快猫短视频

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Tower of device made of copper discs connected by glowing wires and vacuum tubes. Illustration of the concept of quantum computer and computing

Technology

We urgently need to prepare for quantum computers breaking encryption

Cracked blue bowl with equations, stars, planets and galaxies decorating its exterior. It is cracked but golden glue sticks it back together.

Physics

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

Professor Sir John Pendry FRS, Chair in Theoretical Solid State Physics, Imperial College London, who has made seminal contributions to research in metamaterials and photonics, surface science, and disordered systems and localisation. Cloaking devices, perfect lenses and the super high-speed computer chips of the future are just some of the practical applications of Sir John's theoretical research.

Physics

The invisibility cloak inventor now has better tricks up his sleeve

Mind

I don鈥檛 see images in my head. Can training give me a mind鈥檚 eye?

Table of contents

Leaders

Tower of device made of copper discs connected by glowing wires and vacuum tubes. Illustration of the concept of quantum computer and computing

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鈥檚 imperative we act now, before it鈥檚 too late

快猫短视频

Life

Surprise fossil discoveries push back the evolution of complex animals

A fossil bed in China containing animals up to 554 million years old suggests that we may have to reconsider the idea that life suddenly diversified during the Cambrian explosion

Health

Virus from marine animals is causing weird eye problems in people

Mind

Unprecedented insight into memory champion’s brain reveals his tricks

Technology

The first quantum computer to break encryption is now shockingly close

Space

We may have just glimpsed the universe’s first stars

Space

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

Health

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

Life

Bumblebees surprise scientists by showing a sense of rhythm

Environment

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

Life

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

Chemistry

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

Health

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

Humans

Historians dispute link between drought and rebellion in Roman Britain

Health

Attacks from our immune system are a cause of long covid

Space

Why the lack of water on Mars is so mysterious

Technology

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

Aperture

Tigerite Rock, Australia

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

Features

Cracked blue bowl with equations, stars, planets and galaxies decorating its exterior. It is cracked but golden glue sticks it back together.

Physics

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

For decades, scientists have tried and failed to explain how the force that binds the heart of atoms together really works. But new mathematical tools are finally聽prising聽the problem open

Mind

I don鈥檛 see images in my head. Can training give me a mind鈥檚 eye?

Physics

The invisibility cloak inventor now has better tricks up his sleeve

Culture

Silhouetted people in crowd scene colour abstract

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 鈥� and why the quest to defeat ageing is futile, says Michael Le Page

Comment

快猫短视频 recommends sampling the Museum of Edible Earth in London

Technology

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

More

Mind

The best kind of olive oil for brain health

The science suggests that olive oil can help us fight cognitive decline and even Alzheimer鈥檚. Columnist Helen Thomson finds that only works if we choose the right kind

Physics

How Anthony Leggett pushed the boundaries of quantum physics

Tom Gauld proposes a standard model of Easter egg structure

Twisteddoodles on a helpful new drug-delivery system

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 鈥� and wonders if readers can top it

This Week鈥檚 Letters

What is the advantage to walnuts and pecans of their convoluted form?

Why do seals have such cute faces?

When we breathe, why does the dominant nasal passage swap sides?

Can a person experience more than 24 hours in a day? Part 3

This week鈥檚 new questions

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28 February 2026