the entire battery supply chain. Decades of industrial policies controlling critical mineral resources have given China a dominant position, leaving American and European automakers struggling to compete.Graphite is a prime...
Image Credits:Getty Images / Edwin RemsbergFor homeowners considering solar panels, the key question is often “How many?” For heat pumps, it’s “What size?” Traditionally, answering these required an on-site visit from a contractor.Over the past decade, solar installers have streamlined this process, with some, like Tesla, eliminating it entirely through software that integrates various...
Image Credits: SpaceXSpaceX successfully launched four astronauts on Friday, kicking off the Crew-10 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Their arrival will provide enough personnel to allow Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore to return to Earth after a nine-month stay.The Dragon spacecraft is set to dock with the ISS late Saturday, with the...
BiVACOR founder and CTO Daniel Timms tests the artificial heartBiVACORA man in his 40s has lived for over 100 days with an artificial maglev heart sustaining his circulation. In a groundbreaking achievement, he walked out of the hospital earlier this year, becoming the first person to live outside a medical facility with the device...
