Explore with us some of the latest developments in science, including physics, biology, mathematics, chemistry, information, and astronomy. Imagine what the future holds with today’s discoveries in these and other scientific pursuits. Along the way we will encounter fascinating people and their ideas that push the boundaries of science and shape the future direction of knowledge.
We feature some of the latest developments in a range of scientific branches, highlighting the human ingenuity and circumstances that lead to discovery and new technologies. We explain the ideas, the problems that led to the solutions, and the function of the discoveries, in words designed for the general audience so no background in science is required to appreciate the work of the scientists. The ideas for our stories are drawn from other freely-available publications as well as paid subscriptions, and we welcome contributions and story ideas from volunteer contributors. Join our science writers Mariana Meneses and Saulo Silvestre as we explore the exciting new developments in science and the showcase the good people who dedicate their life’s work to the advancement of knowledge and the human mission.
New synchrotron radiation and neutron beam technologies in Brazil’s Sirius and the European Spallation Source in Sweden promise unprecedented insights into the fundamental properties of materials. Illuminating hidden parts of nature could lead to groundbreaking discoveries and revolutionize research in many scientific fields.
The increasing integration of nature’s mechanisms with robotics is enabling precision control of industrial robots, while raising concerns about biosecurity and ethical implications. With bio-inspired sensing systems, brain-computer interfaces enhancing human capabilities, and biomimicry inspiring new applications, the boundaries between artificial intelligence and cognitive sciences are blurring and raising questions about human outcomes.
A renewed focus on studying cosmic voids, the “nothingness” that occupies an estimated 90% of space, is yielding new information about the evolution of the universe. If the voids are remnants of vibrations from the Big Bang 13.8 billion years ago, what might they tell us about the tiniest bit of energy, the quantum, and the fluctuating quantum energy of the vacuum of space?
Revival of the Three Mile Island nuclear plant by Microsoft reflects the urgent energy demands of modern AI and cloud computing data centers. As their energy consumption continues to surge, it is critical for tech companies, national governments, and international organizations to collaborate on clean energy investments. Initiatives like the global AI summit aim to enhance sustainable energy practices, addressing the environmental damage associated with rising electrical production.
Generative AI, like OpenAI’s GPT-4, requires massive computing memory and processing speed to handle more than a trillion parameters. Data-intensive and memory-hungry AI applications are increasingly reliant on the chips and processing units of one market-dominating company, Nvidia. When the efficiency of memory use in functions that require large amounts of data is being questioned, and with their demands for electricity skyrocketing, we look at some promising alternatives for memory storage.
Revelations that Pegasus spyware was being used by some governments to target dissidents and human rights activists triggered a global collaboration of journalists to investigate and expose the powerful technology and its risks to the public. Efforts like these are supported by the expertise of The Citizen Lab, a digital watchdog at the University of Toronto whose research has uncovered many other cyber abuses for over two decades.
When completed, the MeyGen Tidal Power project in Scotland will be the world’s largest producer of energy from the oceans. Covering more than two-thirds of the Earth’s surface, oceans hold immense energy potential in their waves and tides, and we look at some of the promising technologies and projects that aim to deliver power from water to industries and millions of homes.
While vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells and refuelling stations are scarce, hydrogen technology promises a greener and more sustainable alternative than electric vehicle batteries and emits only water and heat from the tailpipe. The challenge lies in producing and transporting the hydrogen fuel, but new methods like electrolysis and natural generation promise increased efficiency and lower cost. Will hydrogen power future transportation?
Plastic waste has nearly doubled in the past two decades and is expected to triple by 2060, with most ending up in landfills and oceans. Efforts to curb global plastic pollution include bans on single-use plastics and advancements in recycling technologies. Innovations like biodegradable plastics and new processes to vaporize plastic offer promising solutions for waste reduction, but significant progress will require continued global action and investment in recycling infrastructure.
The Quantum Record is a non-profit journal of philosophy, science, technology, and time. The potential of the future is in the human mind and heart, and in the common ground that we all share on the road to tomorrow. Promoting reflection, discussion, and imagination, The Quantum Record highlights the good work of good people and aims to join many perspectives in shaping the best possible time to come. We would love to stay in touch with you, and add your voice to the dialogue.