Agricultural Engineers

A new way to control tiny quantum light sources by twisting atomically thin layers of hexagonal boron nitride

In a paper published in Science Advances, researchers at the University of Technology Sydney in collaboration with the University of Minnesota and Kyung Hee University have found a new way to control quantum light sources, which is one of the key elements needed before quantum technologies can be used reliably in real-world systems.

Hidden underground, fungi drive carbon storage, crop health and ecosystem stability

Fungi are key constituents of the soil microbial community, playing a major role in moving carbon and energy through the soil food web. A recent analysis carried out by Professor Matthias C. Rillig from Freie Universität Berlin highlights the importance of soil fungal communities for ecosystem stability, agricultural productivity and carbon storage.

Researchers found a Wordle strategy that wins 99% of the time

Researchers developed a Wordle-solving strategy that succeeds 99% of the time by focusing on information gain rather than likely answers. The method uses Shannon entropy to identify guesses that reveal the most about the hidden word. Each guess is designed to slash uncertainty and narrow the possibilities faster. The result significantly outperformed more traditional Wordle tactics.

Denisovan DNA influences the immune systems of modern Oceanians — but researchers arent sure why

Scientists discover an earthquake gate as California faults reach their highest stress levels in 1,000 years

A new study suggests Southern California's major fault system is more stressed than at any point in the last 1,000 years. Researchers found that the Cajon Pass, where the San Andreas and San Jacinto faults meet, could act as an “earthquake gate” that determines whether a future rupture spreads across both faults. Current conditions resemble those that preceded some of the region’s largest historical earthquakes.

Superconductivity breakthrough could unlock ultra-efficient electronics

A clever nanoscale redesign may have solved one of superconductivity’s biggest problems. Researchers in Sweden discovered that by subtly sculpting the surface beneath an ultrathin superconducting material, they could make it stay superconducting at higher temperatures and under much stronger magnetic fields.