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?
Neuroscience is delivering significant advances in understanding the operation of the human brain and raising more questions in the process. New technologies, like the recently announced first brain-computer interface, highlight a potential to unlock the mysteries of human cognition but raise ethical concerns regarding data privacy, misuse, and the need for responsible neurotechnology development.
Recent advances in machine intelligence, exemplified by Google’s AlphaGeometry and OpenAI’s GPT-4 and Sora, raise questions about the control of superintelligent AI. Could it be counterbalanced by collective human intelligence? The convergence of collective superintelligence and open-source technology prompts ethical and philosophical inquiries about safeguarding human welfare.
The study of black holes has led physicists to propose the idea that space may not exist independently of an observer but instead emerge as a holographic projection, challenging traditional notions of reality and suggesting that information, rather than physical matter, may be the fundamental building block of the universe.
Get ready for space-cooked french fries and a surprising cosmic health concern: ‘space anemia’. Discover how these revelations could transform astronaut life during long missions to Mars and beyond, and what’s being doing to prepare for the future of space travel.
Dark matter is a mysterious substance that makes up most of the universe, but we can’t see it. Scientists have been wondering if “dark stars” powered by dark matter were among the first stars in the universe, and new observations by the James Webb Space Telescope might help us learn more about them, potentially changing our understanding of star formation.
Investigating the differences between the magnetic fields of Earth and Venus is yielding vital information on magnetism’s effects on planetary evolution and habitability. Increased knowledge of magnetism is opening new paths to discovery among the vast number of planets beyond our solar system, and their potential to harbor life.
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.