The Year in Biology, Physics, Math and Computer Science

Math and Science News from Quanta Magazine View this email in your browser Quanta's 2021 in Review The Year in Biology By JOHN RENNIE The detailed understanding of brains and multicellular bodies reached new heights, while the genomes of the COVID-19 virus and various organisms yielded more surprises. Read more | Watch the video The Year in Physics By MICHAEL MOYER Puzzling particles, quirky (and controversial) quantum computers, and one of the most ambitious science experiments in history marked the year's milestones. Read more | Watch the video The Year in Math and Computer Science By BILL ANDREWS Researchers answered major questions in topology, set theory and even physics, as computers continued to grow more capable. Read more | Watch the video Also this week: ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE   Detailed Footage Finally Reveals What Triggers Lightning By THOMAS LEWTON Scientists have never been able to adequately explain where lightning comes from. Now the first detailed observations of its emergence inside a cloud have exposed how electric fields grow strong enough to let bolts fly. Read the blog QUANTA SCIENCE PODCAST   Biologists Rethink the Logic Behind Cells' Molecular Signals Podcast hosted by SUSAN VALOT; Story by PHILIP BALL The molecular signaling systems of complex cells are nothing like simple electronic circuits. The logic governing their operation is riotously complex — but it has advantages. Listen to the podcast Read the article Follow Quanta Simons Foundation 160 5th Avenue, 7th Floor New York, NY 10010 Unsubscribe | About Quanta Privacy Policy | Terms | Contact Us   Copyright © 2021 Quanta Magazine, an editorially independent division of the Simons Foundation