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Physics World Weekly Podcast

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Physics World

Physics World Weekly offers a unique insight into the latest news, breakthroughs and innovations from the global scientific community. Our award-winning journalists reveal what has captured their imaginations about the stories in the news this week, which might span anything from quantum physics and astronomy through to materials science, environmental research and policy, and biomedical science and technology. Find out more about the stories in this podcast by visiting the Physics World website. If you enjoy what you hear, then also check out our monthly podcast Physics World Stories, which takes a more in-depth look at a specific theme.

#100

Mikhail Lukin and Dolev Bluvstein explain how they used trapped atoms to create 48 logical qubits

One half of the Physics World 2024 Breakthrough of the Year has been awarded to Mikhail Lukin, Dolev Bluvstein and colleagues at Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and QuEra Computing for [demonstrating quantum error correction on an atomic processor with 48 logical qubits] (https://physicsworld.com/a/quantum-processor-integrates-48-logical-qubits/) . In this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast, Bluvstein and Lukin explain the crucial role that error correction is playing in the development of practical quantum computers. They also describe how atoms are moved around their quantum processor and why this coordinated motion allowed them to create logical qubits and use those qubits to perform quantum computations. The Physics World 2024 Breakthrough of the Year also cites [Hartmut Neven] (https://research.google/people/hartmutneven/) and colleagues at [Google Quantum AI] (https://quantumai.google/) and their collaborators for [implementing quantum error correction below the surface code threshold] (https://physicsworld.com/a/quantum-processor-enters-unprecedented-territory-for-error-correction/) in a superconducting chip. Neven talks about his team’s accomplishments [in this podcast] (https://physicsworld.com/a/hartmut-neven-talks-about-google-quantum-ais-breakthrough-in-quantum-error-correction/) . ![image] (https://physicsworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ROPP-BOTY-sponsor-banner.jpg) Physics World‘s coverage of the Breakthrough of the Year is supported by [Reports on Progress in Physics] (https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0034-4885) , which offers unparalleled visibility for your ground-breaking research. ... Read more

19 Dec 2024

39 MINS

39:18

19 Dec 2024

#99

Hartmut Neven talks about Google Quantum AI’s breakthrough in quantum error correction

One half of the [Physics World 2024 Breakthrough of the Year] (https://physicsworld.com/a/two-advances-in-quantum-error-correction-share-the-physics-world-2024-breakthrough-of-the-year/) has been awarded to Hartmut Neven and colleagues at Google Quantum AI and their collaborators for [implementing quantum error correction below the surface code threshold] (https://physicsworld.com/a/quantum-processor-enters-unprecedented-territory-for-error-correction/) in a superconducting chip. In this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast, Neven talks about Google’s new Willow quantum processor, which integrates 105 superconducting physical qubits. He also explains how his team used these qubits to create logical qubits with error rates that dropped exponentially with the number of physical qubits used. He also outlines Googles ambitious plan to create a processor with 100, or even 1000, logical qubits by 2030. The Physics World 2024 Breakthrough of the Year also cites Mikhail Lukin, Dolev Bluvstein and colleagues at Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and QuEra Computing for [demonstrating quantum error correction on an atomic processor with 48 logical qubits] (https://physicsworld.com/a/quantum-processor-integrates-48-logical-qubits/) . Lukin and Bluvstein explain how they did it [in this podcast] (https://physicsworld.com/a/mikhail-lukin-and-dolev-bluvstein-explain-how-they-used-trapped-atoms-to-create-48-logical-qubits/) . ![image] (https://physicsworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ROPP-BOTY-sponsor-banner.jpg) Physics World‘s coverage of the Breakthrough of the Year is supported by [Reports on Progress in Physics] (https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0034-4885) , which offers unparalleled visibility for your ground-breaking research. ... Read more

