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Photon manipulation near absolute zero: New record for processing individual light particles

Scientists at Paderborn University have made a further step forward in the field of quantum research: for the first time ever, they have demonstrated a cryogenic circuit (i.e. one that operates in extremely cold conditions) that allows light quanta—also known as photons—to be controlled more quickly than ever before.

Specifically, these scientists have discovered a way of using circuits to actively manipulate made up of individual photons. This milestone could substantially contribute to developing modern technologies in quantum information science, communication and simulation. The results have now been published in the journal Optica.

Photons, the smallest units of light, are vital for processing quantum information. This often requires measuring a ’s state in real time and using this information to actively control the luminous flux—a method known as a “feedforward operation.”

How ‘spin currents’ can be used to control magnetic states in advanced materials

A new study reveals a fresh way to control and track the motion of skyrmions—tiny, tornado-like magnetic swirls that could power future electronics. Using electric currents in a special magnetic material called Fe₃Sn₂, the team got these skyrmions to “vibrate” in specific ways, unlocking clues about how invisible spin currents flow through complex materials.

The discovery not only confirms what theory had predicted but also points to a powerful new method for detecting spin currents—a discovery that could one day lead to more efficient memory and sensing devices in future electronics. The findings are published in the journal Nature Communications.

Led by Assistant Prof. Amir Capua and Ph.D. Candidate Nirel Bernstein from the Institute of Applied Physics and Nano Center at Hebrew University in collaboration with Prof. Wenhong Wang and Dr. Hang Li from Tiangong University, the team explored how skyrmions behave in a special magnetic material called Fe₃Sn₂ (iron tin).

Scientists Unveil New Antibody That Supercharges Immune Attack on Tumors

The antibody PLT012 targets the fat transporter CD36 to restore immune responses in tumors, offering a new and promising approach to treating immunotherapy-resistant cancers. A new study from Ludwig Cancer Research has uncovered a key mechanism by which immune cells within tumors take up fat, a p

Brain-Inspired AI Learns To See Like Humans in Stunning Vision Breakthrough

The IBS-Yonsei research team introduces a novel Lp-Convolution method at ICLR 2025. A team of researchers from the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Yonsei University, and the Max Planck Institute has developed a new artificial intelligence (AI) technique that brings machine vision closer to the

From Sci-Fi to Superpower: These Contacts Let You See in the Dark With Your Eyes Closed

Imagine slipping on a pair of contact lenses and suddenly being able to see infrared light—without any bulky equipment or even a battery. That’s now a reality thanks to breakthrough lenses developed by scientists that convert invisible infrared into visible colors.

Mice tested with the lenses navigated away from infrared light, while humans could perceive flickering codes and light directions. The lenses even work better with eyes closed, thanks to superior penetration of infrared light.

Infrared Vision Through Contact Lenses

AI outperforms humans in emotional intelligence tests, study finds

Is artificial intelligence (AI) capable of suggesting appropriate behavior in emotionally charged situations? A team from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and the University of Bern (UniBE) put six generative AIs—including ChatGPT—to the test using emotional intelligence (EI) assessments typically designed for humans.

The outcome: these AIs outperformed average human performance and were even able to generate new tests in record time. These findings open up new possibilities for AI in education, coaching, and . The study is published in Communications Psychology.

Large language models (LLMs) are (AI) systems capable of processing, interpreting and generating human language. The ChatGPT generative AI, for example, is based on this type of model. LLMs can answer questions and solve complex problems. But can they also suggest emotionally intelligent behavior?