Science News

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.

In Focus

Shedding New Light on Matter: Synchrotron Radiation and Neutron Beams Probe the Tiniest Pieces of Nature

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.

From Nature to Robots and Vice-Versa? Blurring the Lines Between the Real and the Virtual

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.

Evolution of the Universe: Why Measuring Voids of Nothing Tells Us Something

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?

Latest Science News

  • Illustration of spacetime curvature, showing that more massive objects bend the fabric of space and time more than objects with less mass. Physicists define mass as “resistance,” not weight. Image: European Space Agency.

    Does Gravity Arise From Quantum Mechanics or General Relativity? A New Experiment Might Provide the Answer

    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.

  • Thermodynamics at the Quantum Scale: How Will Time Crystals and Other Discoveries Shape our Future?

    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.

  • Progress in Superconductivity Holds Promise for Clean Energy, Medicine, Quantum Computing, and More

    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.

  • Technological innovations are Shaping the Future of Climate Adaptation

    Recent advancements in science and technology are revolutionizing the global approach to climate change. From innovative carbon capture techniques inspired by chess mazes to faster climate modeling algorithms and predictive methods for detecting abrupt climate shifts, these developments promise more effective strategies for mitigating and adapting to global environmental challenges.

  • Swarms and Collective Intelligence: Bridging Biology, Sociology, and Computer Science

    Researchers are increasingly integrating insights from biology, sociology, and computer science to develop sophisticated algorithms and models inspired by natural collective behaviors, such as swarm intelligence. These efforts aim to enhance artificial intelligence and engineering, optimizing group decision-making and adaptive capabilities in complex environments.

  • AI in Classrooms: Enhancing Education or Replacing Teachers?

    The World Economic Forum highlights AI’s potential for personalized learning and improving educational outcomes, addressing challenges such as the global need for more teachers and digital skills. As Google is integrating generative AI tools into its Workspace product for educators, concerns remain about the effects of new classroom technologies on teacher-student relationships and regional differences, highlighting the need for regulated, thoughtful implementation.

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.

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