Computing
A New “Law” Suggests Quantum Supremacy Could Happen This Year
Quantum computers are improving at a doubly exponential rate
Stories by Kevin Hartnett
Space & Physics
To Test Einstein’s Equations, Poke a Black Hole
Researchers make significant progress toward proving a critical mathematical test of the theory of general relativity
Electronics
“Smarticle” Robot Swarms Turn Random Behavior into Collective Intelligence
New algorithms show how very simple robots can be made to work together as a group
The Sciences
The Hidden Depth in Math’s Simple Puzzles
Mathematician Richard Schwartz explains why he loves problems he can start solving right away, and how computers can help
The Sciences
Mathematicians Measure Infinities, and Find They're Equal
Proof rests on a surprising link between infinity size and the complexity of mathematical theories
The Sciences
Mathematical Wave Puzzle Shines Light on the Physics of Electrons
A mathematician and her collaborators figured out how to predict electrons’ behavior by studying the mathematics of waves
The Sciences
New Number Systems Seek Their Lost Primes
For centuries mathematicians tried to solve problems by adding new values to the usual numbers. Now they’re investigating the unintended consequences of that tinkering
The Sciences
Taming Superconductors with String Theory
The physicist Subir Sachdev borrows tools from string theory to understand the puzzling behavior of superconductors
Evolution
Giant Burst of Tiny Organisms Discovered on Tree of Life
A new technique for finding and characterizing microbes has boosted the number of known bacteria by almost 50 percent, revealing a hidden world all around us.