19 Dec 2024

32 MINS

32:50

19 Dec 2024

#98

Exploring this year’s best physics research in our Top 10 Breakthroughs of 2024

This episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast features a lively discussion about our [Top 10 Breakthroughs of 2024] (https://physicsworld.com/a/top-10-breakthroughs-of-the-year-in-physics-for-2024-revealed/) , which include important research in nuclear physics, quantum computing, medical physics, lasers and more. Physics World editors explain why we have made our selections and look at the broader implications of this impressive body of research. The top 10 serves as the shortlist for the Physics World Breakthrough of the Year award, the winner of which will be announced on 19 December. Links to all the nominees, more about their research and the selection criteria can be found [here] (https://physicsworld.com/a/top-10-breakthroughs-of-the-year-in-physics-for-2024-revealed/) . ![image] (https://physicsworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ROPP-BOTY-sponsor-banner.jpg) Physics World‘s coverage of the Breakthrough of the Year is supported by [Reports on Progress in Physics] (https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0034-4885) , which offers unparalleled visibility for your ground-breaking research. ... Read more

12 Dec 2024

28 MINS

28:24

12 Dec 2024

#97

How the UK Metamaterials Network supports scientific and commercial innovation

This episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast explores the science and commercial applications of metamaterials with [Claire Dancer] (https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/wmg/about/our-people/profile?wmgid=948) of the University of Warwick and [Alastair Hibbins] (https://physics-astronomy.exeter.ac.uk/people/profile/index.php?username=aphibbin) of the University of Exeter. They lead the [UK Metamaterials Network] (https://metamaterials.network/) , which brings together people in academia, industry and governmental agencies to support and expand metamaterial R&D; nurture talent and skills; promote the adoption of metamaterials in the wider economy; and much more. According to the network, “A metamaterial is a 3D structure with a response or function due to the collective effect of meta-atom elements that is not possible to achieve conventionally with any individual constituent material”. In a wide-ranging conversation with Physics World’s Matin Durrani, Hibbins and Dancer talk about exciting commercial applications of metamaterials including soundproof materials and lenses for mobile phones – and how they look forward to welcoming the thousandth member of the network sometime in 2025. ... Read more

05 Dec 2024

27 MINS

27:54

05 Dec 2024

#96

Astronomers can play an important role in explaining the causes and consequences of climate change, ...

Climate science and astronomy have much in common, and this has inspired the astrophysicist [Travis Rector] (https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/academics/college-of-arts-and-sciences/departments/physics-and-astronomy/faculty/rector.cshtml) to call on astronomers to educate themselves, their students and the wider public about climate change. In this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast, Rector explains why astronomers should listen to the concerns of the public when engaging about the science of global warming. And, he says the positive outlook of some of his students at the University of Alaska Anchorage makes him believe that a climate solution is possible. Rector says that some astronomers are reluctant to talk to the public about climate change because they have not mastered the intricacies of the science. Indeed, one aspect of atmospheric physics that has challenged scientists is the role that clouds play in global warming. My second guest this week is the science journalist Michael Allen, who has written a feature article for Physics World called “ [Cloudy with a chance of warming: how physicists are studying the dynamical impact of clouds on climate change] (https://physicsworld.com/a/cloudy-with-a-chance-of-warming-how-physicists-are-studying-the-dynamical-impact-of-clouds-on-climate-change/) ”. He talks about climate feedback mechanisms that involve clouds and how aerosols affect clouds and the climate. ---Rector is editor of the book [Climate Change for Astronomers: Causes, consequences, and communication] (https://iopscience.iop.org/book/edit/978-0-7503-3727-4) . It was published earlier this year by IOP Publishing – which also brings you Physics World ... Read more

28 Nov 2024

36 MINS

36:44

28 Nov 2024

#95

Top tips for physics outreach from a prize winner, making graphene more sustainable

In this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast I am in conversation with [Joanne O’Meara] (https://www.uoguelph.ca/ceps/people/joanne-m-o%E2%80%99meara) , who has bagged a King Charles III Coronation Medal for her outstanding achievements in science education and outreach. Based at Canada’s University of Guelph, the medical physicist talks about her passion for science communication and her plans for a new science centre. This episode also features a wide-ranging interview with [Burcu Saner Okan] (https://suimc.sabanciuniv.edu/tr/team/assoc-prof-dr-burcu-saner-okan) , who is principal investigator at Sabanci University’s [Sustainable Advanced Materials Research Group] (https://burcusanerokan.com/) in Istanbul, Turkey. She explains how graphene is manufactured today and how the process can be made more sustainable – by using recycled materials as feedstocks, for example. Saner Okan also talks about her commercial endeavours including [Euronova] (https://www.euronova.com.tr/) . ... Read more

