Human teleportation through quantum principles raises questions about identity

Quantum tunneling allows particles to pass through classically impenetrable barriers

First described in 1928, the phenomenon is the result of probability waves, which represent the location of particles in space as extended objects. Just as sound waves can reflect off of and pass through barriers, these probability waves dictate that solid matter has a chance at passing through obstacles.

Entanglement creates correlations between particles across vast distances

Quantum entanglement occurs when two or more particles become linked, resulting in correlated properties. Scientists have ruled out hidden variables and have shown that these correlations depend on how and when measurements are made—not on faster-than-light communication.

Emergent quantum phenomena can produce nonfundamental quasiparticles

While physicists have discovered new particles by colliding known ones at high speeds, placing known particles in extreme environments or configurations can allow quantum mechanics to produce bizarre behaviors, making them seem like new types of matter.

Within quantum physics, the order of events across time may not follow causality

Although time is considered a fixed, ordered mapping of events, where the past affects the future, quantum superposition breaks down causality, suggesting that future events can occur simultaneously with past ones. Within the quantum model, the notion of cause and effect is not a fundamental feature of our universe.

The uncertainty principle prevents measuring position and momentum at the same time

In quantum physics, objects behave like particles and waves, meaning they can’t simultaneously have a definite position and speed. This isn’t due to flawed measurement, since combining waves to localize a particle always adds uncertainty to momentum, and vice versa.

Tachyons are theoretical particles that travel through space faster than light

The equations of special relativity require these objects to possess imaginary mass, and they would travel faster the more energy is taken away from them. The existence of tachyons would necessitate an unknown form of matter and lead to paradoxes involving information that can hypothetically travel backward in time.

Some founders of quantum mechanics thought consciousness could influence phenomena

Since quantum systems exist as a superposition of states before producing a definitive outcome, some quantum pioneers wondered if the act of conscious observation was what collapsed the wave function of possibilities into one state.

Quantum mechanics-based technology may explain the Fermi paradox

It describes the discrepancy between the high likelihood of life beyond Earth given the vastness of the universe and the lack of evidence for such life, since extraterrestrial civilizations have not communicated with us. However, quantum communication—a more information-dense and effective method than classical means—requires massive receivers and very narrow signals, which would easily miss Earth, making a lack of signals expected.

Explore an optical table to create quantum physics experiments

This interactive teaches users to create quantum experiments through lessons resembling video game levels. Users can also use the virtual lab to visualize landmark quantum experiments like entanglement, teleportation, cryptography, and quantum computing, or create their own experiments with drag-and-drop elements.

Time disappears when encompassing all quantum configurations across the universe

The Wheeler-DeWitt equation, a modified version of the Schödinger equation—the formula that describes the evolution of the quantum configuration of a system—describes the quantum state of space-time across the universe. The transformation causes the variable of time to disappear, suggesting it is not a fundamental, physical parameter of the cosmos.

Five potential ways to achieve time travel

While the author discounts the possibility of traveling to the past, it lays out five hypothetical modes of catapulting into the future: speed, gravity, suspended animation, wormholes, and light. Each has some scientific basis, but none are realistic for humans. Read the article to learn where they offer promise and where they fall short.

Objects moving relative to one another will not agree on the simultaneity of events

Space and time shift when switching from a nonmoving to a moving perspective, causing events that seem to occur simultaneously for one person not to appear that way for someone else. This also means one person's present could be another's future, ensuring all of time already exists.

Photons are both particles of light and messengers of the electromagnetic force

Einstein's model of light as a wave and a massless particle of energy revolutionized physics, and scientists' application of the model led to groundbreaking technologies, including medical imaging and treatments, telecommunication signals, and probes of the quantum and cosmological realms.

How string theory explains gravity on the quantum scale, but may be untestable

Combining the general theory of relativity with quantum field theory creates nonsensical mathematical outcomes, such as probabilities of infinity. These are resolved by treating particles as vibrating strings rather than points of matter. However, probing the scale of these strings to validate the theory requires technology equivalent to a particle accelerator the size of the solar system.

Qubits let quantum computers process massive datasets all at once

The quantum phenomena of superposition and entanglement enable qubits to act in 0 and 1 binary states simultaneously and influence each other instantly. These features give quantum computers incredible power, though keeping them stable is a major challenge.

Despite claims of limitless free energy, zero-point energy cannot be harnessed

Because quantum mechanics prevents systems from ever reaching an energy value of zero, a seemingly empty vacuum of space still contains some amount of energy associated with its lowest allowed state. Since descending to even lower states is forbidden, extracting meaningful amounts of energy from an empty vacuum is impossible.

Smaller than atoms—what are quarks?

One of humanity’s eternal questions surrounds what we are fundamentally made of. Many ancient philosophies believed in a set of classical elements: from water, air, fire and earth of ancient Greeks; to…

Mixed reality technology helped make repairs to a quantum physics facility in space

In 2021, astronaut Megan McArthur used a HoloLens to work alongside Earth-based engineers and make hardware replacements to the International Space Station's Cold Atom Lab, the first quantum science facility in Earth orbit. The facility cools atoms to near absolute zero to perform quantum chemistry experiments in a microgravity environment.

