Quantum Time Twist Offers a Way to Create Schrödinger's Clock

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October 23, 2020

Dear Reader, According to time dilation, the faster you travel, the slower time runs. But what if we introduce quantum theory into the problem? In a new study, scientists imagine measuring a quantum atomic clock experiencing two different times while it is placed in superposition—a quirk of quantum mechanics in which something appears to exist in two places at once. Check out today's lead story to learn more about this experiment. Next, we recap the climate change portion of yesterday's presidential debate. It included brief discussions about environmental racism, the effects of manufacturing wind turbines and the plight of frontline communities in polluted areas. And lastly, a heavily-armored beetle could inspire engineers to create more durable designs.

Sunya Bhutta, Senior Editor, Audience Engagement @sunyaaa

Physics Quantum Time Twist Offers a Way to Create Schrödinger's Clock Physicists describe a way to merge quantum theory with Einstein's special theory of relativity—and even a method to test it experimentally By Jonathan O'Callaghan

Climate Climate Portion of Final Trump-Biden Debate Revolved Around Ending Oil, Wind 'Fumes' One of the most substantive debate exchanges on the topic to date highlighted stark differences between the candidates By Scott Waldman,E&E News

Evolution This Beetle's Stab-Proof Exoskeleton Makes It Almost Indestructible Jigsaw-puzzle-shaped seams that hold a notoriously tough insect's wing cases together could inspire engineers By Davide Castelvecchi,Nature magazine

Behavior & Society A Medical Student Contemplates Pandemic-Era Isolation--and Connection An open letter By Yoshiko Iwai

Conservation Beehives on a Cliff Wall Are Protected from Predators and Pesticides A high mountain in China turns into a safe haven for the declining insects By Josh Fischman

Behavior & Society The Disturbing History of Research into Transgender Identity Research into the determinants of gender identity may do more harm than good By Jack Turban

Public Health Coronavirus News Roundup, October 17-October 23 Pandemic highlights for the week By Michael D. Lemonick,Robin Lloyd

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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QUOTE OF THE DAY "I don't think it's science fiction by any means." Alexander Smith, physicist at Saint Anselm College and Dartmouth College

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