21 Nov 2024

34 MINS

34:53

21 Nov 2024

#94

Space travel: the health effects of space radiation and building a lunar GPS

We are entering a second golden age of space travel – with human missions to the Moon and Mars planned for the near future. In this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast we explore two very different challenges facing the next generation of cosmic explorers. First up, the radiation oncologist [James Welsh] (https://www.loyolamedicine.org/provider/james-sherman-welsh-md-radiation-oncology) chats with Physics World’s Tami Freeman about his new ebook about the biological effects of space radiation on astronauts. They talk about the types and origins of space radiation and how they impact human health. Despite the real dangers, Welsh explains that the human body appears to be more resilient to radiation than are the microelectronics used on spacecraft. Based at Loyola Medicine in the US, Welsh explains why damage to computers, rather than the health of astronauts, could be the limiting factor for space exploration. Later in the episode I am in conversation with two physicists who have written a paper about how we could implement a universal time standard for the Moon. Based at the US’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), [Biju Patla] (https://www.nist.gov/people/bijunath-r-patla) and [Neil Ashby] (https://www.nist.gov/people/neil-ashby) , explain how atomic clocks could be used to create a time system that would making coordinating lunar activities easier – and could operate as a GPS-like system to facilitate navigation. They also say that such a lunar system could be a prototype for a more ambitious system on Mars. Further reading --------------- Welsh’s ebook is called “ [Space Radiation: Astrophysical origins, radiobiological effects and implications for space travellers] (https://iopscience.iop.org/book/mono/978-0-7503-5444-8) ”. It is part of the [IPEM–IOP Series in Physics and Engineering in Medicine and Biology] (https://iopscience.iop.org/bookListInfo/physics-engineering-medicine-biology-series) . Ashby and Patla’s paper is called “ [A Relativistic Framework to Estimate Clock Rates on the Moon] (https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-3881/ad643a) ” and it appears in [The Astronomical Journal] (https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/1538-3881) . ... Read more

14 Nov 2024

53 MINS

53:53

14 Nov 2024

#93

How to boost the sustainability of solar cells

In this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast I explore routes to more sustainable solar energy. My guests are four researchers at the UK’s University of Oxford who have co-authored the “ [Roadmap on established and emerging photovoltaics for sustainable energy conversion] (https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/2515-7655/ad7404) ”. They are the chemist [Robert Hoye] (https://www.chem.ox.ac.uk/people/robert-hoye-0) ; the physicists [Nakita Noel] (https://www.physics.ox.ac.uk/our-people/noel) and [Pascal Kaienburg] (https://www.physics.ox.ac.uk/our-people/kaienburg) ; and the materials scientist [Sebastian Bonilla] (https://www.materials.ox.ac.uk/peoplepages/bonilla.html) . We define what sustainability means in the context of photovoltaics and we look at the challenges and opportunities for making sustainable solar cells using silicon, perovskites, organic semiconductors and other materials. This podcast is supported by Pfeiffer Vacuum+Fab Solutions. Pfeiffer is part of the Busch Group, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of vacuum pumps, vacuum systems, blowers, compressors and gas abatement systems. Explore its products at the [Pfeiffer website] (https://www.pfeiffer-vacuum.com/global/en?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Media-PhysicsWorld-com&utm_campaign=Mainwebpage) . ![image] (https://physicsworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Pfeiffer_Logo_RGB_ClaimBelow.png) ... Read more

07 Nov 2024

31 MINS

31:54

07 Nov 2024

#92

Peter Hirst: MIT Sloan Executive Education develops leadership skills in STEM employees