Some scientists argue NDEs are constructed by the brain, not actually experienced

Despite the powerful memories associated with NDEs, scientists question the idea that the experiences prove consciousness endures after death, opting instead to find physiological explanations for common reports of out-of-body experiences, euphoric and lucid thinking, and more.

Hacking the body for a future that didn't happen

Journalist Adi Robertson experimented with one of the most accessible biohacks: magnets. Having a tiny magnet in their right ring finger meant they could sense magnetic fields, attract small metal objects, and more. But magnets weaken over time, eroding this new sense. Such implants do more than offer a new way of interacting with the world, they also pose new complications, such as the inability to get an MRI.

According to the physics of black holes, our 4D reality may be a hologram—a projection of information coded on a 2D surface on the edge of the universe.

Electromagnetic repulsion prevents objects from making contact with one another

The feeling of touching something is a sensation caused by the electromagnetic force between the electrons on the surface of objects. Since this force grows to infinity with proximity, no two surfaces can ever achieve matter-to-matter contact.

AI-generated avatars allow users to create deepfakes in real time

Synthetic media tools can map voices and faces to make individuals appear as someone else. Although they open the door to new opportunities in immersive education and entertainment, they also raise concerns about the misuse of personal identity.

Unpacking the famous argument in the 'Are We Living in a Computer Simulation?' paper

In 2003, philosopher Nick Bostrom published a paper in a journal arguing the technological possibility that humanity is living in a simulation. The argument, while popularly mocked (or cheered), is presented seriously in the paper. This podcast episode explores the contours of the arguments in an accessible way.

Twain claimed to possess 'mental telegraphy'

In an 1891 essay, the writer claimed to possess psychic powers. It’s something that seemingly supported by his mother and his own death: Twain predicted he would die the day after Halley’s Comet returned in 1910, which did indeed happen.

How the Antimatter Factory works, and why antimatter transport is so difficult

At CERN, protons are accelerated to 99.93% the speed of light and collide with iridium to create antiprotons. These particles are then slowed and sent to various research experiments. Moving the antimatter to other locations for study requires trapping it in electromagnetic fields to prevent contact with normal matter, which would cause annihilation.

While atoms are normally made of protons, neutrons, and electrons, exotic ones have been built with antimatter—alternate versions of normal matter that live for fractions of a second and are about a billion times as rare.

After 25 people used virtual reality headsets to practice flying with virtual wings—flapping their arms—their visual cortex responded to the wings almost as if they were real arms, treating them as body parts.

After NASA's Voyager 1 captured Earth as a single pixel as it left the solar system in 1990, astronomer Carl Sagan used the image to reflect on humanity's fragility and the responsibility to protect 'the only world we've ever known.'

Indefinite cloning of some endangered species may not sustain their longevity because cloning success rates decrease as genetic mutations accumulate.

Astronauts have repaired genetic damage in space using CRISPR—a molecular tool that can make precise changes to DNA and is used in single-celled organisms to attack invasive viruses.

Radioactive elements can introduce software errors because the ionizing radiation they produce can detach electrons from atoms, and computer code relies on the distribution of electrons.

The concept of phantom limbs, the perception that amputated limbs are still present, dates back to a French military surgeon in the 16th century.

Against his wishes, Albert Einstein's brain was removed before his cremation, and the pathologist responsible stored it for decades in mason jars within a beer cooler.

Salvador Dalí believed he was his own dead brother, who had died nine months before he was born

Chaos theory—informally known as the butterfly effect—is the reason why weather forecasts are presented with probabilities rather than certainties.

When you complete a CAPTCHA on a website to prove you are human, you may be unknowingly training algorithms for self-driving cars, whose systems require training data to help identify crosswalks, bicycles, and other outdoor objects.

Watch how viruses like Ebola can spill over from animals to humans—and vice-versa.

Clever Hans was a 1900s horse that was believed to be able to solve math equations, tell time, and read and comprehend German, until a psychology student discovered how he got his answers.

Dorothy's famous entrance into Oz in 'The Wizard of Oz' relied on analog tricks, including a body double and sepia-toned paint, as much as it did on technology

Explore fun facts from the USPS, including unique post office buildings, a stamp that traveled past Pluto, and more.

In 2009, the nation was gripped by the story of a missing young boy who was believed to be floating over Colorado in a homemade balloon, until it was revealed that he was at home the whole time.

An investigation suggests a Scottish island became awash in forever chemicals via seafoam and seaspray—raising questions about what that means for the safety of other coastal areas.

Apeirophobia is an overwhelming fear of living forever, perhaps stemming from the brain's inability to conceptualize an infinite life.

Learn how your body is, scientifically, like a firework with its own slow, controlled burn.

Pure water does not conduct electricity because this flow of energy requires the movement of charged particles, and water is a neutral molecule.

Tattoos remain visible on your skin thanks to immune cells called macrophages

Telehealth demand for GLP-1s for weight loss is booming as consumers seek easier access.

Explore an interactive map built from more than 100,000 survey responses on where people find joy in their lives

Take a 3D tour of the Hajj, Islam's annual pilgrimage to Mecca, undertaken by over 1.5 million Muslims.