Diamond laser taps into spooky quantum world for true randomization

Randomization may seem simple, but there’s basically no such thing in classical physics – pretty much everything could be theoretically predicted if you had enough information. For true randomization you need to turn to the spooky world of quantum phys… Continue reading Diamond laser taps into spooky quantum world for true randomization→

“Cotton candy” exoplanet defies models for how gas giants form

WASP-107b was already one of the weirdest exoplanets ever discovered, with its incredibly low mass for its size giving it the density of cotton candy. On closer inspection, astronomers have now found that its density is even lower than previously thoug… Continue reading “Cotton candy” exoplanet defies models for how gas giants form→

“Cotton candy” exoplanet defies models for how gas giants form

WASP-107b was already one of the weirdest exoplanets ever discovered, with its incredibly low mass for its size giving it the density of cotton candy. On closer inspection, astronomers have now found that its density is even lower than previously thoug… Continue reading “Cotton candy” exoplanet defies models for how gas giants form→

Quantum communication network goes long with help of drones

In the future, communication networks could be based on the bizarre world of quantum mechanics, and now we’re a step closer to that reality. Researchers in China have demonstrated a quantum network where entangled photons are beamed between drones and … Continue reading Quantum communication network goes long with help of drones→

Nanoparticle injections into arthritic knees could slow cartilage loss

Osteoarthritis is a painful, debilitating and fairly common condition that’s hard to slow or stop, so treatment options are mostly limited to reducing pain. But a new study in mice has now found that nanotherapeutic injections into the knee can slow ca… Continue reading Nanoparticle injections into arthritic knees could slow cartilage loss→

Unexplained X-ray signals from neutron stars hint at “ghost” particles

Astronomers have detected a strange signal coming from a group of neutron stars that could be the fingerprints of a long-sought elementary particle – and maybe even dark matter. An unexplained excess of X-rays hints at axions, hypothetical “ghost” part… Continue reading Unexplained X-ray signals from neutron stars hint at “ghost” particles→

Designer protein helps paralyzed mice walk again in breakthrough study

In a new study, German scientists have restored the ability to walk in mice that had been paralyzed after a complete spinal cord injury. The team created a “designer” signaling protein and injected it into the animals’ brains, stimulating their nerve c… Continue reading Designer protein helps paralyzed mice walk again in breakthrough study→

InSight’s Mars “mole” abandoned after two years of troubleshooting

NASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) have officially called it quits on the Mars InSight lander’s “mole.” The instrument was designed to drill deep into the Martian soil, but hit a snag soon after deployment and has now been abandoned after almos… Continue reading InSight’s Mars “mole” abandoned after two years of troubleshooting→

Eye membrane removal may help transplanted cells reverse glaucoma damage

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can gradually cause vision loss, which is currently irreversible. But in a new cell culture study scientists found that removing a membrane at the back of the eye could help transplanted cells migrate into the opt… Continue reading Eye membrane removal may help transplanted cells reverse glaucoma damage→

Astronomers may have detected background ripples in spacetime itself

The gravitational waves we’ve detected so far have been like tsunamis in the spacetime sea, but it’s believed that gentle ripples should also pervade the universe. Now, a 13-year survey of light from pulsars scattered across the galaxy may have reveale… Continue reading Astronomers may have detected background ripples in spacetime itself→