Physicists and others with STEM backgrounds are sought after in industry for their analytical skills. However, traditional training in STEM subjects is often lacking when it comes to nurturing the soft skills that are needed to succeed in managerial and leadership positions. Our guest in this podcast is [ Peter Hirst] (https://mitsloan.mit.edu/faculty/directory/peter-hirst) , who is Senior Associate Dean, Executive Education at the [MIT Sloan School of Management] (https://mitsloan.mit.edu/) . He explains how MIT Sloan works with executives to ensure that they efficiently and effectively acquire the skills and knowledge needed to be effective leaders. This podcast is sponsored by the MIT Sloan School of Management ... Read more

31 Oct 2024

36 MINS

36:15

31 Oct 2024

#91

Julia Sutcliffe: chief scientific adviser explains why policymaking must be underpinned by evidence

This episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast, features the physicist and engineer [Julia Sutcliffe] (https://www.gov.uk/government/people/professor-julia-sutcliffe) , who is chief scientific adviser to the UK government’s Department for Business and Trade. In a wide-ranging conversation with Physics World’s Matin Durrani, Sutcliffe explains how she began her career as a PhD physicist before working in systems engineering at British Aerospace – where she worked on cutting-edge technologies including robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems. They also chat about Sutcliffe’s current role advising the UK government to ensure that policymaking is underpinned by the best evidence. ... Read more

24 Oct 2024

30 MINS

30:54

24 Oct 2024

#90

Data-intensive PhDs at LIV.INNO prepare students for careers outside of academia

LIV.INNO, Liverpool Centre for Doctoral Training for Innovation in Data-Intensive Science, offers students fully-funded PhD studentships across a broad range of research projects from medical physics to quantum computing. All students receive training in high-performance computing, data analysis, and machine learning and artificial intelligence. Students also receive career advice and training in project management, entrepreneurship and communication skills – preparing them for careers outside of academia. This podcast features the accelerator physicist [Carsten Welsch] (https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/people/carsten-welsch) , who is head of the Accelerator Science Cluster at the University of Liverpool and director of LIV.INNO, and the computational astrophysicist [Andreea Font ] (https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/staff-profiles/faculty-of-engineering-and-technology/astrophysics-research-institute/andreea-font) who is a deputy director of LIV.INNO. They chat with Physics World’s Katherine Skipper about how LIV.INNO provides its students with a wide range of skills and experiences – including a six-month industrial placement. This podcast is sponsored by LIV.INNO, the Liverpool Centre for Doctoral Training for Innovation in Data-Intensive Science. ![LIVINNO CDT logo] (https://physicsworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/LIVINNO-CDT-logo.png) ... Read more

17 Oct 2024

36 MINS

36:50

17 Oct 2024

#89

Deep connections: why two AI pioneers won the Nobel Prize for Physics

It came as a bolt from the blue for many Nobel watchers. This year’s [Nobel Prize for Physics] (https://physicsworld.com/a/john-hopfield-and-geoffrey-hinton-share-the-2024-nobel-prize-for-physics/) went to John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton for their “foundational discoveries and inventions that enable machine learning and artificial neural networks”. In this podcast I explore the connections between artificial intelligence (AI) and physics with the author [Anil Ananthaswamy] (https://anilananthaswamy.com/) – who has written the book [Why Machines Learn: The Elegant Maths Behind Modern AI] (https://physicsworld.com/a/goats-sports-cars-and-game-shows-the-unexpected-science-behind-machine-learning-and-ai/) . We delve into the careers of Hinton and Hopfield and explain how they laid much of the groundwork for today’s AI systems. We also look at why Hinton has spoken out about the dangers of AI and chat about the connection between this year’s physics and chemistry Nobel prizes. ![SmarAct Group logo] (https://physicsworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/SmarAct-Group_wide_Logo.png) SmarAct proudly supports Physics World‘s Nobel Prize coverage, advancing breakthroughs in science and technology through high-precision positioning, metrology and automation. Discover how SmarAct shapes the future of innovation at [smaract.com] (https://www.smaract.com/en/?utm_source=physics_world&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=nobel) . ... Read more

