Headlines

JWST discovers that Chariklo's invisible rings are changing

Until just over a decade ago, ring systems were thought to be exclusive to the giant planets of the solar system, such as Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. However, in 2013, a small body barely 250 kilometers (155 miles) in diameter, located at nearly 17 times the Earth–sun

Liquid gold: Could we turn our urine into fertilizer?

For thousands of years, human urine has had real value. After our bodies absorb nutrients from our food, they excrete the rest—mainly via urine. An adult produces about 500 liters (132 gallons) a year. This liquid gold is very rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, three

Taking the sting out of fire ants with genomics

Fire ants have earned their reputation as one of Australia's most damaging invasive pests. From ruined picnics to serious impacts on agriculture, biodiversity and public health, they are notoriously difficult to control.

Layer-based design offers new route to topological magnets

Topological quantum materials combine unusual electronic states with properties such as magnetism or superconductivity, offering possibilities for future electronics and quantum technologies. Researchers at Tohoku University have now shown that changing the number of layers in

Does Consciousness Require a Body?

A conversation with neuroscientist and author Antonio Damasio about intelligence, feelings, and robots The post Does Consciousness Require a Body? appeared first on Nautilus .

What Is Math’s Mysterious Langlands Program Really About?

Hidden correspondences hint at a deeper structure to the mathematical universe. Our columnist unpacks one of those connections and asks mathematicians what they might mean. The post What Is Math’s Mysterious Langlands Program Really About? first appeared on Quanta Magazine

Reading app boosts kids' literacy

A new Flinders University study of primary school children shows a science-based digital phonics reading app can accelerate early reading while helping teachers quickly identify students needing extra support.

Hidden microplastic pollution in Swiss waters uncovered

Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters that originate either from manufactured products or from the breakdown of larger plastic items. They can now be found everywhere, from oceans and rivers to soils and indoor air. Because most plastics degrade very

Could quantum protocols make electronic voting more secure?

Electronic voting, the use of electronic systems to cast, record or count votes, could potentially simplify the process of electing new political leaders or other representatives. While some countries have already started using internet-connected devices or electronic voting