How the science of tiny timescales could speed up computers and improve solar cell technology

Attosecond science allows the extremely fast movements of electron particles to be observed. This emerging field brings both opportunity and controversy.

Carla Faria, Professor of Physics, UCL • conversation
Jan. 15, 2025 ~8 min

Naked singularities: how quantum black holes explain why we don’t see the end of space and time

At a singularity, the laws of physics as we know them suffer a complete breakdown. So such objects really shouldn’t exist.

Robie Hennigar, Willmore Fellow of Mathematical Physics, Durham University • conversation
Nov. 27, 2024 ~9 min


Quantum information theorists are shedding light on entanglement, one of the spooky mysteries of quantum mechanics

Quantum information theory is the field behind quantum computing, but experts in this field are also applying their way of thinking to some big questions in quantum physics.

William Mark Stuckey, Professor of Physics, Elizabethtown College • conversation
July 30, 2024 ~11 min

How long before quantum computers can benefit society? That’s Google’s US$5 million question

Quantum computing has huge promise from a technical perspective, but the practical benefits are less clear.

Adam Lowe, Lecturer, School of Computer Science and Digital Technologies, Aston University • conversation
March 26, 2024 ~7 min

Could quantum physics be the key that unlocks the secrets of human behaviour?

Human behaviour is often irrational if viewed through the lens of “classical” physics and probability theory.

Dorje C. Brody, Professor of Mathematics, University of Surrey • conversation
Jan. 19, 2024 ~8 min

How splitting sound might lead to a new kind of quantum computer

Scientists show they can create quantum superpositions of sound particles, pointing to the potential for mechanical quantum computers.

Andrew N. Cleland, Professor of Molecular Engineering Innovation and Enterprise, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering • conversation
July 5, 2023 ~6 min

Quantum physics proposes a new way to study biology – and the results could revolutionize our understanding of how life works

Studying the brief and tiny quantum effects that drive living systems could one day lead to new approaches to treatments and technologies.

Clarice D. Aiello, Quantum Biology Tech (QuBiT) Lab, Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles • conversation
May 15, 2023 ~9 min

Stephen Hawking and I created his final theory of the cosmos – here's what it reveals about the origins of time and life

The enigma at the centre of our 20-year collaboration was how the Big Bang could have created conditions so perfectly hospitable to life

Thomas Hertog, Professor of physics, KU Leuven • conversation
May 10, 2023 ~9 min


Great Mysteries of Physics 3: is there a multiverse?

Some physicists believe we could one day find evidence of other universes.

Miriam Frankel, Podcast host, The Conversation • conversation
March 22, 2023 ~5 min

Quantum mechanics: how the future might influence the past

If we accepted that the future could influence the past, we could get rid of many counter-intuitive aspects of quantum mechanics.

Ken Wharton, Professor of Physics and Astronomy, San José State University • conversation
March 8, 2023 ~9 min

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