10 Oct 2024

28 MINS

28:04

10 Oct 2024

#88

Nobel predictions and humorous encounters with physics laureates

In this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast, our very own Matin Durrani and Hamish Johnston explain why they think that this year’s Nobel Prize for Physics could be awarded for work in condensed-matter physics – and who could be in the running. They also reminisce about some of the many Nobel laureates that they have met over the years and the excitement that comes every October when the winners are announced. ![SmarAct Group logo] (https://physicsworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/SmarAct-Group_wide_Logo.png) SmarAct proudly supports Physics World‘s Nobel Prize coverage, advancing breakthroughs in science and technology through high-precision positioning, metrology and automation. Discover how SmarAct shapes the future of innovation at [smaract.com] (https://www.smaract.com/en/?utm_source=physics_world&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=nobel) . ... Read more

03 Oct 2024

30 MINS

30:24

03 Oct 2024

#87

Science thrives on constructive and respectful peer review

It is [Peer Review Week] (https://peerreviewweek.wordpress.com/) and celebrations are well under way at [IOP Publishing] (https://ioppublishing.org/) (IOPP), which brings you the Physics World Weekly podcast. Reviewer feedback to authors plays a crucial role in the peer-review process, boosting the quality of published papers to the benefit of authors and the wider scientific community. But sometimes authors receive very unhelpful or outright rude feedback about their work. These inappropriate comments can shake the confidence of early career researchers, and even dissuade them from pursuing careers in science. Our guest in this episode is Laura Feetham-Walker, who is reviewer engagement manager at IOPP. She explains how the publisher is raising awareness of the importance of constructive and respectful peer review feedback and how innovations can help to create a positive peer review culture. As part of the campaign, IOPP asked some leading physicists to recount the worst reviewer comments that they have received – and Feetham-Walker shares some real shockers in the podcast. ---The interview refers to a paper in PeerJ by [Nyssa Silbiger] (https://nyssasilbiger.com/) and [Amber Stubler] (https://www.oxy.edu/academics/faculty/amber-stubler) : “ [Unprofessional peer reviews disproportionately harm underrepresented groups in STEM] (https://peerj.com/articles/8247/) “ IOPP has created a video called “ [Unprofessional peer reviews can harm science] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEd9aZnU1Z4) ” in which leading scientists share inappropriate reviews that they have received. The publisher also offers a  [Peer Review Excellence] (https://ioppublishing.org/researchers/peer-review-excellence-training-and-certification/)  training and certification programme, which equips early-career researchers in the physical sciences with the skills to provide constructive feedback. ... Read more

24 Sep 2024

34 MINS

34:49

24 Sep 2024

#86

Diagnosing and treating disease: how physicists keep you safe during healthcare procedures

This episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast features two medical physicists working at the heart of the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). They are [Mark Knight] (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-knight-702753134/?originalSubdomain=uk) , who is chief healthcare scientist at the NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board, and [Fiammetta Fedele] (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiammetta-fia-fedele-37763a3/?locale=ja_JP&trk=organization_guest_main-feed-card-text) , who is head of non-ionizing radiation at Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust in London. They explain how medical physicists keep people safe during healthcare procedures – while innovating new technologies and treatments. They also discuss the role that artificial intelligence could play in medical physics and take a look forward to the future of healthcare. ---This episode was created in collaboration with [IPEM] (https://www.ipem.ac.uk/) , the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine. IPEM owns the journal [Physics in Medicine & Biology] (https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0031-9155) . This episode is supported by [RaySearch Laboratories] (https://www.raysearchlabs.com/) . RaySearch Laboratories unifies industry solutions, empowering healthcare providers to deliver precise and effective radiotherapy treatment. RaySearch products transform scattered technologies into clarity, elevating the radiotherapy industry. ![image] (https://physicsworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RaySearch-logo-550.png) ... Read more

19 Sep 2024

38 MINS

38:21

19 Sep 2024

#85

Looking to the future of statistical physics, how intense storms can affect your cup of tea

