Scientists investigate “hycean” exoplanets with hydrogen-rich atmospheres and liquid water oceans, challenging traditional definitions of habitability.
Robert Lea
Robert Lea is a science journalist in the United Kingdom specializing in space and physics reporting. His articles have been published in Space, Physics World, Popular Mechanics, Live Science, and Newsweek.
Cosmic explosion is one of the most powerful and rapid blasts ever seen by astronomers
The rare but extreme blast that outshone most supernovas originated two billion light years away and has been classed as a “Luminous Fast Cooler”.
Astronomers observe a galaxy’s magnetic field in the very early Universe
The galaxy 9io9 is seen as it was when the cosmos was just 2.5 billion years old, making this the earliest galactic magnetic field ever observed.
Quantum entanglement visualized for the first time ever
The mysterious phenomenon that Einstein once described as “spooky action at a distance” was seen as a wavefunction between two entangled photons.
Up in the air: Modular robots assemble mid-flight
It may sound like something straight out of an anime, but TRADY is a rotor-based flying robot that can combine to boost its strength and capabilities.
How shape-shifting gratings and lenses are changing optical devices
Tuneable micro-structured surfaces could overcome the limitations of current unchangeable components that result in “static” optical devices.
Understanding gravitational waves: Ripples in spacetime explained
The universe is ringing with gravity, but humanity is only just beginning to hear the nuance of this cosmic symphony.
Inspired by the butterfly, deep learning sheds new light on nanoscale colors
Manipulating light on the nanoscale allows scientists to create specific structural colors that do away with the need for potentially harmful dyes.
Scientists test the link between tiny subconscious gestures and stress
Capable of measuring stress through micro gestures “EmoSense” could find its way to wearable electronics in the future.
Time ran slowly in the early Universe, just as Einstein predicted
Using quasars as ticking cosmic clocks, scientists took a journey back in time, discovering time progressed five times slower just after the Big Bang.