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Physicists link the Riemann Hypothesis to phase transitions in quantum systems

A new study in Nature Communications has established a link between the Riemann Hypothesis and dynamical phase transitions in engineered quantum systems, demonstrating the effect on a quantum processor.

First posed in 1859, the Riemann Hypothesis is one of the longest-standing unsolved problems in mathematics. It underpins parts of cryptography, as well as more than a thousand theorems proved on the assumption that it is true.

Physicists have previously proposed physical counterparts to this mathematical statement. The aim was to map the Riemann Hypothesis to something concrete, such as the energy levels of a quantum system. The new study ties the hypothesis to how a quantum system evolves over time.

Beyond wrinkles: New rule explains why growing shapes suddenly crumple

Scientists have discovered a previously unknown law of geometry that explains why some growing surfaces, whether in nature or in engineered materials, suddenly stop being able to stay smooth and instead form dimples and folds. Until now, researchers believed they understood the geometric rules behind these shape changes, but this study reveals a new kind of “geometric frustration” that arises even when all the known rules are satisfied.

The finding could reshape how scientists understand the formation of leaves, flowers, tissues and other natural structures while helping engineers design smarter materials that can deliberately change shape for applications in soft robotics, medicine and advanced manufacturing.

Microsoft Copilot for Word Can Copy Hidden Prompts Into New Documents

Hidden instructions in a Word document can make Microsoft 365 Copilot rewrite figures in a report, then copy the same instructions into the finished file. Håkon Måløy disclosed the technique on July 28,144 days after reporting it to Microsoft.

In his proof of concept, the internally generated file triggered the same behavior when it was used in a second Copilot drafting session.

Måløy’s timeline says Microsoft confirmed the reported behavior on March 31 and deployed two mitigations. The first blocked the original prompt wording; the second upgraded the underlying model to GPT-5.5.

Hackers Exploit AnySign4PC via Hacked Korean Sites to Install Backdoors Without Prompts

South Korean authorities and four security firms have disclosed a state-sponsored campaign that compromised trusted domestic websites. The attackers used those sites to exploit locally installed financial-security software and infect targeted visitors with SIGNBT or COPPERHEDGE backdoors.

A compromised page could infect a system running a vulnerable AnySign4PC version without a prompt or user-initiated download. The Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) says AnySign4PC versions 1.1.4.4 through 1.1.4.6 are affected and lists version 1.1.5.0 as the fixed release. It recommends deleting vulnerable installations.

AhnLab refers to two exploited products only as financial-security software A and I. Its report does not disclose their identities, affected or fixed versions, or vulnerability identifiers.

Analog Devices discloses data breach, says operations unaffected

American semiconductor company Analog Devices announced that an unauthorized party accessed some of its systems and exfiltrated certain files.

The company detected the incident on June 23 and reacted by activating its incident response protocols to limit the breach. External cybersecurity experts have been contracted to assist with the containment and investigation activities.

Currently, there are no details about the type of data that has been compromised.

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