Looking for similarities across complex systems
Jörn Dunkel uses the “common language” of math to bridge disparate phenomena, from an embryo’s wrinkles to the twist of spaghetti.
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Ultralight material withstands supersonic microparticle impacts
The new carbon-based material could be a basis for lighter, tougher alternatives to Kevlar and steel.
Physicists bring human-scale object to near standstill, reaching a quantum state
The results open possibilities for studying gravity’s effects on relatively large objects in quantum states.
MIT study compares the four largest internet meganetworks
With thousands of satellites, each network could beam down tens of terabits per second, filling gaps left by land-based services.
CHIME telescope detects more than 500 mysterious fast radio bursts in its first year of operation
Observations quadruple the number of known radio bursts and reveal two types: one-offs and repeaters.
Ozone-depleting chemicals may spend less time in the atmosphere than previously thought
New results point to unexpected, illegal production of several CFCs in recent years.
Supermassive black holes devour gas just like their petite counterparts
Regardless of size, all black holes experience similar accretion cycles, a new study finds.
Physicists find a novel way to switch antiferromagnetism on and off
The findings could lead to faster, more secure memory storage, in the form of antiferromagnetic bits.
Cave deposits show surprising shift in permafrost over the last 400,000 years
Study finds Earth’s frozen surfaces became less susceptible to thawing, potentially locking in more carbon than expected.
Synthetic gelatin-like material mimics lobster underbelly’s stretch and strength
The membrane’s structure could provide a blueprint for robust artificial tissues.
Fast-spinning black holes narrow the search for dark matter particles
Certain ultralight bosons would be expected to put the brakes on black holes, but new results show no such slowdown.
Study reveals uncertainty in how much carbon the ocean absorbs over time
Climate projections could be off by five years, researchers find.
Physicists flip particle accelerator setup to gain a clearer view of atomic nuclei
Shooting beams of ions at proton clouds may help researchers map the inner workings of neutron stars.
MIT engineers make filters from tree branches to purify drinking water
Prototypes tested in India show promise as a low-cost, natural filtration option.
Measuring the invisible
Particle physicist Lindley Winslow seeks the universe’s smallest particles for answers to its biggest questions.