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Scientists create hot Schrödinger’s cat states without deep freezing

Scientists in Innsbruck, Austria, have created Schrödinger's cat states without requiring extremely cold conditions.
The experiment challenges the belief that quantum effects only occur in cold, quiet environments.
The scientists used a transmon qubit inside a microwave resonator to generate Schrödinger's cat states at temperatures as high as 1.8 Kelvin.
This discovery could lead to the development of more practical quantum technologies that do not require extreme cold temperatures.

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Physicsworld

190

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Isolated pockets of audible sound are created using metasurfaces

Researchers have developed a method to create localized zones where sound is audible but unheard outside, known as 'audible enclaves.'
They utilize a technique involving difference-frequency wave generation by intersecting ultrasonic beams to generate audible sound only at specific locations.
To prevent obstacles from blocking sound beams, they use self-bending beams through specially designed metasurfaces.
Metasurfaces control ultrasonic wave phases, similar to how an optical lens bends light, enabling precise sound manipulation.
Computer simulations and experiments validate the practical viability of creating audible enclaves using metasurfaces and self-bending beams.
The innovation allows sound to be produced in intended areas while remaining silent elsewhere, with applications in personalized audio experiences, secure communications, and more.
By varying ultrasonic frequencies, a range of audible sounds covering human auditory spectrum frequencies is achievable.
Possible applications include personalized museum experiences, non-intrusive navigation in cars, and immersive soundscapes in virtual reality.
Challenges include ensuring safe ultrasonic beam intensities for practical sound levels and improving sound quality and efficiency.
Future developments may involve deep learning and collaborations to bring this technology to consumer electronics and other applications.

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Medium

383

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Improving Pinterest Search Relevance Using Large Language Models

Pinterest Search is a key platform for users to discover content aligned with their needs.
The article focuses on enhancing the search relevance model at Pinterest.
A 5-level guideline is used to measure relevance between queries and Pins.
The model architecture involves using a cross-encoder language model for classification.
Various text features like Pin titles, descriptions, and image captions are utilized for representation.
Knowledge distillation is employed to create a lightweight student relevance model from the teacher model.
Semi-supervised learning is utilized to train the student model on a large dataset with billions of rows.
Offline experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of different language models and text features.
Online A/B experiments show a significant improvement in search feed relevance with the new model.
The article concludes with plans for future work to enhance the Pinterest search relevance system.

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Physicsworld

209

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William Phillips: Nobel laureate talks about his passion for quantum physics

William Phillips, a Nobel laureate, shares his passion for quantum physics in a podcast interview.
Phillips discusses his fascination with quantum phenomena such as entanglement and superposition.
He explains how these phenomena are utilized in atomic clocks and quantum computing.
Phillips emphasizes the importance of curiosity-led research and envisions the future of quantum technologies.

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Medium

154

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PayPal Begins Rollout of MCP Servers to Accelerate Agentic Commerce

PayPal is adopting the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and placing its services on an MCP server to enable developers to embrace agentic commerce.
MCP is a standard being adopted by leading AI companies, enabling seamless integration and access to data sources or third-party services.
Developers can interact with PayPal's MCP server to enable AI-driven capabilities for merchants, starting with the PayPal Invoice feature.
Merchants can use AI tools integrated with PayPal's MCP endpoint to create invoices conversationally, making the process faster and more intuitive.

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Physicsworld

172

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Photovoltaic battery runs on nuclear waste

Scientists have developed a new type of photovoltaic battery that runs on the energy from nuclear waste, using a scintillator crystal to transform gamma rays into electricity.
The battery can produce more than a microwatt of power and has the potential to power microelectronic devices such as microchips.
Previous attempts at nuclear waste batteries had low power output and conversion efficiency, but the new battery has already produced 1.5 μW and there is potential for improvement.
However, challenges remain in scaling up the technology and finding radiation-hard materials for the battery.

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Fyfluiddynamics

227

Thawing Permafrost Primes Slumps

Thawing permafrost in Arctic hillsides and shorelines causes slumps known as mega retrogressive thaw slumps.
Up to 90% of Canada's Arctic slumps recur in the same location as previous slumps.
Seawater penetration destabilizes the permafrost and contributes to the formation of slumps.
Factors such as changes in ground cover and active slumps contribute to the warming of underlying permafrost, resulting in more slumps.

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COSMOS

409

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Secrets of how Bronze Age Scandinavians crossed seas revealed by computer simulation

Researchers have used a computer simulation to understand how Bronze Age Scandinavians crossed the sea.
The simulation suggests that these seafarers had the ability to travel directly from Norway to Denmark across the Skagerrak strait.
The journey would have required navigation skills, favorable weather conditions, and the ability to navigate waves and winds.
The alternative coastal route along Sweden would have been safer but took longer with regular pitstops for supplies.

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Physicsworld

154

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Operating system for quantum networks is a first

Researchers have developed the first operating system for networking quantum computers, called QNodeOS.
The system, developed by Stephanie Wehner at Delft University of Technology, has been tested with different types of quantum processors.
QNodeOS allows for the execution of hybrid classical-quantum programs, making it easier for developers to program and run applications.
The operating system is expected to accelerate the development of future quantum networks and enable new areas of quantum computer science research.

