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?
There are fascinating symbiotic relationships in nature, which can be seen in the cooperative benefits of species like zebras and ostriches, green algae and bacteria, and birds and capybaras. Called mutualism, these collaborations are critical for survival of species and ecosystem health and balance. Disruptions to these partnerships emphasize the need for greater understanding of interconnectedness and delicate balances in nature.
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 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.
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.
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 discovery of a colossal ring-shaped structure in space, known as the Big Ring, challenges the cosmological principle, a foundational concept in astrophysics. This finding reinforces questions about the completeness of current cosmological models and hints at the need for a potential overhaul of our understanding of the evolution of the universe.
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.