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?
The surging number of clean technology patents, and their growing proportion of all inventions, is a sign of a promising and sustainable future. Renewable energy is rapidly replacing fossil fuels, with solar leading the way but other developing technologies like elastocaloric heating and cooling and hydrogen fuel cells showing potential to add more alternatives as costs continue to decrease.
Harnessed from the Earth’s core, geothermal energy is gaining attention for its reliability and potential as a major renewable energy source. The Krafla plant in Iceland and The Geysers in California exemplify its large-scale applications. Innovations like deep drilling and superhot rock techniques are pushing the boundaries of geothermal power, promising to enhance efficiency and reduce costs and position geothermal as a significant factor in the future of clean energy.
University of Oxford researchers are hoping to double the electrical output of solar cells made with the mineral perovskite, and to produce thin layers of the material that can be applied to surfaces like cell phones and backpacks to deliver renewable energy for daily needs. Despite challenges like perovskite’s sensitivity to water and heat, these advancements are set to significantly enhance solar energy conversion and further reduce costs.
Researchers from the Universities of Amsterdam and Ulm have proposed an experiment using torsion pendulum technology to determine whether gravity is a quantum phenomenon or arises from general relativity. If the technology to conduct the experiment can be created, its measurements of gravitational signals could answer questions about the quantum nature of gravity and potentially much more.
Time crystals, a fascinating experimental phase of matter that promise greater precision in measurements, have the potential to revolutionize quantum technologies. Time crystals are among a number of important discoveries emerging in thermodynamics that will shape the future of our relationship with energy and our use of energy in rapidly evolving technologies.
Recent progress in the science of superconductivity, first observed in 1911, hold promise for revolutionizing clean energy, medicine, transportation, quantum computing and much more. New discoveries could pave the way for practical applications using superconductors that operate at room temperature and normal pressure, with the potential to contribute significantly to reducing the climate crisis.
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.