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

Watt Matters: Addressing the Energy Problem in Data Centers

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.

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.

Heat From the Earth’s Core: An Increasingly Important Global Source of Renewable Energy

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.

Latest Science News

  • 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.

  • New Insights Reveal Unexpected Patterns in Evolution of Humans and Other Species

    Warning off predators, hiding from them, or launching effective attacks? Scientific observations reveal new pieces of the complex web of survival strategies in nature, challenging conventional paradigms and casting a new light on the history and role of humans in the natural world.

  • Indigenous Knowledge Integrates Science and Nature for Greater Sustainability

    Indigenous perspectives on science and technology reveal a shift to a holistic understanding of our connection with nature, integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern practices. This approach challenges the idea that humans are superior to nature, advocating for collaboration and empowering community-led research for sustainable solutions to pressing environmental challenges.

  • Getting Hold of the Atom: New Findings Illuminate What Keeps Matter, and Us, Together

    Research on the dynamics within atomic nuclei reveals surprising discrepancies, inviting a reassessment of fundamental principles in nuclear physics. Experiments that excite helium-4 nuclei demonstrate unexpected behavior and hint at unknown features of the strong nuclear force, while breakthroughs in isotope creation and hidden phase transitions shed new light on the properties of matter.

  • 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?

  • Evolving Time: Can We Extend Our Lifespan, and the Earth’s Life Too?

    Could advances in science and technology extend the human lifespan? As researchers have identified a gene for longevity and have transferred it from a rat to a mouse, we stand at the precipice of redefining our existence. The possibility of extending human life underscores the urgent need to confront climate change and safeguard Earth’s ecosystems that sustain life, and we report on some promising advances.

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.

Join Our Community