Trio awarded 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics for quantum tunneling work

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis for their pioneering research on quantum tunneling in superconducting circuits. Their 1985 experiments demonstrated how quantum effects apply to complex systems, laying the foundation for modern quantum computers. Clarke expressed surprise at the recognition, noting the unexpected impact of their discovery.

2025 Nobel Prize in Physics awarded for macroscopic quantum tunneling

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis for their discovery of macroscopic quantum tunneling and energy quantization in an electrical circuit. Their work, conducted in the 1980s at the University of California, Berkeley, demonstrated quantum effects on a macroscale using a Josephson junction. The laureates will share $1.1 million, with the ceremony set for December 10, 2025, in Stockholm.

Evolution of human intelligence linked to mental illness vulnerability

Researchers have traced genetic variants in the human genome to reveal that advances in cognitive abilities around 500,000 years ago were soon followed by mutations increasing susceptibility to psychiatric disorders. This suggests a trade-off in brain evolution. The study, published in Cerebral Cortex, analyzed 33,000 genetic variants to build an evolutionary timeline of brain-related traits.

Plant-based serum boosts hair growth in weeks

11. oktober 2025 Rapportert av AI

A new topical serum containing plant extracts and growth proteins has shown promising results in increasing hair density and thickness within 56 days. Developed by researchers in Taiwan, the treatment outperformed a placebo in a small clinical trial involving 60 adults. While encouraging, experts call for larger studies to confirm its efficacy.

New ichthyosaur species named Sword Dragon with lethal snout

11. oktober 2025 Rapportert av AI

A beautifully preserved skeleton of a new ichthyosaur species, dubbed the Sword Dragon, has been identified from a fossil found on the UK's Jurassic Coast. The marine reptile, about 3 meters long, featured enormous eyes and a sword-like snout for hunting in dim conditions. It lived during the Early Jurassic period, around 193 to 184 million years ago.

Electrons in graphene reach supersonic speeds for first time

Researchers have achieved a breakthrough by pushing electrons in graphene to supersonic speeds, creating a hydraulic jump similar to a sonic boom. This experiment, conducted using a microscopic nozzle, marks the first observation of such electron behavior. The findings could help resolve debates on electrically charged shockwaves.

Birds worldwide share evolved warning cry against parasites

An international team of researchers has discovered that birds across four continents produce nearly identical whining vocalizations to warn against brood parasites. This learned response builds on an innate sound, marking the first known example of such a hybrid vocalization in animals. The findings, published October 3 in Nature Ecology and Evolution, highlight how natural selection shapes cooperative communication.

Red Sea dried out and reflooded in catastrophic event 6.2 million years ago

Scientists at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology have confirmed that the Red Sea completely dried up about 6.2 million years ago, turning into a barren salt desert. A sudden flood from the Indian Ocean then refilled the basin in less than 100,000 years, carving deep channels and restoring marine life. This event, detailed through seismic imaging and other evidence, highlights the Red Sea's dramatic geological history.

Physicists narrow down strong nuclear force critical point

Researchers have made progress in identifying a critical point where the strong nuclear force weakens, allowing quarks and gluons to form a hot plasma. By analyzing collisions at a New York particle accelerator, scientists have narrowed the possible location of this point on a phase diagram. This finding could reveal insights into the early universe and neutron stars.