Science on The Soothsayer

An international team of scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of quantum physics, unveiling evidence of a quantum spin liquid – a material with spins that remain in constant fluctuation at extremely low temperatures. The researchers used neutron scattering to reveal photon-like collective spin excitations in a crystal of cerium zirconate, providing…

Seismic detectors around the world picked up a mysterious signal in September 2023, which was later confirmed to be caused by standing waves, or seiches, triggered by massive tsunamis in a narrow waterway off the coast of Greenland. Researchers at the University of Oxford used satellite altimetry data to construct images of the seiches, demonstrating…

Scientists at Harvard have made a groundbreaking discovery about the fungus Entomophthora muscae, which infects flies and causes them to die at sunset. The researchers found that the fungus has a built-in kill clock, which is driven by its own internal clock, and not by the fly’s body clock. This discovery sheds new light on…

Researchers at the University of Oxford and the University of Michigan have developed a new type of microrobot that can deliver therapeutics with precision and navigate complex biological terrains. The microrobots, called permanent magnetic droplet-derived microrobots (PMDMs), are made from a biocompatible hydrogel and can be tailored to each clinical scenario. They can carry drugs…

A devastating wave of floods has swept across the United States, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The extreme rainfall events are linked to climate change, with rising temperatures leading to increased water vapor in the atmosphere. Oceanographer Joellen Russell explains that the warming ocean is also a key factor, contributing to the flooding…

Researchers in Japan have successfully visualized the formation and evolution of quasiparticles known as excitons in carbon nanotubes for the first time. This breakthrough could aid the development of nanotube-based nanoelectronic and nanophotonic devices. The team used a technique called ultrafast infrared scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (IR s-SNOM) to image excitons in carbon nanotubes,…

Researchers have successfully used an artificial intelligence system called Aeneas to analyze the Res Gestae Divi Augusti, a famous Latin inscription. The AI system identified subtle language parallels with Roman legal documents and reflected “imperial political discourse,” an insight not previously noted by human historians. This breakthrough has the potential to transform the way historians…

Researchers at the University of Sydney have made a significant breakthrough in quantum computing by developing a CMOS chip that can control the operation of multiple spin qubits at ultralow temperatures. This achievement is a crucial step towards creating a scalable platform for quantum computing, which could potentially revolutionize the field of computing and beyond….