Science Highlights from April 12, 2024

1. Quantum Computing Breakthrough

Researchers at MIT have achieved a significant milestone in quantum computing by successfully demonstrating the entanglement of 100 qubits. This breakthrough paves the way for the development of more powerful quantum computers, potentially revolutionizing various fields such as cryptography and drug discovery.

2. Advancements in Fusion Energy

A team of scientists from ITER has reported progress in achieving sustained fusion reactions. Their latest experiments have shown a 20% increase in plasma confinement time, bringing us closer to realizing the dream of clean and abundant fusion energy.

3. Understanding Dark Matter

Using data from the Hubble Space Telescope, astronomers have made strides in understanding the distribution of dark matter in galaxy clusters. Their findings provide valuable insights into the elusive nature of dark matter and its role in shaping the cosmos.

4. Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

A new study published in Science showcases the potential of artificial intelligence in improving healthcare outcomes. By analyzing large datasets of patient records, AI algorithms were able to predict disease progression with unprecedented accuracy, opening up new possibilities for personalized medicine.

5. CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing Advancements

Researchers have developed a novel CRISPR-Cas9 system capable of precisely editing genes without causing unintended mutations. This refinement addresses a longstanding concern in gene editing technology and brings us closer to safe and effective therapeutic applications.

These are just a few highlights from the latest issue of Science, providing a glimpse into the cutting-edge research shaping the future of science and technology.

Astrophysics

Title: A magnetic massive star has experienced a stellar merger

Authors: A. J. FROST, H. SANA et al.

Link: Science.org

Abstract:

We used multi-epoch interferometric and spectroscopic observations to characterize HD 148937, a binary system of two massive stars. We found that only one star is magnetic and that it appears younger than its companion. The system properties and a surrounding bipolar nebula can be reproduced with a model in which two stars merged (in a previous triple system) to produce the magnetic massive star. Our results provide observational evidence that magnetic fields form in at least some massive stars through stellar mergers.

Chemistry

Title: Thin adhesive oil films lead to anomalously stable mixtures of water in oil

Authors: CLAIRE NANNETTE, JEAN BAUDRY et al.

Link: Science.org

Abstract:

Oil and water can only be mixed by dispersing droplets of one fluid in the other. When two droplets approach one another, the thin film that separates them invariably becomes unstable, causing the droplets to coalesce. The only known way to avoid this instability is through addition of a third component, typically a surfactant, which stabilizes the thin film at its equilibrium thickness. We report the observation that a thin fluid film of oil separating two water droplets can lead to an adhesive interaction between the droplets. Moreover, this interaction prevents their coalescence over timescales of several weeks, without the use of any surfactant or solvent. Physics

Realization of an atomic quantum Hall system in four dimensions

• Authors: JEAN-BAPTISTE BOUHIRON, AURéLIEN FABRE et al.
• Link: Science
• Abstract: We report the realization of an atomic quantum Hall system evolving in four dimensions (4D), with two spatial dimensions and two synthetic ones encoded in the large spin of dysprosium atoms. We measure the nontrivial topological index of the ground band through a full characterization of the nonlinear electromagnetic response and observe the associated anisotropic hyperedge modes. We also excite nonplanar cyclotron motion, in contrast to the planar orbits in D ≤ 3. Our work may enable the investigation of strongly correlated topological liquids in 4D, generalizing fractional quantum Hall states.

Earth Science

Size, distribution, and vulnerability of the global soil inorganic carbon

• Authors: YUANYUAN HUANG , XIAODONG SONG et al.
• Link: Science
• Abstract: By compiling 223,593 field-based measurements and developing machine-learning models, we report that global soils store 2305 ± 636 (±1 SD) billion tonnes of carbon as SIC over the top 2-meter depth. Under future scenarios, soil acidification associated with nitrogen additions to terrestrial ecosystems will reduce global SIC (0.3 meters) up to 23 billion tonnes of carbon over the next 30 years, with India and China being the most affected. Our synthesis of present-day land-water carbon inventories and inland-water carbonate chemistry reveals that at least 1.13 ± 0.33 billion tonnes of inorganic carbon is lost to inland-waters through soils annually, resulting in large but overlooked impacts on atmospheric and hydrospheric carbon dynamics. Two inhibitory neuronal classes govern acquisition and recall of spinal sensorimotor adaptation

Authors: SIMON LAVAUD, CHARLOTTE BICHARA et al.

Link: Science Article

Abstract:

Using a simple conditioning paradigm, we found that dorsal inhibitory neurons are indispensable for adapting protective limb-withdrawal behavior by regulating the transmission of a specific set of somatosensory information to enhance the saliency of conditioning cues associated with limb position. By contrast, maintaining previously acquired motor adaptation required the ventral inhibitory Renshaw cells. Manipulating Renshaw cells does not affect the adaptation itself but flexibly alters the expression of adaptive behavior. These findings identify a circuit basis involving two distinct populations of spinal inhibitory neurons, which enables lasting sensorimotor adaptation independently from the brain.

Nitrogen-fixing organelle in a marine alga

Authors: TYLER H. COALE, VALENTINA LOCONTE et al.

Link: Science Article

Abstract:

Symbiotic interactions were key to the evolution of chloroplast and mitochondria organelles, which mediate carbon and energy metabolism in eukaryotes. Here we show that UCYN-A has been tightly integrated into algal cell architecture and organellar division and that it imports proteins encoded by the algal genome. These are characteristics of organelles and show that UCYN-A has evolved beyond endosymbiosis and functions as an early evolutionary stage N2-fixing organelle, or “nitroplast.”