This Twist on Schrödinger's Cat Paradox Has Major Implications for Quantum Theory

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August 17, 2020

Dear Reader, By combining a classic thought experiment with another quantum head-scratcher called entanglement, physicists have derived a new theorem, which they claim puts the strongest constraints yet on the fundamental nature of reality. Their study has implications for the role that consciousness might play in quantum physics—and even whether quantum theory must be replaced. Read the full story, plus more of today's top news, below.

Sunya Bhutta, Senior Editor, Audience Engagement @sunyaaa

Physics This Twist on Schrödinger's Cat Paradox Has Major Implications for Quantum Theory A laboratory demonstration of the classic "Wigner's friend" thought experiment could overturn cherished assumptions about reality By Zeeya Merali

Medicine Costa Rica Readies Horse Antibodies for Trials as an Inexpensive COVID-19 Therapy After neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 in cell culture, scientists at the University of Costa Rica are proceeding with human testing By Debbie Ponchner

Climate This Lab Aims to Prepare the U.S. Electricity Grid for a Climate Transformation A new test bed at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory will explore ways to ease the shift to renewables and energy storage systems By John Fialka,E&E News

Environment COVID-19 Has Worsened the Ocean Plastic Pollution Problem A drastic increase in use of masks and gloves, plus a decline in recycling programs, is threatening the health of the seas By Dave Ford

Behavior & Society What if We Could Live for a Million Years? Vastly extended life spans would bring dazzling opportunities—and daunting risks By Avi Loeb

Biology The Ocean Carries 'Memories' of SARS-CoV-2 We've been looking in the wrong place for a deeper understanding of the virus By Members of the Ocean Memory Project

Policy & Ethics In Case You Missed It Top news from around the world By Sarah Lewin Frasier

FROM THE STORE Playing Politics: The Science of Elections Politics makes strange bedfellows, and that becomes even more apparent when trying to analyze the science of politics. Pulling from an array of disciplines, including social science, behavioral science and mathematics, this eBook analyzes key factors in the process of electing a leader.

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