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?
Technology that uses human art to generate new creations raises the questions of what defines art, and whether artists should be compensated. While the future of generative AI is unclear, we can ask: what is it that gives value to art in the first place?
Machine learning and other AI techniques are being developed to predict damaging winds and save lives from hurricanes, tornados, and tropical storms. The value of the technology is growing quickly as extreme winds are becoming more common and devastating.
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has detected carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of an alien world, an important step in the search for life within and beyond our solar system. What will JWST discover in its search for the cause of star formation?
On November 16, 2022, NASA launched a test rocket for its first moon landing since the final Apollo mission in 1972. After 25 days, it splashed down in the Pacific Ocean. Now, NASA has lots of data and big plans for our future on the Moon.
Millions of years ago, an asteroid strike caused the extinction of two-thirds of all plants and animals on Earth. With the recent major success of a test mission to change the trajectory of an asteroid, the question remains how good are we at predicting and preparing for asteroid threats?
Solar flares and CMEs can damage and disrupt GPS systems, aircraft control, and communications. While the science for predicting these events is advancing, how safe are today’s technological systems from the power of the sun?
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.