¿ìè¶ÌÊÓƵ

Table of contents

Leaders

Technology

We urgently need to prepare for quantum computers breaking encryption

The maths problems that secure your online bank transactions and emails may soon be undermined by quantum technology. It’s imperative we act now, before it’s too late

¿ìè¶ÌÊÓƵ

---

¿ìè¶ÌÊÓƵ

Humans

Historians dispute link between drought and rebellion in Roman Britain

A study based on tree rings claimed that droughts played a role in events that led to the Roman withdrawal from Britain, but other researchers say that isn't backed up by historical evidence

¿ìè¶ÌÊÓƵ

Technology

New fibre-optic record allows 50,000,000 movies to be streamed at once

¿ìè¶ÌÊÓƵ

Environment

Plug-in solar is coming – how dangerous is it and is it worth it?

¿ìè¶ÌÊÓƵ

Chemistry

The weird physics of plant-based milks is only just coming to light

¿ìè¶ÌÊÓƵ

Space

Why the lack of water on Mars is so mysterious

¿ìè¶ÌÊÓƵ

Health

Attacks from our immune system are a cause of long covid

¿ìè¶ÌÊÓƵ

Health

Multipurpose anti-viral pill may treat colds, norovirus, flu and covid

¿ìè¶ÌÊÓƵ

Health

Virus from marine animals is causing weird eye problems in people

¿ìè¶ÌÊÓƵ

Life

Male octopuses have a favourite arm that they mostly use for sex

¿ìè¶ÌÊÓƵ

Mind

Unprecedented insight into memory champion's brain reveals his tricks

¿ìè¶ÌÊÓƵ

Technology

The first quantum computer to break encryption is now shockingly close

¿ìè¶ÌÊÓƵ

Space

We may have just glimpsed the universe's first stars

¿ìè¶ÌÊÓƵ

Life

Surprise fossil discoveries push back the evolution of complex animals

¿ìè¶ÌÊÓƵ

Life

Bumblebees surprise scientists by showing a sense of rhythm

¿ìè¶ÌÊÓƵ

Space

We may have seen a 'dirty fireball' star explosion for the first time

¿ìè¶ÌÊÓƵ

Health

Novel approach to clearing brain waste shows promise for Alzheimer's

¿ìè¶ÌÊÓƵ

---

Aperture

Environment

Stunning photographs show the dynamic patterns of the natural world

A new book from photographer Jon McCormack collects his shots of patterns in nature from around the world, from flamingoes to icebergs

Regulars

---

Features

Physics

The invisibility cloak inventor now has better tricks up his sleeve

John Pendry is known for creating an invisibility cloak. Twenty years on, he has used the same principles to fashion an even more powerful kind of metamaterial that can teach us about the wild frontiers of physics

Features

Physics

We're solving the fundamental mystery of how reality is glued together

Features

Mind

I don’t see images in my head. Can training give me a mind’s eye?

Features

---

Culture

Life

What to read this week: Beyond Inheritance by Roxanne Khamsi

A fresh and important book reveals the messy reality of our ever-mutating cells – and why the quest to defeat ageing is futile, says Michael Le Page

Culture

Comment

¿ìè¶ÌÊÓƵ recommends sampling the Museum of Edible Earth in London

Culture

Technology

Two excellent new sci-fi novels tackle robots in very different ways

Culture

---

More

Physics

How Anthony Leggett pushed the boundaries of quantum physics

After the passing of physicist Anthony Leggett, columnist Karmela Padavic-Callaghan remembers their personal connection with this giant of quantum physics, and explores the legacy of his enduring recipe for testing the edges of the quantum world

Comment

Mind

The best kind of olive oil for brain health

Comment

Tom Gauld proposes a standard model of Easter egg structure

Regulars

Twisteddoodles on a helpful new drug-delivery system

Regulars

---

Regulars

Comment

Is this the most niche scientific tourist attraction in the world?

Feedback is delighted by the discovery of a very specific scientific sculpture park in China – and wonders if readers can top it

Regulars

Regulars

Letters

Regulars

The last word