In this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast we explore two related areas of physics, statistical physics and thermodynamics. First up we have two leading lights in statistical physics who explain how researchers in the field are studying phenomena as diverse as active matter and artificial intelligence. They are [Leticia Cugliandolo ] (https://www.lpthe.jussieu.fr/~leticia/) who is at Sorbonne University in Paris and [Marc Mézard] (https://cs.unibocconi.eu/people/marc-jean-mezard) at Bocconi University in Italy. Cugliandolo is also chief scientific director of [Journal of Statistical Mechanics, Theory, and Experiment] (https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/1742-5468) (JSTAT) and Mézard has just stepped down from that role. They both talk about how the journal and statistical physics have evolved over the past two decades and what the future could bring. The second segment of this episode explores how intense storms can affect your cup of tea. Our guests are the meteorologists [Caleb Miller] (https://research.reading.ac.uk/meteorology/people/caleb-miller/) and [Giles Harrison] (https://research.reading.ac.uk/meteorology/people/giles-harrison/) , who [measured the boiling point of water] (https://rmets.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/wea.4611) as storm Ciarán passed through the University of Reading in 2023. They explain the thermodynamics of what they found, and how the storm could have affected the quality of the millions of cups of tea brewed that day. ---The Journal of Statistical Mechanics, Theory, and Experiment is a multi-disciplinary, peer-reviewed international journal created by the [International School for Advanced Studies] (http://www.sissa.it/) (SISSA) and [IOP Publishing] (http://publishing.iop.org/) , which also brings you Physics World. ... Read more

12 Sep 2024

37 MINS

37:17

12 Sep 2024

#84

Hybrid quantum–classical computing chips and neutral-atom qubits both show promise

This episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast looks at quantum computing from two different perspectives. Our first guest is [Elena Blokhina] (https://people.ucd.ie/elena.blokhina) , who is chief scientific officer at [Equal1] (https://www.equal1.com/) – an [award-winning] (https://physicsworld.com/a/equal1-wins-iops-qbig-prize-for-quantum-innovation/) company that is developing hybrid quantum–classical computing chips. She explains why Equal1 is using quantum dots as qubits in its silicon-based quantum processor unit. Next up is [Brandon Grinkemeyer] (https://lukin.physics.harvard.edu/people/brandon-grinkemeyer) , who is a PhD student at Harvard University working in several cutting-edge areas of quantum research. He is a member of [Misha Lukin’s research group] (https://www.physics.harvard.edu/people/facpages/lukin) , which is active in the fields of quantum optics and atomic physics and is at the forefront of developing quantum processors that use [arrays of trapped atoms as qubits] (https://physicsworld.com/a/neutral-atom-quantum-computers-are-having-a-moment/) . ... Read more

05 Sep 2024

48 MINS

48:47

05 Sep 2024

#83

The Wow! signal: did a telescope in Ohio receive an extraterrestrial communication in 1977?

On 15 August 1977 the Big Ear radio telescope in the US was scanning the skies in a search for signs of intelligent extraterrestrial life. Suddenly, it detected a strong, narrow bandwidth signal that lasted a little longer than one minute – as expected if Big Ear’s field of vision swept across a steady source of radio waves. That source, however, had vanished 24 hours later when the Ohio-based telescope looked at the same patch of sky. This was the sort of technosignature that searches for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) were seeking. Indeed, one scientist wrote the word “Wow!” next to the signal on a paper print-out of the Big Ear data. Ever since, the origins of the Wow! signal have been debated – and now, a trio of scientists have an astrophysical explanation that does not involve intelligent extraterrestrials. One of them, [Abel Méndez] (https://phl.upr.edu/about/abel_mendez) , is our guest in this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast. Méndez is an astrobiologist at the University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo and he explains how observations made at the Arecibo Telescope have contributed to the trio’s research. ---Abel Méndez, Kevin Ortiz Ceballos and Jorge I Zuluaga describe their research in a [preprint on arXiv] (https://arxiv.org/abs/2408.08513) . ... Read more

