China Is Pulling Ahead in Global Quantum Race, New Studies Suggest

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July 15, 2021

Dear Reader, This week, we're zooming in on research from the quantum realm that could have outsized effects on the macroscale world. Our lead story details three fresh results from scientists in China, each demonstrating a significant advance in quantum computing or communications over previous U.S.-led efforts. Is a global race to develop sophisticated quantum technology in the offing? Read on to find out. Elsewhere, we have stories about Richard Branson's trip to space, record-breaking cosmic rays from the Crab Nebula, the space-radiation risk for astronauts, and more.

Lee Billings, Senior Editor, Space & Physics @LeeBillings

Physics China Is Pulling Ahead in Global Quantum Race, New Studies Suggest The competition between the U.S. and China over development of quantum technology has implications for both the future of science and the two countries' political relations By Daniel Garisto

Space New Space Radiation Limits Needed for NASA Astronauts, Report Says Although meant to minimize risks to human health, the proposed new limits would still be exceeded by any conceivable near-future crewed voyage to Mars By Ramin Skibba

Space Virgin Galactic Launches Richard Branson to Space in 1st Fully Crewed Flight of VSS Unity SpaceShipTwo make a successful, crewed suborbital test flight to 282,000 feet (86 kilometers) above Earth's surface By Chelsea Gohd,SPACE.com

Physics Highest-Energy Particles Yet Arrive from Ancient Crab Nebula Astronomers have observed record-breaking photons that strain classical theories of acceleration By Ling Xin

Physics Star Trek's Warp Drive Leads to New Physics Researchers are taking a closer look at this science-fiction staple—and bringing the idea a little closer to reality By Robert Gast,Spektrum

Biology Galileo and the Pope Fell Out over a Story about a Cicada The legendary scientist used the insects' songs as a metaphor for his theories about the universe. It didn't go well By Nuno Castel-Branco

Physics Plasma Particle Accelerators Could Find New Physics The next big collider will likely rely on novel technology By Chandrashekhar Joshi

Space How to Tell if Extraterrestrial Visitors Are Friend or Foe They'll most likely be robotic and guided by AI—so we'll need our own AI to figure them out By Avi Loeb

FROM THE STORE Black Holes: Going to Extremes Once dismissed as a mathematical curiosity, black holes are so strange they almost defy belief. Since their existence was confirmed, research into the nature of black holes has opened up new vistas in physics, and in this eBook, we examine some of the most fascinating discoveries about black hole formation and behavior, the new and evolving research in gravitational wave astronomy, theoretical possibilities such as wormholes and much more.

QUOTE OF THE DAY "I was once a child with a dream looking up to the stars. Now I'm an adult in a spaceship looking down to our beautiful Earth. To the next generation of dreamers: if we can do this, just imagine what you can do." Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Galactic founder

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FROM THE ARCHIVE Can a Moon Base Be Safe for Astronauts? Creating a sustainable human presence beyond low-Earth orbit requires a clear-eyed view of the risks—and rewards—inherent in spaceflight By Rebecca Boyle | October 2020

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