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Physicsworld

355

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Epithelial cells send electrical signals, possibly to communicate

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst have measured bioelectronic signals propagating from cultured epithelial cells as they respond to a critical injury.
Epithelial cells are like ants, gathering information and solving problems collectively.
The most common hypothesis about intercell signals is the exchange of chemical cues, but this study suggests that electrical signals might also play a role.
The discovery of electrical potentials generated by wounded epithelial cells may have implications for regenerative therapies and wound healing.

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Medium

104

Entropy: The Universe's Unstoppable Force

Entropy is the tendency for things to move from order to disorder, based on the number of possible ways things can be arranged.
Rudolf Clausius named entropy in the mid-1800s, highlighting the transformation of energy and matter from one state to another.
Ludwig Boltzmann explored the statistical nature of entropy, showing that it measures the arrangements of particles in a system.
Entropy is linked to the flow of time and gives time its direction, moving from past to future, known as the 'arrow of time.'
Entropy increases as systems transition from ordered to disordered states, affecting everyday phenomena like cooling coffee and melting ice.
Life thrives because of entropy, as living systems work within the laws of thermodynamics by importing low-entropy energy and releasing high-entropy waste.
The ultimate fate of the universe, driven by entropy, is the 'heat death,' where everything reaches maximum entropy and the universe becomes still and lifeless.
The impossibility of decreasing entropy is fundamental to the laws of nature, symbolizing the irreversible passage of time.
Entropy, despite leading to ultimate disorganization, is also what drives dynamism, change, and beauty in the universe.
Embracing the concept of entropy helps us understand the balance between order and chaos, and appreciate the intricate dance of the universe.

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Physicsworld

373

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Zwitterions make medical implants safer for patients

A new technique developed by researchers at the University of Sydney, Australia, involving the coating of medical implants with zwitterions, has the potential to reduce the risk of blood clots associated with such implants.
Zwitterions are highly hydrophilic molecules that inhibit the build-up of clot-triggering proteins on the surfaces of implants.
Coatings of zwitterions, in addition to hydrophilic polymeric coatings, provide further protection against protein adsorption, reducing the risk of clot formation and potentially avoiding the need for invasive surgery to remove or replace the implant.
This new technique has the potential to make medical implants safer for patients by optimizing the surface properties of the implants and preventing adverse body reactions.

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Physicsworld

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CERN releases plans for the “most extraordinary instrument ever built”

CERN has released plans for the Future Circular Collider (FCC), a massive particle accelerator that would study the Higgs boson in unprecedented detail.
The FCC would have a circumference of 91 km and be built underground at a depth of about 200 m.
The funding for the FCC is estimated to come from CERN's member states, with construction potentially starting in 2030.
The plans also include a hadron machine, FCC-hh, that would begin operation in 2073 and run to the end of the century to create new particles.

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Physicsworld

277

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So you think you know Roger Penrose? Be prepared to be shocked

The article discusses the portrayal of physicist Roger Penrose in 'The Impossible Man', highlighting his demeanor, interactions, and relationships.
Penrose's entitlement, treatment of women, and pursuit of younger admirers are scrutinized, revealing questionable behavior and power dynamics.
His complex relationships, including with Judith Daniels and Vanessa Thomas, are outlined, shedding light on emotional manipulation and professional misconduct.
The article delves into Penrose's privileged upbringing, significant contributions to mathematics and physics, and his approach to life and relationships.
Barss's depiction of Penrose's personal life and dynamics with women prompts reflection on the cost of genius and accountability.
The narrative presents Penrose's reluctance to acknowledge his actions and their impact on others, emphasizing his self-centered focus on scientific pursuits.
Barss's critical yet affectionate portrayal invites readers to analyze Penrose's character and behavior, raising questions about gender equity and ethical conduct.
The article sheds light on Penrose's personal flaws and contrasts them with his professional achievements, presenting a multidimensional perspective on the renowned physicist.
Barss's narrative culminates in a poignant reflection on Penrose's relationships and legacy, underscoring themes of regret, family dynamics, and accountability.
Despite Penrose's scientific brilliance, the article reveals a darker side to his character, prompting contemplation on the complexities of genius and personal responsibility.
The article offers a nuanced exploration of Penrose's life, presenting a challenging portrayal that challenges preconceived notions and invokes introspection.

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Physicsworld

446

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Solar cell greenhouse accelerates plant growth

A recent study conducted by the Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems in Italy investigated the potential of semi-transparent perovskite solar cells in greenhouse farming.
Opaque solar cells used in agriculture can hinder plant growth by blocking sunlight. Semi-transparent solar cells are needed to ensure plant growth while providing sufficient power.
The study used a laboratory-scale greenhouse with a semi-transparent europium-enriched CsPbI3 perovskite-coated rooftop. The perovskite allowed only red light to pass through, promoting seedling growth.
Seedlings grown under the perovskite-coated rooftop had different gene expression patterns associated with environmental stress responses, growth regulation, metabolism, and light perception.

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