29 Aug 2024

41 MINS

41:05

29 Aug 2024

#82

Physics for a better future: mammoth book looks at science and society

This episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast explores how physics can be used as a force for good – helping society address important challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, and improving health. Our guest is the Swiss physicist [Christophe Rossel] (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherossel/?originalSubdomain=ch) , who is a former president of the [European Physical Society] (https://www.eps.org/) (EPS) and an emeritus scientist at IBM Research in Zurich. Rossel is a co-editor and co-author of the book [EPS Grand Challenges] (https://iopscience.iop.org/book/oa-edit/978-0-7503-6342-6) , which looks at how science and physics can help drive positive change in society and raise standards of living worldwide as we approach the middle of the century. The huge tome weighs in at 829 pages, was written by 115 physicists and honed by 13 co-editors. Rossel talks to Physics World’s Matin Durrani about the intersection of science and society and what physicists can do to make the world a better place. --- [EPS Grand Challenges] (https://iopscience.iop.org/book/oa-edit/978-0-7503-6342-6) is published by [IOP Publishing] (https://ioppublishing.org/) , which also brings you Physics World ... Read more

22 Aug 2024

33 MINS

33:36

22 Aug 2024

#81

Quantum sensors monitor brain development in children

[Margot Taylor] (https://www.sickkids.ca/en/staff/t/margot-taylor/) – director of functional neuroimaging at Toronto’s [Hospital for Sick Children] (https://www.sickkids.ca/en/) – is our first guest in this podcast. She explains how she uses optically-pumped magnetometers (OPMs) to do magnetoencephalography (MEG) studies of brain development in children. An OPM uses quantum spins within an atomic gas to detect the tiny magnetic fields produced by the brain. Unlike other sensors used for MEG, which must be kept at cryogenic temperatures, OPMs can be deployed at room temperature in a simple helmet that puts the sensors very close to the scalp. The OPM-MEG helmets are made by [Cerca Magnetics] (https://www.cercamagnetics.com/) and the UK-based company’s managing director joins the conversation to explain how the technology works. David Woolger also talks about the success the company has enjoyed since its inception in 2020. Our final guest in this podcast is Stuart Nicol, who is chief investment officer at [Quantum Exponential] (https://www.quantumexp.co.uk/) – a UK-based company that invests in quantum start-ups. He gives his perspective on the medical sector, talks about a company called [Siloton] (https://www.siloton.com/) that is making a crucial eye-imaging technology more accessible. ---This podcast was recorded at the [Commercialising Quantum 2024] (https://events.economist.com/commercialising-quantum/) conference. ... Read more

15 Aug 2024

23 MINS

23:52

15 Aug 2024

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#100

Mikhail Lukin and Dolev Bluvstein explain how they used trapped atoms to create 48 logical qubits

#99

Hartmut Neven talks about Google Quantum AI’s breakthrough in quantum error correction

#98

Exploring this year’s best physics research in our Top 10 Breakthroughs of 2024

#97

How the UK Metamaterials Network supports scientific and commercial innovation

#96

Astronomers can play an important role in explaining the causes and consequences of climate change, ...

#95

Top tips for physics outreach from a prize winner, making graphene more sustainable

#94

Space travel: the health effects of space radiation and building a lunar GPS

#93

How to boost the sustainability of solar cells

#92

Peter Hirst: MIT Sloan Executive Education develops leadership skills in STEM employees

#91

Julia Sutcliffe: chief scientific adviser explains why policymaking must be underpinned by evidence

#90

Data-intensive PhDs at LIV.INNO prepare students for careers outside of academia

#89

Deep connections: why two AI pioneers won the Nobel Prize for Physics

#88

Nobel predictions and humorous encounters with physics laureates

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Science thrives on constructive and respectful peer review

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Diagnosing and treating disease: how physicists keep you safe during healthcare procedures

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Looking to the future of statistical physics, how intense storms can affect your cup of tea

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Hybrid quantum–classical computing chips and neutral-atom qubits both show promise

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The Wow! signal: did a telescope in Ohio receive an extraterrestrial communication in 1977?

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Physics for a better future: mammoth book looks at science and society

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Quantum sensors monitor brain development in children