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?
ESA’s JUICE (Jupiter Icy moons Explorer), expected to launch in April 2023, can unravel secrets from ocean worlds in our solar system, like Saturn’s icy moon Enceladus, Neptune’s moon Triton, and Jupiter’s ice-covered satellite Europa.
Scientists reported a long-lasting space hurricane in Earth’s ionosphere and magnetosphere, near the North Pole. These findings shed more light on how space weather affects critical technology that we use daily on Earth.
Synchotrons follow the path of light from moving electrons to reveal the atomic structure and other properties of the physical world. Brazil’s new fourth-generation synchotron will generate light beams up to a billion times brighter than before to shed new light on the reality of nature.
Time is perhaps the most important measurement that any of us makes each day, and throughout history humans have developed many forms of measuring time. As our knowledge of the universe expands, so does our comprehension and tracking of time, from the atomic to the cosmic scale.
Scientists are attempting to apply the principles of crystals to quantum mechanics, and in the process generate perpetual motion at regular time intervals. Their discoveries could change our understanding of the order of time and the second law of thermodynamics.
Time is something we experience but cannot see, although time structures our understanding of reality: the past, future, and present. New research shows that part of our brains is exclusively dedicated to timekeeping.
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.