(In addition to a standard surface code, Google includes a few qubits that handle a phenomenon called “leakage,” where a qubit ends up in a higher-energy state, instead of the two low-energy states defined as zero and one.) The key result is that going from a distance of three to a distance of five more […]
December 9, 2024 | Computer science, Google, logical qubits, Physics, quantum computing, quantum error correction, quantum mechanics, Science | No comments
Earlier this year, JWST researchers reported on measurements built on last year’s confirmation based on Webb data that Hubble’s measurements of the expansion rate were accurate, at least for the first few “rungs” of the “cosmic distance ladder.” But there was still the possibility of as-yet-undetected errors that might increase the deeper (and hence further […]
December 9, 2024 | astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, expansion of the universe, Hubble constant, Hubble tension, Physics, Science | No comments
There’s a common popular science demonstration involving “soap boats,” in which liquid soap poured onto the surface of water creates a propulsive flow driven by gradients in surface tension. But it doesn’t last very long since the soapy surfactants rapidly saturate the water surface, eliminating that surface tension. Using ethanol to create similar “cocktail boats” […]
December 3, 2024 | 3D printing, active matter, Cheerios effect, fluid dynamics, Marangoni effect, Physics, Robotics, Science | No comments
University of Rochester physicist Ranga Dias made headlines with his controversial claims of high-temperature superconductivity—and made headlines again when the two papers reporting the breakthroughs were later retracted under suspicion of scientific misconduct, although Dias denied any wrongdoing. The university conducted a formal investigation over the past year and has now terminated Dias’ employment, The […]
November 19, 2024 | Physics, Ranga Dias, retractions, Science, superconductivity | No comments